Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the most destructive and costly invasive tree pest in North American history and is responsible for destroying hundreds of millions of ash trees. EAB is rapidly spreading throughout the city of Westminster, all ash trees must receive preventative treatments every 2-3 years or they will be killed by the insect. In September 2019, EAB was confirmed in Westminster. Green ash, white ash and Autumn Purple ash (a type of white ash) were very desirable for landscape planting because they grow well under difficult conditions and have been widely planted. There are an estimated 69,000 ash trees in the city of Westminster.
The Westminster Community Foundation (WCF) is partnering with the Parks, Recreation and Libraries department to raise funds and resources to assist Westminster residents that may not be in a financial position to have their ash trees treated or removed – and, if necessary the replanting of new trees to maintain the vital tree canopy!
Tree canopy is necessary to provide for environmental justice for unmitigated EAB blight that eradicates trees in marginalized, primarily communities of color and financially depressed communities. Not only do trees provide positive environmental impacts, they also allow for youth, caregivers and older adults to enjoy recreating and playing in the great outdoors. Being within tree canopy areas provides needed shade and ground cooling, supports both beneficial mental and physical health equity and helps filter the air from pollutants that exacerbate allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments. WCF hopes to build stronger and healthier communities in Westminster especially those neighborhoods that have less resources than their more affluent counterparts. In Historic Westminster (the southern part of the city) is the area of the city upon which WCF focuses its resources for financially-fragile residents. WCF is committed to enlightening all Westminster residents about the EAB blight and the ways to prevent and/or treat the condition. Please consider supporting our efforts through a donation or a sponsorship! Our goal for 2023 is $100,000!
What $100,000 Could Fund:
- Help 1,000 of your Westminster neighbors preserve their Ash trees against Emerald Ash Borer (for three years) OR
- Provide 200 Westminster neighbors in-need with a new high-quality tree (~$500/home) OR
- Provide a new tree and three years of care for a Westminster neighborhood in-need.
- OR, a combination of any of the above needs to SAVE OUR ASHES!!
Facts and Data on Why it is important to support this vital conservation campaign:
- Have you ever walked down a street in the summer that did not have any trees? It is hot, uncomfortable and less enjoyable than a street with a lovely tree canopy. Help 1 in 4 Westminster residents who live in areas such as these by donating! You can help plant trees and protect Ash trees against the Emerald Ash Borer.
- Have you ever walked down a street in the summer that did not have any trees? It is hot, uncomfortable and less enjoyable than a street with a lovely tree canopy. Help 1 in 4 Westminster residents who live in areas such as these by donating! You can help plant trees and protect Ash trees against the Emerald Ash Borer.
- Did you know there are areas of Westminster with a 2% urban tree canopy? The city's average is 12%! It will take 45,000 trees to bring these uncanopied areas up to the average. You can help! Donate to spread the benefits of trees to Westminster neighbors in need.
- Did you know about ~28,000 Westminster residents live in areas with low urban tree-canopy? Help expand the benefits of trees (shade, animal habitat, clean air) to a neighbor in-need of a new tree or preservation of their Ash tree.
- Did you know ~1 in 4 Westminster residents live in areas with low urban tree-canopy? That means 25% of your neighbors experience hotter summers, higher utility bills and have much, much less clean air! Help expand the benefits of trees to a neighbor in-need. Your donation can plant a tree or preserve an Ash tree at risk of infestation.
1 out of every 7 trees in Westminster is estimated to be an ash, making up approximately 13% of the overall tree canopy. HELP SAVE OUR ASHES!!
