IC August 8, 2025 by luckydognews

APHIS Asks Public to Check Trees for Signs of Asian Long-horned Beetle

By Kelsi Fink

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wants the public to look for and report signs of the Asian long-horned beetle. During August, “Tree Check Month,” APHIS asks everyone to look for signs of this destructive, invasive beetle by checking trees on your property and in your community for damage. Left unchecked, the beetle can cause infested trees to die.

“August is an ideal time of year to look for the beetle and the damage it causes,” said Josie Ryan, APHIS’ national operations manager for the ALB Eradication Program. “Adult beetles are emerging now. You can see them on trees and other nearby items. Finding and reporting infested trees early means we can save more trees.”

The ALB is a wood-boring beetle that attacks 12 types of hardwood trees. The insect prefers maples, but it also likes to attack birches, buckeyes, elms and willows. Sometimes it attacks ash, golden rain tree, katsura, London plane tree, mimosa, mountain ash and poplar. Infested trees become safety hazards. Branches can drop and trees can fall over, especially during storms. In its larval stage, the insect feeds deep inside tree trunks and branches, creating tunnels as it feeds. As an adult, the beetle chews its way out, creating ¾-inch round exit holes. Once the beetles exit a tree, they feed on its leaves and bark before mating, laying eggs and starting another generation of tree-killing beetles.

Letter to the Editor

The adult beetle has markings that are easy to recognize:

• A shiny, black body with white spots. Its body is about 1” to 1½” long.

• Black and white antennae that are longer than its body.

• Six legs and feet that can appear bluish.

Signs that a tree might be infested include:

• Round exit holes in tree trunks and branches about the size of a dime or smaller.

• Egg sites, or chewed spots, on the bark about the size of a quarter. Sap may weep out from these.

• Sawdust-like material called frass found on the tree, ground or tree branches.

• Branches or limbs dying or falling from an otherwise healthy-looking tree.

The Blowers are on My Mind

How You Can Help

Check your trees for this pest: Look for and report any sightings of the beetle or the tree damage it causes. To help keep infestations from spreading, don’t move materials that the beetle may be in, such as firewood.

Report signs of Asian long-horned beetles: If you think you found a beetle or tree damage, report it by calling 866-702-9938, or submit an online report at aphis.usda.gov/form/report-it. Try to photograph the beetle or tree damage. If you can, capture the beetle in a durable container and freeze it. This helps preserve the insect for identification.

If you live in an Asian long-horned quarantine area, please keep this pest from spreading by following state and federal laws that restrict the movement of woody material and untreated firewood.

The Asian long-horned beetle arrived in the United States in the 1990s in untreated wood shipping crates. Despite eliminating this pest from Illinois and New Jersey, the 30+ year battle continues in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio and South Carolina.

For more information about ALB and program activities, call 866-702-9938, or visit aphis.usda. gov/plant-pests-diseases/alb.

My simple idea of Nirvana is a sunny Sunday morning on the porch. Close at hand are my accoutrements – a cup of coffee, warm toast spread with strawberry jam and the Sunday newspaper. The newspaper is to be enjoyed in a strict sequence. The funny pages are first, since the only angst provision are the never-ending travails of Mr. Wilson and Dennis the Menace. Good way to start. Next up is Warren Pepper’s “I’m just saying.” Always enjoyable and always thought-provoking, thank you Warren. I ease into the book reviews and sports sections as if they are family members. End this activity with a look at world affairs. … time for a Tums. This state of Nirvana is too often changed to a state of unease akin to a glimpse into Hades by the cacophonous noise of a leaf blower (or two). Awful. Have to retreat away from the porch to inside the house. Does that lead to a return to Nirvana? You have to be kidding. The noise to me is like the pain when the local anesthesia for a root canal is wearing off. That is why most of the leaf blowing offenders wear noise abating ear protection.

May I humbly suggest mandating the quietest blowers available and, more importantly, banning any leaf blowing activities on the weekends. That is what call consideration. I need my Nirvana time, as we all do. The leaves are harmless and shall still be there after a quiet weekend. Let us unite. Let us enjoy the beauty and the quiet.

Respectfully,

Jon

van Heerden, M.D. Seabrook Island

AROUND THE ISLANDS

ONGOING

WHAT: Fleece+ Friday

WHERE: Beachwalker Center

WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made with Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, Veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more.

