In a state where 80% of the population lives in or near cities, outdoor recreational opportunities are important to urban residents. Insect pests and diseases in city parks, open spaces, and forests are a constant threat to the health of these recreational areas. To further IPM practices and develop effective monitoring and pest identification on recreational lands, we are working with parks across the state to develop tree identification guides that will include defining characteristics for species level tree identification. In addition, we are developing a guide on pests of landscape trees and shrubs. Proper tree identification will improve IPM through improved monitoring, pest identification, and application of appropriate management practices
To aid green space managers in tree and pest identification, we partnered with two college campuses and one city park (NM Junior College - Hobbs NM, St Johns College - Santa Fe, Las Cruces Parks Department) to develop tree maps. See below for our list of on-line and printable tree identification guides.
