It’s not for lack of care.

It’s the lack of trees.

Ash trees to be specific, and it’s due to the emerald ash borer, some call it a disease, others know it is an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees throughout the United States and Canada.

These small insects have decimated many yards, acreages and parks at an alarming rate.

According to Little Wall Lake Park Ranger Zane Schaffer, about 120 ash trees have had to be removed. And there are hundreds more that are on the same list.

During the winter months, the piles of dead trees were visible along the roads. They have now completed a controlled burn, and eliminated the piles of trees. Most of the dead trees have been removed from the campgrounds.

It seems pretty stark.

The staff at the conservation office tries to replant three to five trees each year, to replace the trees lost to age and disease. The emerald ash borer has made this attempt to replace the trees very challenging.

A memorial tree program has been established to assist. As departments in the county have had to reduce budgets, this program is more timely and needed than ever.

“Our biggest thing is getting the trees planted,” said Schaffer. “It’s for the kids and the grandkids.”

It takes a long time to replace a tree. And a single tree is not cheap.

“Depending on the tree, it might be $200-$500,” said Shaffer

“This is more than just a campground,” said Schaffer. “We have two trails, full timber trails.”

Schaffer encourages residents and visitors to consider volunteering at the park, whether it’s picking up trash and fallen branches, or helping to plant and replace trees.

“The park is managed by the county,” he explained, “The lake is managed by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources).”

Little Wall Lake also has two cabins located on the east side of the lake. One of the cabins sleeps 8 people, the other 13 people.

And they are getting very busy.

Schaffer, who lives on the property, hopes the memorial tree program will help restore some of the beauty and shade that has disappeared.

For more information contact the Hamilton County Conservation office at 515-832-9570.

It’s not for us. It takes a long time to replace a tree.

It’s for future generations.