WHAT: Spirit Tasting

WHERE: Kiawah Spirits, 615 Freshfields Dr.

WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Stop by Kiawah Spirits for tastings of select spirits. Guests must be 21 years old to participate. While supplies last.

WHAT: Music on the Green

WHERE: Freshfields Village

WHEN: Every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MORE INFO: The Village Green will be alive with song and dance from various local artists every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, purchase snacks and drinks from surrounding businesses, and come together to enjoy a lively Lowcountry evening outdoors.

WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market

WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island

WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is a year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.

WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down

WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island

WHEN: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings ($15 gets you a tasting of 6 samples of the vineyard’s wine and a souvenir stemless glass), drinks, food trucks, live music, and more.

WHAT: Farmers Market

WHERE: Freshfields Village

WHEN: Mondays in July and August from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MORE INFO: Pick from the freshest organic produce, local food products, and Lowcountry crafts all summer long.

WHAT: Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experiences

WHERE: Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston WHEN: July 11 - Aug. 31

MORE INFO: A new immersive show combines the widely celebrated Beyond Van Gogh exhibit with the added Beyond Monet exhibit, offering

Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events, from festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.

audiences the unique opportunity to experience the masterpieces of both Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Tickets starting at $29.50 with a limited number of VIP tickets available. For tickets and schedules, visit beyondexhibitions.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

WHAT: Garden & Gun Headquarters: Moving Sale

WHERE: Garden and Gun Headquarters, 701 East Bay Street #115, Charleston

WHEN: Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17

MORE INFO: As Garden & Gun prepares to settle into their new headquarters at 21 Magazine Street, they’re opening their doors for a one-time office sale at their current location in the Cigar Factory. Shop a curated selection of office and lounge furniture, antiques, art, light fixtures, desks, seating, décor, plants, and supplies, plus discounted Fieldshop products at 25% off.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

WHAT: Charleston Friends of the Library’s Summer Book Sale

WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library, 3531 Maybank Highway, Johns Island

WHEN: Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Shoppers can browse through hundreds of gently used books of every genre - history, biographies, mystery, gardening, cookbooks, fiction, sc-fi, South Carolina, Children’s, and more. The variety of books available will have prices starting at $1 for paperbacks and $4 for hardback books.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

WHAT: Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series WHERE: James Island County Park WHEN: 7 a.m.

MORE INFO: Sure to get adrenaline pumping, each race in the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series features a 600-yard freshwater swim, then a 12mile bike ride, and finally a 5K flat run. Over the years, over 30,000 people have raced in the series.

WHAT: Second Sunday on King WHERE: King St., Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: King Street will be shut down to through traffic from Queen to Calhoun, roughly half a mile. Strolling guests can enjoy music, shopping, dining, and more.

WHAT: First Day Festival

WHERE: Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., Charleston WHEN: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: The City of Charleston will host its annual First Day Festival at the Charleston Gaillard Center and Liberty Square. This free, family-friendly, back-to-school event will feature community resources, activities, and free admis-

sion to the South Carolina Aquarium during festival hours.

MONDAY, AUGUST 11

WHAT: Summer Oyster Roast WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Pkwy., Johns Island WHEN: 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

MORE INFO: Guests of all ages enjoy feasting on fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, along with other BBQ specialties such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Lowcountry Boil with all the Southern side dishes and desserts to make this a true culinary experience. Guests will also enjoy family fun like live music and other activities

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

WHAT: Jazz Night

WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

MORE INFO: Jazz Night is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 pm at the Porch Bar of the Andell Inn. Guests of the Andell Inn and others can enjoy live music performances from local Charleston groups in a cozy atmosphere.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

WHAT: TOKI Bites & Brews Food Truck Fest WHERE: Kiawah Island Town Hall WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MORE INFO: Taking place at Town Hall (4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.), this food truck rodeo will transform the Town Hall green space into a lively gathering spot one Friday each month from April through August.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

WHAT: Cars & Coffee

WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

MORE INFO: The monthly Cars & Coffee event happens on the third Saturday of every month from 9 to 11 am, showcasing unique cars and offering the opportunity to purchase coffee from Java Java.

