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June 6, 2026
6pm - 8pm
At the Avon Hills Folk School
Join us for this unique Folk School on Tap opportunity at the folk school! Attendees will learn about Ojibwe culture through the art of black ash basketry from April Ogimaakwe Stone. We will also hear from August Kramer from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the advance of the emerald ash borer across the midwest, which threatens to wipe out black ash trees.
Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive woodboring insect that infests and kills all species of ash (Fraxinus spp.) native to Minnesota. Emerald ash borer was first detected in Minnesota in 2009, seven years after introduction to North America in Michigan. Since the arrival of emerald ash borer in Minnesota, it has spread throughout much of the state and poses a significant threat to remaining ash trees. In this session, we will discuss the life history and ecology of emerald ash borer, its geographic extent within the state, expected future conditions, and strategies for identifying, managing, and adapting to emerald ash borer in our forests and communities.
April Ogimaakwe Stone, member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) has been working with Black Ash for the past 28 years, creating beautiful, useful vessels for everyday use. April will speak about ash splint basketry, which has a long standing tradition in the United States, particularly surrounding and emanating from the Great Lakes Region. She has an extensive collection of teachings and stories as they relate to her work as a basket maker, knowledge carrier, and educator of the craft. For this event, April will have a variety of baskets and natural materials on hand to connect with as she shares her views and reflections on what this tiny insect has created for her and her work.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.