tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34717928935388765302024-03-12T17:38:48.155-07:00Giants of Nova ScotiaCelebrating Nova Scotia's trees and forests, raising awareness about Invasive SpeciesJen Wordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10166427619338355642noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-88532169225996717652024-02-25T14:41:00.000-08:002024-02-25T14:41:50.220-08:00What's Happening with our Nova Scotia Hemlocks?<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr4ADGnyPrx7WloR7fDYnqtEhA5VEP5jX4TUWpv5Cyb7PBGN-B0LIQo1YmruXLjQtt4yt85D0vusDfsxoi47yOrt66WUyw4KCjiDjLc1zQqKXVxteIZEAoOsSxEduckMoqdxQeRqeZamrNlpoIaDDUFOKdjZwVc8W1_zpma9Jw2h7muo9awWqAGNmUPk/s1074/banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1074" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr4ADGnyPrx7WloR7fDYnqtEhA5VEP5jX4TUWpv5Cyb7PBGN-B0LIQo1YmruXLjQtt4yt85D0vusDfsxoi47yOrt66WUyw4KCjiDjLc1zQqKXVxteIZEAoOsSxEduckMoqdxQeRqeZamrNlpoIaDDUFOKdjZwVc8W1_zpma9Jw2h7muo9awWqAGNmUPk/w400-h219/banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Invasive Species Awareness Week in Canada (February 26, 2024). And because we're all about trees, we're going to focus on the nastiest -- the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) -- which is sweeping from west to east across the province decimating our biggest and oldest tree -- the Eastern Hemlock.</div><p>There are more invasive species that affect our trees -- like Emerald Ash Borer and the Beech Leaf Mining Weevil -- but we'll get back to them another day.</p><p>If you'd like to comment on anything in this post, please visit our <b><a href="http://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> pages.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Why should I care about hemlock?</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LDsROxbsTBWplYJ79LolLP1Uspoh8T_9hSzZKEtvknalJME6EQBWt441cvACSL6TbyfF6KHP-51KwxqFZ2voIslkrFUvFHjUu-Z7m-EpEL1ic8wkEb3S1XCBf_AaSX3SbWLm1gEBg6vcL8-3CpKCFZF1MDKw_eXKlVzDL8OydUGGiOa6qqmqX9vu0Y0/s1080/2024-03-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LDsROxbsTBWplYJ79LolLP1Uspoh8T_9hSzZKEtvknalJME6EQBWt441cvACSL6TbyfF6KHP-51KwxqFZ2voIslkrFUvFHjUu-Z7m-EpEL1ic8wkEb3S1XCBf_AaSX3SbWLm1gEBg6vcL8-3CpKCFZF1MDKw_eXKlVzDL8OydUGGiOa6qqmqX9vu0Y0/w400-h400/2024-03-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hemlock Ravine Park, HRM (c) toddbealphoto</div><p style="text-align: left;">Hemlock are not as commercially important as other trees like spruce and fir, altho their moisture resistance make them a good alternative to pressure treated wood.</p><p>But they have a significant role in the forest -- their dense treetops and branches slow rainwater and prevent erosion. </p><p>Those branches also provide shade which cools hemlock lined waterways encouraging fish populations. </p><p>They have extensive root networks -- particularly along lakes and rivers -- that stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. </p><p>As our oldest and largest trees, there are many species of plants and animals that rely on hemlocks for shelter and a place to build their homes. </p><p>They store a HUGE amount of carbon.</p><p>And they are found throughout Nova Scotia so your recent forest walk probably was underneath hemlocks. 😀</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Where is HWA in Nova Scotia?</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CNy8Pm1RLkfOKOi12dm_UaBh1nVO9ILt5EUbaXHyA70rADeJi3Zi_wki0SDFPLl_iHOa_xSGcXqIkm4vn63P-LWcj-66xP8KEaY5Bc64z-B1flYYtIo_OV389bdt3jvHTuJgpCCkBoCPR_7N-BO-oqsDOw0turrg0URu50ADV9E4MG6Q80W43sOOPKI/s3300/2024-02-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CNy8Pm1RLkfOKOi12dm_UaBh1nVO9ILt5EUbaXHyA70rADeJi3Zi_wki0SDFPLl_iHOa_xSGcXqIkm4vn63P-LWcj-66xP8KEaY5Bc64z-B1flYYtIo_OV389bdt3jvHTuJgpCCkBoCPR_7N-BO-oqsDOw0turrg0URu50ADV9E4MG6Q80W43sOOPKI/w400-h309/2024-02-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">HWA in NS, (c) Canadian Food Inspection Agency</div><p>In 2017, HWA was first discovered in western Nova Scotia. As shown by the red dots in the map above, it has been steadily marching eastward across the province and we have just had the first confirmed sighting in the Halifax Regional Municipality.</p><p>Where the bug has been established the longest, there is extensive mortality of all ages and sizes.</p><p>Typically, from first infestation to death is between 5-10 years. </p><p>Without treatment, this will happen to most of our hemlocks.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How can your help?</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIz2Z65PRYoojC1Z775g_a0NlL6lpLG1hFZeOAWmVRR9pH45ixH2yEasmaLFqfMxMkMA-ippemjT0t-wZltPVKboCUvihQ3eaK3FrM0vUeN6OkKLZ1pT2j65bqsaWpw6Xv-SILuCCOl2hybTkr8LfU97UHgfvE_zdrCC7_kcmfU4Isp21NzIdl2_PFCg/s2000/2024-02-28-1-blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIz2Z65PRYoojC1Z775g_a0NlL6lpLG1hFZeOAWmVRR9pH45ixH2yEasmaLFqfMxMkMA-ippemjT0t-wZltPVKboCUvihQ3eaK3FrM0vUeN6OkKLZ1pT2j65bqsaWpw6Xv-SILuCCOl2hybTkr8LfU97UHgfvE_zdrCC7_kcmfU4Isp21NzIdl2_PFCg/w400-h300/2024-02-28-1-blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on the underside of a hemlock branch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now you can help by being on the lookout for the telltale sign of HWA -- a white, cotton-like sac -- typically found on the underside of a hemlock branch where the needles meet the stem. </div><p></p><p>Until the first week of April is a very good time to spot the sacs. The momma -- who is inside the sac -- is feeding and making babies.</p><p>Later in spring and early summer, those babies will crawl out and each one will form a new egg sac. You will find this new, second generation of egg sacs on the new growth tips. This second generation of HWA is one of the reasons HWA is so prolific.</p><p>At other times of year, the symptoms of HWA are more easy to detect than tiny HWA. Look for branch tips that are devoid of needles and thin, yellowing canopies.</p><p>Early detection means that treatment costs less and should be more successful.</p><p><br /></p><p>From April until August you can help by taking steps to make sure you do not accidentally spread HWA. During this time, HWA have hatched and the babies are looking for a new home. </p><p>The babies are very small -- about the size of a pencil dot -- and there can be a lot of them -- scientists have collected more than 1,000 falling off a a single tree in one day. </p><p>So if you travel in forests with hemlocks west of Halifax, you can help by making sure you are not transporting a baby HWA to a new location. Change your clothes or run a link brush over your clothes and hat (pets too!). And it's a good idea not to go directly to another forest with hemlocks.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How do I find HWA?</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2B7hq-jF0fwzXWfbqAohcBC9vVHnK-P7bcBgS3WEaUqoVr-P6CIZ4eDNwTEjbktW4m3hpmtp8pOOtHnVRm2-mlS7Dit1nGLEbOhlOSRIW7u98LfG-OqEOtK1HCHwDAdheHyPcgHFlLsPPrTDrc3jt3dsjb0p0CBjQGPQGyAkWTjmCO7V8sl0xyM731w/s1080/2022-03-01-3.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2B7hq-jF0fwzXWfbqAohcBC9vVHnK-P7bcBgS3WEaUqoVr-P6CIZ4eDNwTEjbktW4m3hpmtp8pOOtHnVRm2-mlS7Dit1nGLEbOhlOSRIW7u98LfG-OqEOtK1HCHwDAdheHyPcgHFlLsPPrTDrc3jt3dsjb0p0CBjQGPQGyAkWTjmCO7V8sl0xyM731w/w400-h400/2022-03-01-3.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look for the telltale white sacs where the needle meets the branch</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are a couple of ways to find the white cotton-like sacs:</div><p></p><p>1. Grab a branch, flip it over and look for the sacs where the needles meet the stem, typically close to the tips of the branches</p><p>2. After a wind storm there will often be hemlock tips lying on the ground. This is an excellent opportunity to check branches that came from higher up on the tree</p><p>3. I have had the best success inspecting branches that have fallen down.</p><p>4. From March to mid April when the sacs are large, you can shine a very bright light up into the tree just before dark and the sacs will be quite prominent in the light. Watch your step as you're looking up!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What do I do if I find HWA?</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx7vXVQXv9CHVySTGWPFlrgFaXGVw4WiGR4zqj6B1S4dxexjV8TW4S2_BOn0ihnuqz0SjGQ7LKbKCr_3sG7vR8360EVNHrElTsxijndfzC3C7G2FdURT9uzX2VU1TUce5RdBQqiygWAERDde5aGa0P6cs2UStQw_XZzhLHixTtOylnZ4a-Nd_jxl5NPA/s998/2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx7vXVQXv9CHVySTGWPFlrgFaXGVw4WiGR4zqj6B1S4dxexjV8TW4S2_BOn0ihnuqz0SjGQ7LKbKCr_3sG7vR8360EVNHrElTsxijndfzC3C7G2FdURT9uzX2VU1TUce5RdBQqiygWAERDde5aGa0P6cs2UStQw_XZzhLHixTtOylnZ4a-Nd_jxl5NPA/w266-h400/2.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Get a pic to help confirm your sighting!</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">There are several things that look like HWA so it is best to get a picture if possible to help confirm that it is the bug.</div><p></p><p>And let us know! </p><p>1. You can send your pic with location info to <b>hwa@nshemlock.ca</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oBVPcSEtcOrWCj2g2rwN6gJdKFmSUFK5VGA1oE60wwHdSUx7YmKceG5DmzB1g7-FeXRa0C8WLkDtQF-BWADBIYguqlaiXDgyf0KH48nINm9Pq2tiR1oHnfinyPAf0Z8eEf0aVYfbvmZh9P_GUSNXwquxSrFxTZWIyOf_W5eS-pHyT6OZAAXiGXrYCks/s1010/inaturalist.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1010" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oBVPcSEtcOrWCj2g2rwN6gJdKFmSUFK5VGA1oE60wwHdSUx7YmKceG5DmzB1g7-FeXRa0C8WLkDtQF-BWADBIYguqlaiXDgyf0KH48nINm9Pq2tiR1oHnfinyPAf0Z8eEf0aVYfbvmZh9P_GUSNXwquxSrFxTZWIyOf_W5eS-pHyT6OZAAXiGXrYCks/w400-h360/inaturalist.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recent screen capture of HWA in Nova Scotia on iNaturalist</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>2. Are you an <a href="https://inaturalist.ca/" target="_blank"><b>iNaturalist</b></a> user? Post your pic and we'll find it!<p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How do we save a tree with HWA?</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vt_s9GAE-UYa74j-tdYNxGXbG5_As_5u4rPOW1aHBf1Cqw_YjgvMYg76jWlEPw06oMGtHze2x0JTeE2gosg6qAe5bx1Z5UGt76f77utTEozn7oRfRCFof7re4ukNquyd3Ssc7aLe3ly5TtqnxHLNA2Zv5JA22m-yoj-Imf_oK4F3cawIpQIy1bHIqtY/s1500/IMG_0698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vt_s9GAE-UYa74j-tdYNxGXbG5_As_5u4rPOW1aHBf1Cqw_YjgvMYg76jWlEPw06oMGtHze2x0JTeE2gosg6qAe5bx1Z5UGt76f77utTEozn7oRfRCFof7re4ukNquyd3Ssc7aLe3ly5TtqnxHLNA2Zv5JA22m-yoj-Imf_oK4F3cawIpQIy1bHIqtY/w400-h266/IMG_0698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Applying pesticides to the tree bark</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">At this time, the only way to treat a hemlock infested with HWA is by using pesticides -- either injecting it into the stem of the tree or by spraying the bark.</div><p></p><p>Several groups in Nova Scotia are currently treating trees including:</p><p>1. Kejimkujik National Park</p><p>2. The Medway Community Forest Coop which includes the <b><a href="https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/hemlock-heroes" target="_blank">Hemlock Heroes</a></b> </p><p>3. The Nova Scotia Department Natural Resources</p><p>There are also some commercial pesticide operators and a growing number of private landowners who have learned the steps required to treat their own trees</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What is the long-term plan for dealing with HWA?</b></p><p>Treating hemlock with pesticides is time consuming, expensive and the treatments only last 5-7 years before the trees have to be treated again.</p><p>Fortunately, there is a natural solution being researched and trialed.</p><p>So what is this "natural solution"? In British Columbia there are hemlock trees and HWA that live together. But there is another piece to this puzzle ... bugs that feed on HWA keeping it in check.</p><p>In the fall of 2023, Nova Scotia imported one of the bugs from BC -- a beetle nicknamed "Little Larry" -- to evaluate if they will survive and flourish here. The beetles have been used in other locations with encouraging results and we are hopeful they will work here as well.</p><p>It will be at least 10 years before this makes a meaningful impact, but government scientists have started trials to evaluate this approach.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p__mKOSivcwh5d1Q2-Wi8xmFwLy6ZULq9IBPksWStaulpFow7y-dzANHWXKOhRysVbFvJpsOO2tHkCK6SgS9k4Sxr0GP-vYXiZsleLPW8aXsvhMdJqN7at06tQLOIWSydOCtx-y1-_z5-FAxAM2J_stOiJEY67-HgkWfRACILihUsBVSDzXfLzr41j4/s1500/IMG_0335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p__mKOSivcwh5d1Q2-Wi8xmFwLy6ZULq9IBPksWStaulpFow7y-dzANHWXKOhRysVbFvJpsOO2tHkCK6SgS9k4Sxr0GP-vYXiZsleLPW8aXsvhMdJqN7at06tQLOIWSydOCtx-y1-_z5-FAxAM2J_stOiJEY67-HgkWfRACILihUsBVSDzXfLzr41j4/w400-h266/IMG_0335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wentzell Lake Park</div><p style="text-align: left;">As we wait for scientists to establish insect predators and build populations large enough to munch through HWA and keep hemlocks healthy like on the west coast, please help our irreplaceable old growth hemlocks by:</p><p>1. take steps to prevent the spread</p><p>2. identify infestations as early as possible</p><p>3. treat trees where possible.</p><p>If you'd like to take a more direct role, consider becoming a <b><a href="https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/hemlock-heroes" target="_blank">Hemlock Hero</a></b>.</p><p>And if you'd like to learn more about HWA, checkout <b><a href="http://www.nshemlock.ca">www.nshemlock.ca</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Many thanks to Donna Crossland and Ron Neville for their assistance preparing this post.</p></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0Nova Scotia, Canada45.077847299999988 -63.546682216.767613463821142 -98.702932199999992 73.38808113617884 -28.3904322tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-33692836275807277332024-01-06T09:37:00.000-08:002024-02-12T11:39:22.348-08:00My Top Stories from 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l6-qgZIwIp9LL36h8QahLfagnxbWP-xCIKbzcqDHxlwgxaXmrsDFj_ezf-p_YyXk6rssv594-UH9rGIE1tZSfEBOawMmsptzV2PL1kKc9owqYOxzSmEq4hf5sRLMA2z54-n0r8Tw8i_WcbHktE7mcM4JoRbiS5UoxeB-2RnCroHT3JtHYuBbP7vc36k/s1080/2024-01-08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l6-qgZIwIp9LL36h8QahLfagnxbWP-xCIKbzcqDHxlwgxaXmrsDFj_ezf-p_YyXk6rssv594-UH9rGIE1tZSfEBOawMmsptzV2PL1kKc9owqYOxzSmEq4hf5sRLMA2z54-n0r8Tw8i_WcbHktE7mcM4JoRbiS5UoxeB-2RnCroHT3JtHYuBbP7vc36k/w400-h266/2024-01-08.jpg" title="2023's Final Sunrise (c) Cyndie Mackinnon" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(c) Cyndie Mackinnon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">IMHO, three things stood out in 2023 regarding Nova Scotia's trees and forest:</div><p></p><div><div><b>1- The worst fire season on record</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Forests fires are not usually a big deal in Nova Scotia. We have a relatively cool climate that tends to be on the wetside and no point in the province is more that 100 kms from the ocean. Further limiting fires is our 6,000+ lakes and over 150 rivers.</div><div><br /></div><div>But in 2023, the fire gods were against us. It was an unusually dry spring followed by some unseasonably hot weather accompanied by high winds.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we Nova Scotians love our fires.</div><div><br /></div><div>The result was two massive fires (Halifax County and Shelburne County)</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps most distressing is that forests fires in 2023 affected almost 10 times more land than 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>And 2022 fires were almost 10 times bigger than the 10 year average.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is an ugly trend :-(</div><div><br /></div><div>more : <b><a href="https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/">https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2- Continued gains to preserve forests across the province</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Along with the Federal Government and other provinces across Canada, Nova Scotia has a goal to set aside 20% of the land for conservation. It's a pretty ambitious target when you consider that the Nova Scotia government owns less than 40% of all the provincial land.</div><div><br /></div><div>The province made some significant announcements designating new protected lands. </div><div>See : <b><a href="https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231220004">https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231220004</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are non-government groups like the Nova Scotia Nature Trust and Nature Conservancy Canada that made gains as well. see:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://nsnt.ca/">https://nsnt.ca/</a> </b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/nova-scotia/">https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/nova-scotia/</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And several community-based initiatives such as Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) that branched out across the province. see : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurOldForests"><b>https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurOldForests</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3- Progress dealing with hemlock woolly adelgid</b></div><div><br /></div><div>From my POV, it was looking pretty bleak for hemlock trees in Nova Scotia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since the first discovery of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in western Nova Scotia, the tone seemed to be "let nature run it's course".</div><div><br /></div><div>But a dedicated and passionate group were not prepared to let them go without a fight.</div><div><br /></div><div>And $10M helped ... a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we have several groups actively treating hemlocks. And our first release of "little larry", the HWA eating beetle on what we hope will be a successful introduction of biocontrols.</div><div><br /></div><div>A start but SO much more to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>* * * * *</div><div><br /></div><div>Comments? Suggestions for other top forest/tree stories in Nova Scotia in 2023? Please add to <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>* * * * *</div><div><br /></div><div>As I start to 7th year of Giants of Nova Scotia, I would like to give a HUGE shout out to all the photographers that have most generously given me permission to share their beautiful images of Nova Scotia's trees and forests.</div><div><br /></div><div>We live in an amazing part of the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>See for yourself : <a href="https://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia/"><b>https://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia/</b></a></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-66079164382726361142023-11-07T06:40:00.000-08:002023-11-07T06:40:17.474-08:00A bit of good news in the fight against hemlock woolly adelgid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tLR5yc6FYzLvIO69NA_ijWbDr6HxGiVFom0DvwctS38pWl4GyIijSkZGPzuFwW-G66LlG0VFsUheJsReBCx-qmTQQiWn8Vi7jibIP8xwDmBadP7yrHZWF6bljfc3JcHrRh8EouZIpL-KUAZuyOJ_kQSlgUxRUnz6IjNhEBW3oZdf6VCN1z2xRQDLk8o/s1620/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tLR5yc6FYzLvIO69NA_ijWbDr6HxGiVFom0DvwctS38pWl4GyIijSkZGPzuFwW-G66LlG0VFsUheJsReBCx-qmTQQiWn8Vi7jibIP8xwDmBadP7yrHZWF6bljfc3JcHrRh8EouZIpL-KUAZuyOJ_kQSlgUxRUnz6IjNhEBW3oZdf6VCN1z2xRQDLk8o/w400-h266/IMG_0614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Hemlock trees in western Nova Scotia infested with hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) are starting to die off. As the bug moves eastward across the province, pesticides have been the only tool to save infested trees<p></p><p>This has changed.</p><p>Researchers from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) have just released a beetle -- naturally local to British Columbia (BC) -- called Laricobius nigrinus that are natural predators to HWA.</p><p>Called "biocontrol", this initial release is a pilot project to gauge whether the beetles will be a viable, long term, natural solution to managing HWA in Nova Scotia.</p><p>The beetles were recently collected in BC by NRCan researchers. In the fall of 2024, the researchers will evaluate the winter survival rates of the introduced beetle to see how they have established, and their impact on HWA populations.</p><p>If you would like to learn more about the release or biocontrol, please see :</p><p>- Global News coverage of the beetle release (the video is helpful) : <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10063787/hemlock-woolly-adelgid-nova-scotia/"><b>https://globalnews.ca/news/10063787/hemlock-woolly-adelgid-nova-scotia/</b></a></p><p>- An overview of Biocontrol : <a href="https://nshemlock.ca/node/276"><b>https://nshemlock.ca/node/276</b></a></p><p>- A deeper dive into Biocontrol : <a href="https://nshemlock.ca/sites/nshemlock.ca/files/Biological%20Control%20of%20HWA%20in%20Eastern%20Canada.pdf"><b>https://nshemlock.ca/sites/nshemlock.ca/files/Biological%20Control%20of%20HWA%20in%20Eastern%20Canada.pdf</b></a></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-47286339473093922052023-08-15T16:40:00.000-07:002023-08-15T16:40:06.960-07:00Volunteers wanted to treat hemlocks at Asitu'lɨsk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_CZfDsUcDLHM2OyXVtgv-RWs796jCZT1YMniHh8qai9pMJO8uCmQsuMbb0WZdc-4P4-2yi1jvFv8l5S8a3ZBtnOYNLtQDG7W-W1oaG0NFkhdoUR51hdpPT9JdFlEB2DUYpKFcpA8UZsgtJDCRTx0X_KQiumnnF5ZFYTup0za6a59lUFQeLcOfyiE4cM/s2880/20180131_101239_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_CZfDsUcDLHM2OyXVtgv-RWs796jCZT1YMniHh8qai9pMJO8uCmQsuMbb0WZdc-4P4-2yi1jvFv8l5S8a3ZBtnOYNLtQDG7W-W1oaG0NFkhdoUR51hdpPT9JdFlEB2DUYpKFcpA8UZsgtJDCRTx0X_KQiumnnF5ZFYTup0za6a59lUFQeLcOfyiE4cM/s320/20180131_101239_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Join us in protecting the ancient Hemlock grove at Asitu'lɨsk (previously known as Windhorse Farm)</p><p><b>TREE MARKING WEEK : August 28 - September 1</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lunch provided</li><li>Accommodations available</li><li>Dress comfortably in woods clothes </li></ul><p></p><p>Sign up : <a href="https://www.asitulsk.ca/volunteer-signup-hwa-tree-marking-august-28-sept-1">https://www.asitulsk.ca/volunteer-signup-hwa-tree-marking-august-28-sept-1</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>TREATMENT WEEK : September 11-17</b></p><p>Choose your preferred role: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Flaggers : Identify Hemlock trees, flag them, and measure for dosage.