Sudden Oak Death Survey Shows Sharp Jump in Cases

An alarming increase in sudden oak death (SOD) cases in the Bay Area was found by a "blitz" of citizen scientists earlier this year, including residents in Los Altos Hills.

According to an article in Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle, researchers used 10,000 tree and plant samples collected by 500 citizens to study the spread of the deadly pathogen threatening to wipe out California's oak population.

The results were disappointing, showing that the disease has spread farther than ever before throughout the region. In an area near Saratoga and Los Gatos 97 percent of the trees were found to be infected.

This Friday night, Oct. 7, the lead scientist in the "SOD Blitz", Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, will present the findings in Los Altos Hills, at 7 p.m. in the Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Rd. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to sharing survey results, Dr. Garbelotto will discuss management options to help protect local oaks, and answer any questions. According to experts, early detection of SOD and rapid preventative treatment of susceptible trees offer the best chance for survival.

The Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee is sponsoring the meeting, as well as a training workshop on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m. Dr. Garbelotto will detail treatment menthods used to prevent SOD. The location is to be announced; rain does not cancel.

To RSVP or for more information, contact the Open Space Committee at 650-815-8286, or email sodblitz09@earthlink.net.