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RTPI To Host Adelgid Training

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The Roger Tory Peterson Institute will host a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid citizen scientist training from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday.

The hemlock woolly adelgid is an aphid-like insect, originating from Asia which feeds off of the food storage cells below the needles of an Eastern Hemlock tree and hides itself under white woolly masses for protection. Within four to 10 years, an individual tree can succumb to an hemlock woolly adelgid infestation if left unnoticed. The hemlock woolly adelgid has been progressively moving closer to the area as it has spread throughout much of the eastern United States, leaving massive stands of hemlocks dead in their wake. With infestations recently found in Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, Allegany State Park and the State University at Fredonia College woodlot, its presence is becoming an increased threat to any forest within the county. Early detection of the hemlock woolly adelgid is important because the pest’s spread can be managed. Collaborating organizations joined by a multitude of dedicated community members are working together to spread the word about hemlock woolly adelgid while slowing its actual spread throughout the county.

Throughout the winter months, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown Community College and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will survey a number of sites within the area for the presence or absence of hemlock woolly adelgid. To start the season off, RTPI will host the citizen scientist training, during which Elyse Henshaw, conservation technician, will present information on the impact hemlock woolly adelgid is having on forests throughout the eastern United States, identify signs and symptoms of an infestation and describe what to do if in fact they are found within the region. The training session will also introduce attendees to both traditional and novel methods of surveying and reporting results through a variety of avenues. Once trained, citizens are invited to assist in field surveys and work alongside RTPI, CWC and JCC researchers, conservationists and professors in search of gauging the health of our local forests. Survey dates will be announced later this year and those interested in joining should check www.rtpi.org for regular updates.

For more information, email Henshaw at ehenshaw@rtpi.org or call 665-2473, ext. 231. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is located at 311 Curtis St., Jamestown.

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