The Culprit - Emerald Ash Borer

​Meet the Emerald Ash Borer, or “EAB.” This little three quarter inch beautifully shimmery green bug has been responsible for the death of many trees in the Midwestern America’s forests.  EAB attacks ash trees, and the black ash, tolerant of wet soil, is/was the primary tree in the wetlands of our Koshkonong property. 

"The Culprit" Clay, wire, paint, 1-1/2 x 1/2 inch (2X actual size)

This ​is a model of the bug created from clay, wire and paint. He is encased in a beautiful frame to show him honor: one bug, so much power! Even though he is encased, he has escaped, and I get shivers every time I see him. I am fascinated by the destructive power of just one bug species. 
​EAB first appeared in Wisconsin in 2008, and my thought then was “How much damage can it do?” The answer is a great deal. The mortality rate of susceptible species (ashes) is expected to be 99%. As I drive the interstate between Madison and Milwaukee, it is evident how many of the trees along the highway were ash trees. So many, many dead trees.
​The bug continued to spread, despite prohibitions of carrying firewood from one location to another. Using only local firewood is still suggested to try to confine EAB until an antidote or enemy can be introduced. 

In 2026 EAB has been detected in every Wisconsin county and in southern Wisconsin it blankets the land.
The bug works by laying eggs under the bark, which turn into larvae that burrow there for a couple of years. These burrows, called “galleries,” cut off the water supply and the tree starts to die.
While most of the trees in the lowlands of our property are already dead, we are watching the death of others. Ironically, the patterns made by the burrowing are strangely beautiful, and sometimes I feel I can read messages in them.
From the Wisconsin DNR Emerald Ash Borer Fact Sheet, we have learned what to expect as we observe this land in the coming years:
“ Heavy ash mortality on lowland forest sites often results in invasive plant abundance, higher water tables or site swamping, and possible conversion of the site to non-forest cover such as brush, sedge or canary grass.”
https://p.widencdn.net/vms2ul/Emerald-ash-borer-factsheet---FR-622f
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"Tracks of My Tears", Watercolor, 14 x 10

"The Last Winter" Watercolor, 14 x 10

"The Mighty Have Fallen" Watercolor, 21 x 14