The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was accidentally introduced to the United States in the late 90s and discovered in New York State (NYS) ash trees in 2009. Transported on wood pallets, this penny sized insect has destroyed millions of trees in Upstate NY since its introduction. When first discovered, it was not able to be controlled, which led to a drastic change in the tree canopy around the state. The EAB is an invasive insect, and while it remains a persistent problem throughout the country, much of the damage to NY has been done. Barren trees and those covered with suckers dot forest lines. Tree stumps or half-broken trunks are left behind from fallen ash trees, or those toppled in windstorms. While nature is reclaiming the landscape through new growth and other tree species, the NYS tree canopy was forever changed by this human-introduced insect.
Inspired by the photographic work of Camille Seaman, I chose to photograph the ash trees in my area to highlight the aftermath of the EAB. Seaman is known for her highly detailed and passionate images of glaciers. Likened to portraiture, her images of glaciers evoke a sublime awe of the massive natural sculptures. While the ash trees of NY are dwarfed by the scale of Seaman’s subject matter, I found her passion for drawing the line between the human world and nature’s world inspiring; she believes that all things are connected. By photographing the ash trees that were damaged in the last twenty years, this photo series is a reexamination and exploration of how we are altering the landscape around us.
Works Cited
Emerald Ash Borer, New York State DEC, Date Accessed 7 July 2025, https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/emerald-ash-borer-eab.