Hemlock

What's the big deal about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)?

• it doesn't have any predators so once established there's no natural controls
• it spreads very easily -- by wind, birds, by humans transporting wood
• it has a track record of wiping out entire Hemlock forests

What does it mean for Nova Scotia?

• the short answer is we don't know how it will progress
• first discovered in South Western Nova Scotia summer 2017
• Hemlocks are well established across the province
• trying to determine the extent of infestation

Why should I care about Hemlock?

• it has some commercial value
• it is our oldest living tree and very important in the forest
• if you fish ... it shades streams and rivers to keep the water cooler and healthier for fish
• if you hunt ... hemlock groves are important habitat for wintering deer
• if you are a naturalist ... important nesting habitat for birds

What can I do?

• If you see a snowy, cotton-like growth on Hemlocks anywhere in the province, try and get a picture and call Ron Neville at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency : 902-536-1022
• HWA is very small -- about the size of a pencil dot -- and can hide in the tree bark.  Please do not move firewood.  If you go camping, acquire your firewood where you burn it.

More information

• Concise information on HWA from the Canadian Invasive Species Centre is [ here ] 
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is leading the efforts with HWA.  Ron Neville gave a detailed update on HWA at the March 2018 Western Woodlands Conference at you can read it [here] 
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agencies plan for HWA is [ here ] 
• A Scientific Journal article on HWA [ here ] 
• The following 10 minute video is from the Blomidon Naturalist Society and provides information about Hemlock and HWA in Nova Scotia