Ottawa County, MI — Ottawa County Parks & Recreation (OCPR) invites the public to a special educational event on Wednesday, August 20, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Hemlock Crossing to learn how the County is addressing infestations of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).

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, OCPR has been actively surveying and treating infestations to slow the spread and protect thousands of native hemlocks in local forests.

During this event, OCPR’s Natural Resources Management staff will provide insights into the history and biology of HWA, how OCPR 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.

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Event Details:
📍 Location: Hemlock Crossing County Park
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

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This event is free and open to the public. Whether you're a landowner with hemlocks or simply interested in local conservation efforts, this is a great opportunity to learn how you can help protect our forests from invasive species.

>> Click here to register <<

Registration is encouraged and closes at 12 pm on Tuesday, August 19.

Agenda

• 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Presentation in Great Room
• 7:00 pm - 7:15 pm: Q & A
• 7:15 pm - 7:45 pm: Tour infected trees along Pigeon River and discuss HWA identification and tree health assessment (outdoor portion)
• 7:45 pm - 8:00 pm: Optional treatment demonstration (outdoor portion)