KNPS talk looks at tree health

SANDPOINT — The Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation are hosting a presentation today on “What is Killing the Trees? Drought and recent insect activity in Idaho.”

The program, which runs from 9:45-11:30 a.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall, will be given by Tom Eckberg, Idaho Department of Lands health specialist and program manager.

Eckberg earned a master’s degree in entomology from Colorado State University in 1993. After graduation, he worked for a national landscape care company in Atlanta, Ga., developing insect and disease management programs for woody ornamentals and turf grass. In 2002, he moved to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to family and worked for the U.S. Forest Service at the Coeur d’Alene tree nursery and in Forest Health Protection. In 2007, he began working for the Idaho Department of Lands where he is currently employed as the forest health specialist and program manager. Eckberg’s job focuses on providing forest health training and technical assistance. He also coordinates insect surveys on state and private forestland.

Information: NativePlantSociety.org