Along with our beautiful lakes in Minneapolis, there is nothing more important than healthy trees in our parks. And yet, our trees are facing a very significant threat to their survival.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive pest from Asia, attacks and destroys ash trees. EAB was first detected in Detroit, Michigan, in 2002, and is spreading across the United States. Already, the EAB has destroyed over 40 million ash trees nationwide. The potential threat of EAB is enormous because there is no known cure.
In Minnesota so far, EAB has been detected in the St. Anthony neighborhood of St. Paul, and it is believed that it is only a matter of time before it afflicts the ash trees in Minneapolis. When this happens, the impact on the trees in Minneapolis will be significant. About 21% of both public and private trees in Minneapolis are ash trees, representing around 200,000 trees.
In addition, the contributions to the General Tree Fund may be used 1) to create greater biodiversity in our park system, adding protection against other types of pests and disease which are not yet known; and 2) to increase the number of trees in some of the more barren parks in our system which are desperately in need of shade.
We hope you will consider helping keep healthy trees in our Minneapolis parks, by supporting the General Tree Fund of Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Donations of any size may be made to this fund and are greatly appreciated.
You can make a donation to the general tree fund NOW!
