The spruce aphid has caused concern for communities throughout the Northwest.

On Monday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Bob Chisholm Center in Seaside, join Oregon State University Extension — Clatsop County for a free informational meeting on the spruce aphid, the tiny insect that is responsible for defoliating Sitka spruce along the Oregon Coast and northern California.

Guest speaker Dr. Christine Buhl, a forest entomologist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, will share information on the spruce aphid and describe her current efforts to monitor for this pest, with a Q&A to follow.

Immediately after the meeting, there will be an optional field trip to a nearby location to view spruce aphid damage up close and to learn how to participate in efforts to monitor for this pest.The field trip will immediately follow the meeting and reconvene at a nearby location within easy walking distance of the meeting venue. 

The Bob Chisholm Center is located at 1225 Avenue A, in Seaside.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Dan Stark at dan.stark@oregonstate.edu, or call the OSU Extension office at 503-325-8573.