Protecting Hemlocks for Homeowners: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Control

Bureau / Program: Maine Forest Service
Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Coastal Rivers' Denny Education Center, 3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta
Event Type: Workshop/Training

The Eastern Hemlock is a majestic, ancient tree species found across the Eastern United States and Canada; it offers shelter, food, and protection for over 120 species of vertebrates. These trees are not only highly effective at carbon sequestration but they also provide critical soil erosion control on stream banks throughout this region. However, an invasive insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid has been wreaking havoc on the Eastern Hemlock stands.

As climate change worsens, these pests have been able to invade further and further north. Property owners have a role to play in the control of hemlock woolly adelgid. Join us as Colleen Teerling, of the Maine Forest Service, explains how to identify this pest, how to determine appropriate control measures and what is being done throughout the region to protect Hemlock trees.

Although it may take a number of years for biological controls to successfully protect Hemlock trees, this is likely the best option to save Hemlocks on a landscape-level. The predatory beetle Sasajiscymnus tsugae feeds on both generations and is the only species that landowners can purchase for use on their own property.

This program will have a special focus on the use of a biological controls and participants will have an opportunity to purchase a colony of these beetles through Coastal Rivers. A colony of beetles will cost $275. There will be a separate, and mandatory, training for the release of these beetles in May. People purchasing a beetle colony will have to be in Maine late May through June 15 because the exact arrival date of the beetle shipment is difficult to determine and the beetles must be released by trained property owners within 24 hours of arrival.

This program will be in-person at Coastal Rivers' Denny Education Center. A Zoom option will be available.

REGISTER

Participants should bring a check for $285 made to Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust if they are purchasing biocontrol (beetle colony) as part of the Coastal Rivers bulk purchase.

Contact Name: Sarah Gladu
Contact Email: sgladu@coastalrivers.org