First Friday Lunch Bunch (Adult)
Defending Hemlocks from Deadly Invaders by Elyse Henshaw
June 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. – noon
$8 Adults; $6 Nature Center members
Registrations accepted online through May 31.
Walk-ins welcome.

Within New York and Pennsylvania forests, invasive insects are seeking refuge within Eastern Hemlock trees. However, this invader isn’t a good guest as it kills this foundational forest species and leaves a path of destruction wherever it goes. 

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an aphid-like insect, originating in Asia, which feeds off of the food storage cells below the needles of an Eastern Hemlock tree and hides itself under white, woolly masses for protection. Within only a matter of 4 – 10 years, an individual tree can succumb to an HWA infestation if unnoticed. This deadly bug has been progressively moving closer to the area as it has spread throughout much of the eastern United States, leaving massive stands of hemlocks dead in their wake. With infestations recently found in Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, Allegany State Park, Allegheny National Forest and the SUNY Fredonia College woodlot, its presence is becoming an increased threat to any forest within Western New York and Pennsylvania. Early detection of this particular pest is crucial as the spread of HWA can be managed. Every winter RTPI, partnering organizations, and citizen scientists work together to spread the word while slowing the spread of this pesky invader.

For nearly five years, Elyse has been the Conservation Technician at RTPI where she supports their growing conservation and education initiatives. Every year she leads trainings and citizen scientist efforts related to monitoring invasive species within our region.

Special Information: BYO brown bag lunch and conversation follows the program. Audubon provides coffee and tea.