NS Hemlock

08/09/2026

The following presentation will include information about hemlocks.

PhD Oral Examination - Robert Vaughn
10AM (ADT) August 12, 2026 - MS Teams

Physiological Responses to Warming in Acadian Forest Region Conifers and Their Implications for Forest Modelling Under Climate Change

Research Summary

As climate change continues to reshape forest ecosystems, understanding how tree species respond to warming temperatures is critical for predicting the future of Canada's forests. Robert Vaughn's research examined how key conifer species in the Acadian Forest Region respond to increasing temperatures and atmospheric dryness, and how these responses can improve forest modelling under climate change. Through controlled warming experiments and advanced forest modelling, this study found that tree species differ substantially in their ability to tolerate heat stress. Some species, such as eastern hemlock and balsam fir, were more sensitive to warming, while others demonstrated greater resilience. The research also revealed important physiological differences between balsam fir and white spruce, two species often treated similarly in forest models, showing that they respond to warming in markedly different ways. By incorporating species-specific physiological data into forest simulation models, this work improves our ability to predict forest growth, productivity, and resilience under future climate conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for forest managers, researchers, and policymakers working to prepare Canada's forests for a warming world.

Chaired by: Dr. Kevin Englehart, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies

Examiners:
Dr. Robert Buchkowski, Biology, Western University
Dr. Paul Arp, Forestry & Environmental Management, UNB
Dr. Mark Sherrard, Biology, UNB
Dr. Steeve Pépin Plant Research and Innovation Centre, Université Laval

Supervisor :
Dr. Anthony Taylor, Forestry & Environmental Management

Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266586163011866?p=2hVKraCjTyfxs2Pq2G

07/09/2026

The latest confirmed sightings of HWA in Nova Scotia.

If you see cotton-like balls on the underside of hemlock branches where the needles meet the stem, please take a pic and let us know! Thank you.

07/07/2026

Halifax Regional Municipality’s Hemlock Protection Program will conduct their second volunteer training on July 19th, with support from Medway Community Forest Cooperative, the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council, and a few intrepid volunteers with their pesticide applicator licenses (thank you!).

Training will be from 10AM-3/3:30PM at the Bedford Hammonds Plains Community Centre and Hemlock Ravine Park. A schedule of activities can be seen below.

10AM – 12PM

Classroom training at Bedford Hammonds Plains Community Centre - Innovation Room ( 202 Innovation Dr, Bedford, NS B4B 0G4)

12PM-1PM

Lunch (on your own) & travel to Hemlock Ravine Park (meet at the parking lot at the end of Kent Avenue)

1PM-3:00PM

Tree assessment, measurement, and treatment at Hemlock Ravine Park

If you are interested in attending please register here: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/environment-climate-change/nature-biodiversity/hemlock-healers-volunteer-registration

Please note that there is a maximum of 20 spaces for volunteers. If you are unable to make it to the training this time, we hope to host an additional training this summer, so this won’t be your last opportunity!

Once you have registered you will receive a confirmation email with additional event information.

Please note that if you have already participated in MCFC’s Hemlock Heroes training, or if you attended the May 24th training with HRM, you can register to join us for the treatment portion of the event without attending the morning classroom session. Please let us know if this will be the case at : [email protected]

06/20/2026

Can you help Tree Measuring-Marking at Hobby Horse Farm – June 23–25?

Help protect a rare old-growth hemlock forest in the Annapolis Valley! If you enjoy slowly walking among magnificent trees, spending time in nature, or contributing to conservation, we'd love your help.

Sign up: Email- [email protected]

Location: 1061 Spittal Rd., Coldbrook, NS

Meet at the horse barn.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to stay longer to explore the trails or observe (and possibly participate in) basal bark treatments that may be taking place elsewhere in this forest on the same day.

Why we need you: These old-growth hemlocks urgently need protection from the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Volunteer help with marking trees will reduce treatment costs and support ongoing efforts to preserve this remarkable forest until long-term biological control measures take effect. Join us in helping safeguard this habitat for wildlife and generations to come.

06/17/2026

The Town of Bridgewater are treating their hemlocks

📣Park Closure Notice – Hemlock Conservation Project

Riverview Park will be closed temporarily from 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 to allow treatment of the Hemlock trees with a Health Canada approved pesticide. This is part of our efforts to combat the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Signage will be posted at the park entrances accordingly.