</li><li>Volunteer Team Members : Drill for treatment, place cartridges, and collect them.</li><li>Volunteer at Base (Lodge) : Help with logistics, water hauling, and lunch preparations.</li></ul><p></p><p>Sign up : <a href="https://www.asitulsk.ca/volunteer-signup-hwa-treatment-sep-11-17">https://www.asitulsk.ca/volunteer-signup-hwa-treatment-sep-11-17</a></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-32563539178403689022023-06-11T16:39:00.002-07:002023-06-11T16:43:21.965-07:00Wildfires -- tree lovers worst nightmare<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy8AIMr6qcIWb3Q3960Q4y4SNctHZxL9v0qoks2t_4_Au4N_SWzSfeLuCweqsDOuw0lGYJVcr_7eLM6E0Ht5vL7iVb0c5jB1jPdqz1oB0p9iXcqSVZok4itrY4Hbtyz-wHRO4XUle7FRLXnA4qy6HUJ9k45bFOGAmVNL4E1n70nyXxIB_ftuaee02/s799/351713637_931301344779956_1417361104703025734_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="799" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy8AIMr6qcIWb3Q3960Q4y4SNctHZxL9v0qoks2t_4_Au4N_SWzSfeLuCweqsDOuw0lGYJVcr_7eLM6E0Ht5vL7iVb0c5jB1jPdqz1oB0p9iXcqSVZok4itrY4Hbtyz-wHRO4XUle7FRLXnA4qy6HUJ9k45bFOGAmVNL4E1n70nyXxIB_ftuaee02/w400-h400/351713637_931301344779956_1417361104703025734_n%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tantallon Area - June 2023 (c)shaunlowe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The last couple of weeks have been tough for tree lovers in Nova Scotia. Images of the wildfires and all the related carnage have been very disturbing. </p><p>This post tries to put it into some perspective with a few suggestions for the future. </p><p>Perhaps you have some constructive ideas? Please add to the COMMENTS to either <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a> .</b></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>What's the big deal about wildfires this year? </b></h4><p>In a word ... SIZE.</p><p>From 2012 to 2021, the average amount of land burned by wildfires for all of Nova Scotia each year was about 4.5 square kilometers (ie: about the size of two Bayer's Lake Business Parks)</p><p>So far this year, wildfires have burned over 252 square kilometers, the equivalent of over 110 Bayer's Lake Business Parks.</p><p>The impact on humans and all living things has been enormous and will take a long time to tally.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Why were the wildfires so large this year?</b></h4><p>There are at least three reasons:</p><p>1- MOISTURE : normally Nova Scotia is a pretty wet place. Not this year. There was very little snow pack and little rain in April and May.</p><p>2- TEMPERATURE/WIND : April and May were quite windy but on the cool side ... until the end of the May when temperatures shot up into the 30Cs accompanied by very strong winds for several days.</p><p>3- HUMANS : we Nova Scotians love our fires. And just about all wildfires in Nova Scotia are started by humans</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>The wildfire trend is not our friend.</b></h4><p>In 2022, Nova Scotia wildfires burned almost 8 times more than the previous 10 year average.</p><p>In 2023 (so far), wildfires have burned almost 8 times more than last year.</p><p>YIKES!</p><p>Are the last two years an anomaly, or is this the new "normal"?</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>So what can we do moving forward?</b> </h4><p>We can't do anything to change the weather, but we can be more proactive about wildfire conditions. A couple of things come to mind:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>tighter limits on burning restrictions and woods travel during the peak wildfire season</li><li>promote 911 to report all wildfires and suspiciious activity</li><li>wildfire alerts thru the provincial emergency alert network</li><li>public flogging of anyone caught deliberating starting a wildfire (opps, just because you think it doesn't mean you should write it down)</li></ul><p></p><p>Perhaps you have some constructive ideas? Please add to the COMMENTS to either <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a> .</b></p><p><br /></p><p>* * * * *</p><p>Many, many thanks to everyone that helped deal with the wildfires. And to everyone who was affected, my heartfelt sympathies.</p><p>Thanks to Shaun Lowe (@shaunlowe) for permission to repost his image and video.</p><p><b>More Info : </b></p><p><b>Nova Scotia Wildfire Dashboard :</b> <a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/91c63783cbd74699a0b46fbd2965ca58" target="_blank">https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/91c63783cbd74699a0b46fbd2965ca58</a></p><p><b>Nova Scotia's Natural Resources and Renewables Wildfire Resource : </b><a href="https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/" target="_blank">https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwhAuQRxyneTs9FsYEtRwKvPlCMZQQjQD0IHz1msRHqljSYRgm8t2sTvl1Una6lbUVw6wxbL87ga2eSFVNIhg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-91843312861154815572023-05-09T09:21:00.004-07:002023-05-14T05:06:03.911-07:00Are your hemlocks naturally resistant to HWA?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDM_I5WNjwJC0lWsUCrBJJVAIUgvKRWDObX3-zqCL0hL0_IwITvcxG3RgaI0bHgtDq4rK7wZrN9e7lUzP4hBx4boKVXbYfBOAC2GxC6DinaXXaJzxXfXAJIub53cs1Iq_6Mlt1eAze-SkSlNqyKDcKTAc2L9NUA61lIBc7umgV7SxmU_wx_t2jQRZ/s2010/20191027_135607%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Is this hemlock tree at Victoria Park in Truro naturally resistant to HWA?" border="0" data-original-height="2010" data-original-width="2010" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDM_I5WNjwJC0lWsUCrBJJVAIUgvKRWDObX3-zqCL0hL0_IwITvcxG3RgaI0bHgtDq4rK7wZrN9e7lUzP4hBx4boKVXbYfBOAC2GxC6DinaXXaJzxXfXAJIub53cs1Iq_6Mlt1eAze-SkSlNqyKDcKTAc2L9NUA61lIBc7umgV7SxmU_wx_t2jQRZ/w640-h640/20191027_135607%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Are your hemlocks naturally resistant to HWA?</b></div><p>Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is brutal on hemlocks. Once infested, it's a death sentence happening in as quickly as three years.</p><p>But some hemlocks appear to be naturally resistant to HWA. There are cases of healthy, green hemlocks standing in a sea of dead ones.</p><p>Have you seen any healthy hemlocks surrounded by dead or dying ones? They may be HWA resistant and an important part of a post-HWA forest. Please let us know:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>get a pic with GPS coordinates and send it to hwa@nshemlock.ca </li><li>upload your pic to <b><a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/healthy-hemlock-forests-of-the-maritimes" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a></b> and in the NOTES make a comment about perhaps being HWA resistant</li><li>use the App <b><a href="https://treesnap.org/" target="_blank">TreeSnap</a></b> to tag trees you find in your community, on your property, or out in the wild. Scientists will use the data you collect to locate trees for research projects like studying the genetic diversity of tree species and building better tree breeding programs.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>If you'd like more information with some links to additional information, check out :</p><p><b>In Defense of Plants PODCAST (April 23, 2023)</b> : A fruitful avenue of research involves understanding the capacity for natural resistance in some hemlock trees. Guest Ecologist Ian Kinahan discusses the ins and outs of woolly adelgid resistance and how it may offer a glimmer of hope for North America's hemlock trees. Thanks to Lucas Machias for the heads up. Listen here:</p><p><a href="https://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast/2023/4/23/ep-418-resisting-the-hemlock-woolly-adelgid" target="_blank">https://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast/2023/4/23/ep-418-resisting-the-hemlock-woolly-adelgid</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Ian Kinahan is the ecologist interviewed in the above Podcast</b>, some of his research.</p><p><a href="https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/bio_facpubs/212/" target="_blank">https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/bio_facpubs/212/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>iNaturalist site dedicated to HWA resistant trees</b></p><p><a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/the-search-for-hemlock-woolly-adelgid-resistance" target="_blank">https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/the-search-for-hemlock-woolly-adelgid-resistance</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Lingering Hemlock Working Group is in the early stages of developing a system for locating and monitoring HWA resistant hemlock</b></p><p><a href="https://holdenfg.org/great-lakes-basin-forest-health-collaborative/" target="_blank">https://holdenfg.org/great-lakes-basin-forest-health-collaborative/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>The United States Department of Agriculture have developed hemlock hybrids that are resistant to HWA suitable for horticulture :</b></p><p><a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2023/us-national-arboretum-offers-solution-to-hemlock-woolly-adelgid-pest/">https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2023/us-national-arboretum-offers-solution-to-hemlock-woolly-adelgid-pest/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-85873990281232445902023-03-25T13:04:00.000-07:002023-03-25T13:04:28.923-07:00HWA Webinar - Thu Apr.6.2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4eQ3OXQBGWPNn122QprrZcpdAdy69-G83_v4czSw9MjWEd8fLcdbHZeinWhE9VLSbNgpeACyC_FHjO5GM36QkVOumor39ITTcBBartp_FGAb4aB14e5LpNZ4A58gHb68cbFCkueGMcPYCk9p2BAbjLYyaP5yx5pqNsmdUINas5s5hWf5DVJodSzQ/s1080/HWA%20webinar%20invite%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4eQ3OXQBGWPNn122QprrZcpdAdy69-G83_v4czSw9MjWEd8fLcdbHZeinWhE9VLSbNgpeACyC_FHjO5GM36QkVOumor39ITTcBBartp_FGAb4aB14e5LpNZ4A58gHb68cbFCkueGMcPYCk9p2BAbjLYyaP5yx5pqNsmdUINas5s5hWf5DVJodSzQ/w400-h400/HWA%20webinar%20invite%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Are you interested in learning more about the hemlock killing bug -- hemlock woolly adelgid -- or HWA?</p><p>Please join us for a free, open to all one hour webinar on Thursday April 6, 2023 starting at 7pm.</p><p>We’ll discuss how to identify HWA, what we can do to help prevent its spread, as well as the impact HWA has on our forests and how we can protect them.</p><p>This webinar will be hosted by the Nature Trust’s stewardship coordinator Jessica Ferguson, with special guests,</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Donna Crossland, HWA Project Coordinator, Medway Community Forest Coop</li><li>Tom Rogers from Giants of Nova Scotia.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>To sign-up, email jessica@nsnt.ca for the Zoom link.</div><p></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-61616615916121252572023-03-19T08:21:00.001-07:002023-03-19T15:31:07.613-07:00My woodlot has HWA, what's next???<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThhIwnGkv5SWM0_hcnNLtLyPZNTfBQBQFa1EgnHkFkfeZmHVs3c8jmPhjotxtlI-1kCJklOSLNecRcwq9u1q5aPSwB1P06z3JHgyTZ4I9Y_4NWi3PEA_bQrTF9czcUG6Zw3b6ixhZHv6T4enbXHush2M6co1vjn17Ma7qzlNG_LZ1JH-KLPmzAXZA/s1564/1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThhIwnGkv5SWM0_hcnNLtLyPZNTfBQBQFa1EgnHkFkfeZmHVs3c8jmPhjotxtlI-1kCJklOSLNecRcwq9u1q5aPSwB1P06z3JHgyTZ4I9Y_4NWi3PEA_bQrTF9czcUG6Zw3b6ixhZHv6T4enbXHush2M6co1vjn17Ma7qzlNG_LZ1JH-KLPmzAXZA/w400-h400/1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>My woodlot has HWA, what's next???</b></p><p>This article is a personal account of how we are dealing with recently finding hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in our families' woodlot.</p><p>We've known for five years that it was coming. Now that we've found it on our trees I feel an urgency knowing their time could be limited.</p><p>The approach described is based on our current understanding and our priorities. Everyone will be different. And we will probably learn new things that will adjust our plans.</p><p>Have you had any experience dealing with an HWA infestation? Please COMMENT with any insights you may have learned from your experience on our Social Media ( <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giantsonovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a> ). </p><p>With over 30,000 private woodlot owners, many of us in Nova Scotia are/will be going thru this process.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGAc-MeERxILLBnprvkjHuigj3Y1FBUEwsDtynMgbXHtqHRaEHp9VbgG3xomqzdLXv311ndirnJH06eUCE_tGXFQYLv2xJM_mp5eJ2sDnPRMyeV_KAAcMOFZSZOJ14RTI09gwqozQOsIRzlyEfs6BBD3uEGDsnMICmMZwnSV5S2IE_v3wcDENGvk3/s769/2-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="769" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGAc-MeERxILLBnprvkjHuigj3Y1FBUEwsDtynMgbXHtqHRaEHp9VbgG3xomqzdLXv311ndirnJH06eUCE_tGXFQYLv2xJM_mp5eJ2sDnPRMyeV_KAAcMOFZSZOJ14RTI09gwqozQOsIRzlyEfs6BBD3uEGDsnMICmMZwnSV5S2IE_v3wcDENGvk3/w400-h400/2-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Most HWA infested hemlocks will eventually die. And because the bug is so prolific, most trees in an infested area will end up getting infested probably within 1-3 years of the first discovery.</div><div><br /></div><div>On our 150 acre woodlot, there are about 100 mature hemlock trees over 80 inches around (two people can just touch finger tips if they give it a hug). And about 10,000 more in various sizes.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>We could could let nature run its course as most of our hemlocks die over the next 5-10 years.</div><div><br /></div><div>We could harvest all our hemlocks before the bug kills them.</div><div><br /></div><div>We believe that our future woodlot should include hemlock. So we have decided to treat key trees and eventually implement biocontrols to maintain a natural balance.</div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj059QqO1RG1monLIXS1TV-5cHBX8siphr_-eQbuC_eKyVt9HEJ0ssOqMz477gVf0LDMcE6PySP2NjInPvesJfiqJb8xUnRrM2MrjwQ_DRfLSXu3u3hkjx4DzbEYRXc_GovjUFKqkVnpMLyWkLcKAwZhdIcWq4_nWCt_NVGDfzs4nV_SZZNSermjIXI/s1623/3.1a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj059QqO1RG1monLIXS1TV-5cHBX8siphr_-eQbuC_eKyVt9HEJ0ssOqMz477gVf0LDMcE6PySP2NjInPvesJfiqJb8xUnRrM2MrjwQ_DRfLSXu3u3hkjx4DzbEYRXc_GovjUFKqkVnpMLyWkLcKAwZhdIcWq4_nWCt_NVGDfzs4nV_SZZNSermjIXI/w265-h400/3.1a.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p>So far we have found two separate HWA infestations and they were both isolated to individual trees. But how widespread is the infestation? And is it in the older trees that we hope to keep alive? Because older trees respond much slower to treatment so they will have to be treated early if we hope to keep them alive.</p><p>So we are conducting a survey of hemlocks throughout the woodlot:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>around the trees we know have HWA, we inspect all the hemlocks in the immediate vicinity</li><li>anytime there is a windstorm or branches come down we search the underside of branches looking for HWA</li><li>starting now up until the weather warms we will inspect the upper branches using a bright, focusable light around dusk (HWA pops in the beam)</li><li>in late May/early June, hemlock tips will grow out and should turn a very distinctive lime green colour. No colour change suggests the tree may be under stress. This seems like a good job for a drone.</li><li>throughout the year we will be checking the health of our hemlocks by assessing their crown density -- from the base of the tree, look up into the crown ... with healthy trees you see very little sunlight coming through dense foliage</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWZR1zyDAj-Rft7g2dIAPwi8tW9ZOw7_9_ImQzicvrquLXOlOBBuwa_T1mB6inF2_K8VmnFcW2RVfejBXOuQ_Tb8mCfzWJg_2kejRHGEC7IGrn7lDqIGHZzj_HP4yBSrdL35N5ZpgZUykk62YdK_UAywpO7HFsfSBMUV5LI1eBZiNuduZT-C9Vct6/s1080/4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1080" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWZR1zyDAj-Rft7g2dIAPwi8tW9ZOw7_9_ImQzicvrquLXOlOBBuwa_T1mB6inF2_K8VmnFcW2RVfejBXOuQ_Tb8mCfzWJg_2kejRHGEC7IGrn7lDqIGHZzj_HP4yBSrdL35N5ZpgZUykk62YdK_UAywpO7HFsfSBMUV5LI1eBZiNuduZT-C9Vct6/s320/4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We see hemlocks as part of our future woodlot. We expect many will die but it is important to us that some remain.</p><p></p><p>First up is an ongoing monitoring program. As described above, we will be looking for HWA throughout the woodlot. Winter is a good time to look for the cotton-like, woolly sacs, Spring is a time to assess new growth and thru the summer and fall we will be looking up into the hemlocks to assess their crown density, looking for signs of needle drop and branches without needles.</p><p>Second is the treatment plan. We are currently getting certified to apply pesticides. We will treat select trees to keep them alive until biocontrols are in place. We expect to treat between 250 and 500 hemlocks over the next couple of years. Our schedule, the pace of HWA spread and cost will determine the specific numbers. </p><p>The selection will be based on outstanding examples that will be important seed trees and hemlocks along watercourses that provide important erosion/water control.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1ngZhD-l5qFMHHXu7hc-EWhFxjCvu3W--jn6Ljwz1bthkj_xuuDRtLGkwTZNGJqamb-twM-nWmq3SGCVM9dBJHmilvMXWgezwfs9HBCIbRpkkAJzLGhBaBNBHqwScmEBaEeWzO06mpYe3AFSeI7LYNzWN6Lmga6rMdZkt4p4bbRt2O5213kJMD9-/s1080/5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1ngZhD-l5qFMHHXu7hc-EWhFxjCvu3W--jn6Ljwz1bthkj_xuuDRtLGkwTZNGJqamb-twM-nWmq3SGCVM9dBJHmilvMXWgezwfs9HBCIbRpkkAJzLGhBaBNBHqwScmEBaEeWzO06mpYe3AFSeI7LYNzWN6Lmga6rMdZkt4p4bbRt2O5213kJMD9-/w400-h400/5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>For the short term, we will be continuously monitoring our hemlocks for HWA, treating select trees as soon as necessary and removing some of the hemlocks that are infested that have not been treated. </p><p>Some of the dying hemlocks will be retained for wildlife and eventually decaying onsite. </p><p>There is going to be a lot of lumber milling.</p><p>For the longer term, we have to get the Canadian west coast biocontrol insects produced in large quantities ASAP so HWA is kept in check thru natural processes because continuously applying pesticides every 5-7 years to keep trees alive is unsustainable.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p><b>Resources</b></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFnO2iQfxMPgyRGGcU31Rw58i3hUdWQf/view?usp=sharing" style="color: #73b03b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b>A concise, printable card about HWA</b></a></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><a href="https://merseytobeatic.ca/sites/merseytobeatic.ca/files/HWA%20Pamphlet.pdf" style="color: #73b03b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Landowner's Introduction to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid</a></b></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/s/Final_Imidacloprid-Treatment-Decision-Key.pdf" style="color: #adff42;" target="_blank"><b>HWA Treatment Decision Key</b></a></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Nova Scotia Hemlock Initiative : <b><a href="http://www.nshemlock.ca/" style="color: #73b03b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">nshemlock.ca</a></b></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Want to get involved? checkout <b><a href="https://forms.gle/khmtLDKM8yZND7H49" style="color: #73b03b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Hemlock Heroes</a></b></li></ul><p>Many thanks to Donna Crossland for proof reading the copy and offering suggestions.</p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0F9GF+H3 Wentzells Lake, NS, Canada44.4764535 -64.627274144.427449723699553 -64.695938650781244 44.525457276300443 -64.558609549218744tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-54621135286810591412023-02-19T10:11:00.000-08:002023-02-19T10:11:08.388-08:00You and the Hemlock Killing Bug - HWA<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40UUv9DAFC-yfiIOShBCClDbpGI79oA7_PbJPv-7XBbQoqEK-Ts5_TexnipG5YpKRtkWniVJHfAcbJ5q3U_LTj2jLxJEqXCEQgyZAGFnYY6pTYYjZTvnrhwSyPtphHWOYVDeDyZxGSLi2axqGX7IYR4-_KTImbOOWrLP3gyO9Q_VURbwl3ev2voqT/s1564/1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40UUv9DAFC-yfiIOShBCClDbpGI79oA7_PbJPv-7XBbQoqEK-Ts5_TexnipG5YpKRtkWniVJHfAcbJ5q3U_LTj2jLxJEqXCEQgyZAGFnYY6pTYYjZTvnrhwSyPtphHWOYVDeDyZxGSLi2axqGX7IYR4-_KTImbOOWrLP3gyO9Q_VURbwl3ev2voqT/w400-h400/1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A little bug called the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is decimating our Nova Scotian hemlock forests. </p><p>This article is all about simple steps you can take to help prevent the spread.