Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation began a project this February to remove ash trees in West Park due to complications created by an insect species known as the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species that has devastated parts of Hamilton County and other parts of Indiana.

According to yourwestpark.com, “through an inventory of the 40-acre parcel located immediately west of the existing park along 116th Street, 500 at-risk trees were identified in the woods,” and will be removed by March 30.

Ben Ring, Environmental Action Club leader and sophomore, said although the news of removing so many trees is saddening, it is ultimately necessary for the local ecosystem.

“With invasive species, it’s very easy to get them into an ecosystem but almost impossible to get them out,” Ring said. “So I think it’s a lot of work, and I’m very sad to hear they have to remove a lot of trees, but I think it’s a necessary evil.”

Science teacher Jacob Fitzgerald said he agrees with Ring. He said although at first sight the news may seem counterproductive, the ultimate goal of the project will prove useful long-term.

“I think on the surface, someone who cares about the environment might be hesitant to hear that so many trees are being removed, because we know about the benefits of trees,” Fitzgerald said. “However, if you look more into it, they’re specifically only removing the ash trees because there’s an invasive species that’s just targeting those trees that can spread to other trees.

“So, I think it’s good to get in there and remove them as a preventative measure instead of waiting to respond and then having to keep going back and cutting down (trees) little by little.”

Ring said having this invasive species here in “our backyard” can be an eye-opening experience for many.

“It’s kind of one of those things you hear about on the news,” Ring said. “I know there are a lot of problems in the Great Lakes with invasive species, but we have a lot of problems just here at home.”

Ring and Fitzgerald both said this awareness and localization of the issue regarding invasive species in the Carmel area is important to remember.

“People don’t know when they go to other state parks that what they could be bringing back could affect the local wildlife and stuff (in Carmel),” Fitzgerald said. “I think awareness and education about (damage caused by invasive species), and how to prevent it before it happens, is the best solution.”