Can the Asian Longhorned Beetle really cause an ecological emergency by wiping out trees in communities?
Every year, plant pests and diseases damage and kill millions of trees, both in our neighborhoods and in natural areas. This damage has a negative impact on vital ecosystem services like clean air and water and costs billions of dollars in cleanup and lost revenue.
Four young adults, whose love for nature and keen interest in science make them an awesome team. The American Public Gardens Association has heard about their passion and invited them to join together as a team of "Plant Heroes" to detect and combat bugs and diseases that harm plants and ecosystem health. The Plant Heroes scout for these threats and report suspiscious sightings to their county extension agent or local forester, who supplies mission details and scientific supplies in order to defeat the bad bugs and diseases.
Help neutralize the threat of plant pests and diseases by becoming a part of the Plant Hero team. Take the Plant Hero Pledge and explore the site to learn more about what to look for and how to report suspicious plant pests and diseases. The more you know, the more you can protect the plants in your own yard, neighborhood and community!
