What is that purple box hanging in that tree?

Have you seen this purple box? Do you know what it is? If you guessed a trap used for detecting the Emerald Ash Borer, you are right! The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has found it's way into Virginia.
EAB is already responsible for the death of millions of ash trees. First found in Michigan in 2002 this metallic green insect has wreaked havoc across thirteen states and parts of Canada. EAB was found in Fairfax, VA several years ago. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have been monitoring for the pest and fortunately have yet to find any significant moves. However, the EAB is a clever little bug and has figured out that it is easier to travel with unsuspecting humans than to fly from tree to tree. That is why it is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not transport firewood 1) from any of the quarantined counties (check VDOF website for list or google EAB in VA) and 2) for long distances. I know paying for firewood in a park or forest is ridiculous when you can bring it yourself, but trust me, spreading EAB will cost much more.

So why do I care that this bug kills ash trees? What are they good for anyways? Well ash is most famously used for America's favorite past time, that's right, baseball. Ash is the best wood out there for baseball bats, dense and elastic. You might also find out that your electric guitar is made from ash (that could explain why they are so hard to break on stage). Ash also plays an important role in the forest as a common riparian species. Riparian species are found near waterways and can act as huge filters for sediment and chemicals trying to reach the water. Ash make great yard trees as they are both beautiful and provide excellent shade.

Back to the traps now. I had an opportunity to participate in the monitoring for this insect through the Society of American Foresters. I have placed two traps at Holliday Lake State Park and two at Bear Creek Lake State Park. I will be checking these traps in late June and then again in August before taking them down. I certainly hope that I don't find anything.