Roan Mountain State Park is looking for volunteers interested in preserving the health of our unique forests through the treatment of one of our most iconic tree species: the Eastern Hemlocks. These trees are being infested with an invasive insect that originated in Japan called the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). HWA can devour an entire Hemlock forest in 2-3 years if left unchecked and we are constantly doing what we can to protect our trees.
Volunteers interested in learning more about Hemlock trees and how to protect them across Roan Mountain State Park (and your own property) are invited to take part in a volunteer workshop on Sunday, March 17th from 10:00AM-Noon at the Roan Mountain State Park Headquarters building. Volunteers will practice the hands-on skills necessary for the chemical treatment of HWA under the supervision and instruction of Park Ranger Phil Hylen. Once a volunteer has completed this training, they may register with the park to treat Eastern Hemlock trees on park land. Since this process will require the use of general-use pesticides and PPE, participants must be 18+ in age and be complete a volunteer waiver. Participants are asked to bring a smart phone device with them if possible. The majority of this workshop will be held outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. This workshop will be offered each month through April. Each session is limited to 10 volunteer participants due to equipment limitations.
