Unravelling the good and bad about insects

 

NEWMARKET - York Region Health Services in partnership with York Region Natural Heritage and Forestry invites residents and members of the media to unravel the good and the bad about insects including the Asian Long-horned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, bees and mosquitoes. 

 

WHAT: Residents will learn about the local helpful and harmful insects, as well as some common sense precautions individuals can take to protect themselves from West Nile virus (WNv)  
WHEN: Saturday, July 21, 2007 (public event from 10 a.m.-12 noon)
Media is encouraged to arrive before the walk begins at 10:20 a.m.

 

WHERE: Bendor and Graves Forest Tract, Kennedy Road, north of Davis Drive

 

WHO:  Lorie Parrott, Forest Educator and Jack Lawrence, local beekeeper (guest speakers)
York Region Health Services and Natural Heritage and Forestry staff
York Region residents

 

Background:

 

• One Saturday of each month, York Region Forestry staff host free guided tours of the York Regional Forest.  Each uniquely themed tour runs from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and includes various interactive activities 

 

• Forests provide habitat to a variety of animals including natural predators that decrease the number of mosquitoes. Protecting our natural areas, forests, wetlands, streams and rivers support the natural ecological balance

 

• West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2006, there were three human cases, 10 birds and 10 mosquito pools (or batches) that tested positive for West Nile virus in York Region

 

• An integral part of the York Region West Nile Virus Control Plan includes public education on common sense precautions individuals can take to protect themselves from West Nile virus

 

• Other forest insects, such as the Asian Long-horned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer have recently invaded some of our urban and forest areas.  These infestations and some of the beneficial forest insects will also be discussed
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For more information on the Regional Municipality of York and our services, please visit www.york.ca

 

Media Contact: Jennifer Mitchell-Emmerson, York Region Health Services
 Phone:  905 830-4444 or After-hours Cell 905 716-2717
 Email: jennifer.mitchellemmerson@york.ca