Photo showcasing insects that are killing eastern hemlock trees.

New York’s forests are in trouble. Tiny, destructive insects are spreading fast, killing trees that have stood for hundreds of years. We’ve already lost American chestnuts and millions of ash trees. Now, another tree is at risk–the eastern hemlock.

A tiny bug called Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is invading our forests. If we don’t act fast, we could lose these trees, which are key to keeping our forests strong and healthy.

WHY ARE HEMLOCKS SO IMPORTANT?

Hemlocks do a lot more than just look beautiful. These towering evergreens help keep our rivers and streams clean, prevent land erosion, and provide homes for wildlife. They also create cool, shady forests where other plants and animals thrive.

But hemlocks are in danger. HWA sucks the sap from hemlock needles, causing the trees to weaken and die. When too many hemlocks die, whole sections of the forest can collapse. This means fewer homes for animals, more soil washing into rivers, and big changes to the landscape.

HOW DID HWA GET HERE?

HWA came to the U.S. from Asia in the 1950s. Since then, it has spread quickly, wiping out hemlock forests in the Catskills, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Smokies. For years, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, area conservation partners, and trained volunteers – our citizen scientists – have kept a close watch on HWA in Chautauqua County. It was only found in a few places in the past. The Conservancy has been compiling data and having conversations with state and other authorities to assess the scale of the outbreaks.

In 2024, the data changed. New outbreaks have been found all over the county. HWA is spreading fast, and we need to stop it before it’s too late.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

There’s still hope!

– Cold Weather Helps – HWA hates the cold. This year’s chilly winter might slow it down.

– Science Is Fighting Back – Researchers are testing tiny predator insects that eat HWA. Early results look promising!

– Tree Treatments Exist – Special oils, soaps, and pesticides can help protect hemlocks. But treating large areas is expensive and difficult.

The most important thing we can do is find HWA early. If we know where the infestations are, we can take action.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is leading the fight against HWA. We’re looking for volunteers to help survey local forests and check for infected trees.

No experience needed! We’ll teach you how to spot HWA and collect important data. Plus, you’ll enjoy a beautiful walk in nature while helping save our forests.

Surveys are happening all over Chautauqua County. They’re free to join. You’ll learn how to protect your own trees, too!

The more eyes we have on the forest, the better chance we have of saving our hemlocks. Will you help?

For details on survey dates, visit www.chautauquawatershed.org or contact Bethany O’Hagan at bethany@chautauquawatershed.org. Let’s protect our forests–one tree at a time!

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust working to preserve and enhance the water quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the lands and waters of the Chautauqua region.