Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation focus of event

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is hosting a special educational event on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hemlock Crossing County Park to show how the county is addressing infestations of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).

This event is free and open to the public at the park, 8115 West Olive Road in West Olive.

Registration is encouraged and closes at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

To register, click here.

The agenda is:

• 6-7 p.m.: Presentation in Great Room
• 7-7:15 p.m.: Question and answer
• 7:15-7:45 p.m.: Tour infected trees along Pigeon River and discuss HWA identification and tree health assessment (outdoor portion)
• 7:45-8 p.m.: Optional treatment demonstration (outdoor portion)

About Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

HWA is a tiny, invasive insect that threatens Michigan’s eastern hemlock trees. First detected in Ottawa County in 2016, HWA can kill a mature tree in as little as four years if left untreated. In response, Ottawa County has been actively surveying and treating infestations to slow the spread and protect thousands of native hemlocks in local forests.

In Allegan County, a May 2, 2024, study shows 2,058 acres of infestation including Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and Laketown Township sites in Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66^th St., Wolters Woods, 6281 147^th Ave., and Huyser Farm, 4188 64^th St.

During the Aug. 20 event, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation’s Natural Resources Management staff will provide insights into the history and biology of HWA, how the county is managing to mitigate its impacts, and share options for landowners with hemlocks on their property. The program will also include a live demonstration of treatment methods and a short hike to observe infested trees in the field.