</p><p>For some awesome images of Nova Scotia's hemlock forests, check out our social media pages ( <b><a href="https:www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b> ) ( <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/giantsocnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> )</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7gMRozkMR0Y9pITT_IESZIn0Rh3O2DwTr-4Tb_CqTQpCFlKs_rymYtie8gvdZ0bpQyw34GZOtbBWrwHZYrA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's video above does an excellent job of informing us about what we're up against. See below for the contact information for people to Nova Scotia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if you would like to learn more about hemlock woolly adelgid, checkout the free, open to all webinar titled "Hiking the Trails to Save Hemlocks". Register at : <a href="https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-save-hemlocks/"><b>https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-save-hemlocks/</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2EGGBe9UdzMtpaRDwGC38NCrkofAX01VfLRWwPzFC-A9vunXvX82hb1w2R1X9mVtPaxzSew-vb6VQ4_GItyot1NNOEKVk5e9SqLejJ-37Xivc_OZAiY3rhk7m_rwZHTUkACcfPqOI71K_EvOpQsJ0sfABsdOKqv4bKqQcPrQl8D2aceDKT523HSC/s1080/3.1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2EGGBe9UdzMtpaRDwGC38NCrkofAX01VfLRWwPzFC-A9vunXvX82hb1w2R1X9mVtPaxzSew-vb6VQ4_GItyot1NNOEKVk5e9SqLejJ-37Xivc_OZAiY3rhk7m_rwZHTUkACcfPqOI71K_EvOpQsJ0sfABsdOKqv4bKqQcPrQl8D2aceDKT523HSC/w400-h400/3.1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>How can you find HWA? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There have been positive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) sightings throughout western Nova Scotia up to a line running from Mahone Bay to Wolfville. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is it further east? This is where you can help! And right now is the best time to find it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">HWA builds a cotton-like sac on the underside of hemlock branches where the needles meets the stem. There are several ways to find it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw_4CTrXmAcH8qrZes8kCDczmhraN8-u614dasoxJDB0M8szbxm7AKjdfM1RkuPpo69cRXkCvHX4aPJmWGNag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Grab a branch, turn it over and look for the cotton-like sacs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai-Xtq37ugM8VH_7TbRtn9Vf8WcZcVFj1ZRqVFl_Xb1T7tGNgABpXrv_xPtIKsrjZAnzYauM8O7-COk8S-6wxxI5WeKGdLS6EVScebsyuDcpvnvyLiMqvaaP8oubDhzkkeaT0huPXgDNInf30QaPCCSN9mmigmFp9fkQeF8-iKM6u_NG80Ngwcuy_/s1080/3.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai-Xtq37ugM8VH_7TbRtn9Vf8WcZcVFj1ZRqVFl_Xb1T7tGNgABpXrv_xPtIKsrjZAnzYauM8O7-COk8S-6wxxI5WeKGdLS6EVScebsyuDcpvnvyLiMqvaaP8oubDhzkkeaT0huPXgDNInf30QaPCCSN9mmigmFp9fkQeF8-iKM6u_NG80Ngwcuy_/w400-h400/3.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A fallen branch provides an excellent opportunity to inspect branches that would normally be higher up in the tree</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqu0A29ea2UCsR59rKP42Py0_f9Rgg2FpLud-Km3BiKMx317hJTG3RIGgkYZTqfccDLzJ-1U7mTGE4ABF04zNa2Dzntd16jU6UKiK7UnFPBVq01Xrgdj4lS6QpvHGlxkDkYOHkQjQ-mTk5yZxArqZ_fGJ0d66tiRupBQaz3FVAbolie9tOJ-EElVa/s1080/3.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqu0A29ea2UCsR59rKP42Py0_f9Rgg2FpLud-Km3BiKMx317hJTG3RIGgkYZTqfccDLzJ-1U7mTGE4ABF04zNa2Dzntd16jU6UKiK7UnFPBVq01Xrgdj4lS6QpvHGlxkDkYOHkQjQ-mTk5yZxArqZ_fGJ0d66tiRupBQaz3FVAbolie9tOJ-EElVa/w400-h400/3.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a wind or ice storm, you will commonly find tips of hemlock branches strewn on the ground. If the underside of the branch is facing up you can inspect for HWA simply by looking down!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Other options include:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>using a very bright, focusable light that you shine up into the tree around dusk when the white woolly sacs will pop in the light</li><li>using a pole saw to cut samples higher up on the tree</li></ul></div></div></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEllHW40c3Tw36hRTh0cAbDeIajdf6L3Bg1OFZ2yxewv89znT2HQ0ki7MUaA8DpoIklp0Gb_7MJgUJuePn1ihlGiq6UVHNOzu71LPzz_8VS0t38g6qzQHpbPVUhVCoY_bbPQEo7v7VdJw0WqCvVU1RFgWybRu4LrJdolwtv5-y6cgo2Cu_APH6nLJl/s1081/4.1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEllHW40c3Tw36hRTh0cAbDeIajdf6L3Bg1OFZ2yxewv89znT2HQ0ki7MUaA8DpoIklp0Gb_7MJgUJuePn1ihlGiq6UVHNOzu71LPzz_8VS0t38g6qzQHpbPVUhVCoY_bbPQEo7v7VdJw0WqCvVU1RFgWybRu4LrJdolwtv5-y6cgo2Cu_APH6nLJl/w400-h400/4.1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>If you think you have found HWA, please let us know! Early detection means there are more treatment options. We're particularly interested in the leading eastward infestation edge which runs from Mahone Bay to Wolfville. (Hey HRM, that's you!)</div><div><br /></div><div>To report a sighting, you can:</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY8YWaAu-n7EC4vES6-nUzYkPzTrxdq9Iwhh9t1cwJ_NAqjLUbyFHElUjL4N82vCJ7luRunLfuUbnIhvt_io4xHR13P8gno7aKckFO0D8dJaFYESt3lNUmykKhofJu9iP4zPjV6IgW4W5RmeKT-dE0vOJ9AhqjUpkzy04jBxzp_SmSbt7dy-k13gB/s1080/4.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY8YWaAu-n7EC4vES6-nUzYkPzTrxdq9Iwhh9t1cwJ_NAqjLUbyFHElUjL4N82vCJ7luRunLfuUbnIhvt_io4xHR13P8gno7aKckFO0D8dJaFYESt3lNUmykKhofJu9iP4zPjV6IgW4W5RmeKT-dE0vOJ9AhqjUpkzy04jBxzp_SmSbt7dy-k13gB/w400-h400/4.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Send an email to hwa@nshemlock.ca and please include a pic which helps us verify it is HWA<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW817OKcKXJW8yQyIAAH5v0ShF-4GJGo-g6HrKm7WPV0luQNfJCIUSCmqjKxLbuHC72eToKc_fYcvx9ZFmusBvtabgsVH9ejp36Cs3yzNssYvDtOmRqABDk-9ePU6eFSgkQqLf6xB2fWF02uUNdFCrtnhAkXqsNTlZhZRdfVjSXkvzu7O1zegWF5Bv/s981/4.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="981" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW817OKcKXJW8yQyIAAH5v0ShF-4GJGo-g6HrKm7WPV0luQNfJCIUSCmqjKxLbuHC72eToKc_fYcvx9ZFmusBvtabgsVH9ejp36Cs3yzNssYvDtOmRqABDk-9ePU6eFSgkQqLf6xB2fWF02uUNdFCrtnhAkXqsNTlZhZRdfVjSXkvzu7O1zegWF5Bv/w400-h400/4.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Are you an iNaturalist user? Simply post it identified as hemlock woolly adelgid</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2bj13xEjKeBMvLIbFC5BirIEE5btTdzC_t-VzYK1TjrHPtkgwpvg3vZWMvi4WSWStwasUz7WXhHeQn62bas2197c4A52bWRvAGyPAl2rtvdUm7veZNNe3Weo_0XZ_jjdp6Bu-BRTimDMk7J8tmZnbdU51aSJTm6ZVEOV9kYgO6PQZzyHiKc5tR3F/s1080/4.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2bj13xEjKeBMvLIbFC5BirIEE5btTdzC_t-VzYK1TjrHPtkgwpvg3vZWMvi4WSWStwasUz7WXhHeQn62bas2197c4A52bWRvAGyPAl2rtvdUm7veZNNe3Weo_0XZ_jjdp6Bu-BRTimDMk7J8tmZnbdU51aSJTm6ZVEOV9kYgO6PQZzyHiKc5tR3F/w400-h400/4.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://inspection.canada.ca/about-cfia/contact-us/contact-cfia-online/eng/1299860523723/1299860643049" target="_blank"><b>Send you sighting to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency</b></a>. This is a good option if you would prefer not to disclose the location<br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUGf3awYeH53GKul5Ikk3M63dm1wEh4wjGwDjo6GrdNcjVjDI6SBRFCR1D7fi759Tpbjmk1kXUce3N31BhKcxmpuJtUhrhoH8gRgLKVQEwzcu6AlrTnX4r-rsAjsc4XZy5e3gXxB1_WTOWce9OPZIry3KG4M9A0EzhJADk7HWINOuylLHdetyllCI/s809/5.1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="809" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUGf3awYeH53GKul5Ikk3M63dm1wEh4wjGwDjo6GrdNcjVjDI6SBRFCR1D7fi759Tpbjmk1kXUce3N31BhKcxmpuJtUhrhoH8gRgLKVQEwzcu6AlrTnX4r-rsAjsc4XZy5e3gXxB1_WTOWce9OPZIry3KG4M9A0EzhJADk7HWINOuylLHdetyllCI/w400-h400/5.1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>You will find hemlock trees in every county in Nova Scotia. Here are some of our favourites. Have you visited any of them? Perhaps you have a fav?</div><div><br /></div><div>Please help us find HWA as it moves eastward across the province.</div><div><br /></div><div>And once the weather warms up and HWA starts to move, please take steps to ensure you do not move HWA from an infested forest -- like Keji -- to another hemlock forest -- like Victoria Park in Truro. Thousands of babies can fall from a single infested tree and it only takes one to start a new population.</div><div><br /></div><div>So between April and the end of July when in a hemlock forest, please :</div><div><br /></div><div>1- use a lint roller to wipe down yourself and your pooch as you leave a hemlock forest</div><div>2- a quick clothing change makes sure there are no hitchhikers. 10 minutes in the dryer kills HWA</div><div>3- avoid placing your gear or parking under hemlock trees</div><div>4- acquire your firewood where you burn it</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for your help!</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSFY_8YfTAtf-2xFVqUkjt7AcXFVFobIQWJAADAYW3HwYPcYMQdLBElJ16ycCyguhiZyJYhweW8SXoJUaFucuDC9keIPP-5xxGrIBpqV8DlnR153Z4az7JxkbIRHhkcTE17_qkDRZCzFwEgmy0syaPBj0NNcYF_IhrI5V2RShw1at4cG7sTcL9skN/s1079/5.2-Keji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSFY_8YfTAtf-2xFVqUkjt7AcXFVFobIQWJAADAYW3HwYPcYMQdLBElJ16ycCyguhiZyJYhweW8SXoJUaFucuDC9keIPP-5xxGrIBpqV8DlnR153Z4az7JxkbIRHhkcTE17_qkDRZCzFwEgmy0syaPBj0NNcYF_IhrI5V2RShw1at4cG7sTcL9skN/w400-h400/5.2-Keji.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keji's Hemlock and Hardwood Trail (c) Martin Gray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sNhUTp1PCHE5CmlkTlj6qzxKAgE5D0WedER5vmy--Mvqj9eokvUD3S_1cqFO4TbgEzY44i_8LKw4olEgctIwl8BPOslBNUTtR6B6Z4eW8plMock2Iqq9liNQzeTMl0RDwo-IMTrVV1_9WXGkcDV5257l0tV_79HL1Q1O66YpB6YdZSkrw4_uEf00/s808/5.3-WentzellLakePark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sNhUTp1PCHE5CmlkTlj6qzxKAgE5D0WedER5vmy--Mvqj9eokvUD3S_1cqFO4TbgEzY44i_8LKw4olEgctIwl8BPOslBNUTtR6B6Z4eW8plMock2Iqq9liNQzeTMl0RDwo-IMTrVV1_9WXGkcDV5257l0tV_79HL1Q1O66YpB6YdZSkrw4_uEf00/w400-h400/5.3-WentzellLakePark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wentzell Lake Park (c) Tom Rogers</div></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOsbEOaPNa6mXtcD9KAlT_UR1NOhC6xnSAzufeVtV3OGc_dxhhXMKCSVsiSWiYtKN7LHSSuIAJiW9jUfClj3-BOxVVSZLnXAk8KlGg5gfaVa9MJ5Kb2tgi3ye3G-SHrkhEDDCozxtKcNauN7t4EXM4pLsjAUlXEeIoQxJR9AUdaDn_lX7HToKRZwz/s1079/5.4-VictoriaPark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1078" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOsbEOaPNa6mXtcD9KAlT_UR1NOhC6xnSAzufeVtV3OGc_dxhhXMKCSVsiSWiYtKN7LHSSuIAJiW9jUfClj3-BOxVVSZLnXAk8KlGg5gfaVa9MJ5Kb2tgi3ye3G-SHrkhEDDCozxtKcNauN7t4EXM4pLsjAUlXEeIoQxJR9AUdaDn_lX7HToKRZwz/w400-h400/5.4-VictoriaPark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Truro's Victoria Park @capturesbycarriepink</div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-74413089501291930332023-02-02T15:50:00.003-08:002023-02-02T16:37:03.801-08:00HWA Community Events - Winter 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj_pkGAUHBvSuTvM8KxJz2rAiCt1iKlAA-ffR9f7Z3UN6ZLn5p6h6qMqU4aT5XdESB77ZJzqOcNikTOD9mMyILEc5gKxqCe65CCKdaM1iabArJod4XeQwiigbNwQ--hzU8hShiTe9WmrqBiiHfGX4IncCBs2L7HH91X7HLOZk0K1QqSBkv_TSmjec/s951/OakfieldPP-KSonley-Long.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="951" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj_pkGAUHBvSuTvM8KxJz2rAiCt1iKlAA-ffR9f7Z3UN6ZLn5p6h6qMqU4aT5XdESB77ZJzqOcNikTOD9mMyILEc5gKxqCe65CCKdaM1iabArJod4XeQwiigbNwQ--hzU8hShiTe9WmrqBiiHfGX4IncCBs2L7HH91X7HLOZk0K1QqSBkv_TSmjec/w400-h396/OakfieldPP-KSonley-Long.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oakfield Provincial Park (c)Kayla Sonley-Long</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">HWA Community Events - Winter 2023</h2><div>The following events are happening this winter to provide an update on hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and information about how you can help prevent the spread. Please join us at an event near you or online!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tuesday Feb. 7 - Graves Island Star-gaze and Chili Supper - SORRY, FULL</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>WHERE: Graves Island Provincial Park, Hwy 3 near Chester</li><li>TIME: 6:15-7:45pm</li><li>DESCRIPTION : We will provide a short update on HWA that leads into the Chester Rec program ... "Join us for an early evening guided star-gaze followed by hot chili over the wood stove in the trailhead shelter. Unlike other years, we will view the sky (if conditions allow) from the fields adjacent to the shelter…no icy walks to contend with this year. Hot chocolate, chili, and good company guaranteed! Park at the parking lot before the causeway and walk across to the trailhead shelter. Watch your footing on the causeway as it can get icy." We will be available for questions.</li><li>COST : $5.00/person (under 12 free)</li><li>REGISTER : call Chester Rec at 902-275-3490</li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Saturday Feb. 18 - Winter Walk & Wildlife Signs - Chester area</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><p></p><div><div><ul><li>WHERE: Haughn Property Trail – Middle River (civic # 4956 Hwy #3)</li><li>TIME: 9:30 to 11am</li><li>DESCRIPTION : We will provide a short update on HWA that leads into the Chester Rec program ... "Join us for a Winter walk through the new trail at the Haughn property. If we’re lucky, we’ll have a fresh supply of snow that will allow us to track some of the wide variety of wild critters that inhabit our local woods and fields.. We’ll also discuss the practice of wildlife tracking in general including how to get started, equipment to have, and what resources are available. Curiosity and a willingness to slow down and pay attention are the main things needed for this experience." We will be available for questions.</li><li>COST : FREE</li><li>REGISTER : call Chester Rec at 902-275-3490</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Monday Feb. 20 - Windhorse Farm - Hwy 10 between Bridgewater/New Germany</b></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><ul><li>WHERE: Windhorse Farm, 129 Sarty Rd, New Germany</li><li>TIME: 10am</li><li>DESCRIPTION : We will provide a short update on HWA that leads into the Lunenburg County Hikers event ... "This 200-acre place in the "Acadian forest", more respectfully called Forest Wapane'kati, opens one to natural beauty and tranquility. Let the sounds and silence of nature sink into your bones as you wander along forest trails. Bring your snowshoes if conditions allow. Please bring a donation for the farm. Rated 2B for some moderate hills but well-groomed trails with few obstacles. Co-host: Hike Nova Scotia." We will be available for questions.</li><li>COST : FREE</li><li>REGISTER : Lunenburg County Hikers / luncountyhikers@gmail.com</li></ul></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wednesday Feb 22 - WEBINAR - Hiking the Trails to Save Hemlocks</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><ul><li>WHERE: online</li><li>TIME: 7pm</li><li>DESCRIPTION : Hike Nova Scotia and Nature Nova Scotia present the Hiking the Trails to Save Hemlocks webinar on conserving old growth hemlock forests, the threat of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and what hikers can do to help shady dark hemlock forests persist.</li><li>COST : FREE, Open to all</li><li>REGISTER : <a href="https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-save-hemlocks/"><b>https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-save-hemlocks/</b></a></li></ul></div><div><br />Many thanks to The Chester Municipal Recreation Department, the Lunenburg County Hikers, Hike NS and Donna Crossland for all their assistance with these events!</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-22034666153146658082023-01-05T09:42:00.004-08:002023-01-05T09:50:19.301-08:002022 Predictions Update<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb0Y_MC-O5w-gvjylowqkfRJ7Y_FcNt4hF7JTPaY1OeCgOQTaGwX4USDkHqFHoNDcky8wfImX4xZUghFTosQtZObwxdpKszUI13EkdzeL2mbCeJb0mA6KNYIu2SS_WW1ukTSWroZwl0BxDJGcNrVaFKC4WRunmjxSx9pOquoSqWhoG9pg9OsRkjGD/s1080/2022.01.14-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb0Y_MC-O5w-gvjylowqkfRJ7Y_FcNt4hF7JTPaY1OeCgOQTaGwX4USDkHqFHoNDcky8wfImX4xZUghFTosQtZObwxdpKszUI13EkdzeL2mbCeJb0mA6KNYIu2SS_WW1ukTSWroZwl0BxDJGcNrVaFKC4WRunmjxSx9pOquoSqWhoG9pg9OsRkjGD/w400-h400/2022.01.14-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2022 Predictions Update</div><p></p><p>Early last year, I made four predictions relating to Nova Scotia's trees and forests. So how did it pan out??? </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Prediction 1 -- Hemlocks will be saved where private citizens take the initiative.</b></p><p>PARTIALLY TRUE</p><p>Many private citizens hired individuals with a pesticide license to treat their hemlocks. </p><p>But we had been hoping for a larger private citizen initiative which did not pan out. </p><p>However, the provincial government stepped up with an ambitious plan to identify high priority hemlock stands and the tools to treat the trees. </p><p>That's a win in our books.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Prediction 2 -- Conservation in Nova Scotia will get a significant boost this year</b></p><p>TRUE. </p><p>Many ambitious land conservation projects took place this year. <b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/major-piece-of-mature-forest-protected-in-southwestern-nova-scotia-1.6352685" target="_blank">The Nature Conservancy of Canada</a></b>, <b><a href="https://nsnt.ca/blog/a-year-end-win-for-biodiversity-in-nova-scotia-six-new-conservation-lands-protected/" target="_blank">the Nova Scotia Nature Trust</a></b>, <b><a href="https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20221212002" target="_blank">The Provincial Government</a></b>. New initiatives like the <b><a href="https://www.nsworkingwoodlandstrust.org/" target="_blank">Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.growingforests.ca/" target="_blank">Growing Forests</a></b>. And the <b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/0wls-head-land-new-provincial-park-golf-course-plan-withdrawn-1.6488350" target="_blank">turnaround at Owl's Head</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/logging-proposal-near-lake-with-endangered-atlantic-whitefish-put-on-hold-1.6446507" target="_blank">Bridgewater</a></b> are examples of how people power can make a difference.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Prediction 3 -- Outdoor recreation will have a banner year</b></p><p>TRUE.</p><p><b><a href="https://parks.novascotia.ca/another-record-breaking-season-nova-scotia-provincial-parks" target="_blank">Nova Scotia provincial parks had a banner year</a></b> -- the best ever. Our two National Parks -- Keji and the Cape Breton Highlands -- both reported significant visitor increases.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Prediction 4 -- Disaster Planners will move to protect hemlocks to mitigate the effects of climate change</b></p><p>When I made this prediction, I thought it was wishful thinking. </p><p>But you know what, thoughts can become things. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2022/08/canada-and-nova-scotia-commit-to-shared-actions-to-protect-more-nature-and-halt-biodiversity-loss.html" target="_blank">$10M in Federal Funding for climate change</a></b> was directed towards the hemlock woolly adelgid. And this has made a HUGE difference.</p><p>Incredible.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>If you have any comments on the above, please add them to our <b><a href="http://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> accounts.</p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-11602001092175701222022-12-29T09:37:00.004-08:002023-02-10T04:15:39.367-08:00[UPDATE] 2023 Atlantic Canada Forest Health Workshop<h2 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHJRQ6cIhLMdTxMA9ifYyO9cUGksinaqcS5-OeSLCuL5kB6q4y_sIxOrUBEb0IVUeEnaiOC-yU1BfN624CwZKybepWvOxw_ZBvn4vyQRYVAWQ8bn2LYYOsFdGweYAEzWbnRqfFWkvAnH9igXaRUhtBNcKWXz6uD-8kg2dYpdd8K3q5nBeEOkbUgBQ/s4272/IMG_9499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHJRQ6cIhLMdTxMA9ifYyO9cUGksinaqcS5-OeSLCuL5kB6q4y_sIxOrUBEb0IVUeEnaiOC-yU1BfN624CwZKybepWvOxw_ZBvn4vyQRYVAWQ8bn2LYYOsFdGweYAEzWbnRqfFWkvAnH9igXaRUhtBNcKWXz6uD-8kg2dYpdd8K3q5nBeEOkbUgBQ/w640-h426/IMG_9499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>[UPDATE]2023 Atlantic Canada Forest Health Workshop</b></div></h2><p><b>See the links below for links to the presentations given at the Workshop. Also, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bjbZ4YFQ2n1eCCHps8T-kFm-Gu4l8ShG/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Ron Neville from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency gave one which provides an insight into their efforts to manage all non-native invasive species</a></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>LOCATION :</b> Best Western Plus -- Liverpool Hotel & Conference Centre</p><p><b>WHEN :</b> Wednesday, January 18, 2023 (Day #2)</p><p><b>Day 2 THEME:</b> Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Research and Local Initiatives</p><p><b>Section I – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Research</b></p><p>8:30 – 8:50 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uIkEvfFo4PvLU3PB3h8ZNrKl3Hdgeo4b/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Dr. Jon Sweeney, Canadian Forest Service - Insecticides for protecting eastern hemlocks from hemlock woolly adelgid: efficacy of combined TreeAzin and Xytect 2F treatment.