This free training for forestry and arboriculture professionals will teach about scouting and managing for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect leading to Eastern Hemlock decline across the United States. To receive 3.5 Category 1 Continuing Education Credits from the Society for American Foresters, participants must participate in both morning and afternoon portions of the training.   

Learn how hemlock play a key role in maintaining watershed and habitat health; how and when to correctly scout for HWA in the field; the state of research currently underway to develop biological controls; chemical control options, application methods, and treatment prioritization strategies in use by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; best methods for preventing HWA spread after coming in contact with infestations; ask questions from top experts and gain hands-on experience with HWA in the field.   

Meet at Camp Wakpominee to learn from two guest speakers: Dr. Mark Whitmore, Cornell University, and Jason Denham, NYSDEC. Dr. Whitmore is a forest entomologist and leading HWA expert who will discuss his current state of research in developing biological controls to combat HWA on the landscape scale over time. Jason Denham, NYS DEC Supervising Forester, will provide information on DEC’s role in detecting and responding to the 2020 HWA infestation, pesticide use, tree selection, and logistics/challenges/lessons learned.  

Following morning speaker presentations and a lunch break at Camp Wakpominee, participants will drive or carpool to a field site to practice hands-on HWA scouting and identification with a trainer, view an infestation site one year after chemical control applications began in the Lake George Wild Forest, and ask questions from experienced professionals.  

Restrooms are available at the Camp and please arrive before 10:00 am to sign in.   
 

What to Bring and Covid Precautions: Please bring lunch, snacks, and water for the day. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided by Lake George Land Conservancy. For the field portion of this training, please bring neon blaze gear for hunting safety. A few vests will be available to share.  

Mask wearing indoors by participants (regardless of vaccination status) will be required. The indoor space used for the classroom portion of this training will have windows open for increased airflow – so please dress warm for the day!  

Organizers ask that if you are not feeling well or have been recently exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, to stay home.     

This event is brought to you by Lake George Land Conservancy, in partnership with the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, New York State Hemlock Initiative at Cornell University, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Continuing Forest Education: 3.5 Category 1 Credits are offered for the Society of American Foresters, following participation of the entire training

Questions? Contact Monica at mdore@lglc.org or at 518-644-9673.