District of Columbia science classes help in an enhanced pest detection program.
The Challenge – Non-native wood-boring insects and pathogens that infest and kill trees pose a serious threat to our nation's forests.
But monitoring trees to look for emerging insects is time-consuming and resource intensive. Exotic pests are frequently first introduced in the country’s urban areas where they go undetected until they are well established and have damaged host trees. Enhanced survey and detection methods are needed to identify new introductions of invasive insects and diseases.