AROUND THE ISLANDS

MONDAY, AUGUST 18

WHAT: Summer Oyster Roast

WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Pkwy., Johns Island

WHEN: 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

MORE INFO: Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s longest-running event is a treasured family favorite and a genuine Lowcountry tradition. Guests of all ages enjoy feasting on fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, along with other BBQ specialties such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Lowcountry Boil with all the Southern side dishes and desserts. Guests will also enjoy family fun like live music and other activities. Each Mingo Point date includes two seatings for guests to choose from when purchasing tickets.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

WHAT: Art of Jazz Series: Bob Lanzetti Trio WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., Charleston

WHEN: 6 p.m.

MORE INFO: Guitarist and composer Bob Lanzetti, known for his work with the GRAMMY Award-winning group Snarky Puppy, closes out the Art of Jazz series. A seasoned performer and educa-

New Parks

Continued from page 4

Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events, from festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.

tor, Lanzetti brings his global experience and genrespanning compositions to this final concert.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

WHAT: Summer Oyster Roast

WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Pkwy., Johns Island

WHEN: 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn

WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: An outdoor barre workout at the Andell Inn Women of all ages are welcome. It’ll

Johns Island: First-Ever City Recreation Facility

For the first time, Johns Island residents will have a city-operated recreation facility of their own. Located just off Maybank Highway near the Hayes Park development, the new complex will be approximately 50,000 square feet and include:

• A 25-meter by 25-yard indoor pool and adjacent therapy pool.

• An indoor gymnasium with two full basketball courts.

• Cardio and group fitness rooms.

• A multi-purpose room.

• Two classroom spaces.

• A catering kitchen.

• Outdoor pickleball courts.

• Outdoor basketball courts.

• An inclusive playground and splash pad.

“Johns Island has waited a long time for this kind of investment,” said District 3 Council Member Jim McBride. “This project will create an anchor for community life, health and connection on the island.”

Next Steps

Both facilities are being designed by Charleston-based architectural firm LS3P. Charleston City Council is expected to review construction contracts this August. Permitting will take approximately one year, with construction on both sites expected to begin next summer and take 18 months to complete. Community engagement will begin this fall, with the city and LS3P hosting concept presentations and public input sessions to gather feedback and incorporate resident priorities into the final designs.

be a workout focused on strengthening, tightening and toning the full body while enjoying the ocean breeze. Bring a mat and a set of light weights (1-3lbs). Don’t worry if you don’t have anything; they will have extras.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

WHAT: Sunrise Yoga

WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park WHEN: 7 a.m.

MORE INFO: Charleston County Parks’ Sunrise Yoga program is back at select park sites this summer. Participants will stretch their bodies, awaken their minds, and fuel their spirits in this uplifting, intention-setting yoga class sure to enhance the day ahead. Sunrise Yoga is inclusive and open to all abilities and fitness levels.

Getting Out Early is the Key to Fishing Success During August

By Capt. Geoff Bennett

Our fishery is in full swing, with lots of bait and an incredibly diverse mixture of fish to target. During August, it will be key to get out early to beat the heat. You’ll not only be more comfortable fishing in the morning but also more productive. The high temperatures in the afternoon can put species like trout down. You may lose some sleep, but launching at first light has plenty of rewards.

Popping corks are very effective this time of year. You can catch so many different types of fish: redfish, trout, flounder, ladyfish, shark, etc. I use a weighted popping cork so I can increase the distance of my cast. I run an 18”-24” fluorocarbon leader from the cork to a size 1 circle hook. When your cork drops under water, reel until you feel the weight of the fish and then lift the rod tip. Mud minnows, shrimp and artificial shrimp all work well as baits.

Topwater is a fantastic option when you are starting early. Try to get to your spot just as it is becoming light. Fish will strike topwater lures based on the commotion they make on the surface and aren’t able to see that the lure isn’t a real struggling baitfish. These lures work well for trout, ladyfish and redfish. Heddon’s Super Spook Jr. lures in chartreuse and black or red and white are the ticket.

This time of year, you’ll want to carry your cast net not only for shrimp but also for baitfish like finger mullet and menhaden. Finger mullet under a popping cork are deadly for trout and can’t be torn to bits by little bait stealing fish. Menhaden fished live on the bottom with big circle hooks are great for reds and sharks. Fresh cut menhaden or mullet put out a scent trail that few fish can ignore.

See you on the water!

For the last 16 years, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing, providing light tackle fishing charters. Clients choose from a full menu of options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843324-3332, visit his website at charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.