Partnering Helps Early Detection
Since March of 2020, THTLT and the St. Lawrence — Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) have teamed up every fall/winter season to teach volunteers how to identify Eastern Hemlock trees, then survey the trees for the presence of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).
HWA is a non-native invasive insect that kills Eastern Hemlock trees, and is most noticeable in colder weather.
As a result of this teamwork, nearly 100 passionate Tug Hill recreationists are now empowered as citizen scientists with skills to survey these important trees and report the presence or absence of HWA while out snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or hiking anywhere in the region.
If you’d like to be notified of future trainings, contact Linda Gibbs at 315-779-8240 or lgibbs@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org.
Why Hemlocks Matter
On Tug Hill, about 1 out of every 4 trees in our forests is an Eastern Hemlock. The Eastern Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, is considered a foundational species, as it provides critical food and shelter for a wide variety of birds and mammals in winter.
Hemlocks also regulate stream flow, provide shade to keep trout streams cool, minimize runoff and soil erosion along steep slopes and stream sides, and help keep water clean.
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HWA Spread Concerning
HWA has been spreading northeast along Lake Ontario to trees in Selkirk Shores and Mexico Point State Parks and was recently found near Verona Beach.
HWA are thought to travel on the feet or fur of animals or by tree-to-tree contact during high wind events, as they can’t fly. They were first detected in southern New York State in 1985. Chemical and biological treatments are potential ways to treat HWA when detected early.
“Partnerships with organizations like Tug Hill Tomorrow are invaluable for engaging community members to expand early detection efforts for HWA and other invasive species in the region and beyond.”
– Megan Pistolese-Shaw SLELO
More Information and Resources available from: SLELO PRISM at sleloinvasives.org NYS Hemlock Initiative at blogs.cornell.edu/nyshemlockinitiative