</a></p><p>8:50 – 9:10 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rpAzT7JnbmEjslAZekIIzYP4Mc8yb83x/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Dr. Chris Edge, Canadian Forest Service – The fate and environmental risk of using imidacloprid to control of Hemlock Wolly Adelgid in Nova Scotia. </a></p><p>9:10 – 9:30 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PN1rK5n2HHSSunzlnBy3bpq7xw0eS2ux/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Luca Voscort, Acadia University – Effects of imidacloprid basal bark sprays for hemlock woolly adelgid control on non-target pollinator communities.</a></p><p>9:30 – 9:50 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/15oOoR3gTrvylhNISVa6n1Gj7b8YsEibB/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Cody Chapman, Acadia University - Investigating the non-target impacts of basal bark application of imidacloprid on the arthropod communities in old eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forests in southwestern Nova Scotia</a></p><p>9:50– 10:10 - Break</p><p>10:10 – 10:30 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BkaQ9qvP4LwY4j-4cKEvVwbQq2lHk4Rd/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Jeff Fidgen, Canadian Forest Service – Biological Control of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Nova Scotia. </a></p><p>10:30 – 10:50 Dr. Michael Stastny, Canadian Forest Service – Can silviculture help with mitigation of HWA impacts and conservation of hemlock?</p><p><b>Section II – Local Initiatives </b></p><p>10:50 – 11:10 Sherilyn Young, Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn - Forestry in Mi’kma’ki; Traditional Use and Etuaptmumk</p><p>11:10 – 11:30 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UWs7bm2nmQKcceXYDyRpltK5KPPpYPw9/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Sally Steele, Protected Areas Coordinator - Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change. HWA treatment - pilot program rollout in protected areas</a></p><p>11:30 – 13:00 – Travel to Kejimkujik National Park - Lunch Provided at Park</p><p><b>Section III – Keji Demo and Presentation (Park Visitor Centre) </b></p><p>13:00 – 13:30 Matthew Smith, Parks Canada, Kejimkujik National Park - Saving the Ancient Ones: Strategies for helping hemlock forests in Kejimkujik National Park</p><p>13:30 - 16:30 Various Stations – Chemical, Biocontrol, stand/tree selection etc. TBD</p><div><br /></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-55787921346348520412022-12-27T10:45:00.003-08:002022-12-27T11:00:39.437-08:002022 Top 5 Tree Stories<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh7uPxtNiUWiVDLnWYtRbZBFEYYbqMdZc_7KRNR2lr1XYIFnRYsw47yqozPPl0F8VZc2XZuC6GAFmEMKaMkIvgctn9-1jffsGVAHJHdalj9laLkW0SvDQ4iHLdb6CcsCNYGOL66x01QE-ffBPujjnCdAB9VX4halAPCSwtDYuRHHXibHe4t6SalmF/s1080/IMG_20221226_154546-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh7uPxtNiUWiVDLnWYtRbZBFEYYbqMdZc_7KRNR2lr1XYIFnRYsw47yqozPPl0F8VZc2XZuC6GAFmEMKaMkIvgctn9-1jffsGVAHJHdalj9laLkW0SvDQ4iHLdb6CcsCNYGOL66x01QE-ffBPujjnCdAB9VX4halAPCSwtDYuRHHXibHe4t6SalmF/w640-h640/IMG_20221226_154546-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There were many events that affected our Nova Scotia trees and forests in 2022. Here's our Top 5. </p><p> Please add your Comments on <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Number 1 - Hurricane Fiona</b></p><p>Trees always lose when hit with a hurricane. Fiona was particularly devastating to trees in eastern Nova Scotia as shown by the decimation at Victoria Park in Truro. What made this storm particularly devastating was it's strength (winds up to 160 k/h) and it's size. Halifax and east were slammed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT0Z_Qd3MLkNqj6yK-UGXsHSxDJFfrrYHRUh2DOrW7h_AYVtDnHUb9_aH-slDuJ5tq3ztExCA9HRmYX8TWCQJ8tSEPU3HgLS3ZpTDm9D8F47i2DB2K-u4UdZAhgZRSofoUMJvX0DKDbSL9JL1e_4rXQWpdCaQYJ3JVR4gKsNJlG8qp6Vwyzn9pxqc/s1350/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT0Z_Qd3MLkNqj6yK-UGXsHSxDJFfrrYHRUh2DOrW7h_AYVtDnHUb9_aH-slDuJ5tq3ztExCA9HRmYX8TWCQJ8tSEPU3HgLS3ZpTDm9D8F47i2DB2K-u4UdZAhgZRSofoUMJvX0DKDbSL9JL1e_4rXQWpdCaQYJ3JVR4gKsNJlG8qp6Vwyzn9pxqc/w320-h400/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Victoria Park, Truro (c) @atlantictreesolutions / @rachaelaikens</div><p style="text-align: left;">Our forests have a long history of being shaped by hurricanes. For a historical perspective, checkout : <b><a href="https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/communities/walk-in-the-woods-nova-scotia-forests-shaped-by-hurricanes-100777367/" target="_blank">Walk in the Woods: Nova Scotia forests shaped by hurricanes</a></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Number 2 - Non-native invasive species moved from marginal to mainstream</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The big three non-native pests in our forest include hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), emerald ash borer (EAB) and the beech leaf mining weevil (BLMW). While there's been talk in some circles about their damage to our forests, in 2022 it became obvious to most watchers that our hemlock, ash and beech are in trouble. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We're starting to see large scale die back of hemlock in western Nova Scotia. Ash trees outside DeWolfe Park in Bedford are showing signs of EAB. And beech trees in various spots across the province are being affected by BLMW. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"Houston, we have a problem."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS44H_x9UlhsQNw8mNKuBF9DyeamZvksnsFrH85KAU3zZgVzLfEDaYagq9Q9Ta6QfNxQZR4EtQuQGVrnuhRF2IbTI92oiloNGBdynRDwLKKYT9BzZeA26HXyAalpBDRi7xkbTk0GD-fwU1Gzk06kpIwLnQ36qS59R0-kR44ivAWGM8iBtrkgtuyR5/s2016/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS44H_x9UlhsQNw8mNKuBF9DyeamZvksnsFrH85KAU3zZgVzLfEDaYagq9Q9Ta6QfNxQZR4EtQuQGVrnuhRF2IbTI92oiloNGBdynRDwLKKYT9BzZeA26HXyAalpBDRi7xkbTk0GD-fwU1Gzk06kpIwLnQ36qS59R0-kR44ivAWGM8iBtrkgtuyR5/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Defoliated Ash Trees - DeWolfe park, Bedford (c) CFIA</div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Number 3 - Hemlock Heroes</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">After 5 years of living with HWA, we are finally seeing a focused effort to stop the hemlock woolly adelgid. <b><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2022/08/canada-and-nova-scotia-commit-to-shared-actions-to-protect-more-nature-and-halt-biodiversity-loss.html" target="_blank">$10M helps</a> . </b>More important is the dedicated group of professionals and volunteers who are committed to saving our hemlocks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibjRNY90HRvZPgM4xIfaoaHcG7u4JWJyUwxD2Yn9fac_RBBDSvyrlPVPu9SICMq9gt-GZtL0mSegJ3qn2mm5ovHTWn7gBG73DNNNysyTbYe-0YzE4Hf-oGwNj6Y4METeLGJRTpD02h7OGvB0tlslU-z8kqhFWzd2u6-1Bbd_Da4QwcC19U7EVhV6a/s759/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="759" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibjRNY90HRvZPgM4xIfaoaHcG7u4JWJyUwxD2Yn9fac_RBBDSvyrlPVPu9SICMq9gt-GZtL0mSegJ3qn2mm5ovHTWn7gBG73DNNNysyTbYe-0YzE4Hf-oGwNj6Y4METeLGJRTpD02h7OGvB0tlslU-z8kqhFWzd2u6-1Bbd_Da4QwcC19U7EVhV6a/w400-h301/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the Hemlock Heroes (c) @medwaycfc</div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Number 4 - Intentionally killing trees at the Halifax Public Gardens</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">WTF! </p><p>As if weather and bugs weren't challenging enough, some clown(s) intentionally fatally wounded trees at the Halifax Public Gardens.</p><p style="text-align: left;">To the perps --> may your campfires never start and your home be riddled with termites.</p><p style="text-align: left;">From the Halifax Public Garden's release ... "Sometime between 9 p.m. on July 25 and 7 a.m. on July 26, 2022, an individual or individuals broke into the Halifax Public Gardens and cut large sections of bark from 32 trees in an apparent attempt to kill them. Many of the affected trees range from 50 to 200 years old. Since the incident occurred, four of the 32 damaged trees have been removed and Halifax Public Gardens staff are working to save the remainder. It could take years to know the results of their efforts. Replacement of the 32 trees is estimated to cost more than $350,000" Read more about this and the reward <b><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ad54fdc5417fc775f6ab365/t/631b630d49aaaf52b474537f/1662739213679/Public+Gardens+Reward+for+Information_News+Release.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipDziD-ueQIib_bGrGROocPpeyIJI7jc0vXDHL8ks4J0ze1JY8O1nIzNKUPM1mHOH8ksp1im-YwrCpPxDPj2zfXEApiQS07UzkzTBLAq8Q_EHYC9JIOhftHFhPbe4dTTvCFQfRrCk90zDqCMetYmwNCUyj03CwSp95sPhh0TiOjIdjLcDse-arLNV/s1080/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1080" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipDziD-ueQIib_bGrGROocPpeyIJI7jc0vXDHL8ks4J0ze1JY8O1nIzNKUPM1mHOH8ksp1im-YwrCpPxDPj2zfXEApiQS07UzkzTBLAq8Q_EHYC9JIOhftHFhPbe4dTTvCFQfRrCk90zDqCMetYmwNCUyj03CwSp95sPhh0TiOjIdjLcDse-arLNV/w400-h399/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(c) Halifax Public Gardens</div><p style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Golden-Spruce-Story-Madness-Greed/dp/0676976468" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness, and Greed</a><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>tells a similar tale from the Queen Charlotte Islands. And there are many more examples :-(</p><div><br /></div><div><b>Number 5 - A good year for land conservation</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This was a good year for land conservation in Nova Scotia, getting us closer to our goal of 20% of the land mass or about 11,000 square kilometers which is approximately the size of Cape Breton Island and included :</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/0wls-head-land-new-provincial-park-golf-course-plan-withdrawn-1.6488350" target="_blank">Owl's Head was an interesting win</a></b>. Through intense public pressure, what seemed to be headed for development was protected as a <b><a href="https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220614005" target="_blank">Provincial Park</a></b>.</li><li>The Nature Conservancy of Canada's 1,100 acre acquisition of mature forest in Shelburne County. [<b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/major-piece-of-mature-forest-protected-in-southwestern-nova-scotia-1.6352685" target="_blank">more</a></b>]</li><li>The Nova Scotia Nature Trust was very active protecting properties across the province including <b><a href="https://nsnt.ca/blog/a-year-end-win-for-biodiversity-in-nova-scotia-six-new-conservation-lands-protected/" target="_blank">6 new properties</a></b></li><li>The Nova Scotia government's announcement of 14 properties totaling 9,300 hectares [<b><a href="https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20221212002" target="_blank">more</a></b>]</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRKXH5zaBeEwIO3SqM8KMkGbq2I9RD20o6BFJ5ONFohOqmK0YSFeYiSlbaSETzUCvw16R2P_LbuIm4BokBjQGDI9FTdTP5FPgazlpeGhbwKVwtNqr-WsfqTwP78HZTC9k4ZWeSuq35Se_KUriUMxOsUGrZRpFJcdyh1R24xMdLY6FTkVYRR4gY7A5/s1080/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRKXH5zaBeEwIO3SqM8KMkGbq2I9RD20o6BFJ5ONFohOqmK0YSFeYiSlbaSETzUCvw16R2P_LbuIm4BokBjQGDI9FTdTP5FPgazlpeGhbwKVwtNqr-WsfqTwP78HZTC9k4ZWeSuq35Se_KUriUMxOsUGrZRpFJcdyh1R24xMdLY6FTkVYRR4gY7A5/w400-h300/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owl's Head (c) @saveowlshead / Eleanor and Jenn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Currently, about 13% of Nova Scotia's land is protected. To get to 20% is going to be a struggle because most of Nova Scotia's land is owned by individuals. We could use a little help like </span><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/12/15/2574821/0/en/Forestry-company-commits-10-000-hectares-of-Acadian-Forest-shoreline-to-conservation.html" target="_blank">the Irving Family recently did for the province of New Brunswick</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">* * * * *</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So those were our Top 5 Tree stories for 2022. Agree? Disagree? Something else made your list? Perhaps you have a different perspective? <span style="text-align: left;"> Please add your Comments on</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">or</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0JFXP+QJ Shearwater, NS, Canada44.6494666 -63.513428138.303574464179633 -72.3024906 50.995358735820361 -54.7243656tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-23219487392027047352022-11-06T14:43:00.002-08:002022-11-15T10:02:04.907-08:00Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Nova Scotia - Update<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBNt3Wn36_j9t9qHiKTX41JRbOwITfqelzRcDvwYnsYKdYANPnTnSMJS-ZPuIdn73HSHIqrxncM6lw34prIQeHwKU97oJfAD7e6cRx_9DoZb69dGCPp8lkzSftPV9k-DcOcI98bHt3N-BhFp6494B_YQM6sNSfnIKQgNbQha99QjCg8xzdDRTSxE5/s1440/1-titledraft.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBNt3Wn36_j9t9qHiKTX41JRbOwITfqelzRcDvwYnsYKdYANPnTnSMJS-ZPuIdn73HSHIqrxncM6lw34prIQeHwKU97oJfAD7e6cRx_9DoZb69dGCPp8lkzSftPV9k-DcOcI98bHt3N-BhFp6494B_YQM6sNSfnIKQgNbQha99QjCg8xzdDRTSxE5/w640-h480/1-titledraft.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dennis Boot Lake (c) Parks Canada</div><p></p><p>It's been five years since hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) was first identified in south west Nova Scotia. </p><p>This post is an update about the bug, efforts being made to control it and specific actions for you.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Where is HWA in Nova Scotia?</b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1oEC-Xh2IrgmZMwkQfwQEewXuRNnIeFKt6bOJe6KhHrRMHitLGPCxxmJ_UFwbGxPUZRMwCOWKnAecog_ZGbA5WzdY3Bu6W3aeDKV18av4YJCWpNER9ks24M1OsJlKIN7Z4IRfRuwABjrxgalRfEDC5NaUnKdogwu4yJ3LHVluhItfuiFf2ijIUbQ/s2200/ATSNovaScotia2022_23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="2200" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1oEC-Xh2IrgmZMwkQfwQEewXuRNnIeFKt6bOJe6KhHrRMHitLGPCxxmJ_UFwbGxPUZRMwCOWKnAecog_ZGbA5WzdY3Bu6W3aeDKV18av4YJCWpNER9ks24M1OsJlKIN7Z4IRfRuwABjrxgalRfEDC5NaUnKdogwu4yJ3LHVluhItfuiFf2ijIUbQ/w640-h494/ATSNovaScotia2022_23.jpg" width="640" /></a>Current known locations of HWA (c) CFIA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The map above shows red dots where HWA has been confirmed in Nova Scotia. The same map from two years ago confirms HWA making a rapid march from west to east across the province. In just two years, Lunenburg and Kings County have infestations and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has added these counties to their restrictions on the movement of hemlock.</p><p>For a tiny insect that lives most of its life in a stationary state, incapable of moving from its feeding station at the base of a hemlock needle, the species sure does get around!</p><p>The map only shows where the bug has been confirmed. <b>An area could be infested and not be on the map.</b> There have been numerous examples of HWA going undetected for several years. Early detection is key because it provides cheaper and more effective options for treatment. If you believe you have seen HWA, please send an email -- with picture(s) if possible -- to hwa@nshemlock.ca</p><p>And these maps aren't telling us about the state of the trees in the western most part of the province where the first infestation took place -- many trees are dead and/or dying. In many cases they are untreatable. Once infested, our hemlocks deteriorate very quickly, typically living only 3-5 years.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Pesticide treatment is currently the only option for saving infested trees</b></p><p>If a hemlock becomes infested with HWA, the only way to prevent the tree from dying at this time is by applying a pesticide. Ouch, that hurts to say and I wish there was another solution. But that is the situation until biological controls are in place.</p><div><br /></div><div>Three of the largest pesticide treatments so far include :</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>1- Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site ... "Since fall 2021, Parks Canada has treated 2,150+ hemlock trees at Kejimkujik NP and NHS. Treatment areas include high priority old-growth stands (1,200+ at remote Dennis Boot Lake) as well as important visitor areas (Jeremy's Bay Campground and Hemlocks and Hardwoods trail) with more planned this fall (Mill Falls day-use area and an area near Loon Lake falls) and even more in 2023"</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYw5ZXjn1i7zwR3MY7kHVGLQsCjcmpfCd32n2hFgiyr9YwNL1oZBVGMwZD7yODobX-hNyrfp2_qjbnONW6GSb0f2mW5oMOwrUI9dsbAkr7EjnN58FwEPqM5L_gjDrKU3BMDRz2FUBjQexT68X1z2I6wbAVaRohDeRra-Z7rd8LFxZr6Tk2iI12wFs/s1066/brian-marianna_rs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYw5ZXjn1i7zwR3MY7kHVGLQsCjcmpfCd32n2hFgiyr9YwNL1oZBVGMwZD7yODobX-hNyrfp2_qjbnONW6GSb0f2mW5oMOwrUI9dsbAkr7EjnN58FwEPqM5L_gjDrKU3BMDRz2FUBjQexT68X1z2I6wbAVaRohDeRra-Z7rd8LFxZr6Tk2iI12wFs/w480-h640/brian-marianna_rs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Applying pesticides at Keji (c) Parks Canada</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>2- Sporting Lake Nature Reserve : we had an update on this project two weeks ago at its one year anniversary, see : <a href="https://www.giantsofnovascotia.com/2022/10/sporting-lake-hwa-one-year-later.html"><b>https://www.giantsofnovascotia.com/2022/10/sporting-lake-hwa-one-year-later.html</b></a> Just over 2,100 hemlocks were treated using volunteers.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3- Scott Robinson is currently the only arborist in Nova Scotia treating hemlocks and writes ... "What we're seeing is that most trees in Yarmouth and Weymouth Counties no longer have new growth. We often recommend that clients not treat them when they are that far gone as it doesn't make economic sense. About 5 percent of the trees on Ponhook Lake are past the treatment threshold as well. We have worked almost exclusively for cottage owners treating between 1 and 300 trees."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-g-QKikCrefyxDRJOLSsSi7_sXjq5-I6s7EwgqH42RjwC7OyQolyLR4eghB7j2r_LE6ejn25vwj4hnQfSaCxQTN-yL755NJeDsWrhlundmil3wYrdQmBR4j8xlIuxNAp9J0bGjqD7fcDsuRkYfrEDLvy_vw4wouVwS3GU1RCeziTCIMuvhSUFh9O/s1080/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-g-QKikCrefyxDRJOLSsSi7_sXjq5-I6s7EwgqH42RjwC7OyQolyLR4eghB7j2r_LE6ejn25vwj4hnQfSaCxQTN-yL755NJeDsWrhlundmil3wYrdQmBR4j8xlIuxNAp9J0bGjqD7fcDsuRkYfrEDLvy_vw4wouVwS3GU1RCeziTCIMuvhSUFh9O/w640-h640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(c) Scott Robinson</div><div><br /></div><div>Gary Marshall shown in the picture above first treated around 60 trees in 2021. Scott writes ... "They are doing extremely well with new growth and dense canopies. The large tree I treated for him in the picture had some new growth this spring. It's really rewarding to see such a positive outcome and we're looking forward to doing treatment assessments in the spring."</div><div><br /></div><div>And here is what the province has planned ... </div><div><br /></div><div>"Over the next five-years, the province will be conducting chemical treatments to protect high-priority hemlock stands. These stands have been ranked and assigned a protection priority based on a number of attributes or criteria. These include: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>hemlock dominant stands with existing or potential old-growth</li><li>stands with indigenous cultural value</li><li>protected areas and provincial parks</li><li>stands with special habitat (species at risk, watercourses etc.)</li><li>stands with accessibility and human use</li><li>stands healthy enough to benefit from treatment</li><li>distance to known infested areas etc. </li></ul></div><div>This will ensure that only the highest priority stands with the greatest ecological and cultural value are protected. Similar to what is currently being done in Kejimkujik National Park, chemical treatments of individual trees will be conducted to protect these areas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beyond the short-term protection of high priority stands using chemical treatments, outreach will also be conducted to provide information on how landowners can detect HWA and protect trees on their own lands."</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAgl_kIqAvLT5JeF3kpheEarmyXOv_O3FLbMJdwb4wt3TT8kZtHRcnJD-ljmy3gWONnDYHrvy1ObMHx1KYQr5Uyh3PpJODat-axpqzHcvoYEW_mDbuFZHjNk0lR5N6b2PnTkTvIyHo3-dxp5NlclLpiTDXCVyKSmx8EtLNLv7SOIvB3DaK4AlQFMJ/s1080/2.0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAgl_kIqAvLT5JeF3kpheEarmyXOv_O3FLbMJdwb4wt3TT8kZtHRcnJD-ljmy3gWONnDYHrvy1ObMHx1KYQr5Uyh3PpJODat-axpqzHcvoYEW_mDbuFZHjNk0lR5N6b2PnTkTvIyHo3-dxp5NlclLpiTDXCVyKSmx8EtLNLv7SOIvB3DaK4AlQFMJ/w640-h640/2.0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Hemlock Trail at Keji (c) Curtis Watson</div></span><b><br /></b></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Chemical treatments are a short-term solution -- what about the long term?</b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div><div>British Columbia's hemlock trees and hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) coexist -- how is that possible??? The west coast forest also includes predator bugs that keep the HWA in check. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, these bugs do not exist in our Nova Scotian forest.</div><div><br /></div><div>So a simple solution would be to take the bugs from BC and introduce them to the Nova Scotian forest. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not so fast ... before they can be released here, rigorous testing must occur to make sure they will not attack native species and they will be able to tolerate our cold winter temperatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Called "biocontrol", it is a long term solution developed over the next 5-10 years for protecting what will remain of Nova Scotia's hemlocks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nova Scotia is at the very early stages of this process, stating ... "funds will be used to explore biological control to provide long-term regulation of HWA populations and reduce damage to hemlock"</div><div><br /></div><div>The challenge is to keep as many hemlock alive as possible until biocontrols are up and running.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRImtd8T-Jny7Irmj9bJEXBD_vW-hGufyIbh4JfpNuT82DjrZ4LXawuPs6mF65wbRDrLD7qrJQo-uXmykx-iCnkmunfqtjSyLwjEq_zg4Sx8uVTC_4QQhMilNI0baMBOJaApqXfAdK7LyuDqhxZuH3ez5cGmXQ-i5tNg6lE502xlO1-z7OwsIgwmmI/s1333/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRImtd8T-Jny7Irmj9bJEXBD_vW-hGufyIbh4JfpNuT82DjrZ4LXawuPs6mF65wbRDrLD7qrJQo-uXmykx-iCnkmunfqtjSyLwjEq_zg4Sx8uVTC_4QQhMilNI0baMBOJaApqXfAdK7LyuDqhxZuH3ez5cGmXQ-i5tNg6lE502xlO1-z7OwsIgwmmI/w480-h640/4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessing a newly treated hemlock at Dennis Boot Lake. Will it be safe until biocontrols are in place? (c) Parks Canada</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Actions you can take to protect our hemlocks</b></div><p style="text-align: left;">You can help stop the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) from killing our Nova Scotian hemlock trees in three ways:</p><p><b>1- PREVENTION</b> : do not accidentally move HWA from an infested area to an uninfested area. </p><p>Fortunately, right now HWA is anchored to the hemlock branches and cannot move so the risk of spread is very small. </p><p>This all changes next March/April when the first generation of eggs hatch, with more hatching in the second generation through June-July. The young HWA 'crawlers' start looking for a new home. Many thousands fall to the forest floor and on humans and wildlife as we travel about. </p><p>Look for a PSA in the spring with some suggested actions.</p><p><b>2- DETECTION</b> : early detection of HWA means you will have more treatment options. </p><p>Now and into the winter is a good time for you to inspect hemlocks to see if there are any signs of the bug as it grows larger and more visible during winter. </p><p>Look for a cotton-like sac on the underside of the branch tips where the needle meets the stem.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iMUQgkFdEIkvXLsGGZehuWvavdevb8q17zIcqosOMPExdJtdpPYHPO1ae2KDrC5sh0Yr0YrsztUum1j2USvSmxz6jDRibtC1npTUM_4FTixz-9xl15rmtZBiWPeoON7VrisR3SZOuW9tNzyswlT7mHQ8OT2h_r6HGXhWIUSfFPI7InRn9GkM1NFS/s1080/5.2-hwa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iMUQgkFdEIkvXLsGGZehuWvavdevb8q17zIcqosOMPExdJtdpPYHPO1ae2KDrC5sh0Yr0YrsztUum1j2USvSmxz6jDRibtC1npTUM_4FTixz-9xl15rmtZBiWPeoON7VrisR3SZOuW9tNzyswlT7mHQ8OT2h_r6HGXhWIUSfFPI7InRn9GkM1NFS/w640-h640/5.2-hwa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(c) Medway Community Forest Coop</div><p>And if there is a wind or ice storm and hemlock branches are knocked down -- it is a perfect opportunity to inspect infestation levels in the upper canopy among the fallen branch tips. </p><p>If you find any signs of HWA, please get pic(s) of the underside of the branchlets and email it to hwa@nshemlock.ca</p><p><b>3- TREATMENT</b> : if you find HWA, you will have to make some decisions. </p><p>Two pamphlets will help you. "<b><a href="https://merseytobeatic.ca/sites/merseytobeatic.ca/files/HWA%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">A Landowner's Introduction to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid</a></b>" is a good overview and <a href="https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/s/Final_Imidacloprid-Treatment-Decision-Key.pdf" target="_blank"><b>HWA Treatment Decision Key</b></a> will help you decide which trees are candidates for treatment. </p><p>As of the fall of 2022, you will have to contact a certified pesticide operator if you decide to treat your trees. We hope to have an update on treatment options early in the New Year.</p><p>* * *</p><p>Hemlocks in Nova Scotia are in a fight for their life. We can all do our part to make sure as many as possible survive so our grandchildren can experience the magic of an intact hemlock forest. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw7GJ0aBO4VQH5Kc77JGQJTaHxCnyINJegyjJZ4530gphHPwJl8bMw-oEhVJmyN0cQtBP91SZDQNh3EYGEGD0es6uLFpezRhoA8yt8BGGGhhpgBLUkw67SmyLUVwyaey5zxOmo7ot6X6oaKDn9IP4QqQZzEkSivF3BWOIjzPfTNAcKYk2eE1vAK3p/s1440/5.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw7GJ0aBO4VQH5Kc77JGQJTaHxCnyINJegyjJZ4530gphHPwJl8bMw-oEhVJmyN0cQtBP91SZDQNh3EYGEGD0es6uLFpezRhoA8yt8BGGGhhpgBLUkw67SmyLUVwyaey5zxOmo7ot6X6oaKDn9IP4QqQZzEkSivF3BWOIjzPfTNAcKYk2eE1vAK3p/w480-h640/5.1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hemlock on Sporting Lake one year after treatment (c) Martin Gray</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the people mentioned above, many thanks to the following for their help with this post : Alicia Brett, Donna Crossland, Colin Gray, Jennika Hunsinger. Dan Lavigne, Ron Neville, Cal North, Matt Smith, Sally Steele and the rest of the gang at the HWA Working Group.</div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-46907925177939278612022-10-23T16:13:00.000-07:002022-10-23T16:13:09.182-07:00 Sporting Lake - HWA - One Year Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN6LNLXMfDvhGy8TpfRhjIkKlGQV-7Ix_Hb7tvQq1cxqxqJ7WK2HYqZ6BWXW7Seoz8J2ZKO-r75DTWwiGdefalh2mlsN9AoKSSkfB0VXZF7Lj92y8_RKI9bv03TNAXbxzSUY36KYFelWt4Lv_QT11lvRhAie0vEQGzdymsegWulOeoDc4Tq1kGMKb/s1080/1.1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN6LNLXMfDvhGy8TpfRhjIkKlGQV-7Ix_Hb7tvQq1cxqxqJ7WK2HYqZ6BWXW7Seoz8J2ZKO-r75DTWwiGdefalh2mlsN9AoKSSkfB0VXZF7Lj92y8_RKI9bv03TNAXbxzSUY36KYFelWt4Lv_QT11lvRhAie0vEQGzdymsegWulOeoDc4Tq1kGMKb/w400-h400/1.1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sporting Lake (c) Paul Newton</div><p>In October 2021, an eclectic group travelled by canoe to Sporting Lake Nature Reserve in the Tobeatic Wilderness to try and save one of the few forests in Nova Scotia untouched by mankind. It is dominated by hemlocks, some as old as 500 years.</p><p>Unfortunately, a bug called the hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) had been found on previous trips. Once infested, their end is imminent.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP0wyApKMKFWWNIY-i0XblBOq11Dp8_If7XPv-y_oG2EAW6-8h1PtakVHRdfko0omiuQkkv4LjtYbYLTtlnGJrKLEa0h03AM2bM3_pPKabVOMMi5__BSIuPgmpEXPBd4FB1MjYlpL42EKMgWYnjA6aTRRRGZXDU1vtzQmBrrMC5nmh__TGZLPKUMm/s1080/1.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP0wyApKMKFWWNIY-i0XblBOq11Dp8_If7XPv-y_oG2EAW6-8h1PtakVHRdfko0omiuQkkv4LjtYbYLTtlnGJrKLEa0h03AM2bM3_pPKabVOMMi5__BSIuPgmpEXPBd4FB1MjYlpL42EKMgWYnjA6aTRRRGZXDU1vtzQmBrrMC5nmh__TGZLPKUMm/w400-h400/1.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inoculating Hemlocks at Sporting Lake (c) Tristan Glen</div><p>Private citizens, various government departments and non-government agencies came together to raise money, gather the various approvals and permits, secure the supplies and organize the effort to inoculate the hemlocks -- the only way at present to stop the bug and give the hemlocks a reprieve. Over 2,000 trees were treated</p><p>Donna Crossland was one of the key organizers for October 2021 mission. She returned on the Thanksgiving 2022 weekend and provided me with an update ...</p><blockquote><p><i>THE BAD NEWS -- untreated, smaller trees that could not be treated were dead or dying</i></p><p><i>THE GOOD NEWS -- deeper into the shaded interior of the forest, most of the greenery remained intact and vivid where infestations were less advanced. Dead HWA were observed under the hemlock tips. The treatments had worked!</i></p><p><i><b>We were wise not to have waited. It was clear now that it had been the right time to take action.</b></i></p><p></p></blockquote><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Uzd4K9HxzPqUE1BJF-9d5Qr7Kr5LneqLobgeU7wzghi-S_TfN4LzzEQxKCgrT2lLZ_1b6rGILhheAWKMwoTtWbfJWNqGCdBfiDl68mfbKC1OYrN15hfTADeuneQFyAtonpiKsSDbwx3Y6OzUfGo4msZUqH9KExwwaUhvZRVWWSqcEzeGADA9QD91/s1350/1.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Uzd4K9HxzPqUE1BJF-9d5Qr7Kr5LneqLobgeU7wzghi-S_TfN4LzzEQxKCgrT2lLZ_1b6rGILhheAWKMwoTtWbfJWNqGCdBfiDl68mfbKC1OYrN15hfTADeuneQFyAtonpiKsSDbwx3Y6OzUfGo4msZUqH9KExwwaUhvZRVWWSqcEzeGADA9QD91/w320-h400/1.3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Treated hemlock at Sporting Lake, Fall 2022 (c) Martin Gray</div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>So what are the key takeaways?</b></p><p><b>1- Check Often</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Keep checking for HWA populations, particularly in late winter and early spring. HWA populations can go from just a few individuals to a population explosion in just one season</li><li>Check crown density and do not allow the canopy to start thinning before taking action</li><li>Pay attention to the flush of new spring growth tips -- if the tree stops producing new tips, it may be too late to save the tree</li></ul><p></p><p><b>2- Act early</b> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Particularly since Nova Scotia only has a slower-acting chemical available for use</li><li>If you have old growth and HWA is known to be close by, it is best to treat right away</li></ul><p></p><p>Chemical treatments are interim and will be replaced with a predator insect that exclusively feeds on HWA controlling populations in future.</p><p><br /></p><p>* * *</p><p>A big shoutout to Donna for making the trip to Sporting Lake and providing this update. </p><p>In addition to her monitoring, she was there being filmed for a documentary film called "In the Quiet and the Dark", a cinematic, poetic film that is exploring the plight of the Eastern Hemlock through one woman's journey, along with the work of North American experts and passionate scientists, and community members, that have banded together to try and save the trees against the threat of HWA. </p><p>Directed by Nance Ackerman, Produced by Teresa MacInnes for CBC television and CBC GEM to be released in the Spring of 2023.</p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-90705693715207334442022-09-27T12:41:00.002-07:002022-09-27T12:52:20.803-07:00After Fiona - ideas for the fallen trees<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD8i7Ie5Fn5WnW3-OzKycDO5ZqcHj5fcbMNbrv6UtYe0LqDFfYzvwtp5GXWrBPD5jiF8-wokcjPkH7bY8yQ8KujJlIBf-gnvDc8flkPznJRdmwFr-dCyskVnKdp1R-kx09taaKLwF-umc8yHlsmTvxynXOJ1F6HecTgZ7Sa6Cztb1OqABdL6wZpIg/s1564/IMG_20220927_124723-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD8i7Ie5Fn5WnW3-OzKycDO5ZqcHj5fcbMNbrv6UtYe0LqDFfYzvwtp5GXWrBPD5jiF8-wokcjPkH7bY8yQ8KujJlIBf-gnvDc8flkPznJRdmwFr-dCyskVnKdp1R-kx09taaKLwF-umc8yHlsmTvxynXOJ1F6HecTgZ7Sa6Cztb1OqABdL6wZpIg/w640-h640/IMG_20220927_124723-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hurricane Fiona was very hard on our trees here in Nova Scotia. So many images of blow downs :-( </p><p>Here are some suggestions for what you can do with the wood :</p><p><b>Do you live in western Nova Scotia and have hemlocks?</b></p><p>Hurricane Fiona has provided us with an opportunity in the forest. It has knocked down fresh branch samples from high in the hemlock canopies, places we cannot usually see. It offers an opportunity to get out and conduct some early detection of HWA using these fresh samples. </p><p>But this time of year, the young HWA are very small and seen best using a magnifying glass or hand lens. </p><p>Search the very tips of freshly fallen branchlets, specifically at the base of needles located on the underside of the branch.</p><p>Early detection is very important so that trees are treated while in good health and ALSO because a less expensive treatment is all that is required. Waiting until a tree has declined will cost a great deal more because fast-acting chemicals are much more expensive and will still require use of the second, longer-lasting chemicals too. The price essentially triples, with much less guarantee of success.</p><p>Early treatment is highly successful. It works! But must be accompanied by early detection or a preemptive treatment before the bug arrives!</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Are you a gardener?</b></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>use the logs for raised beds, either horizontally or vertical</li><li>hollow logs make awesome planters</li><li>chipped wood is excellent for your pathways and/or mulch and/or compost</li><li>hardwood can be inoculated with mushroom spores ... voila, fresh mushrooms!</li><li>pile the limbs in a back corner for wonderful bird habitat and eventually compost</li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BCgelkultur" target="_blank"><b>hugal beds</b></a> where you add wood material to raised beds</li><li>familiar with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar" target="_blank"><b>biochar</b></a>? it's a excellent for soil rejuvenation</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Are there logs?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>hire a portable sawmill and turn it into usable lumber</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Hardwood like Apple?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>chip it and use it for smoke wood for your BBQ</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Was the tree sentimental?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>is there is enough wood remaining in place to create a sculpture?</li><li>create something from the wood that will remind you of it ie: bowl, breadboard, piece of art</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Are you curious about the age of the tree?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>it's the perfect time to count the rings to know the age of your giant</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>And there is always the tried and true -- cut it up for firewood to keep you (or your neighbour) warm on a cold winter night!</p><p><br /></p><p>Many thanks to Donna Crossland, Jeff Ogden and Ben Phillips for their input for this article.</p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-71927369905938892132022-09-11T16:58:00.008-07:002022-09-14T04:47:35.711-07:00Emerald Ash Borer in Nova Scotia - Fall 2022 update<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZol8JhFG5P2i9bjkALBYb-XO6mnHdK3QvBJ4FvXj8BQJIe96PaobUjvZyV73VhlmCZ8f6sZNyzB-HGLoVqZfqtvaOe9syuh_IAwd1Gjtn83z_j-DCLOHQ-hw0VWiLlDRyAnMxn_sYdVD1kKg-Iczs41-cgfQiM4FtbQGnyoW0ku7iRNOR_mO6El-/s1080/1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZol8JhFG5P2i9bjkALBYb-XO6mnHdK3QvBJ4FvXj8BQJIe96PaobUjvZyV73VhlmCZ8f6sZNyzB-HGLoVqZfqtvaOe9syuh_IAwd1Gjtn83z_j-DCLOHQ-hw0VWiLlDRyAnMxn_sYdVD1kKg-Iczs41-cgfQiM4FtbQGnyoW0ku7iRNOR_mO6El-/w640-h640/1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Emerald Ash Borer and Nova Scotia</b></div></b><p></p><p>As fall approaches and the leaves start to change, it's the PERFECT time to identify ash trees in your neighborhood. They are one of the first trees to change and their fall colours are very easy to identify.</p><p>So why know if there's ash in your neighbourhood? </p><p>A nasty little bug called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found in Nova Scotia in 2018. All sightings of the bug to date have been around Bedford Nova Scotia but there is always the risk that a new infestation could occur from the movement of infested wood. </p><p>Across Eastern North America, EAB has killed hundreds of millions of Ash trees since first being discovered in the early 2000s and some government estimates predict over 8 billion ash trees will die due to EAB.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>About EAB</b></p><p>The adult emerald ash borer (EAB) is native to Asia and was likely introduced to North America through wood products in the early 2000s. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDjY-Txhvh0H8dN800ZeRx74_6SLWOjMR9v4f013Gl8Y8exfL1rl01VAU9QSjPKFX20FAdL0MY3CK8lXCuo-WMppS3FbYfPvwQ-x8JqSGrfTFT4Q3GFrgfJfJIZ6VoHW1bd2cPKbGLsDfRUDvpd1xfo-W2ezBbiRAEIoqOe9tFDvYHnQt3d2V4Rtx/s768/2.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDjY-Txhvh0H8dN800ZeRx74_6SLWOjMR9v4f013Gl8Y8exfL1rl01VAU9QSjPKFX20FAdL0MY3CK8lXCuo-WMppS3FbYfPvwQ-x8JqSGrfTFT4Q3GFrgfJfJIZ6VoHW1bd2cPKbGLsDfRUDvpd1xfo-W2ezBbiRAEIoqOe9tFDvYHnQt3d2V4Rtx/w400-h266/2.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>EAB is a metallic green beetle between 7 - 14 mm long. (David Cappaert, Bugwood.org)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z-lFWX0mQpBEomUUk3vP515001dEEGtBQDQn3E78ItmregRkcqhAV1-w9IeZSMWojnpN5iXxz6ff2YdlDLeIQRecUOSxjmp_8a4hTDjUCPKlsnFpCwxgPC4Sdgmr9yangj38spJKVNBO-bs6St55RWInfq2GlbWivEhHfTeBAEPXOdZxAZszwXmg/s768/2.2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z-lFWX0mQpBEomUUk3vP515001dEEGtBQDQn3E78ItmregRkcqhAV1-w9IeZSMWojnpN5iXxz6ff2YdlDLeIQRecUOSxjmp_8a4hTDjUCPKlsnFpCwxgPC4Sdgmr9yangj38spJKVNBO-bs6St55RWInfq2GlbWivEhHfTeBAEPXOdZxAZszwXmg/w400-h300/2.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The larvae feed under the bark (Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry , Bugwood.org)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycE7o5UuqMkB_LXyo62h9_x3efeKrU7h1kZDGOtm6yZ7HhF_DV2-syb0U-nktoFepX320yMTALh0os9WJpHLplpMSWe9KOJSUezJzhNDgBQgo8g82ax-AdcWWXLL9ItivFNKP60PvyKliucBFcz0mD--lYNeZ1iInU9ngWtopbFtIGFT5prdqKzRc/s767/2.3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="510" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycE7o5UuqMkB_LXyo62h9_x3efeKrU7h1kZDGOtm6yZ7HhF_DV2-syb0U-nktoFepX320yMTALh0os9WJpHLplpMSWe9KOJSUezJzhNDgBQgo8g82ax-AdcWWXLL9ItivFNKP60PvyKliucBFcz0mD--lYNeZ1iInU9ngWtopbFtIGFT5prdqKzRc/w266-h400/2.3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>The feeding creates long S-shaped galleries. (Art Wagner, USDA - APHIS, Bugwood.org) This feeding eventually continues around the tree girdling it causing branch die and eventual mortality. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBS7jmWsDaR-rHpeu5glZKiEs4NUOq2XPy7e8_vQVtGzaykGGYtSUST2rQplVnRrkWJcxqV0KRoRzOh1iHNs6ZmcQqMYWFgTjMO_5pD4NM3Y0BhHTMnqCNpDlGZPjoJ9pXTSIZIGDYLlle74VUudHWnvHOensVJNyw88C1fC4PbIzY8mwah5CAA81/s768/2.4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="768" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBS7jmWsDaR-rHpeu5glZKiEs4NUOq2XPy7e8_vQVtGzaykGGYtSUST2rQplVnRrkWJcxqV0KRoRzOh1iHNs6ZmcQqMYWFgTjMO_5pD4NM3Y0BhHTMnqCNpDlGZPjoJ9pXTSIZIGDYLlle74VUudHWnvHOensVJNyw88C1fC4PbIzY8mwah5CAA81/w400-h297/2.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Adults emerge from the tree from D-shaped exit holes. (Jared Spokowsky, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bugwood.org)</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Ash Trees in Nova Scotia</b></p><p>There are 4 native varieties of ASH in Canada, the most common one in Nova Scotia is the WHITE ASH.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLp_fk0KGT1xo8jTX4I8Wb28Bt5qKh1WPFN3zZel7SiYbkAbdfWtr7yzveMjmTd0ylm-rb4zfUtwbw6T-IhXS1DPIE0UUG_9-KwnPOJ3bNScy-pw3yJzfqDslOEH2gyxdNU-6JNujnMdyuu34jP72esiNAA21O5leVgfvRIBKSBwPVh7ttnh1kwje/s1080/3.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLp_fk0KGT1xo8jTX4I8Wb28Bt5qKh1WPFN3zZel7SiYbkAbdfWtr7yzveMjmTd0ylm-rb4zfUtwbw6T-IhXS1DPIE0UUG_9-KwnPOJ3bNScy-pw3yJzfqDslOEH2gyxdNU-6JNujnMdyuu34jP72esiNAA21O5leVgfvRIBKSBwPVh7ttnh1kwje/w400-h400/3.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A lovely Nova Scotia ash tree, note the fall leaf colour on the rightside (photo used with permission from @soap_suds</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7StBU7ND6SoB9mD2UHD7zF4PMRD8domF8JIsOVWIiSRqdvPFaYD6JvdQjj3Zs4CYVRny53RG4yzSh33I0LIBhfG2y1asTAoc913bnb7J7Umxm9wmQeOAV9svJZDtsyQSSd23uwLb8ubncTzssdMsHM8LKinXZWoh5qMYU5j_9X0dg-XnUJvmxxXT/s1793/3.2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7StBU7ND6SoB9mD2UHD7zF4PMRD8domF8JIsOVWIiSRqdvPFaYD6JvdQjj3Zs4CYVRny53RG4yzSh33I0LIBhfG2y1asTAoc913bnb7J7Umxm9wmQeOAV9svJZDtsyQSSd23uwLb8ubncTzssdMsHM8LKinXZWoh5qMYU5j_9X0dg-XnUJvmxxXT/w241-h400/3.2.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>Ash leaf detail -- the leaf is composed of leaflets in opposite pairs and one at the tip. Usually 7 leaflets per leaf. No teeth on the leaflet edges or possibly a few rounded ones. Colours : yellow, orange, red and purple.</p><p>Ash trees start to change colour around the middle of September and usually the trees are stripped by Thanksgiving.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Signs and Symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0jocf5hQMnUhFYlyCUUNtsBDyOhTxWzKA_TZp1YW-ErQCckmBJZraBssWzTD5wCvSBGA2iJ18jkj2Qua76vXS1NEjwCsIQUsopizHhGibjZDVO6U08SjwZeZbRlSCCJF0hwek6APkfymJPQ7hLIyZ4kNgq3tBcGant3pwaA5ceFQxThU-IvdLMUJ/s1080/4.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0jocf5hQMnUhFYlyCUUNtsBDyOhTxWzKA_TZp1YW-ErQCckmBJZraBssWzTD5wCvSBGA2iJ18jkj2Qua76vXS1NEjwCsIQUsopizHhGibjZDVO6U08SjwZeZbRlSCCJF0hwek6APkfymJPQ7hLIyZ4kNgq3tBcGant3pwaA5ceFQxThU-IvdLMUJ/w400-h400/4.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>General yellowing and thinning of the tree foliage as well as branch and crown dieback. (Dewolf Park, Bedford, NS. Ron Neville, CFIA)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T3Q6_dLPbTGxyLks31M9lL0i96EN4sGmApl62rq-LbguO17-SeoQytIKeYMxzmmWUeY0JVWD__RvBSBtI3XEuEbI3Gem_T3ynMhfPHwyu2P8lgTpnH-djI5LtZPRDh1cqY_dPyVi_PUF47rDvjg3crbcikvJIYqr9J_AiC5SH5rVxE7qlPQJStLx/s768/4.2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T3Q6_dLPbTGxyLks31M9lL0i96EN4sGmApl62rq-LbguO17-SeoQytIKeYMxzmmWUeY0JVWD__RvBSBtI3XEuEbI3Gem_T3ynMhfPHwyu2P8lgTpnH-djI5LtZPRDh1cqY_dPyVi_PUF47rDvjg3crbcikvJIYqr9J_AiC5SH5rVxE7qlPQJStLx/w266-h400/4.2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Epicormic shoots (new growth) at the tree base. (Joseph OBrien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUndKhW9BG3g7-BTBIHvPos34ITr-2KMZa1U_CEX6Gi_5nTlLIOKhIghZwqRnxGVMzPYHqo16YrrQuiBj8xyG4jhU3ZjlguOi7xEWd5CvKj1Pw4tcmIGJbt9uRsymS3OBDUHkw_jxWj1RrdGzB_UTtFyCiUAo23Q34T9cNngnJDOsh24qgStN1NaD/s1080/4.3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUndKhW9BG3g7-BTBIHvPos34ITr-2KMZa1U_CEX6Gi_5nTlLIOKhIghZwqRnxGVMzPYHqo16YrrQuiBj8xyG4jhU3ZjlguOi7xEWd5CvKj1Pw4tcmIGJbt9uRsymS3OBDUHkw_jxWj1RrdGzB_UTtFyCiUAo23Q34T9cNngnJDOsh24qgStN1NaD/w400-h400/4.