The ash trees sitting around Marshall University’s Buskirk Field will have to be removed because of a tree disease from an emerald ash borer infestation.
Emerald Ash Borer is a green beetle destructive to ash trees.
An estimate of 20 ash trees on campus will need to be removed, and the first trees to be replaced are the ones directly in front of the Science Building.
A survey has been made by David Graefe, assistant professor of Natural Resources and Recreation Management, and sophomore natural resources and recreation management major Morgan Jackson, to find out what new species of tree will replace the Ash trees of Marshall.
“We want campus engagement in this,” Charles Somerville, dean of the College of Science, said. “We have put together some ideas to guide us and then we are opening it up to the campus to what they would like to see on campus.”
There have been eight trees selected based on the educational value of the tree, the ability to grow and thrive in full sunlight and that each tree is native to the Appalachian region.
The age of the trees are unknown, but once the trees are removed there will be one stump left behind so age can be determined and left on campus as an educational piece for classes.
A diversity of trees is in progress to be planted preventing the risk of illness and infestation in the future.
“Hopefully we can get new trees in for Earth Day,” Graefe said. “That would be great.”
Morgan said she hopes to see the eastern redbud, eastern hemlock and the sassafras tree.
Ronnie Thompson can be contacted at [email protected].