Coinciding with the upcoming celebrations around Earth Day, April 22, and Arbor Day, April 29, Ohio Humanities is proud to announce that the film Trees in Trouble will soon make its first of numerous PBS airings in Ohio. The film tells the story of Cincinnati’s response to the threat posed by non-native insects to the local ecology. • In Columbus, the film will air on WOSU-TV34 at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17 • In Athens, the film will air on WOUB TV-20 at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 The emphasis is on the Asian longhorn beetle and the emerald ash borer. The adult beetles nibble on a tree’s foliage; however, its larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree 's ability to absorb water and nutrients. It is believed that the emerald ash borer unintentionally arrived in …show more content…
They reduce the urban heat island effect caused by concrete and [other] impervious paved surfaces. Through partnerships with scientists, city officials and everyday citizens, Cincinnati was able to contain the pests and protect their urban forests for future generations. The film also explores the history of urban forestry in the United States and the additional research linking trees to human health. Andrea Torrice, the film’s director, says her intent is to “help us all understand what we are losing and links us to actions we can take to counter this tragedy.” The film is now carried by the WORLD℠ network which features many of public television’s signature nonfiction documentary, science and news programming, and original content. A formal PBS premiere is scheduled for April 29 throughout most of the country. Trees in Trouble was made possible, in part, through the support from the Ohio