The Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) and ForestHer NC are hosting a demonstration of chemical treatment methods to control the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on Monday, November 9th from 10am to 4pm at the Carolina Hemlocks Campground.
Hemlock trees in western North Carolina are an important and irreplaceable component of our forests. These trees have been suffering for over two decades from hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that can kill the tree in as little as four years.
However, hemlock management is simpler and less expensive than ever before. This hands-on workshop will be useful for landowners, natural resource managers and tree care professionals. We will use the trees on-site to practice assessing hemlock health to determine the best treatment options, and HRI staff will demonstrate the HWA chemical treatment methods used on national forest and state lands. These methods are available to all private landowners in North Carolina without obtaining a license or certification. We will also discuss applicator and environmental safety, special considerations and guidance for hiring a tree care professional.
Participants will be walking off-trail on uneven terrain and handling pesticides. Participants will need to wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes with socks. Chemical resistant gloves and other equipment will be provided. Participants should bring a bag lunch and water for the day. **There will be no restrooms or porta-potties on site. South Toe General Store down the road has public restrooms that our participants can use.**
For attending, NC Pesticide Applicators can earn 4.5 credits in categories D, G, L, N, and X. The following ISA CEUs are pre-approved: 5.25–Certified Arborist, 5.25–BCMA Practice, and 5.25–Urban Forest. Participants can also earn 5 Category 1 CFE hours (credits pending).
The backup weather date for this event will be Tuesday, November 16th.
ForestHerNC is an organization focused on supporting, educating, and empowering a community of women landowners and natural resources professionals to engage in forest conservation and stewardship in North Carolina. Learn more about their efforts and upcoming events here.
Registration is required. Please complete this form to register. Email education@savehemlocksnc.org or call 828-252-4783 with questions about the event.