Emerald Ash Borer, Black Ash Basketry Conference Announced
4/4/08
Contact: Robin Usborne
517-432-1555, ext. 169
or
Kelly Church, 269-673-9561
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Science and art will come together at a conference designed to provide the latest information on the emerald ash borer (EAB) and the steps that Native American black ash basket weavers are taking to preserve ash trees. The conference will take place May 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Plainwell Comfort Inn & Conference Center, 622 Allegan St., Plainwell.
Organized by Kelly Church, a fifth generation black ash basket weaver and member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and sponsored in part by Michigan State University (MSU), the conference is for anyone wanting to know more about EAB’s threat to ash tree species, including research being done to stop the pest and measures being taken to help preserve and utilize ash.
“EAB is threatening the livelihood of a centuries-old traditional native art form,” Church says. “We are working together to inform people about EAB and find out what we can do to slow the spread and ways we can preserve black ash basketry for generations to come.”
Conference topics include an overview on the EAB situation in Michigan and surrounding states, how to collect and preserve ash tree seed, regulatory measures being taken to prevent other invasive species from being introduced to North America, utilization of dead ash trees and steps being taken by Native Americans to study preservation of black ash materials. Basket weavers will demonstrate traditional methods for processing black ash logs, which must be pounded, then stripped to produce the splints that are then woven into baskets and other products.
“Research is ongoing to learn more about EAB and how we can slow its advance across the United States,” says Deb McCullough, MSU forest entomologist and EAB researcher. “This conference will not only inform participants about the pest but provide a good overview of how it affects many facets of the environment, regulations and policies, and the economic livelihood of native peoples.”
For more information about the conference, including registration information, visit http://www.blackash.org/black_ash.html or e-mail Kelly Church at artcove@hotmail.com. Registration is limited to the first 200 participants, who are asked to register by May 5. There is a fee.
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Note to media: Photo opportunities include the peeling of black ash logs and basket weaving demonstrations.