Not finding hemlock trees (absence data) at the ½ mile waypoints is just as important as finding them! Record this information in the TreeSnap app, as it helps scientists identify where to target their future data collection efforts.

• If the tree’s trunk forks at or above 4.5 feet from the ground, measure the circumference at the 4.5-foot mark.
• If the fork is below 4.5 feet, measure the circumference of each trunk at the 4.5-foot mark, add these measurements together, and record the total in the TreeSnap app. Be sure to select “measured” and “calculate” in the app.

If the tree is inaccessible, estimate the trunk circumference to the best of your ability. When entering the diameter at breast height (DBH) in TreeSnap, mark the measurement as “estimated.” As a reference, consider the size of a 12-inch ruler to help you gauge whether the trunk is larger or smaller across.

Complete the required training and submit the Trip Planning form. If you already have a flexible tape measure, you can download the field protocol here and begin without waiting for the gear kit.

You are free to submit an application solo, but we highly encourage you to always bring one other person with you into the field for safety reasons.

No, all volunteer training is conducted exclusively by Adventure Scientists. While your friends may assist with tasks like taking GPS points or photos, they will need to complete the official training if they wish to be more involved in sample collection. This training is essential to ensure that all volunteers are prepared to collect high-quality data to support Hemlock research effectively.

Gear kits typically arrive about one week after you submit your Trip Planning form.

Feel free to email us at forests@adventurescientists.org.

When you choose a trail on the map you will see an option to download a GPX file. A GPX file contains navigation information about the trail and the waypoints. You can import a GPX file to a GPS device or navigation system and create a custom route (or track). GPX is an open standard, meaning it’s widely supported and can be used across various platforms and applications (AllTrails, OnX, Garmin, Gaia, etc.). In some cases (Google My Maps and Caltopo) you might need to convert the file to .kml first using https://gpx2kml.com/ 

If you don’t have experience uploading GPX files to your navigation system, you can Google “how do I upload a gpx file to __” to find a tutorial.

Alternatively, you can also use an activity tracking app to track your trail distance, but you will need to pause your activity while you search for hemlock trees and go off trail to collect data.

This project can only be conducted on designated trails within specific National Forests, as indicated on the trip planning map. Please do not submit observations outside of these designated trails. To ensure the study’s accuracy, we have excluded areas where hemlock trees are known to have been treated with pesticides.

During this time of year, the risk of spreading hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is minimal, as there are no active crawlers or eggs. Any adelgid dislodged from a plant cannot reattach and will die before reproducing. However, towards the end of the project in March, crawlers may emerge depending on weather conditions, increasing the risk of spread.

To minimize any potential impact, clean the soles of your shoes after fieldwork, wash your hands thoroughly, and heat-treat clothes and gloves in a dryer to kill any HWA. Additionally, you can use a lint roller on your coat and pants to remove any lingering insects. These simple precautions help protect the environment while contributing to the project.

You’re welcome to make observations on as much or as little of a trail as you like. Whether you cover just the first mile or explore 50 miles, it’s entirely up to you and what you’re most comfortable with. Every observation counts and contributes to the project!