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Lot's of woodpeckers (they could be feeding on the EAB larvae).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1IBJbSYHe97-ie_ZpHxQRga1NZ6AHdzs1uj8QPltt34vsHvczKBQe5Hla8uza6baK63R1JiyC_SOIv3BeQcTSciKc1u98G4qIS3ejEoOJYAWrwYmV0i94L5f4oiugqfLkSd3fea-39igUhbmayMqInRUM2OPjq0K6Ck_NKGYgsjY1nCV0c9ebFE/s768/4.4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1IBJbSYHe97-ie_ZpHxQRga1NZ6AHdzs1uj8QPltt34vsHvczKBQe5Hla8uza6baK63R1JiyC_SOIv3BeQcTSciKc1u98G4qIS3ejEoOJYAWrwYmV0i94L5f4oiugqfLkSd3fea-39igUhbmayMqInRUM2OPjq0K6Ck_NKGYgsjY1nCV0c9ebFE/w400-h300/4.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The adult D-shaped exit holes. (Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org)</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>But Not Every Ash tree under stress is affected by Emerald Ash Borer!</b></p><p>Please note that Ash trees across Nova Scotia have also been affected by Ash Rust. This has been widespread the past couple of years, some areas are detecting some stem dieback as well as isolated mortality. The rust is amplified by the damp and warm temperatures we have been experiencing. Most cases it doesn't result in mortality unless repeat infestations over a number of years. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw60NJRx3Fjd9wgUlewT_vxh9pGjMQhq8iPLzHujACfkSCoAb_qNjkbJpdWPJG4aTewEJM9ua5310aVQF0xVn5Iab53_r5Mc_1Rtsw7NQ109uvEizDRPXqVGPmZnSqk6Zjy3-3Ggm6PVz6r5rD6pE_o5wtrNNsRL6tggC23EzPQFu52_ax5vCMWaZC/s1080/4.5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw60NJRx3Fjd9wgUlewT_vxh9pGjMQhq8iPLzHujACfkSCoAb_qNjkbJpdWPJG4aTewEJM9ua5310aVQF0xVn5Iab53_r5Mc_1Rtsw7NQ109uvEizDRPXqVGPmZnSqk6Zjy3-3Ggm6PVz6r5rD6pE_o5wtrNNsRL6tggC23EzPQFu52_ax5vCMWaZC/w400-h400/4.5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>If you suspect it might be ash rust, contact : Foresthealth@novascotia.ca Photo used with permission from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What is being done to prevent the Spread of EAB?</b></p><p>The province (Department of Natural Resource and Renewables) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency collaborate to monitor of EAB throughout the province :</p><p>- traps around HRM to help determine the spread radius of EAB from the original Bedford site.</p><p>- baited flight intercept traps are setup in many areas outside of HRM as part of a province-wide network of traps.</p><p>- to help determine spread, branch sampling will occur this fall/winter looking for overwintering larvae within HRM but away from the known Bedford locale.</p><p>So far this years trapping within HRM has detected beetles in a number of sites within a 6-10km radius from the DeWolfe Park site in Bedford. To date they have not collected any EAB samples from any traps outside of the HRM area.</p><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What can you do to prevent the spread of EAB?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can help by not moving firewood -- it could be hiding in the bark and you could accidentally move an infested piece of wood that could infest a new area. Please acquire your firewood where you burn it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Very important if you live in HRM where we know there are populations of EAB!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if you think you may have found a tree(s) affected by the EAB in Nova Scotia, please report your sighting to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency by phoning 902-536-1010</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhSPeZKZR1_ZQCz6i8vU5ze_068B4nPP5Qo7jhYoWYdLEhdvwhMbbdsaArC3Jm3_Uohj6x62XwY9-R79nJUTUbq_0-sHEASXWG0Bfds5aTTtP0q5tFUPG7a9B0EfTIMvg3Bg8OUlX4i13g8UBwaROelfnbciPOEdW4Yk_8GUzyPq0Cc-QxO64R25f/s1351/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhSPeZKZR1_ZQCz6i8vU5ze_068B4nPP5Qo7jhYoWYdLEhdvwhMbbdsaArC3Jm3_Uohj6x62XwY9-R79nJUTUbq_0-sHEASXWG0Bfds5aTTtP0q5tFUPG7a9B0EfTIMvg3Bg8OUlX4i13g8UBwaROelfnbciPOEdW4Yk_8GUzyPq0Cc-QxO64R25f/w512-h640/5.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo : @chuckwrathall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A big shoutout to Jeff Ogden from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables and Ron Neville from the Canadian Food Inspections Agency for their help.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>More Information</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V8xtgWGCsLMXJEDV7m1uaTGOHeTEfaXY/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Emerald Ash Borer concise summary from the NS Department of Natural Resources</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://inspection.canada.ca/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/emerald-ash-borer/eng/1337273882117/1337273975030" target="_blank">Canadian Food Inspection Agency Emerald Ash Borer summary</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://nsinvasives.ca/emerald-ash-borer/" target="_blank">Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV_sYOPVuo4" target="_blank">The Borer and the Basket</a> explores the spiritual, ceremonial, and economic importance of the ash trees for Indigenous people</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-54760812043099368872022-06-20T02:00:00.008-07:002022-06-22T09:21:19.341-07:00Spring Checkup<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKnbU24wlkBxUw9eSEWCSuGUS7tMiGmihSa_58-1-hoOfSR9lfNLswMf6jkacW-ieqJjqXyS_pCk_rCpIWK6zS_tTCl7vrVlWQCJCPwGyzG37xQRdo_9avBpr15oSst9fHsdIN6ihL2jNx3jrjVRvUPqh4AP659DFHeluVpKhcqOcuQeNhZHboWYH/s1080/1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKnbU24wlkBxUw9eSEWCSuGUS7tMiGmihSa_58-1-hoOfSR9lfNLswMf6jkacW-ieqJjqXyS_pCk_rCpIWK6zS_tTCl7vrVlWQCJCPwGyzG37xQRdo_9avBpr15oSst9fHsdIN6ihL2jNx3jrjVRvUPqh4AP659DFHeluVpKhcqOcuQeNhZHboWYH/w400-h400/1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Spring Checkup</b></p><p>Optimism ... hope ... words that describe our forests in the springtime as EVERYTHING comes to life. You can almost watch the changes!</p><p>Knowing that everything should be growing, this is a good time to gauge the forest health. Some defoliation is part of the natural cycle but it can indicate problems, particularly when it involves non-native invasive species.</p><p>This post is about three non-native bugs that are killing trees in our forests, what to look for and what you can do if you find it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQo6OwEge0e66w4BwJPZ9ggGkrrUjY2yRk5PiOPsF_wsoHEP3n7Wjd3Jg7sg0ZAPczNOUJO6qUy3DK_MMBzQMBOHUNWPNmXJubZalp6eOfBsZZG68otsufctxZQcCNoABCKYFwR2y-hMAUaNLSKoYs-uNZ65fMJX8UuGJTwvum4IcjKZVQrQzWC9P/s1080/2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQo6OwEge0e66w4BwJPZ9ggGkrrUjY2yRk5PiOPsF_wsoHEP3n7Wjd3Jg7sg0ZAPczNOUJO6qUy3DK_MMBzQMBOHUNWPNmXJubZalp6eOfBsZZG68otsufctxZQcCNoABCKYFwR2y-hMAUaNLSKoYs-uNZ65fMJX8UuGJTwvum4IcjKZVQrQzWC9P/w400-h400/2.jpeg" title="(c) Ron Neville - CFIA" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Emerald Ash Borer</b></div></b><p>Nova Scotia might appear to have luck on her side when it comes to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) but that would be a mistake. EAB was first found in DeWolf Park in Bedford and has spread to the surrounding area. It is poised to takeoff :-(</p><p>First identified 20 years ago in Ontario, EAB has almost eliminated all species of ash from eastern Manitoba, Southern Ontario and Southern Quebec. Many municipalities have removed dead ash trees that once lined their streets and parks.</p><p><b>What to look for</b> : sections or whole trees that have no leaves. These ash trees pictured should be fully leafed out but are leafless indicating EAB has killed them. </p><p><b>What to do if you find it</b> : please get a picture if possible and report your finding to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or send it here and we will pass it along</p><p>image : (c) Ron Neville - CFIA</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3_pMSN5gypJyUPCkmJaoTqExA2JGfJP0uOQyW3_vDfAknNQ9gBQJaaU9KabtrN6uSmK3Lyt9FM9UONDQSLZtnWfrTghedZXAzFBc7jmbFXG22XeYZBD2j4W8qldbr6hMLzWezNqg7_Pgg66HX3PIVuwJ1XJ3cwYyicZtF4zZ3mBTunmt87E52k9F/s1080/3.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1080" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3_pMSN5gypJyUPCkmJaoTqExA2JGfJP0uOQyW3_vDfAknNQ9gBQJaaU9KabtrN6uSmK3Lyt9FM9UONDQSLZtnWfrTghedZXAzFBc7jmbFXG22XeYZBD2j4W8qldbr6hMLzWezNqg7_Pgg66HX3PIVuwJ1XJ3cwYyicZtF4zZ3mBTunmt87E52k9F/w400-h370/3.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Beech leafmining weevil</b></span></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Beech are magnificent trees. While many of our beech trees were affected by a bug first seen over 100 years ago, they seemed to have reached some stability ... until a new, non-native invasive species arrived in 2012 called the Beech leafmining weevil</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What to look for</b> : the weevil feeds on the new beech leaves peppering them with small holes. You will also see browning of the leaf tips</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What to do if you find it</b> : please get a picture if possible and report your finding to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or send it here and we will pass it along</div><div><br /></div><div>image : (c) NS Government / Jeff Ogden - Provincial Entomologist</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGn73cg61lnWeyT1Xul3VYqAK4gkqfryLLcvae7rwyscQEpFyYx4XfjGMUfnJRJA6QwLkwEd_-cuSN6dOoBKIJewKEMEts9z0GPQ4iPqZSw2DTmcvn_rPJrhaZSRRzRCGOtrOzFvBXWip58T1wsHomSfXjMKJ5r4fHlRyvd_a6Mc3i7Ny1r7iUL8e/s1080/4.0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGn73cg61lnWeyT1Xul3VYqAK4gkqfryLLcvae7rwyscQEpFyYx4XfjGMUfnJRJA6QwLkwEd_-cuSN6dOoBKIJewKEMEts9z0GPQ4iPqZSw2DTmcvn_rPJrhaZSRRzRCGOtrOzFvBXWip58T1wsHomSfXjMKJ5r4fHlRyvd_a6Mc3i7Ny1r7iUL8e/w400-h400/4.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hemlock Woolly Adelgid</b></div><div><br /></div><div>At this time of year, the tips of hemlock branches light up as the new growth pushes out forming an acid green foliage. </div><div><br /></div><div>At least that is what you hope. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because hemlock that are being attacked by the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) are under a great deal of stress and will often conserve their energy and not put out the growth tips.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What to look for</b> : hemlock without the growing tips, the picture shown is an extreme example</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIZCGvRxuwg4wf9514NQBsUpWH-Q8XEMW6DIVUlSotN88xIQ2oFLnPom_RE_rMy57_eFy1USHNJFI1sC2ebuGGAt4Nz8xzjz13mv3eScUOqKaRzPeIRqwvgvHyYMgLR8OShcxQ8UGnHXwTAZS95agIWJWFvoj7lssAwT5lF8PxjsQTFhwIT1kasor/s1080/nickbell-hemlock-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIZCGvRxuwg4wf9514NQBsUpWH-Q8XEMW6DIVUlSotN88xIQ2oFLnPom_RE_rMy57_eFy1USHNJFI1sC2ebuGGAt4Nz8xzjz13mv3eScUOqKaRzPeIRqwvgvHyYMgLR8OShcxQ8UGnHXwTAZS95agIWJWFvoj7lssAwT5lF8PxjsQTFhwIT1kasor/w400-h400/nickbell-hemlock-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">image : (c) Nick Bell</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What to do if you find it</b> : please get a picture if possible and email your information to hwa@nshemlock.ca</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7zpjacA4dF-puIfaIiH3039OP42m8rMsYrjG8ri7XeFm024aV066R6niaBzOV4cbP89sr6Jh_rXwCcQzW9nw0srzhI2CeXlTwEAFyH5WTze_V0aiSerfyhcP8tUhECtSkFKpoJLk9Vp3lF06GwiZkUmRHhL0gtRlz9EK5rzkQtMrzQfq1XVGoBKI/s853/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="568" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7zpjacA4dF-puIfaIiH3039OP42m8rMsYrjG8ri7XeFm024aV066R6niaBzOV4cbP89sr6Jh_rXwCcQzW9nw0srzhI2CeXlTwEAFyH5WTze_V0aiSerfyhcP8tUhECtSkFKpoJLk9Vp3lF06GwiZkUmRHhL0gtRlz9EK5rzkQtMrzQfq1XVGoBKI/w266-h400/5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Field Guide</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The provincial Government have an excellent reference book called "A Field Guide to Pests of the Acadian Forest" you can download here : <a href="https://novascotia.ca/natr/woodlot/pdf/Woodlot-Field-Guide-to-Pests-of-the-Acadian-Forest.pdf"><b>https://novascotia.ca/natr/woodlot/pdf/Woodlot-Field-Guide-to-Pests-of-the-Acadian-Forest.pdf</b></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>The situation is rapidly changing -- since the Guide was released in 2017, Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in Nova Scotia while it is listed in the guide as not here yet.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We can all help keep our forests healthy by knowing what to look for and reporting outbreaks when we find them.</div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-64392541102335283112022-06-05T09:24:00.016-07:002022-06-06T04:47:58.982-07:00Songs in the Forest<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mAkPCVo498w_Ds0X7iCRWwPV28fBJ56-4Ekotrb33lwRk0ApDuYJiHq2Nupr9oq3KqcJbPkZ6wC02LMx4zeVlDlJabbN2xTAhw3oagsa_ax2LAmYNY0Zds5CNvLmJVHWMgTTjweghVkT5Q846tFP571SJoD_TkntE5GSZxzsHycnJRqlkZ3nSAoQ/s1564/IMG_20220603_163238-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mAkPCVo498w_Ds0X7iCRWwPV28fBJ56-4Ekotrb33lwRk0ApDuYJiHq2Nupr9oq3KqcJbPkZ6wC02LMx4zeVlDlJabbN2xTAhw3oagsa_ax2LAmYNY0Zds5CNvLmJVHWMgTTjweghVkT5Q846tFP571SJoD_TkntE5GSZxzsHycnJRqlkZ3nSAoQ/w400-h400/IMG_20220603_163238-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Songs in the Forest</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">During the week of June 6, 2022 on our Instagram and Facebook pages, we featured five song birds commonly found in our Nova Scotian forests.</p><p style="text-align: left;">First there are sounds clips for each bird followed by additional information for each bird.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>SOUND CLIPS</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Monday - <a href="https://nas-national-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/birds/audio/HERTHR_1.songnum1_NYle.mp3?tok=1651732317" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hermit Thrush</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tuesday - <a href="https://nas-national-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/birds/audio/CANWAR_1.songsnum1_NYle_1.mp3?tok=1651732317" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canada Warbler</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Wednesday - <a href="https://nas-national-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/birds/audio/NORPAR_1.typicalsongsnum1_NYle_1.mp3?tok=1648708358" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Northern Parula</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Thursday - <a href="https://nas-national-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/birds/audio/YERUWA_1.Myrtlesongsnum1_NYle.mp3?tok=1648708358" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yellow Rumped Warbler</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Friday - <a href="https://nas-national-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/birds/audio/BLBUWA_1.songsnum1_NYle_1.mp3?tok=1648708358" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blackburnian Warbler</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT</b></p><p>A Nova Scotia summer concert series is underway in a forest near you. </p><p>Millions of song birds return to our forests each spring for the good food (lots of bugs, yum!) and vast forest to breed and raise their young (75% of our province is considered 'forestland') There are over 40 species in total.</p><p>Add the native birds and the iconic loon for a summer-long concert series!</p><p>Songbirds can be difficult to find in the forest, many spend much of their time high up in mature softwood forests. So how can you identify them? I use an app called "Birdnet". Hold your phone in the direction of the song, capture a bit of it and the App will identify the songster for you. You might be pleasantly surprised by the many different birds in the forest around you!</p><p>There are over 20 different warblers that visit us each spring -- how can you tell them apart??? There's a app for that too -- checkout "Merlin". Its like a paper-based field guide with pictures and lots of information about each type of bird. It will also help you identify birds thru visual and sound clues. And it includes a comprehensive sound library of all the birds typically found in this region. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzWvN1kDIZZ-hL8LgbqFjphTWoxZ2lBprTXrBioUFCcLDJK-cy5No3JVMFjAsLFRSoAI20JSdB7I-U4Vpu4kvnImPi9YncNOb0cbIdexvcf0P2gML08-TyL-qWob2s6rC9RNR-q6raRSloDIohY_GZGdV-GSGa-n-rKI9mbQnE0smrlf5wCQPt-_h/s1269/1-HermitThrush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzWvN1kDIZZ-hL8LgbqFjphTWoxZ2lBprTXrBioUFCcLDJK-cy5No3JVMFjAsLFRSoAI20JSdB7I-U4Vpu4kvnImPi9YncNOb0cbIdexvcf0P2gML08-TyL-qWob2s6rC9RNR-q6raRSloDIohY_GZGdV-GSGa-n-rKI9mbQnE0smrlf5wCQPt-_h/s320/1-HermitThrush.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo : (c) Simon D'Entremont</div><p>The song of Hermit Thrush IS the sound of summer. Instantly recognizable, their melodic songs ring thru the forest.</p><p>You will find Hermit Thrushes in softwood and mixed wood forests, often on the forest floor or on lower branches. </p><p>They breed in spruce, hemlock and fir forests. Their nests are often close to the ground and an interesting tidbit -- young hemlocks are one of their preferred nesting species.</p><p><a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/hermit-thrush" target="_blank">More about the Hermit Thrush</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-d1i6fGEw8f76sLUUyctKAWq6OTg6KqBsDM_BQ7RFqUGRbDFufmOHGi0WFD5VWzwAXJIF23-LAmGpqJ4vjlXMxgR_00RVd9Sssr6pkI7vCac2MCrmBigoSX0fIAMsFgKhJIt_5ltEjTgbbHt1x3fOTc4mrhnELlML3dcOfWfMmrPdc9N2lWF7qmK/s1080/2-canadawarbler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-d1i6fGEw8f76sLUUyctKAWq6OTg6KqBsDM_BQ7RFqUGRbDFufmOHGi0WFD5VWzwAXJIF23-LAmGpqJ4vjlXMxgR_00RVd9Sssr6pkI7vCac2MCrmBigoSX0fIAMsFgKhJIt_5ltEjTgbbHt1x3fOTc4mrhnELlML3dcOfWfMmrPdc9N2lWF7qmK/s320/2-canadawarbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo : (c) Simon D'Entremont</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Canada Warbler is found in forest undergrowth and shady thickets. They breed in mature hardwood/softwood forests and often near moist habitats such as wetlands and along streams<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/canada-warbler" target="_blank">More about the Canada Warbler</a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLqcfgI1BrHPMrnFWME5zrMAoO2MXSlsAcM7WmCiwqFuenp5yY_u6yxh-Bb69yOwxh_-8zDUw7iQn3aKwF7ELedRsGfGcpDgBK0VW-Kd4Fc_nwLk_kkdssbu2qtLiFaEuhTVJhmJ0Oy8zYxJeIbq_Z7-7hhOpNhil3wkYcDpV7DTd0iXayXSBloZm/s1350/3-northernparula.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLqcfgI1BrHPMrnFWME5zrMAoO2MXSlsAcM7WmCiwqFuenp5yY_u6yxh-Bb69yOwxh_-8zDUw7iQn3aKwF7ELedRsGfGcpDgBK0VW-Kd4Fc_nwLk_kkdssbu2qtLiFaEuhTVJhmJ0Oy8zYxJeIbq_Z7-7hhOpNhil3wkYcDpV7DTd0iXayXSBloZm/s320/3-northernparula.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">photo : (c) Nicole Handspiker</div><div><br /></div><div>You will probably never see the Northern Parula because they spend much of their time high up in mature softwood forests. They breed mainly in humid woods, especially those with abundant tree lichens, in swamps or along edges of ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-parula" target="_blank">More about the Northern Parula</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MkiPlzfmL807V1BCSZUdVTivwQaheogWyvZbEmY4lPDxB7FdIq7PNSvu6k2PKDGS_jYhM4XlFyJbZuqQWKbOZPXAYby9CHHQT-0H9UynKV9O9m2WW-b0b0_m3Co1G7nH2NTKgjM0kqUpqdDWmKU7AOR8SbjTrqefQ_i_hFitsWZnEOvM7685UNSG/s1080/4-yellowrumpedwarbler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1080" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MkiPlzfmL807V1BCSZUdVTivwQaheogWyvZbEmY4lPDxB7FdIq7PNSvu6k2PKDGS_jYhM4XlFyJbZuqQWKbOZPXAYby9CHHQT-0H9UynKV9O9m2WW-b0b0_m3Co1G7nH2NTKgjM0kqUpqdDWmKU7AOR8SbjTrqefQ_i_hFitsWZnEOvM7685UNSG/s320/4-yellowrumpedwarbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo: (c) Nicole Handspiker</div><div><br /></div><div>The Yellow rumped warbler is one of the most common warblers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yellow rumped warblers do well because they live on bugs and berries as well. This means they do not have to migrate to the tropics like most of their relatives.</div><div><br /></div><div>They breed in softwood and mixed forests, preferring more open stands and edges in pine, fir, spruce, aspen.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/yellow-rumped-warbler#" target="_blank">More about the Yellow rumped warbler</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBaG-uDxCrZUtfifTkh9umtI_EQFmmzKUmBVeK3LW-DFzgQ4VXFWpSkboHYlc8AvviX0jAM8wIDQJ9zVNFyoEnzUPoCJ_ZnYoowqG9auJmRvU9be_i-9Ro66I-KDy_LawxHPKZ8BAC4dVAeYwFPCqfzZpH76ChYdqmidxDxsSZY7wQhZsNpPSMGM7/s824/5-Blackburnianwarbler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBaG-uDxCrZUtfifTkh9umtI_EQFmmzKUmBVeK3LW-DFzgQ4VXFWpSkboHYlc8AvviX0jAM8wIDQJ9zVNFyoEnzUPoCJ_ZnYoowqG9auJmRvU9be_i-9Ro66I-KDy_LawxHPKZ8BAC4dVAeYwFPCqfzZpH76ChYdqmidxDxsSZY7wQhZsNpPSMGM7/s320/5-Blackburnianwarbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo: (c)Jessica Vanluxemborg </div><div><br /></div><div>Blackburnian warblers are found primarily in the upper reaches of large trees.