Volunteers Needed to Help With the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Surveys Vermont has been invaded by an insect called the hemlock
woolly adelgid (HWA). This tiny insect is recognized by the
white, fuzzy covering it hides under. This covering is rarely
more than 1/16 of an inch in diameter and looks something like
the end of a cotton swab attached to the underside of hemlock
twigs. The covering, or ovisac, protects the adelgid and its
eggs from predation and drying out. Hidden from view, adelgids
feed on starch from the twigs, leading to decline and perhaps
tree mortality. Hemlock trees are their only food and are
threatened by this invasive insect. Since the mild winter of
2011-2012, the infested area has expanded greatly. Hemlock
woolly adelgid is known to be in Windham and Bennington County,
but threatens hemlock throughout the state. The Vermont
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is trying to better
delineate the infestation. Volunteers are needed to help look
for HWA. Training is available. . Of special