Enter the “EAB Ambassador” – a title given to LEAF volunteers who made it their personal mission to educate the public regarding EAB and the options available for treatment or replacement of ash trees. Through sharing information on social media, spreading the word to neighbours, giving presentations at community meetings and organizing bulk treatments. Ambassadors were bringing some much-needed attention to the plight of ash in our communities.
LEAF received a Live Green Toronto grant to work with two community groups – Green 13 in west Toronto (Ward 13), and the Highland Creek Green Team in Scarborough (Wards 37, 38 and 43)- to carry out a door-to-door canvassing campaign. Focussing on two select parts of the City of Toronto allowed LEAF to monitor progress as well as concentrate efforts in areas with good community support and high ash content.
Ambassadors succeeded in delivering information to 14,546 houses and speaking with 2,366 homeowners at their door, encouraging them to treat healthy ash and plant new diverse species to help repopulate the urban tree canopy. Approximately 166 ash trees were identified, and those on public property were reported to the City for inclusion on the inventory and to receive treatment. In an unanticipated move, some enthusiastic volunteers became so engaged in the issue that they took the LEAF model and began organizing their own canvassing efforts in Wards 14 and 21!
As with any program, some challenges did emerge, such as lack of immediate gratification for volunteers. Homeowners often mull over their options and decisions are made after the volunteer leaves their door. Also, canvassing can be physically challenging, especially in the heat of summer. Despite these difficulties, volunteers persevered – several canvassed almost every day and over 50% of our volunteers came out to multiple canvassing events. Now that’s dedication!
The Regional Municipality of York also supports the LEAF EAB Ambassador Program. York Region Ambassadors delivered presentations, shared information on social media and canvassed in their communities, reaching 661 people! As the EAB infestation continues to move northward in 2014, LEAF will be focussing efforts in York Region by delivering training workshops and offering community presentations there.
At LEAF, volunteers often share with us why they choose to dedicate so much of their own time to this cause. Anthony, a York Region Ambassador, believes protection of ash is vital: “It is particularly important in our neighbourhood because our neighbourhood (Weston Downs) is overrepresented in ash trees. We have 800 mature ash trees in our neighbourhood…our neighbourhood will be devastated if we as a community do nothing.”
These sentiments are echoed by Jane, a Toronto Ambassador who wrote a blog about her experience, as well as by Rita, a key figure in inspiring the local community to take action (her blog communicates the a sense of connection, immediacy and the possibility of colossal loss that permeate EAB Ambassador culture). American politician and civil rights leader John Lewis perhaps sums it up best when saying, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
LEAF would like to thank EAB Ambassadors for sharing their time and their stories, and for making the ‘when’ now and the ‘who’ you! There is still hope for ash in 2014, so keep an eye out and don’t be surprised if an Ambassador shows up at your door!
If you would like to help us spread the word about EAB in your community, sign up to become an Ambassador today! The EAB Ambassador Program is supported by Ontario Power Generation's Biodiversity Program, Live Green, a project of the City of Toronto, York Region and Ontario Trillium Foundation.