</div><div><br /></div><div>Big old hemlocks are a favourite where they feed and nest.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the US, Blackburnian warblers have experienced some of the largest hemlock woolly adelgid infestation related declines of all bird species and they have begun to disappear from previously hemlock-dominated forests.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will this be the fate of the Blackburnian warbler in Nova Scotia?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/blackburnian-warbler" target="_blank">More about the Blackburnian Warbler</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-80924265395070935962022-05-08T16:29:00.000-07:002022-05-08T16:29:24.031-07:00HWA Detection & Prevention<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLRcA47LZTmgunVVW877Oj58hxnJETSV3zo90jQlYOle6m78MyglXzsqtGy8Lm-jhFTHgAtlv93jn30PoLKrLvLTjlHq2oXvVqoRtbMfnby1XiYsNOYpoWDY3BnUYbfKVDSE49Cs-ZxDqsfKi3KYqrRza1d_yfY4YyQLCVNBxgUDras_F9BjRV9Rq/s1350/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLRcA47LZTmgunVVW877Oj58hxnJETSV3zo90jQlYOle6m78MyglXzsqtGy8Lm-jhFTHgAtlv93jn30PoLKrLvLTjlHq2oXvVqoRtbMfnby1XiYsNOYpoWDY3BnUYbfKVDSE49Cs-ZxDqsfKi3KYqrRza1d_yfY4YyQLCVNBxgUDras_F9BjRV9Rq/w512-h640/0.jpg" title="(c)three.wild.rivers" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Will these kids get to camp under hemlocks with their children? </p><p>With over 35,000 acres of Nova Scotia's hemlock forest infested with the Hemlock killing bug HWA, we are at a critical point in the fight to save our hemlocks.</p><p>Right now (early May) is a very important time of the year. Momma HWA has been busy making babies all winter. And the cotton-like sacs where she lives are at their largest and most easily seen.</p><p>As the weather warms this month, her babies will come out of their protective home and start looking for a new source of food. Called "crawlers", there can be MANY of them. 100s per sac. </p><p>At the peak, scientists have counted 1,000s of crawlers falling from a single, infested tree.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLmycOo2zy4kXopN_nDTqdQ-3MI8fiWb5f4S7-PKXSmtUFTo-hP9oeXBG_1YeyanwfzASyv2M6rZxyrCBStg0P_Uu59zk9JoZ2ip3RlNozqPKwsB6af4BTUOJMneU5S8sK6Hw_ICyLVXKC3OGMIMM6r8Q2EmYwvlGo45_F9qhBJSkawxDgxYttokB/s1080/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLmycOo2zy4kXopN_nDTqdQ-3MI8fiWb5f4S7-PKXSmtUFTo-hP9oeXBG_1YeyanwfzASyv2M6rZxyrCBStg0P_Uu59zk9JoZ2ip3RlNozqPKwsB6af4BTUOJMneU5S8sK6Hw_ICyLVXKC3OGMIMM6r8Q2EmYwvlGo45_F9qhBJSkawxDgxYttokB/w640-h640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>How do you find HWA?</b></p><p>HWA are tiny -- about the size of a pencil dot. </p><p>But they create a protective cotton-ball like sac around them that is visible and tells us that HWA is present.</p><p>The most common way to find the cotton balls is to grab a hemlock branch, flip it over and if infested, you will see the sacs where the needle meets the stem on the underside.</p><p>But what about branches higher up in the tree? Here are a couple of options:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>wind and ice storms will break off hemlock tips and branches scattering them on the ground where it is easy to inspect (this was a banner year for windfall where I live in Lunenburg County)</li><li>just before dark, shine a powerful light (greater than 2,000 lumens) with a focusable beam up into the branches. The cotton balls will pop in the light</li><li>The pros use a pole saw that will reach up into the canopy where they can cut off branches and bring them down for inspection.</li></ul><p></p><p>Please report any sightings (with a pic and location if possible) to <b>hwa@nshemlock.ca</b></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC1kwJBnzC6gJd3Ugpv4lRHT3Q9foLF1RbGV14qlYnhBZtmYE7BZpJodW59SlKowdFlcQ7IDspxmb3GaoumOQETLYlH3rAP9-Bc-BTZR6j0kZYu6FgaGDNz_wpZBqr3_AyOU_BfYnmQyBVgmin8kC4OyTDGqzQ1I1Qb97TYUQGjLJuZUSk7mDBQju/s1080/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC1kwJBnzC6gJd3Ugpv4lRHT3Q9foLF1RbGV14qlYnhBZtmYE7BZpJodW59SlKowdFlcQ7IDspxmb3GaoumOQETLYlH3rAP9-Bc-BTZR6j0kZYu6FgaGDNz_wpZBqr3_AyOU_BfYnmQyBVgmin8kC4OyTDGqzQ1I1Qb97TYUQGjLJuZUSk7mDBQju/w640-h640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What do I do if I find it?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you find HWA (or something that looks like it), please get a pic, the location and report it to <b>hwa@nshemlock.ca</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If this is a place where HWA has not been previously reported, someone from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will visit the site to confirm the infestation.</div><div><br /></div><div>VERY IMPORTANT : Early detection means there are more options for dealing with HWA. Please let us know if you find any.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_gX2dCtRclx5h6fh5oHoW3XAz9yPOJ-ZQ1UCowT0xpRZGbtAzCRHm0uNA-mfFM1NfwivPDI6INxtdnzdKlrd6pcQp4SFGUtEUpzFuCVtK30ARKTi2mWYvlrWraRnTlwsSIiSrQKqly5Pit3FE0vFKOLuh352kKJJcER73iK7hYTMhFlg0c5qckhE/s940/4.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_gX2dCtRclx5h6fh5oHoW3XAz9yPOJ-ZQ1UCowT0xpRZGbtAzCRHm0uNA-mfFM1NfwivPDI6INxtdnzdKlrd6pcQp4SFGUtEUpzFuCVtK30ARKTi2mWYvlrWraRnTlwsSIiSrQKqly5Pit3FE0vFKOLuh352kKJJcER73iK7hYTMhFlg0c5qckhE/w429-h640/4.2.jpg" width="429" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>How do I prevent it from spreading?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">HWA is most easily spread when the babies emerge from the cotton balls and start looking for food. Called "crawlers", this happens from mid May thru until the end of August. Over 1,000 can fall from an infested tree onto anything below. And unfortunately, this is when lots of people are heading into the forest for serious R&R. :-(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crawlers are tiny -- about the size of a pencil dot. So what can you do to prevent spreading them :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>the picture above is the sign that will be going up in locations known to have a HWA infestation</li><li>please do not assume that the sign is in all locations where there is HWA! It is found in all seven Western Counties and is moving eastward. Best to be wary if you are in hemlocks</li><li>when you leave the forest, use a lint roller on your clothing and pets to remove any crawlers that may have fallen on you, your gear or your pets</li><li>avoid leaving an infested hemlock stand and visiting another hemlock forest (ie: awesome party weekend at Keji and then go directly to Victoria Park in Truro)</li><li>if you are headed for another hemlock site, please change your clothes. 5 minutes in a dryer will kill any crawlers</li><li>please do not remove any hemlock foliage from the forest</li><li>avoid parking your vehicle or ATV under hemlock trees</li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFNP9x0GMqaREkN0pH8qQ_wXPKTHpko9cK2oOtGN9re4PCGfjsZaVSfFa6LjiRBYRB4MOki8jdRRI7bMbcbzwfvIiY8uQSR2LwdaB1u8Zky0IRPZwTSFbrWWz2AHAXAYGUd15-mP50-warBi6ZJqg6t4-eUmjmH1GzSkQ-4l8k62aKS_91iUA5SHx/s1564/4.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFNP9x0GMqaREkN0pH8qQ_wXPKTHpko9cK2oOtGN9re4PCGfjsZaVSfFa6LjiRBYRB4MOki8jdRRI7bMbcbzwfvIiY8uQSR2LwdaB1u8Zky0IRPZwTSFbrWWz2AHAXAYGUd15-mP50-warBi6ZJqg6t4-eUmjmH1GzSkQ-4l8k62aKS_91iUA5SHx/w640-h640/4.3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>We all can help save our hemlocks by taking simple actions.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you know what HWA looks like and report your sightings --> we can act early to contain it.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can help minimize the spread if you take steps during HWA's active period from May to August -- use a lint roller to remove crawlers, change your clothing after visiting a hemlock forest, avoid parking under hemlocks, do not remove hemlock foliage --> we can slow the spread</div><div><br /></div><div>And maybe, just maybe the children in the first picture will get to share the joy of camping in a hemlock forest with their children</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI9dhd8V1ez4L5HG49IXIrJeJVN6-Mh2baX7wwhdglv3hJV6QiITUq4m0kVu14RPAQH9oVd0BEQpwfSvOZFmyafdbxtlySbnD5Y_zTufBtObyh83VcfqmyDS0D6mx9vJ87gOYQINKZZ3lPpdrWB5yY1V-5rC7rMztIM2PoTphSSwrLR8ebBhOld6U/s1564/5.0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI9dhd8V1ez4L5HG49IXIrJeJVN6-Mh2baX7wwhdglv3hJV6QiITUq4m0kVu14RPAQH9oVd0BEQpwfSvOZFmyafdbxtlySbnD5Y_zTufBtObyh83VcfqmyDS0D6mx9vJ87gOYQINKZZ3lPpdrWB5yY1V-5rC7rMztIM2PoTphSSwrLR8ebBhOld6U/w640-h640/5.0.jpeg" title="(c) timdmyers and (c)kayla.sonleylong" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-16624624304932330722022-04-28T04:15:00.001-07:002022-04-28T04:16:27.350-07:00HWA Detection/Information Session<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnS-eFBsRrsdzUHT1ZI03UY5Nr07Ztm12rl_FkGzXabFwzyu3BYVXmfMy3_Zayib9JClYVRb2h7yLnaFbFwtilzJqZJLbCEFrhFybfnE4d_EzGbXVQfzp03ZhTWXVmbttDqIbpnjlA9rFAd_95Y5yGxUvxAI7MYQV_DqLD8Kcv9cFFFXZoY4f7Ix0/s4272/IMG_9484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnS-eFBsRrsdzUHT1ZI03UY5Nr07Ztm12rl_FkGzXabFwzyu3BYVXmfMy3_Zayib9JClYVRb2h7yLnaFbFwtilzJqZJLbCEFrhFybfnE4d_EzGbXVQfzp03ZhTWXVmbttDqIbpnjlA9rFAd_95Y5yGxUvxAI7MYQV_DqLD8Kcv9cFFFXZoY4f7Ix0/s320/IMG_9484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Detection Event</b> </p></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Everyone is welcome to an information session in Kentville, Nova Scotia this Sunday May 1st. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Details in the attached poster.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I hope to have an update after the event.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXM8D4Zn2LEldS6HZApyFRkcV_3NiLV2S88NcDOuj-4pSywabK8sIdHdmBTdJmLigXqrZVAcnaAblFbGWvHHM3AYibniAeXsPf3GkA6kcPz2sM6jmVzpGlYfUufT4N1G0nd7WWP8pbagxHB3yn5GL4W560TArAOMwHcvHkynu6nbTz7q-4LVuVog/s1440/Hemlock%20Woolly%20Adelgid%20Volunteer%20Event%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXM8D4Zn2LEldS6HZApyFRkcV_3NiLV2S88NcDOuj-4pSywabK8sIdHdmBTdJmLigXqrZVAcnaAblFbGWvHHM3AYibniAeXsPf3GkA6kcPz2sM6jmVzpGlYfUufT4N1G0nd7WWP8pbagxHB3yn5GL4W560TArAOMwHcvHkynu6nbTz7q-4LVuVog/w480-h640/Hemlock%20Woolly%20Adelgid%20Volunteer%20Event%20(1).png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-43145249847239683172022-03-21T02:00:00.008-07:002022-05-02T09:08:35.180-07:00You & HWA<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhv0uQqBBttbiV9veAForMco9FW5tbGwGIoCm5yVFhhkDAGSFdtTB5swKUd45kzNHLbWLb64k0wwsQTTQSPH-YWeuPmd_jnj31fqKJgiJgqes2-Xiq0xhb7FLYKxSpjMJnPRcMIgpJDT3Tjfiu8f5xDfOCydMZ6jRjsxCLkkodcbXUa5_WZfFEN7LE=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhv0uQqBBttbiV9veAForMco9FW5tbGwGIoCm5yVFhhkDAGSFdtTB5swKUd45kzNHLbWLb64k0wwsQTTQSPH-YWeuPmd_jnj31fqKJgiJgqes2-Xiq0xhb7FLYKxSpjMJnPRcMIgpJDT3Tjfiu8f5xDfOCydMZ6jRjsxCLkkodcbXUa5_WZfFEN7LE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> You and HWA</b></div><p></p><p>This week is about specific actions you can take to help our hemlocks from the deadly hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA).</p><p>And we have PRIZES!!! The very nice folk at the <b><a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik" target="_blank">Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site</a></b> have provided five 2022 Adult passes. If you would like to be entered into the draw, please send your email to giantsofnovascotia@gmail.com . The winners will be randomly selected from all entries received by FRIDAY MARCH 25, 2022 at 5pm ADT. Your email address will only be used for the prize draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you tell which trees in the forest are hemlocks?</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFIYnOBlGaE0Ui-9aVPbrVzncJGmcc9-9az-rl_gXF9JXCrN95u3c3kEwo7A8pQCL8APn5dMEpWmY_F_D3XNNBp6V6rCQYVj_kALylhxK6pYruzfhZs7t5ZRD_HMq91AEh2uSuQ98aLgpD0ZRVrS-Bw7UUTaQMfqlmz700ugGGZPOJXC2NLCa2313g=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFIYnOBlGaE0Ui-9aVPbrVzncJGmcc9-9az-rl_gXF9JXCrN95u3c3kEwo7A8pQCL8APn5dMEpWmY_F_D3XNNBp6V6rCQYVj_kALylhxK6pYruzfhZs7t5ZRD_HMq91AEh2uSuQ98aLgpD0ZRVrS-Bw7UUTaQMfqlmz700ugGGZPOJXC2NLCa2313g=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><p>The picture above includes four, common evergreens found in our Acadian/Wabanaki forest that could be mistaken for hemlock. You could confuse Balsam Fir branch tips with a hemlock but the trunks are very different. Red Spruce are often found with hemlock and their branch tips are similar but the bark of the trunk is very different. The same is true of White Pine -- they are often found with hemlocks and there trunks can look similar but the needles of a pine are very different from the needles of a hemlock!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGrLEf2HnRrEF9e5f_HHj6xnwmFanTaMkReYZH-0KEgJnWSDab3le1QxBIRvqm7TkBxq5Nyg3r5aV0eQ0ksp_uNCZGxdbj7sGR2cdsEithbhqOyNGzBzcwOCgbBP9_mvIg8f2bCL3uC6Cc_1L3W_Ar-pAFxaPKOofLZfYgkt_VyBiBGZgeoQkyO5l4=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGrLEf2HnRrEF9e5f_HHj6xnwmFanTaMkReYZH-0KEgJnWSDab3le1QxBIRvqm7TkBxq5Nyg3r5aV0eQ0ksp_uNCZGxdbj7sGR2cdsEithbhqOyNGzBzcwOCgbBP9_mvIg8f2bCL3uC6Cc_1L3W_Ar-pAFxaPKOofLZfYgkt_VyBiBGZgeoQkyO5l4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The picture above shows common characteristics of our hemlocks, the <i>Tsuga canadensis</i> or "Canadian Hemlock". The mature tree has dark brown deeply furrowed bark often with a reddish tinge. It's a definite match if you can spot their very distinctive seed cones. And in the spring, note the acid green growing tips.</p><p><b>DID YOU KNOW</b> : <b><a href="http://www.inaturalist.ca" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a></b> and other apps are very helpful for identifying trees. Take a picture of the trunk or needles or cones or all of them --> upload your pic(s) and the app will identify it for you.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you identify HWA? </span></b></p><p>HWA spend the summer in their smallest growth form -- little black, tiny specs as small as a pencil dot. Chances are that you won't see them without using a magnifying glass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFAyLrtq9HYSjgVikjQWm3G0b4PdYEW-aRumc2I_TZEnMsLFXJXPLEo0SgiOIWSQW2Po0rKDNGWMqUoWURlsKkzY1PRJCwlMNBTgyxT-shL7ZNq1LNfrlUwdtetpRA9p28i6eIhmWJCTr4m1qo_ANFgVtsujjMvUB6fP9JsxPio20sbKW764K8xNhb=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFAyLrtq9HYSjgVikjQWm3G0b4PdYEW-aRumc2I_TZEnMsLFXJXPLEo0SgiOIWSQW2Po0rKDNGWMqUoWURlsKkzY1PRJCwlMNBTgyxT-shL7ZNq1LNfrlUwdtetpRA9p28i6eIhmWJCTr4m1qo_ANFgVtsujjMvUB6fP9JsxPio20sbKW764K8xNhb=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>However, HWA secretes a waxy, white woolly substance that is visible. Find it and you've found HWA. The "cotton balls" are most visible in the spring but you can find them all year long. The HWA "cotton balls" are usually found on the underside of a hemlock branch, close to where the needles meet the stem.</p><p><b>DID YOU KNOW</b> : The "cotton balls" also shelter HWA's eggs laid in the spring. Opening one reveals the large female and her many eggs.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How do you find HWA?</span></b></p><p>Let's do a bit of sleuthing. HWA exclusively feed on hemlocks. The most common way it gets into a hemlock forest is by hitching a ride -- either on migrating birds or humans.</p><p>On birds, it probably gets started high in the canopy where the bird first lands. And birds often fly along waterways so it can be more common along rivers and lakes -- which is also where you will frequently find hemlocks.</p><p>For humans, the HWA and eggs will likely fall off infested trees onto their person, gear or wood and get transported to a new location.</p><p><b>DID YOU KNOW</b> : <a href="https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1017&context=tgle" target="_blank">Scientists have measured over 1,000 crawlers per day</a> falling from an infested tree! Yikes, that's a a lot! And if they were to land on you, your pooch or your vehicle, they are ready to ride to a new location.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZ47CXGd-PHDjg9hJS6APgbeC4AqKpldXQ9WkQxcImyRk4oPnno5dncTVxW17CZN8DI32-xJGthRIQfI_Ri62FDlOUXc6tQfJomHIez-_33hA5l-7pH1NdyPXYqa1ZvhKqyaa2aFZ_KLoWsAr4jkD2pwdh5kSPusX2DkdLSbX9p9gRqrYXb3KCK8v=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZ47CXGd-PHDjg9hJS6APgbeC4AqKpldXQ9WkQxcImyRk4oPnno5dncTVxW17CZN8DI32-xJGthRIQfI_Ri62FDlOUXc6tQfJomHIez-_33hA5l-7pH1NdyPXYqa1ZvhKqyaa2aFZ_KLoWsAr4jkD2pwdh5kSPusX2DkdLSbX9p9gRqrYXb3KCK8v=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The most common way to search for HWA is to grab a hemlock branch, flip it over and look at the outer ends of branches for cotton balls where the needles meet the stem.</p><p>How can you find HWA higher up in the tree? </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>After an ice or winds storm, you will often find many hemlock tips and branches lying on the ground</li><li>Another way that works in late winter/early spring when the cotton balls are the most visible comes from our friends at the New York Hemlock Initiative -- shine a very bright light (>= 2000 lumens with a focusable beam) into the canopy just before dark. HWA will pop in the light</li><li>Anytime a tree or branch comes down is an opportunity to do a quick search for HWA</li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Prevention, Prevention, Prevention.</span></b></p><p>Preventing HWA from getting to a new hemlock forest is key to slowing the spread. On its own, HWA spreads very slowly. Humans are very mobile and have the potential to relocate the bug 100s of miles in a single trip. So what can you do?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Acquire your firewood where you burn it so you don't accidentally move wood infested with HWA (and a whole bunch of other bugs that affect other trees as well)</li></ul><p></p><p>When you visit a site infested with HWA (or one that could be):</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Avoid placing your gear or vehicle under or near hemlocks, particularly when it is most mobile and easily spread (May/Jun/Jul/Aug)</li><li>Before you leave the hemlock forest, run a lint roller or sticky tape over your clothing to remove any crawlers that may have fallen on you</li><li>The lint brush or sticky tape works on your pets too</li></ul><p></p><p>It's a good practice to change your clothes after you leave a potentially infested area. And please avoid immediately visiting an uninfested hemlock stand.</p><p><b>DID YOU KNOW</b> : If you think you have found HWA in your favourite hemlock tree or forest, <b>REVISED -- report it via email to hwa@nshemlock.ca</b> If it looks legit, it will be independently verified.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">You find HWA, what's next? </span></b></p><p>First -- please report any sightings to <b>REVISED -- to hwa@nshemlock.ca </b> If this is a new sighting in a previously uninfested forest, it will be independently verified.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoufFFFa14wufYt0s58Tct-xZV9mHQyWJQFfeT_TYxlvBFZSWLe-mws00JLt-KEtH6KwAXmqUP4dQeS9Pc1d65DbAOXa4hKybwEVpDuf01VNcClgjewqfI_t2MteSn84R8pdITA8i6EhmdOUImzbF8jxqQQH8dh518bjsIS-dvgYbwIZsCBKmq7EB6=s1622" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="1082" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoufFFFa14wufYt0s58Tct-xZV9mHQyWJQFfeT_TYxlvBFZSWLe-mws00JLt-KEtH6KwAXmqUP4dQeS9Pc1d65DbAOXa4hKybwEVpDuf01VNcClgjewqfI_t2MteSn84R8pdITA8i6EhmdOUImzbF8jxqQQH8dh518bjsIS-dvgYbwIZsCBKmq7EB6=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p>NEXT -- If you are a landowner or land manager, you have some choices. HWA does not immediately kill your hemlocks but you have more options the earlier you start. </p><p>The following is an example of what a homeowner might go thru:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>What's most important?</b> I want to preserve the biggest hemlocks on my property around my buildings and protect the big ones along the waterfront that provide flood/erosion control</li><li><b>What's your plan?</b> At this time, the only way to save a hemlock infested with HWA is by injecting it with a pesticide. I will do this for my six favourite hemlocks and I will hire someone to do it</li><li><b>Funding?</b> I understand there might be assistance available from the Nova Scotia government and I will check into it (PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF APRIL 2022 THERE IS NO FUNDING)</li><li><b>Timing?</b> Pesticides work best when the tree crown is at least 65% intact (<b><a href="https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/s/HWA-Density-Card.pdf" target="_blank">here is a tool to help you make that assessment</a></b>) so I will assess state of my trees several times a year (spring and fall work well) and determine the priorities. Old hemlocks should be treated as soon as HWA is in the area because the they respond slowly to chemical treatments</li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-RaiS7rvL-fuN7v8o8T_XTUmAaPsE5eQDXgJi6og1Oqktvxwmsq-TNUaXirtn_Z_jti2mVA7dqdhiuoQUQIDoD4Yf4v0-OeTD2qQDp3yYMwv3CGLtMBkNcfXPLXZUDzb2_KVl3-sm0P_rK9WRWrTp4zsIVAuqpWTQFWgHGmRpdV3XZwlMqjXKOJV2=s1350" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-RaiS7rvL-fuN7v8o8T_XTUmAaPsE5eQDXgJi6og1Oqktvxwmsq-TNUaXirtn_Z_jti2mVA7dqdhiuoQUQIDoD4Yf4v0-OeTD2qQDp3yYMwv3CGLtMBkNcfXPLXZUDzb2_KVl3-sm0P_rK9WRWrTp4zsIVAuqpWTQFWgHGmRpdV3XZwlMqjXKOJV2=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>The following is an example of what a woodlot owner might go thru:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>What's most important?</b> I cannot protect them all so I will focus on bigger hemlocks along the stream and one largely hemlock stand that is a magnet for wildlife</li><li><b>What's your plan?