Shenandoah National Park
Lost TreasuresThe eastern hemlock tree holds a special place in the hearts of Appalachian dwellers. Birds such as the Blackburnian warbler and the winter wren find homes in hemlock forests. Brook trout thrive in cold mountain streams sheltered from the sun by the hemlocks shade. Shenandoah residents and visitors treasured the enchanting old growth stands at Hemlock Springs, Limberlost, and Rapidan Camp (where some of the hemlocks were over 300 years old). We’ll never experience that magic again. Ninety-five percent of Shenandoah’s hemlocks are gone, killed by an invasive pest called the hemlock woolly adelgid. Park scientists use chemical and biological treatment to protect the remaining hemlock trees. The gray, broken tree trunks of Hemlock Springs remind us of the hundreds of thousands already lost and the ecosystems forever changed.
January 10, 2023
The View at Hemlock Springs
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These leafless trees are beautiful
ReplyDeleteThe hemlocks are beautiful, it is sad to see so many of them die. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteIt is distressing. So many tree species have suffered from insect or fungal blight you start to wonder what will be left.
ReplyDelete...the hemlock woolly adelgid is a serious problem.
ReplyDeleteThe same experience happens when visiting Mt. Mitchell State Park in NC, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The sides of the mountain are full of dead and dying trees.
ReplyDeleteA sad sight.
ReplyDeleteso many trees are suffering from devastating experiences/problems. clear here in your images!!
ReplyDeleteThat sad to see.
ReplyDelete"Ninety-five percent of Shenandoah’s hemlocks are gone!"
ReplyDeleteGoodness that is a huge amount, I do hope the park scientists will be able to save the rest and perhaps grow/plant more.
All the best Jan
That’s so sad…I posted an Ash tree today while researching them I saw they are dying as well from the Ash Boer 😢
ReplyDelete