The Emerald Ash Borer has already been found in parts of the tri states and experts believe it's just a matter of time before it move its way throughout the area.
The beetle feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting growth. The insect has already killed millions of trees in the Midwest since it was first spotted in Michigan in 2002.
Ash trees in cities such as Chicago have been devastated by the EAB , but Western Illinois University urban forestry instructor Paul Blome said the WIU campus is not in serious danger.
“We had a more diverse tree canopy to begin with and I believe our percentage of ash trees on campus is in the single digits,” Blome said.
Blome also said Western is prepared for Emerald Ash Borer when it hits.
“Facilities maintenance was able to get some money budgeted for treatment so preventively protecting ash trees against emerald ash borer,” said Blome.
The insect has already been found in Galesburg and Burlington.
