The Nebraska Forest Service is wrapping green ribbons on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s ash trees to promote emerald ash borer awareness.

The work is part of a statewide campaign calling for proactive measures to reduce the financial burden that emerald ash borers — green jewel beetles native to eastern Asia that feed on ash species — could cause taxpayers.

“We are responsible for 14,000 public ash trees in Lincoln alone,” said Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said during an April 5 press conference on the campaign. “We cannot wait until damaged trees become brittle, fall apart and become a safety hazard. We have learned from other states that a proactive approach to treatment, removal and replacement can reduce the enormous cost to taxpayers.”

Lincoln Public Schools students started flagging efforts during the weekend of April 2.

“Many of my colleagues are aware of the threat that EAB poses,” Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks said. “However, until our constituents send a strong message that we must prioritize the recovery now, we may not see any action until after EAB has arrived. And we know that waiting is going to be far more expensive.”

For information on emerald ash borer and its impacts in Nebraska, click here.

Ash trees flagged at UNL include:

East Campus — Holdrege Street, from 33rd to 48th streets; 38th Street, from Fair Street to Huntington Ave.; and by the parking lot near Forestry Hall and north of the East Union.

City Campus — R Street, from 12th to 18th streets; 16th Street, from R to X streets; and around the Stadium Loop, east of Memorial Stadium.