Treating Hemlock Trees with HRI
Part of our long-term stewardship of protected land involves managing forest health on SAHC’s nature preserves. This sometimes entails battling invasive species that outcompete or extinguish native resources. One such invader that many people are familiar with is the hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA).
As a result of the hemlock wooly adelgid’s introduction to the eastern United States from Japan in the 1950s, nearly 90% of eastern and Carolina hemlocks along the east coast, Tsuga canadensis and Tsuga caroliniana respectively, have been affected. In response to the massive die-off that has been witnessed in the past decades, organizations like Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) have focused solely on treating hemlocks and educating the public on the issue. SAHC has a long-standing relationship with HRI and has worked with them on several SAHC-conserved properties to help protect these iconic native trees.
In February 2023, SAHC partnered with HRI, the Catawba Riverkeeper, the Swannanoa Valley Museum, and local residents to treat infested eastern hemlocks, Tsuga canadensis, on an SAHC preserve near Black Mountain, NC. Since the passing of the original grantors of the property, life estate holders Rick and Melinda Halford have been committed stewards of this property. Having paid close attention to the vitality of property over the years, the Halfords were able to guide SAHC and HRI staff to the largest hemlocks in need of the most help during the planning phase of this project. Once the diseased trees were identified and mapped, both organizations and the Halfords set out to recruit volunteers for a treatment day.
“The property, which was protected by SAHC 20 years ago, makes up a portion of the headwaters of the Catawba river,” says AmeriCorps Stewardship and Volunteer member David Hagler. “The vitality and health of the Catawba River is in part dependent on the integrity of this forested preserve. Hemlock trees play vital role in maintaining an intact ecosystem and supporting water quality. For example, eastern hemlocks are often found in riparian zones and are crucial for holding stream banks in place. They also help to regulate water temperature for native species like brook trout. As diseased hemlocks are no longer able to fulfill their role within an ecosystem, the impact of this loss is compounded downstream. This is especially true with headwater ecosystems.”
Through the recruiting process, other organizations with missions that aligned with the project were invited and eager to participate. This collaboration created an opportunity for representatives of each group to connect and establish relationships that may lead to future projects. The work day also provided a meaningful experience for new, local volunteer residents to learn about some of the non-profit work taking place within the region.
“The day was a success, with numerous beneficial connections growing and nearly 300 trees successfully treated,” says David. “It’s no secret that many communities and organizations have a vested interest in the health of this species. Our volunteer work day provided an excellent example of how environmental groups with different missions can connect and each play a role in something greater. It was very powerful to be a part of this collaboration and witness the tangible impact that it can produce.”