</b> I can sign out an injection kit (PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF APRIL 2022 THERE ARE NO INJECTION KITS AVAILABLE) that will be available to landowners, write the pesticide operator exam (available on-line) and inject my own trees. I will contact my neighbours for support and we can work together to inject hemlocks</li><li><b>Funding?</b> I understand there might be assistance available from the Nova Scotia government and I will check into it (PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF APRIL 2022 THERE IS NO FUNDING)</li><li><b>Timing?</b> Pesticides work best when the tree crown is at least 65% intact (<b><a href="https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/s/HWA-Density-Card.pdf" target="_blank">here is a tool to help make that assessment</a></b>) so I will assess state of my trees once or twice a year and determine the priorities Old trees should be treated as soon as the HWA pest is near by because the chemical may take up to a year to begin working.</li></ol><p></p><p>Everyone's situation is unique so your plan will reflect your priorities.</p><p>So what will likely happen if your hemlocks are infested and you decide to "let nature take its course". Most of your hemlocks will likely die. Hemlock will likely be eliminated from your forest and your infestation will have an impact on the surrounding hemlocks.</p><p>5+ years from now there are promising control options involving bugs that feed exclusively on HWA. Until then, it is very important to keep as many hemlocks alive and to prevent the spread. And if you are dealing with an infestation, please consider all the options.</p><p><b>DID YOU KNOW</b> : HWA is so deadly to our hemlocks because no natural predators exist and it multiplies like crazy. A pesticide carefully applied to the individual tree can protect it for 4-7 years which gives us more time to find long-term solutions. And our other friend in the fight? HWA do not like cold weather (minus 20C to minus 25C) so maybe, just maybe the record cold temperatures we experienced this winter will set them back.</p><p>I hope this helped you. More to follow as we learn how to deal with hemlock woolly adelgid.</p><p>And a few more resources about HWA</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="https://nshemlock.ca/" target="_blank">Nova Scotia Hemlock Initiative</a></b></li><li><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnWjRD6vYv4" target="_blank">HWA and Nova Scotian Woodlot Owners Youtube Update</a> - March 3,2022</b></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>* * *</p><p>Many thanks to all the photographers for permission to use their images in this series. A big shout out to Donna Crossland for her help with the TEXT and Will Blozan for his inspiration for how to deal with a HWA infestation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-49818171067655853022022-02-28T01:41:00.000-08:002022-02-28T01:41:51.192-08:00Invasive Species Awareness Week . HWA . Nova Scotia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF89sV4inFVeH-zE_G2UBPB9fxGeM5ma0TsaxyFXjh3JIfS6c34fQd2npeOuGvIbrYNBgNj6Rl4ppJc4Olr135p94-8WwG_zeel208B_T1y04J8GMbgayV56_7hNuY64DbSe3s4LZJdzsaw9P4mCxpiRFuJJydZ6wsdRMxnhMWVw44-Wd8MVj29UsL=s1564" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF89sV4inFVeH-zE_G2UBPB9fxGeM5ma0TsaxyFXjh3JIfS6c34fQd2npeOuGvIbrYNBgNj6Rl4ppJc4Olr135p94-8WwG_zeel208B_T1y04J8GMbgayV56_7hNuY64DbSe3s4LZJdzsaw9P4mCxpiRFuJJydZ6wsdRMxnhMWVw44-Wd8MVj29UsL=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It's Invasive Species Awareness Week in Canada (Feb 28 - Mar 4, 2022) and our focus will be on the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)</p><p>Many thanks to the three contributors who provide a past perspective, the current situation in Nova Scotia and a peek into the future.</p><p>And we have PRIZES! We'll have a random draw for 10 very stylish boot brushes -- courtesy of the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council -- to prepare you for the new realities of outdoor adventures. To enter you just have to LIKE any of our Facebook or Instagram posts this week. The random draw takes place on Friday March 4, 2022 at 5pm ADT and the winners will be contacted by Direct Message</p><p><br /></p><p><b>30 YEARS LIVING WITH HWA</b></p><p>Will Blozan is from North Carolina and the current President of Appalachian Arborists. He started working with the US National Park Service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1993 where he mapped unlogged hemlock forests. In 1996 he founded the Eastern Native Tree Society that documents exceptional trees in the eastern US. This led into the Tsuga Search Project to find and measure outstanding hemlocks before they were taken out by the hemlock woolly adelgid. </p><p><b>What was your early experience with HWA?</b></p><p>Altho HWA had been in the US since the 1950s, it did not show up where I worked in the Smoky Mountains until 2001/2002. By 2005, most of the hemlock stands I worked on were infested and by 2007 they were virtually all dead.</p><p><b>Did all your hemlocks die?</b></p><p>We've had HWA for over 20 years and there still are live and viable trees. They don’t look good but they are still here. With a few exceptions, those surviving without pesticide treatment are in full sun. Most of the old-growth stands are long gone with maybe a few struggling to make it. I would say pretty confidently that there are no untreated old-growth stands of eastern hemlock left in the south.</p><p><b>How would you suggest dealing with HWA?</b></p><p>Define what is most important, develop a realistic management plan, secure funding and a way to implement it in a timely manner. Defining goals is important. You can’t save them all and there is no need to save every last seedling in a stand. Are you preserving water quality, habitat, viewshed, hazard tree reduction, seed sources? I think preserving a stellar stand of old-growth in as much of it’s entirety is a good thing so there is a reference point and example of what it is.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you appreciate big trees, you may find the following article of interest -- <b>'The Last of the Giants' : <a href="https://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/the-last-of-the-giants/">https://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/the-last-of-the-giants/</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>NOVA SCOTIA'S RESPONSE TO HWA</b></p><p>Jeff Ogden is the Provincial Forest Entomologist with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables</p><p><b>Where does HWA fit on the Provincial radar?</b></p><p>HWA is one of several invasive species we currently follow along with the emerald ash borer and beech leaf mining weevil. Currently HWA is receiving the bulk of our attention.</p><p>We are a key member of the Maritime HWA Working Group, providing input to the HWA Management Plan and lead the development of a Risk Assessment for HWA. We rank HWA as high risk to our hemlock forest. </p><p>Collaboration is very important with our many partners including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (the regulators), the Canadian Forest Service (scientists), Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (active in HWA outreach), Medway Community Forest Coop (forest mgmt) and others to monitor the spread of this pest through ground and aerial surveillance.</p><p>In 2018-20 NRR completed a study examining the biological development of the HWA. Our goal was to determine the HWA phenology in Nova Scotia and how its biological development may differ to that of other areas in eastern North America. This work is critical to numerous aspects of HWA monitoring, research, regulation, and management. The results showed that we have longer periods of immature crawlers in the environment than other parts of eastern North America. This means our window for spread is greater. The crawler stage is the only mobile stage of the HWA and can be transported by wind, birds or artificially by us on forestry equipment or on-person. Our HWA also has a delayed spring egg laying compared to other populations period (ours start producing eggs in early April while in other areas it can be as early as Feb). We are currently analyzing the temperature data and comparing it to the HWA development to see if there are any correlations.</p><p><b>Current efforts to deal with HWA?</b></p><p>We monitor the spread through aerial surveys during our annual provincial overview survey.</p><p>We also collaborate with the Canadian Forest Service on a number of projects including one to develop monitoring tools and methods to increase our ability to detect HWA at low populations A second project is exploring management options for the control of HWA including pesticide applications, silviculture and ultimately biocontrol. A third project is an annual health assessment of HWA populations throughout the infested areas and gauging winter mortality.</p><p>Community outreach is important as well. We've developed a HWA rack card, a forest pest field guide and an invasive species poster. We also consult with our First Nations and provide information to provincial stakeholders through social media posts and virtual and in-person presentations.</p><p>The ultimate goal is to develop effective monitoring tools for early detection of HWA and establish methods of control to not only slow the spread but overtime reduce the risk HWA poses to our hemlock forests.</p><p><b>AND WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR HEMLOCKS AND HWA?</b></p><p>Ecologist and long-time forest advocate Donna Crossland writes about hemlocks, their impact on wildlife and how landowners can ensure these giants continue to be with us ...</p><p></p><blockquote><p><i>Nova Scotia's most graceful and largest evergreen -- eastern hemlock -- features dark green lacy boughs capable of forming dense canopies that shelter against cold rains, howling winds and deep snows. </i></p><p><i>Hemlock groves can be regarded as "Mother Nature's barn" for protection against winter elements to white-tailed deer, barred owls, American marten, and other wildlife. </i></p><p><i>Once infested, these hemlock sanctuaries will all be lost to hemlock woolly adelgid unless the trees undergo treatments to keep them alive over the next decade. </i></p><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><b>YOU AND HWA</b></p><p>We all have a role to play. </p><p>Most important is to prevent HWA from infesting a new hemlock stand. Acquire your firewood where you burn it to prevent the bug from accidentally getting a free ride to a new home. </p><p>And when you are packing up after a hike/canoe/kayak, ensure your gear doesn't have any unwanted bugs.</p><p>And that's where your handy dandy boot brush comes in! We have 10 to giveaway in a random draw selected from all the post LIKES this week. The draw takes place at 5pm ADT on Friday March 4, 2022. Winners will be contacted by DM and announced in a Comment on this post. Many thanks to the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council for the awesome brushes!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for joining us this week ... and if you would like more information about specific things you can do to prevent the spread and deal with it once it's in your forest, please join us for our series during the week of March 21st.</p><div><br /></div>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-52701915291682830822022-02-21T02:57:00.004-08:002022-03-12T09:01:24.562-08:00Finding Nova Scotia's Oldest Trees<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-bHMR6SiuvXl7lQrqQQh26y5fH-P5GlcAcaRbq99B33aQFcqyTIfOt8u5MaaEDC8doLwjf5pMEwEPi9HT_i-fel0ilLhPtPRi3mpRKc0SZGBmCH77MieF0EFJM6ugAsDB-HJCOkffJeffAqchqlzfwpulTrF7eD4cqcMnCU5cceXKwnfxnBjjL3zQ=s1564" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-bHMR6SiuvXl7lQrqQQh26y5fH-P5GlcAcaRbq99B33aQFcqyTIfOt8u5MaaEDC8doLwjf5pMEwEPi9HT_i-fel0ilLhPtPRi3mpRKc0SZGBmCH77MieF0EFJM6ugAsDB-HJCOkffJeffAqchqlzfwpulTrF7eD4cqcMnCU5cceXKwnfxnBjjL3zQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Finding Nova Scotia's Oldest Trees</b></p><p>There have been many reports in recent years about old, Nova Scotia trees (<b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/old-growth-forest-natural-resources-department-research-old-tree-1.6255685">1</a></b>), (<b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/418-rings-set-tree-record-1.664968">2</a></b>), (<b><a href="http://www.giantsofnovascotia.com/2020/09/my-search-for-nova-scotias-oldest-tree.html" target="_blank">3</a></b>) 400+ years, some even estimated to be over 500 years old. </p><p>These trees would have been mature when settlers first arrived in the early 1600s. And they are still here!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>How do you know the age of a tree?</b></p><p>It is logical to assume that a bigger tree must be older than its smaller neighbour. In this case, logic would fail you. </p><p>Each year a tree grows out from the centre adding one ring. The width of the ring is affected by many things such as the tree species, whether it is in full sun or growing amongst many trees and the amount of rain</p><p>How do forest researchers determine the age of a tree? They have a special drill that has a bit with a hollow core. When they drill into the centre of the tree, they can extract a sample that shows the growth rings. Count the rings and you know the age of the tree.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>How do trees reach old age?</b></p><p>To see the sun rise and set 182,500 times requires many things -- like a good place to plant your roots and the ability to deal with our harsh Nova Scotian weather and winds. You also have to be very strong and this happens, ironically, when trees have to struggle.</p><p>If you look at the growth rings of a white pine grown in the open, notice the relatively wide space between the rings indicating that the tree added a lot of growth that year. The quarter covers about 3 years of growth</p><p>Compare that to the growth rings of a hemlock where the quarter covers over 25 years of growth rings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhBGhKN4jWA2m3g4ZnmqUXPHZbDyBAS1sa6cPOUmyPBw9KmsOHdQuheuKeInb4kZHPK9qjJR2MzsmX3Jiea1DJxgPakuj9d2jMpSXEAIgsrAMowuk5FdTX5Bt_RO1kq6RSKlTJPhkbdJ4PO7TSHz3rx6VIM6R1MkhLmgbVig2-NT2ja9gtRLeOKv_A=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhBGhKN4jWA2m3g4ZnmqUXPHZbDyBAS1sa6cPOUmyPBw9KmsOHdQuheuKeInb4kZHPK9qjJR2MzsmX3Jiea1DJxgPakuj9d2jMpSXEAIgsrAMowuk5FdTX5Bt_RO1kq6RSKlTJPhkbdJ4PO7TSHz3rx6VIM6R1MkhLmgbVig2-NT2ja9gtRLeOKv_A=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>This is very important for reaching old age because in general, trees like hemlocks that grow slowly with tight growth rings have very dense and durable wood -- a key ingredient for surviving our harsh, windy climate for 100s of years.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>How can you spot an old tree?</b></p><p>Let's first eliminate the ones that won't be the oldest. </p><p>Single trees grown without neighbours develop a full crown covered in leaves that feed the tree enabling it to grow very quickly. Big yes but probably not the oldest.</p><p>And some trees will never get old. They just don't live that long. Softwoods like balsam fir and white spruce rarely make it to 100. </p><p>Hardwoods like white birch, poplar and red maple are relatively short lived. </p><p>Some trees like eastern white cedar, eastern larch (tamarack), red pine, white ash, red maple, white pine and few others can grow very old, but typically live a medium length life.</p><p>Then there are the trees that have been crippled by invasive species like elm and beech.</p><p>So the most common candidates are yellow birch, eastern hemlock, sugar maple, red oak and red spruce.</p><p>And because a struggle made them stronger, they probably are part of or were part of a forest. There probably are not many lower branches because this would mean the tree was in full light earlier in their life.</p><p>Other signs include a small top or crown with relatively few leaves or needles. Also, the bark has cracked and shed over time creating unique looking bark with larger plates or an uncommon colour.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>I think I found a really old tree, what next?</b></p><p>400 years of forestry has affected just about every corner of Nova Scotia's forest. Chances are the really old trees will be in a remote location that was not cut such as the side of a steep hill or in a river valley.</p><p>Clues that it may be very old are the size of its crown and condition of its bark but also the characteristics of the surrounding forest. Mixed-age stands with trees of various heights and multiple species can suggest the forest hasn’t been harvested in a long-time.</p><p>And the best thing you can do for the tree? Leave it alone. Don't broadcast your find or the location. Traffic to the site could lead to its demise. Many old giants have succumbed to human obsession. '<b><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Golden-Spruce-Story-Madness-Greed/dp/0676976468" target="_blank">The Golden Spruce</a></b>' is a recent, Canadian example.</p><p>It can be your secret.</p><p><br /></p><p>* * * * * </p><p>A big shout out to all the photographers for permission to repost their awesome images, you can see them all at our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/giantsofnovascotia" target="_blank">Facebook</a> pages. </p><p>And to <b><a href="https://mta.ca/directory/ben-phillips" target="_blank">Ben Phillips</a></b> - Acadian Forest Dendrochronology Lab Director at Mount Allison University</p><p><br /></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471792893538876530.post-88794293483690120242022-02-03T17:08:00.000-08:002022-02-03T17:08:10.864-08:002022 Predictions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdws2-vKY2H0xMPI_7cDaYRvI_BSPZt5tYgx7OM3yR6tIj2Vxcv8nPZ8vRYnpfl29hJoCRAO1x3hCicn3GGl5ZxBfDC9SoftKU8kvGWbtvudztnedxPJRus4kdnvQuTQNwBWl_t2P8ALrLl_kcVh9zy31Hy_10SHjzL6EaArZyhED4z_LqhFWP7J5d=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdws2-vKY2H0xMPI_7cDaYRvI_BSPZt5tYgx7OM3yR6tIj2Vxcv8nPZ8vRYnpfl29hJoCRAO1x3hCicn3GGl5ZxBfDC9SoftKU8kvGWbtvudztnedxPJRus4kdnvQuTQNwBWl_t2P8ALrLl_kcVh9zy31Hy_10SHjzL6EaArZyhED4z_LqhFWP7J5d=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2022 Predictions</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We're trying something new this year -- predictions about Nova Scotia's forest in 2022. When December rolls around we'll see how the predictions stack up -- sage or dummy, time will tell!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prediction 1 -- Hemlocks will be saved where private citizens take the initiative.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Five years after the first discovery of HWA in Nova Scotia's hemlocks, the trend is clear -- the bug is established, it's moving from west to east across the province and we're starting to see massive die back.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it is poised to move into two areas with larger populations of people and hemlocks -- Kings and Lunenburg Counties with Halifax not far behind.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the positive side, there have been two significant efforts to protect our hemlocks -- first at #SportingLake and also at #Keji. And the #kentvilleravine project scheduled for this spring is an example of what private citizens can do. We'll need more.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prediction 2 -- Conservation in Nova Scotia will get a significant boost this year</b></div><div><br /></div><div>All the pieces are lining up for conservation -- the Federal Government has set ambitious goals for the country, Nova Scotia has introduced Bill 57 (the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act), non-government organizations like the NS Nature Trust and the Nature Conservancy of Canada are expanding and there's a new option for private landowners called the Working Woodland Trust.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prediction 3 -- Outdoor recreation will have a banner year</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As we learn to live with Covid, a significant portion of our Nova Scotian population will be attracted to less populated, forested areas for their recreation. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prediction 4 -- Disaster Planners will move to protect hemlocks to mitigate the effects of climate change</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, this one is wishful thinking but here is my thinking... </div><div><br /></div><div>We all saw the disastrous flooding in British Columbia last year. Something that wasn't mentioned much was the amount of clear cutting upstream of the flooded areas. Without trees, the rain quickly moved from the skies to the rivers contributing to the flooding which overwhelmed infrastructure.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's inevitable that we will see more intense rain events in Nova Scotia. And so many of our waterways have hemlocks along their banks providing valuable rainwater control. Their loss due to the hemlock killing bug HWA will result in millions of dollars of damages to our roads, bridges, drainage and other infrastructure along our many waterways.</div><div><br /></div><div>$50 to protect a tree seems like a bargain.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>These predictions were first posted on our Instagram and Facebook pages with some awesome images from across the province.</div><p></p>tom.rogers57http://www.blogger.com/profile/02980955311324491383noreply@blogger.com0