Help Scout for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Looking for a way to get outside more this winter? Come join NYS Parks staff as they look for the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) on Friday, February 11th (with more dates coming).
What is HWA
HWA is an aphid-like insect that is pushing north through NYS and threatens to eliminate local hemlock populations. In the winter, when HWA puts on its namesake woolly protection from the cold, state park staff spend hours searching through hemlock stands in multiple parks, looking for the tiny white balls of “wool”.
Currently, state parks and other entities rely on HWA detections solely from surveys conducted by staff and volunteers. Your help is needed and much appreciated.
What does volunteering entail?
Saratoga PLAN has partnered with NYS Parks to help provide volunteer assistance in order to cover more ground this winter. During the survey you will hike the trails of beautiful Moreau Lake State Park, examining the underside of hemlock branches for a tiny white fluffball. Staff will train you in identifying it’s distinguishing characteristics while providing an overview of its spread over the years, and the methods used to for treatments. Additionally, you’ll be able to have the tools to survey future hemlock stands anywhere.
Details
The first survey will be on Friday, February 11th from 9:00 AM through noon, with dates subject to change with weather. Deadline for registration is February 9th. Surveys will be outside, with masks required anytime social distancing cannot take place. To sign up and to receive additional details on what to bring and where to meet, please contact:
andy.damon@parks.ny.gov
Andy Damon
Stewardship Specialist
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Saratoga-Capital District
Saratoga Spa State Park
19 Roosevelt Dr.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(O): 518-584-2000, ext. 152
(C): 518-646-3652