What is Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)?

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a small, white, aphid-like insect that feeds off of Northern Hemlocks – and it’s present here in Saratoga County. Because the insects cut off the tree’s nutrient flow to its own branches and needles, many hemlocks die within 4-10 years of being infested.

HWA ecosystem impact

A hemlock grove’s cool, shaded canopy provides essential habitat for numerous beloved species from salamanders to migrating birds to moose. Losing hemlocks in Saratoga County (and beyond) would threaten the survival of the very species that depend on it. Learn more about HWA from the NYS DEC.

Citizen scientists can help

Saratoga PLAN is forming volunteer teams to survey parts of Saratoga County for signs of the devastating HWA. The goal is to identify new pockets of HWA in order to treat trees and prevent the spread.

This invasive species is most easily identified in the colder months when the aphids amass a wool-like (hence the name ‘woolly’) white coating. As such, surveys will be conducted through the end of April. Citizen scientist help is needed to cover problem areas.

Volunteer to scout for HWA

If you are interested in joining a scouting survey on the following dates, please email Lorraine at lskibo@nycap.rr.com with your availability:

Saturday, February 27th – 9am – 12pm

Monday, March 1st – 9am – 12pm

Friday, March 19th – 9am – 12pm

Monday, March 29th – 9am – 12pm

Saturday, April 3rd – 9am – 12pm

Saturday, April 10th – 9am – 12pm


Thank you for helping protect Saratoga County’s natural habitats!