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Eradicate the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Educator Dale Lutheringer and a TALL tree
photo by Brian Whipkey

  • Keep the Boulder Field Graffiti Free
  • Dunes Restoration at Presque Isle State Park
  • Eradicate the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
  • Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Fund
  • Camping Enhancements
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  • Cook Forest State Park in Clarion County has acres of old growth forest areas with trees that are several hundred years old. The one in our header photo is over 125 feet tall and 250 years old. However, having escaped the mass lumbering that occurred across most of the country in the 19th century, the Eastern hemlocks that are among the largest remaining on the East Coast are threatened by a nasty bug called the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA).

    A non-native, invasive insect that attacks and kills Eastern hemlock trees has advanced westward across Pennsylvania to Cook Forest State Park. Home to the most significant Eastern hemlock stand north of the Smoky Mountains, Cook Forest State Park is famous for its old-growth trees. Its “Forest Cathedral” of towering hemlock and white pine is a National Natural Landmark.

    DCNR has been engaged in a two-pronged treatment effort that relies on selective application of insecticides and the release of predatory beetles, partnering with the USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy and other interested organizations to develop an Eastern hemlock management plan for northwestern Pennsylvania.

    Among the more beautiful tools at our disposal for raising funds to purchase supplies is Wild Excellence Films‘ Cathedral: The Fight to Save the Ancient Hemlocks of Cook Forest. We are delighted to be able to include the film here on our website.

    hemlock woolly adelgid fundYou can support the effort to eradicate the HWA with your online contribution to the fund that helps to purchase the supplies needed in the fight. Donation checks, payable to Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF), can also be sent to Cook Forest State Park, ATTN: HWA Fund, PO Box 120, Cooksburg, PA 16217.

    20211130 new trails cook forestEfforts to eradicate this pest (and fund other improvements in the park) are supported by the sales of New Trail Brewing Company’s limited edition Hazy Double PA. The 4th in a series of brews featuring Pennsylvania’s state parks, proceeds from the sale of the beer will go directly to the park’s account.

    What is so special about Cook Forest? Find out from guest blogger Christian Alexandersen who says “If you only run or hike one PA state park, choose this one.” Check it out on our News page.

    Stewards of Penn’s Woods

    Interested in volunteering but finding time is hard?

    Consider the Stewards of Penn’s Woods and assist with your own chosen state forest project. Group or solo!

    Find Out More

    Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation
    704 Lisburn Road, Suite 102 | Camp Hill, PA 17011
    [email protected]
    P: 717-236-7644 | F: 717-236-0972

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    Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. PPFF’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.