Station 5

Hemlock Trees

Hemlock Trees are considered the “redwood of the East” due to their ability to reach heights of over 170 ft​. However, it is unlikely to see Hemlocks of this size today because many were chopped down. In colonial times the tree was highly valued for its bark, which was high in tannins and could be used to tan animal hides and produce leather.

These trees are able to grow in shady, moist environment which is why they are commonly found in the Riparian Zone (the area of vegetation on the side of a body of water). Their roots hold together soil preventing erosion and remove excess water from the ground.

Photo of a Hemlock Tree infested with Wooly Adelgid

Hemlock Wooly Adelgid​

Hemlock trees are in trouble due to the invasive species, the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. This small bug (less than 1.5 mm) resembles an aphid and attacks Hemlocks by sucking their sap, which kills their branches and needles. The adelgids leave behind a white, waxy substance on the bottom of the branch near the needles. If you see this or any other invasive species, be sure to report it to the DEC (see sidebar).

Reporting Invasive Species

The easiest way to report invasive species to the DEC is by creating an account on iMapInvasives or by downloading their mobile app. Using this resource, you can take photos of any invasive species you see and add them to a map with their GPS coordinates.

The Emmons Pond Interpretive Trail is a project of the A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, created in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy. Trail content was written and edited by Johanna Mollitor, Emma Sarnacki, and Doug Reilly. Our science advisor was Donna Vogler, Ph.D..

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