SAP-NE Public Ash Seed Collection Training

Public Ash Seed Collection Training – University Forest, Old Town, Maine 

Public Ash Seed Collection Training – Hosted by the Sustaining Ash Partners Network (SAP-Ne) & Ash Protection Collaboration Across Waponahkik (APCAW) 

 

University Forest, Old Town, ME 

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET  

 

About the Training: 

SAP-Ne, APCAW, and partners are hosting two ash seed collection workshops aimed at training participants to identify and collect ash seeds to preserve ash populations amidst threats from the invasive emerald ash borer. Participants will be trained according to the Ash Seed Collection Manual developed by the APCAW lab.  

The first session is specifically for Tribal members or Tribal employees and will be held on Penobscot Nation lands on Indian Island on August 31st. The second training is open to the public and will be held at the University of Maine Forest in Old Town, Maine on September 1st, 2026.  

Presenters will demonstrate how to harvest, process, and store ash seeds, including a walkthrough of essential equipment. Attendees will then visit the field to see the entire process and practice techniques in small groups. The training will also cover tips for preparing and cleaning ash seeds for seed storage and/or shipping.  

Registration is free, and snacks will be provided.  

Join this training (space permitting) to help build a community of ash seed collectors! 

 

Presenters: 

University of Maine, Ash Protection Collaboration Across Waponahkik (APCAW) Seed Collection Researchers: 

• Ella McDonald, Ph.D. Student 
• Tyler Everett, Ph.D. Candidate 
• Lauren Gonzalez, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Associate 

Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment:

• Les Benedict, Black Ash Project Coordinator, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe 

Wild Seed Project:

• Emily Baisden, Seed Stewardship Director