Preserving Native American Trees

American Beech: We have lost chestnuts and most of our elm trees. There are native Elm trees, such as the Princeton Elm, that are naturally resistant to Dutch Elm Disease that retain their original genome without hybridization to introduce resistance from other species. A similar option exists for our beeches which are also threatened by a different fungal infection. Although the fungus cannot penetrate unblemished bark, it easily gains entry through puncture wounds made by scale, a native insect. Fortunately, some native beech trees are resistant to scale and therefore would not be susceptible to fungal infection. Identification and propagation of resistant beeches would allow species survival though these trees would still be subject to other invasive organisms. This artwork, featuring beech leaves, aims to raise awareness and support for propagating native beech trees.