Join Emma at Wesserunsett Stream Preserve to help in the collection of Black ash seeds! 2025 was a bad year for seeds due to the drought, but this year the trees have done well. This may be our last good year to collect seeds before Emerald Ash Borer establishes itself further in Somerset County and impacts the health of the trees.

If trees with enough seeds are found, the seeds will be collected and then sent in to APCAW: Ash Protection Collaboration Across Waponahkik, whose aim is to bring more awareness of the cultural and ecological significance of brown ash as the Emerald Ash Borer continues to spread throughout Maine.

While we won’t be walking far the terrain may be challenging for some. There are some steep hills we will need to walk down (and back up) to reach the floodplain where the ash trees are located. Depending on the weather the area we will be walking in may be quite wet and slippery.

Participants should expect to arrive for a safety chat, volunteer sign-in, and equipment distribution. If you have them, please bring your own binoculars, as well as a water bottle. Waterproof shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet are highly recommended for this event as we will be walking along and through wet areas. Participants are encouraged to dress with tick safety in mind.