The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, or HWA, is a tiny, invasive insect that threatens Michigan’s eastern hemlock trees. It was first detected in Ottawa County in 2016. HWA can kill a mature hemlock tree in as little as four years if left untreated.
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation has been actively surveying and treating HWA infestations to slow the spread and protect thousands of native hemlock trees in local forests.
In response to the spread, OCPR’s Natural Resource Management staff is inviting the public to an educational event to provide insight into the history and biology of HWA. Staff will also explain how it is mitigating the invasive pest’s impacts and share options for landowners who have hemlocks on their property.
The event happens August 20th from 6 – 8 p.m. at Hemlock Crossing County Park and includes a tour of infected trees along the Pigeon River and a live demonstration of treatment methods.
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