Climbers' Corner • Tree Academy
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday
Positive Attributes of the Effects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in our Urban Green Spaces
Summary
This presentation will include several case studies of EAB-affected areas in North America, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Toledo, Ohio; Syracuse, New York; and Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario. Aspects of the case studies that were directly applicable to benefiting the human element in urban green spaces were explored. Factors driving positive attributes to our urban green spaces in the aftermath of EAB infestations were identified. Among these were the benefits of ash tree conservation, the benefits of diversified replanting efforts, and successful community oriented invasive species management. Using i-Tree projections, the benefits of replanting diversified urban green spaces were forecast for sample areas within cities. Twenty-three species of trees were identified in replanting efforts that replaced ash trees contributing significantly to diversification and enhancement of our urban canopies. This work focuses on an invasive species that has the potential to remain in North America. The lessons learned here add to our arboricultural experience and ability to formulate better plans thus limiting impact of future invasions in our community green spaces.
Presenters
Anand B. Persad, Ph.D, BCE
Education / Experience:
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Postdoctorate: University of Florida, Gainesville- Invasive Species, Insect Molecular Genetics, Hi-Fidelity PCR. 2001-2003
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Doctorate; invertebrate Ecology/ Entomology, The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad, WI. 2000
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MSc. Level accreditation in Applied Entomology and Advanced Statistics, UWI 2000
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BSc. Natural Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad, 1992.
Work Experience:
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Researcher/ Lecturer; Davey Institute, 2003 to current. Current activity include: Invasive species research, ecology and planning urban landscapes; vertebrate and invertebrate interactions with community green spaces.
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Entomologist: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL., 2001 to 2003. Studies on Insect molecular genetics/ Developed novel techniques using High Fidelity PCR Assays/ Biological control of invasive species
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Assistant Professor: UWI, 2000/2001. Courses taught included Ecology, Invertebrate and vertebrate form and function, Aquatic invertebrate ecology
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Research Entomologist, 1999. University of Florida/ USDA, Orlando, Florida
Climbers' Corner • Tree Academy
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday