The following press release was received via Email on August 3, 2016. As stated below, more information is available by clicking on the ALB and the Pool Survey webpage.

If you own a pool, look for ALB in your pool filters.

For Immediate Release: 08/01/16

Contact: Lori Severino | (518) 402-8000

Press Office | [email protected]

Pool owners are invited to join in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fifth annual Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) Swimming Pool Survey now through August 30 to help keep watch for these exotic, invasive beetles before they cause serious damage to our forests and street trees. The Citizen Pool Survey takes place this time of year when ALBs are expected to emerge from and become active outside of the trees they are infesting.

ALBs are originally from Asia and have caused the death of hundreds of thousands of trees across the nation, particularly in maple trees in: New York City; Long Island; New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; Worcester, Massachusetts and Clermont, Ohio. DEC’s Forest Health Program developed a simple and easy survey for people to participate in who have swimming pools and are willing to keep an eye out for these insects.

Pool monitoring offers a simple, economical approach to surveying for ALBs in the state and has the potential to become New York’s most effective method for detecting the invasive beetles. In addition, this monitoring program gives residents the ability to take an active role in protecting the trees in their yards, communities and forests. With citizens involved in looking for this pest, there is a better chance of finding new infestations early, helping DEC and other state and federal agencies focus their efforts to eliminate infestations.

In addition to owning a swimming pool, participants will need:

1. A digital camera or phone that takes photos.
2. The ability to send a photo via email or text message.

Those that don’t have a pool can still help. DEC expanded its photo collection to include anyone who spots a suspect beetle, whether it is found in their pool or not. Residents are also encouraged to submit photos if they believe they’ve found an emerald ash borer (EAB) (see what it looks like on DEC’s EAB web page) or another invasive pest damaging trees. Photos can be submitted to the forest health program email address listed below.

Directions for participating in the pool survey are outlined below:

Step 1: Through the month of August (when adults are active), check the debris collected in your filter and skimmers at least once a week or when you clean your pool.

Step 2: Look for the ALB (See what it looks like on DEC’s ALB web page). Contact the Forest Health Program (see phone number and email address below) for a sheet to help identify insects collected.

Step 3: Take a picture of any insect you think might be an ALB.

Step 4: Send the photos of the insects that look like ALB to [email protected].

Step 5: Freeze the insect in a plastic container until DEC staff respond (typically that will be about a week). Staff will either instruct the participant to discard the insect or give instructions on mailing it, delivering it, or arranging for pick-up.

For more information on ALB and the Pool Survey, visit DEC’s website. To sign up for the survey, contact:

NYSDEC Forest Health Program
Attn: Jessica Cancelliere
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 518.478.7813

On Sunday, April 19, 2015, we visited a new hike location in Rush.  Well, not really new, since the woods and river have obviously been explored by many people over the years.  But, the town of Rush recently obtained this land for a new town park, and this was the first visit by Springwater Trails.

The area is partly pasture land and partly forest along the Genesee River.  The most distinguishing feature is the railroad line currently operated by the Livonia, Avon and Lakeville Railroad Corporation. The Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum is housed at the southern end of the area on Rt 251 in the old Industry train depot. The New York Museum of Transportation is located at the northeast corner of the area on East River Road.  Connecting the two museums is an electrified track built by the volunteers from both museums, with rides between the museums provided during the summer months.

The hike began with a visit to the Museum of Transportation and a slide show exploring The Interurban Era presenting slides of the Interurban route from Rochester to Canandaigua and Geneva.  Pictures from the early 1930’s brought the ride to life for us.

Following a much too brief view of the trolley cars at the museum, our hike left from the parking area and followed a path toward the river.  Our first stop was an old water pump house and storage tanks.  We crossed the railroad tracks to get to the river edge where the path turned south along the river bank.

When the train cars housed at the Railroad Museum came into view, we decided that a short side trip would be interesting, and we were rewarded with a close-up view of the silver New York Central passenger cars and updated information from a volunteer who was working on spring cleaning at the museum. Of interest is a May 9 train ride planned from Lakeville to Henrietta.  Check it out!

Heading back north along the river, we saw the remains of an agility course built “last century”.  At the top of a steep scramble where we all followed John, our fearless leader, we saw a lean-to that had leaned too far. It was still early spring and the trees had no leaves so we were able to see everything through the woods.  The many acorns on the ground gave evidence of the many Oaks in the forest.  We also recognized Beach trees.

Next we went under the railroad tracks and visited an old log cabin – no resemblance to Pati and Jim’s home- The hike ended with a visit to the cows grazing on the hill, and a good view north to downtown Rochester.

In summary, a beautiful spring day at a great new location for hikes – we all agreed we should return for a winter hike.