Volunteers have been heading out into the woods this winter hunting for signs of an invasive insect, a tiny, destructive bug that has found its way to the Adirondacks. If it spreads, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid could threaten millions of Hemlock trees throughout the Adirondack Park.
While scientists and environmentalists are working to combat it, the Woolly Adelgid may be getting some assistance from nature. The warming winters we are experiencing in the Adirondacks could help this forest pest to survive.
Land and water conservation groups are looking for volunteers to assist in looking for signs of HWA.
To volunteer or report a sighting contact Monica Dore at the Lake George Land Conservancy at mdore@lglc.org or call office 518-644-9673.
Reported sightings may also be called in to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Pest Information Line at 1-866-640-0652.
The New York State Hemlock Initiative collects photos of infestations and GPS coordinates. Email them to info@nyshemlockinitiative.info
iMapInvasives is a reporting app and website that may be used to report sightings. Learn more: www.nyimapinvasives.org
This story is part of Peril and Promise, a national initiative exploring the impact of Climate Change here in the Adirondacks and around the world. This June, join us for Sinking Cities, a Peril and Promise series examining the impact of climate change on four major coastal cities.
#PerilandPromisePBS