Story perspectives

Vermont inoculates 6,000 elms to restore Dutch elm disease

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Forest Service researchers inoculated 6,000 young American elms with Dutch elm disease in Vermont.
Research ecologist Leila Wilson leads the inoculation effort together with The Nature Conservancy.
Surviving saplings will enter a seed orchard for about 15 years before producing restoration seeds.
Arborist Joseph Ferris says the project offers a hopeful model for urban and riverbank planting.
American elms absorb floodwater, helping regulate watershed hydrology and reduce downstream flooding.

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Story summary

U.S. Forest Service researchers inoculated 6,000 young American elms with Dutch elm disease in Vermont.
Research ecologist Leila Wilson leads the inoculation effort together with The Nature Conservancy.
Surviving saplings will enter a seed orchard for about 15 years before producing restoration seeds.
Arborist Joseph Ferris says the project offers a hopeful model for urban and riverbank planting.
American elms absorb floodwater, helping regulate watershed hydrology and reduce downstream flooding.