Eastern hemlock forests across the eastern United States are facing a severe threat from the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid ( Adelges tsugae ), a tiny insect that infests and ultimately kills hemlock trees. The widespread decline of eastern hemlocks not only endangers this keystone species but also disrupts entire forest ecosystems, affecting numerous wildlife species and essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and water regulation.

Adventure Scientists is excited to partner with Holden Forests & Gardens and other organizations to launch the Tracking Eastern Hemlock Project. Our goal is to identify and document “lingering” eastern hemlock trees that have survived infestations and may possess genetic resistance to the hemlock woolly adelgid. By locating these resilient trees, we aim to support conservation efforts to breed and propagate resistant hemlocks, aiding in the restoration of these vital forest ecosystems.

The data collected by our volunteers will be instrumental in the fight to save eastern hemlock forests from further devastation.

WHO

We are seeking hikers, backpackers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and other outdoor enthusiasts who are experienced in winter hiking and navigating challenging terrain. If you are passionate about conservation and enjoy exploring the outdoors during the winter months, we need your help!

WHAT

Volunteers will be trained to:

Scout for and identify “lingering” eastern hemlock trees within designated national forests.
Document tree health and habitat characteristics using the TreeSnap app on their smartphones.
Assess signs of hemlock woolly adelgid infestation and record observations that will help researchers determine candidates for breeding programs.

Your contributions will directly support efforts to breed genetically resistant eastern hemlocks and restore forest health.

WHERE

Volunteers will survey select areas within national forests across six states:

Kentucky

• Daniel Boone National Forest
• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (portions in Kentucky)

New York

• Finger Lakes National Forest

North Carolina

• Cherokee National Forest
• Nantahala National Forest
• Pisgah National Forest

Tennessee

• Cherokee National Forest

Virginia

• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

West Virginia

• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
• Monongahela National Forest

WHEN

January 2025 through March 2025

The field season will take place during the winter months when the woolly adelgid egg sacs are most visible, and the absence of foliage on deciduous trees makes it easier to locate and access eastern hemlocks.

Get notified when data collection starts!

Let us know your name and email below, and you’ll be the first to know when the project starts:

Adventure Scientists recruits, trains and manages volunteers to gather high-quality data at scale for scientific partners (NGOs, government agencies, researchers and more) who are focused on solving critical environmental challenges.