SWAINTON – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture unveiled its tree-killing pest exhibit at the Cape May County Zoo June 10. The display, which features extra large images of the invasive Emerald ash borer and Asian long horned beetle, is inside the zoo across from the World of Birds exit.
The exhibit is designed to educate the public through a fun, interactive display. Children (and adults) can put their faces through the cutouts and become the entomologist catching the emerald ash borer and Asian long horned beetle. Bright colors draw the attention of children. Many zoo visitors stopped to take photographs. Above the display, a sign informs about the importance of not transporting wood and how to contact the state Department of Agriculture if they see signs of these pests.
“The information above is very important,” said Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the park and zoo. “Children love these cutouts, parents love the photo op, and the information on the sign is getting into the pictures, spreading the word.”
“It’s all about education,” said exhibit designer Paul Kurtz, NJDA entomologist and Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Program Manager. “Children are the best educators. They learn something and they take it home and tell the family.”
Kurtz said these pests are often spread by transporting firewood around the state or across state lines. The larvae, unnoticed, are often inside the wood.
“Nationally, approximately 250 million trees are infected with the emerald ash borer,” said Kurtz. “The presence of these little bugs really changes the ecosystem. The loss of the ash trees can change the composition of the soil. Also, the wildlife that lives in and feeds off of these trees becomes displaced and can lead to extinction.”
According to the NJDA, the emerald ash borer made its way into New Jersey in 2014 and the department is currently tracking infestations in Mercer, Burlington, and Somerset counties. Working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Environmental Protection, the NJDA eradicated the Asian longhorned beetle from the state last year.
The $3,000 exhibit was funded through the USDA Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Program.
“Most of the information about infestations of these invasive pests have come to our attention through calls from private homeowners,” said Joseph Zoltowski, NJDA Division of Plant Industry director.
“Public education is very important,” said Tapos Mondal, USDA Supervisory Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer. “We rely on reports by the general public about signs of possible infestation.”
“The Cape May County Zoo is a great venue to promote awareness,” said Kurtz. “More than half a million visitors come each year. These visitors are state, locals and tourists. The exhibit is designed to help all of us to protect the New Jersey landscape.”
To report information about signs of these beetles, the Department of Agriculture can be reached at 609-406-6939.
To contact Heather Burns, email hburns@cmcherald.com.
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