Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Forest Pest Workshop With Vermont State Forester Jim Esden

GRAFTON, Vt. – Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a small, aphid-like insect of Asian origin that feeds on hemlock species in North America. Identifying this forest pest in our local forests is key in protection efforts and monitoring. Vermont Protection Forester Jim Esden will teach about important HWA background, biology, and identification at The Nature Museum, starting at 10 a.m. He will also touch on infestation boundary, mode of damage, and control options.
After the indoor discussion, we’ll head outside to the nearby Grafton Village Park to practice Eastern hemlock tree identification and HWA identification. This data will be recorded and entered into a monitoring database. We’ll discuss this important database further and how you can continue to contribute. This event will happen rain, snow, or shine!
Jim has been with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation since 2007. As a Protection Forester, he deals with forest pests, diseases, and fire. In his off time, Jim enjoys hiking, gardening, and is a call firefighter and EMT for his local fire department.

The Nature Museum is located at 186 Townshend Rd., Grafton, Vt.