OTTAWA – Nestled between National Hair Loss Awareness Month and National Sandwich Month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency launches Tree Check Month for Aug.
The aim is to spread awareness of the invasive insects and diseases that might threaten the health of plant life.
"The health of trees and other plants is essential to the quality of our environment. Throughout the month of August, I invite Canadians of all ages to pay close attention to the green spaces around us and to the life they support. Being on the lookout for pests protects our forests, our agriculture and our food security,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
One of the ways that are often overlooked is how much human activity contributes to the spread of these harmful organisms.
As trees are packages and sent to be manufactured into daily commodities, harmful bacteria and organisms are often undetected.
For example, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, pests can hitch a ride unseen in firewood, dirt and outdoor equipment (vehicles, trailers, camping gear, etc.).
Climate change can also contribute to the spread of invasive species by changing environments so pests can survive where they couldn't before.
All the Canadian Food Inspection Agency wants the public to do is check local parks, gardens and even backyards and vehicles for any unwelcome pests.
Contact the CFIA if you suspect you have found an invasive plant, insect, disease, snail or another plant pest foreign to the area.
"Examining the local trees and environment has a considerable impact on tree and plant health. The power of everyday citizen scientists should not be underestimated. The finding and reporting from even one person could be a big help to Canadian tree and plant health,” said David Bailey, Chief Plant Health Officer for Canada and Executive Director, Plant Health and Biosecurity, CFIA.
Reporting cases of invasive organisms is a crucial part of gathering more information about them from spreading.
The Plant Health Hero challenge is also a fun activity for people of all ages to get out and explore nature. Challenge your friends, family and neighbours to get outside, enjoy a walk and check their trees. Share your photos of kids checking trees on social media using #SeedlingScientist. Together we can protect Canada's green spaces.
This summer, remember to prevent the spread of pests, don't move firewood: buy and burn local or heat-treated (kiln-dried) firewood.
