Treatments Started to Save Hemlock Forest from Adelgid

Genesee Valley Conservancy is making strides in fighting hemlock woolly adelgid at The Gully Preserve.

This invasive species is slowly killing the hemlock trees here and across New York.

In April, Conservancy staff met contractors at the preserve to measure tree diameter, to number, and to tag priority trees for treatment.

This work was preceded by Dr. Kristina Hannam’s SUNY Geneseo biology class and their research to help us prioritize where to begin treatments on the property first.

Their recommendations are guiding the Conservancy’s prioritization to treat hemlocks closest to the stream first and also prioritize the largest and most beneficial trees (both visually and environmentally).

Saving these hemlocks will aid in the protection of Little Mill Creek’s water quality for trout habitat and as a clean and healthy drinking water source for Dansville residents.

At $10,000, this first round of treatment is a major investment in protecting this important water body from these invasive species before it’s too late.