Help us monitor the health of our Eastern Hemlock forests!
Eastern hemlocks are a vital part of our landscape but are under threat from pests like Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Join Williamstown Rural Lands as we survey hemlock health on local public properties. No experience necessary – we will provide training to join the project.
Learn to:
- Identify Eastern Hemlocks and about their role in the ecosystem
- Identify common Eastern Hemlock pests
- Survey for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid to join this regional monitoring initiative!
For more information, check out the New York State Hemlock Initiative who are extending their reach into Massachusetts with us!
The Williamstown Hemlock Monitoring Group will meet monthly to train new volunteers and monitor properties together along with having optional independent monitoring assignments. There will be a break between end of April and beginning of June to avoiding dispersing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
For questions, email programs@rurallands.org.
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July 21 Meet-up
Join us to survey at the West Branch Green River Preserve. This beautiful site has a large hemlock grove which we will break into sections to survey over several visits. There are no formal trails at the site so we will be entirely off-trail. It is relatively flat at the site but there are a few places that require climbing very short, steep sections.
What to bring:Long sleeves and pants recommended for tick safety – we will be walking along a field to enter the forest. Sturdy hiking boots – some areas will be a bit wet. Insect repellent for mosquitoes, deer flies and ticks. We will be out for 2 hours so we recommend bringing water and a snack, if needed.
Directions: Heading south on Rt. 43, turn left off onto Old Mill Road. After 0.2 miles, the property is on the right near the end of the road. There is a small dirt parking area bordered by a split-rail fence, a house and a field.
Parking. The small dirt parking area has space for 4-5 cars. Please be aware that there are low hanging wires over the parking area – car boxes not recommended. We will likely park along the right side of the road. There are no bathrooms or indoor spaces at this site.
Please check the weather before arriving and bring appropriate clothing (warm, non-cotton layers).If you have a smartphone, please download the iNaturalist app before arriving and create an account. A loupe (magnifying glass) will be useful for identification – we have extras!