FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kevin Finnegan, Director of Parks, 630-864-3098, kfinnegan@napervilleparks.org
Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications, 630-848-3570,
sluthman@napervilleparks.org
Date: July 7, 2010
Naperville Park District takes preventative action against ash borer disease
Emerald ash borer found at Brush Hill Park and Commissioners Park
With the increased presence of the emerald ash borer in Naperville, the Naperville Park District has a strategy in place to minimize the loss of trees in its parks.
“Trees infested with the disease will be removed, and select ash trees that are healthy will be treated with insecticide and monitored monthly,” explained Director of Parks Kevin Finnegan. “We are currently monitoring more than 100 ash trees across the District.” A few ash trees were recently removed at Brush Hill Park on Naperville’s north side and at Commissioners Park on the south side.
Park District staff is working with the City of Naperville’s forestry division to monitor trees throughout the city.
The Naperville Park District will continue to plant new trees of a variety of species to replace ash trees that are lost. Lowe’s provided a $13,200 grant to assist in this effort. The Naperville Park District welcomes additional donations from individuals and organizations to assist in planting new trees in the parks. Those interested in donating a tree as part of the Remembrance Program are encouraged to call the Park District at (630)848-5022.
Residents with questions about the emerald ash borer are encouraged to check the City of Naperville’s website at http://www.naperville.il.us/ashborer.aspx.
For more information on the Naperville Park District and its programs and services, please visit www.napervilleparks.org or call (630)848-5000.