Nolan Davis is an eighth-grade student at Bruce M. Whittier Middle School in Poland, Maine.

Due to the recent introduction of the invasive emerald ash borer, North America is rapidly losing its ash trees. This destructive beetle is considered one of the most devastating invasive species on the continent. As they continue to spread — largely driven by the human transportation of infested lumber and firewood — millions of trees are lost each year.

Here in Maine, we are being heavily affected, as the pest has been detected across large portions of the southern region and is moving farther north. If this trajectory continues unchecked, Maine could lose its entire ash tree population. This devastating loss would equal close to 400 million trees, representing roughly 5% of our total forests.

Unlike traditional logging practices where harvested areas can naturally grow back, this beetle infestation completely wipes out the species. This ecological crisis directly affects local communities and severely threatens the indigenous Wabanaki people.

The Wabanaki people of Maine have practiced traditional basket making for thousands of years. For the first time in history, elders might not be able to pass this vital cultural heritage to future generations. This is because the ash tree is the unique material required to weave these traditional baskets, and the resource is vanishing rapidly.

However, there is still hope. Because chemical pesticides are too expensive for widespread forest application, the state is encouraging volunteers to identify ash trees and report sightings to raise public awareness. Officials are also releasing biological controls, specifically parasitoid wasps, to kill the beetles.

Additionally, state programs strictly discourage transporting firewood across borders to contain the infestation, since human movement remains the primary driver of this ecological destruction.

Now, here is what I ask of you: if you are interested in volunteer work to help our woods,
you can contact the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) for further instructions at 800-367-0223. I strongly encourage you to join in advocating for Maine’s woods. However, if you are not interested in volunteer work, simply keep your eyes open the next time you are walking in the forest. If you spot an emerald ash borer, you should immediately report when and where you saw it to the Maine Forest Service at (207) 287-2431.

The best way to spot these pests is by looking up, as they tend to stay in the tree canopy. Also, make sure you do not misidentify them, as many other insects look similar.

That is all I have for you; I strongly encourage you to try to help preserve Maine’s forests and
keep Wabanaki traditions alive.