NASHVILLE (AP) — The Nature Conservancy and the Tennessee Division of Forestry have launched an education initiative to help save native tree species from invasive pests.

Katherine Medlock of the conservancy says the Appalachian Mountains are a hotspot for tree pest infestations and trees statewide are in danger.

The "Healthy Trees, Healthy Tennessee" program seeks to arm communities against the threat of such invaders as the hemlock wooly adelgid, the emerald ash borer and the gypsy moth.

Medlock says vigilance and quick response to infestations can save trees.

More information is online at healthytreeshealthycities.org/cities/Tennessee.