Ancient Shenandoah Trees Sucked Dry: Invasive Pest Threatens Species’ Survival

Here in Colorado, the Active Junky team’s seen devastation from Mountain Pine Beetle, but the East Coast has its own arbor assassin: Hemlock woolly adelgid. This invasive East-Asian cousin of America’s aphid is wreaking havoc on eastern hemlock trees.  Nearly 95% of stands in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia have been killed in less than 15 years. The loss of centuries-old trees is devastating as it affects other wildlife, from brook trout (with less shade) to songbirds (with fewer nesting roosts). Beyond the Park’s boundaries, tree mortality and diminishing ecosystems serve to accelerate climate change. And push plant, animal and insect species toward extinction. Learn more about the hemlocks here.