This work is being completed by Medway Community Forest Cooperative on behalf of the Town of Bridgewater.

About the Treatment:

The pesticide being used is approved for use by Health Canada and is safe to use. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are asking the public to abide by this closure notice and to stay out of the park during the entirety of the closure period.

Treatment will also be taking place on June 17 at Kinsmen Field, Generations Active and Ballfield, and the Centennial Trail; however, these locations will not require closures.

The Town of Bridgewater apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this closure and we thank you for doing your part in helping us save our community's Hemlock trees.

For more information on HWA and the Hemlock Conservation Project, please visit www.bridgewater.ca/HWA.

06/10/2026

Upcoming pre-pesticide exam courses in June.

Marbicon Inc is offering the following full-day in-person courses for June 2026.

June 17 Weds - Berwick
June 19 Fri - New Germany
June 25 Thurs - Truro

More courses and locations can be set up pending demand.

For more information and/or to pre-register, contact Jim Jotcham at [email protected] or 902-538-7101.

06/09/2026

Your hemlocks may be telling you they have HWA!

At this time of year (early June), healthy hemlocks will have vibrant lime-green growing tips (pic-1).

However, if they are under stress -- such as being attacked by HWA -- the tips will not show the growth (pic-2) and if you examine the branches (pic-3) you may find the telltale cotton-like sacs of HWA on the underside of the branches.

06/08/2026

VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Coldbrook, NS - Tue/Thu

We are seeking volunteers to help protect the magnificent hemlock forest at Hobby Horse Farm in Coldbrook, Nova Scotia.

Date: June 9th and June 11th
Location: 1061 Spittal Rd, Coldbrook, NS
Meet at the horse barn
Times: 9:00 to 12:00 and/or 1:00 to 4:00

Many of you may already know the property's scenic hiking and horse trails that wind through some remarkable stands of mature hemlocks.

As private landowners receive no assistance for HWA treatments, Leslie Wade is relying on some support of our Hemlock Heroes community, as well as some neighbours who love to walk or ride horses in this woods.

You will be on a team to measure and mark trees (treatment will take place at another time)

A future tree-injection project is also planned for hemlocks growing along two streams that cross the property.

If you can contribute your training, experience, and enthusiasm for hemlock conservation, your help would be greatly appreciated in preserving this rare Annapolis Valley hemlock refuge.

Donna Crossland, Lead Pesticide Operator
Leslie Wade, Landowner

Questions? Please contact : [email protected]

Participants will leave with two accomplishments: saving hemlocks and achieving a new personal best for Morgan horse sightings!

06/02/2026

Defending Bees, defending trees -- the balancing act of managing one crisis without creating another.

Location: Halifax Central Library, BMO Community Room

Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Registration: No registration is required for this event.

Event details: As part of Pollinator Week, three early career scientists, Emily McLean (Master of Environmental Studies Candidate, Dalhousie University), Jane Vurdela (Master of Science Candidate, Acadia University), and Matt Nettle (Ecological Restoration Practitioner) will explore the intersection between pollinator conservation and invasive species management. In an era of unprecedented change, largely driven by a changing climate, plant and pest invasions are becoming increasingly frequent and impactful. This panel discussion will focus on:

- the importance of native biodiversity in protecting pollinators;

- the impacts of invasive species management techniques on pollinator populations (with a special focus on medicinal/chemical control of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)

- present opportunities for individuals to do their part in pollinator and biodiversity protection.

06/01/2026

The Medway Community Forest Co-operative is looking for a full-time Hemlock Conservation Project Coordinator to support our Hemlock Conservation Program based in Caledonia, Nova Scotia.

📍 Location: Caledonia, NS

📅 Term: July 6, 2026 – March 31, 2027
(extension possible to March 2031 dependent on funding)

This role leads field operations focused on protecting Nova Scotia’s hemlock forests from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive species threatening forests across eastern Canada.

The position includes coordinating field crews and volunteers, overseeing HWA treatment and monitoring work, supporting outreach and reporting, and helping manage day-to-day project operations.

They are looking for someone organized, adaptable, and comfortable balancing field work, team coordination, administration, and public engagement.

MCFC is Eastern Canada’s first community forest and manages 15,000 hectares of Crown land using ecological and community-based forestry practices.

To apply or learn more, please visit [www.medwaycommunityforest.com/jobs](http://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/jobs).