Posts Tagged trees
Hemlock woolly adelgid eggs
The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) Adelges tsugae was first described in western North America in 1924 and first reported in the eastern United States in 1951 near Richmond, VA.
Research scientists using molecular genetics have recently determined that several distinct populations of HWA occur in Asia and western North America and we now know that HWA populations found in the East originated from southern Japan. In their native range, these populations of HWA cause little damage to the hemlock trees they feed on as natural enemies and possible tree resistance has evolved with this insect pest.
In the absence of these natural control elements in eastern North America, this introduced insect pest attacks both eastern (Canadian) and Carolina hemlock which are often damaged and killed within a few years of becoming infested. HWA is now established from northeastern Georgia to southeastern Maine and as far west as eastern Kentucky and Tennessee.
For details see the U.S. Forest Service article ‘Forest Health Protection—Hemlock Woolly Adelgid‘ on their Web site.
Working with the State Parks, the Catoctin Forest Alliance (CFA) is taking the lead on getting 35 Hemlock Woolly Adelgid resistant/treated hemlock trees planted on the Lower Falls Trail at Cunningham Falls State Park. This event will take place on Wednesday April 6, 2011 between 10am and 2pm. We are looking for 10 volunteers to help with the actual planting. CFA will provide lunch and refreshments.
For further details and to volunteer contact CFA President, Michael West
