The Town of South Bristol is inviting residents to attend a free educational workshop on oak wilt, a fast-spreading fungal disease that is threatening oak trees throughout the Finger Lakes region.
The workshop will be held on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at South Bristol Town Hall and will feature a presentation by Austin Shay of the state DEC.
Organizers say the event is designed for landowners and community members interested in learning how to identify the signs and symptoms of oak wilt, report suspected cases, and take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading.
Oak wilt is a destructive fungal disease that can spread underground through interconnected root systems and above ground through beetles or the movement of infected firewood. The disease can quickly kill infected red oak trees and poses a growing threat to forests across the region.
According to town officials, active oak wilt infections had been confirmed as of October 2025 in the towns of Middlesex, Italy, Naples, South Bristol, and Bristol.
Officials say early detection and public awareness are critical to slowing the spread of the disease and protecting local woodlands.
Thursday’s workshop is free and open to the public.
