TRR photo by Krista Gromalski Michael Blumenthal discusses bio-control options in relation to the state’s woolly adelgid problem. (Click for larger image)

Are predatory insects effective?

LEDGEDALE — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry is stepping up the release and study of predatory insects that target an emerging foe of the eastern hemlock, Pennsylvania’s state tree.

Amid increased public concern and mounting damage caused by the hemlock woolly adelgid, predatory beetles are being released at sites in six counties, and another natural enemy of the adelgid is being released and studied at a seventh location.

Infestations of the hemlock woolly adelgid have been confirmed in 35 counties in Pennsylvania, said State Forester James R. Grace.

In a cooperative effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service, state forestry personnel have been releasing and studying thousands of the predatory ladybird beetle Pseudoscymnus tsugae (Pt), which eats adelgid eggs and other life stages.

The pinheadsized beetles have been released on public lands at Caledonia State Park, Franklin County; Delaware State Forest, Pike County; Tuscarora State Forest, Perry County; Bald Eagle State Forest, Snyder County; and Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Northampton County.

During a July 18 presentation at Lacawac Sanctuary, Michael Blumenthal of the PA DCNR said aerial spraying, groundlevel applications and other more conventional insect-suppression methods are both ineffective and expensive.

Hemlock woolly adelgids first were found in the Eastern United States in Virginia in 1956 and had invaded Pennsylvania by the mid1960’s. Small, softbodied insects closely related to aphids, exotic adelgids have few natural enemies in the eastern United States. They feed on young branches, resulting in premature needle drop and branch dieback.

DCNR has posted new information about the woolly adelgid at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/woollyadelgid/.

Animal tracking

FREMONT — Don’t pass that poop, scratch or chew in your back yard because it will help identify nature’s creatures and crawlers, advises naturalist Dr. Linda Spielman.

Spielman is guest expert for the Visiting Arts Program on Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at The Wildwood at 803 McColly Road. The program is free and open to the public.

The natural history program director at Ithaca’s Cayuga Nature Center, Spielman will offer insight and identification of animal tracks and signs. Finding and identifying these important clues are effective tools for tracking and learning about wildlife.

McColly Road is off Tennanah Lake Road, just two miles north of Crystal Lake Wildlife Management Area.

For more information call 845/887-5164.

Full moon ramble

WURTSBORO — Join the Green Corn Full Moon Ramble with Bashakill Area Association’s naturalist Gary Keeton on Saturday, August 4 at 8:30 p.m. Participants should meet at the Haven Road parking area off Route 209 in the Town of Mamakating. For more information call 845/888-4361.

Diatoms and climate change

LEDGEDALE — Limnology is the science that deals with the physical, chemical and biological properties and features of fresh waters, especially lakes and ponds. On Wednesday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m., Drexel University professor Dr. Susan Kilham will present a slide program on her long-term research in Yellowstone National Park involving diatoms and climate change.

The program will occur at Lacawac Sanctuary. A $2 donation is requested; members and children under 12 are admitted free. For more information call 570/689-9494.