Arborjet partners to preserve historic Fort Duffield ash trees

In an effort to promote the importance of preserving the country’s trees, forests and state parks, and to increase public awareness about emerald ash borer (EAB), a breed of beetles affecting the ash tree population, Arborjet Inc. has partnered with the Fort Duffield Heritage Committee to help preserve and treat 50 ash trees in historic Fort Duffield. Emerald ash borer is a bright metallic green beetle originally found in eastern Asia. The tiny beetle feeds and breeds exclusively on ash trees. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the trees' ability to transport water and nutrients. As of May 2018, EAB is now found in 33 states, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. Since its discovery, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America.

Fort Duffield is a Union American Civil War fort located outside West Point, Kentucky. It is the oldest Union Civil War fortification in Kentucky. Fort Duffield is more of a wall and is not enclosed because of the steep drop off on the side towards the Ohio River. Today, the City of West Point's Fort Duffield Heritage Committee oversees the preservation, interpretation and maintenance of Fort Duffield which began in 1992. This project continues with the help of the Friends of Fort Duffield volunteers. These volunteers work diligently and are dedicated to preserving this site and the memory of the 48 soldiers who died while at Fort Duffield and West Point, Kentucky.  

Arborjet is hoping for a great turnout to help fight EAB in Kentucky. This is part of the company’s latest initiative, “Saving America’s Iconic Trees,” to ensure the health and longevity of the country’s trees. The campaign targets America’s most beloved trees, offering complimentary treatment to prevent insects, disease and poor health. Throughout 2018, Arborjet will donate high-profile treatments and host educational events across the country. The company invites homeowners, state, city, town and municipal leaders to nominate iconic trees in their communities for potential recognition and treatment by visiting www.arborjet.com/saving-americas-iconic-trees.