Recent News
Report on the Adelgids and Ladybugs in Hemlock Gorge
Final Report Pseudoscymnus tsugae Release Hemlock Gorge 2001-2005 Background: The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) (formerly the Department of Environmental Management) was approached by the Friends of Hemlock Gorge regarding the possible release of the predatory ladybird beetle (Pseudoscymnus tsugae) for the control of an infestation of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) (Adelges tsugae) at…
2005 Fall Cleanup
On Saturday, November 11, 2005, The Friends of Hemlock Gorge were joined by a goodly number of volunteers to undertake our fall cleanup. The property appeared to be in surprisingly good shape on this gorgeous fall day.
Annual Letter to Members, 2005
As 2005 draws to a close, we again write to update you on the activities of the Friends. In addition, we appeal to you to renew your membership and your personal and financial commitment to our activities in 2006.
State of Infestation
On November 8, 2005 state forester Charlie Burnham contacted the Friends and made the following report on the adelgid infestation: “I was at the Gorge last week and will write up a summary of what I was and have it to you sometime next week. Overall things look good but I have noticed the start…
The Friends Honored by the Green Decade Coalition!
On Thursday, June 16, 2005, The Friends of Hemlock Gorge were recognized with an Environmental Leadership Award by the Green Decade Coalition. Friends’ Webmaster John Mordes had an opportunity to deliver a PowerPoint Presentation about the work of the Friends. Green Decade is an organization of people living or working in Newton and neighboring communities,…
Quinobequin Road News: 2005
Some 12 years age the Friends suggested to the MDC, now the DCR, that something to control off road traffic on the section of Quinobequin road just downriver from Hemlock Gorge would be desirable to prevent vehicles from degrading the riverbank. We initially suggested a wood railing, but later, after hearing from neighbors, we thought…
2005 Spring Cleanup
The Friends and the DCR (formerly the MDC) extend heartfelt thanks to all the many volunteers who helped despite the rainy and cool weather.
The Newton Tab declares the Adelgid Vanquished!
In early April, 2005 the Newton Tab wrote a nice article describing the efforts being made at Hemlock Gorge to thwart the adelgid. Site Supervisor Kevin Hollenbeck was featured. A PDF of the article has been provided.
The Arnold Arboretum’s Response to the Adelgid
The Arnold Arboretum’s famed Hemlock Hill has been severely impacted by the adelgid, and more than 100 trees have been lost. (They opted against an attempt to introduce ladybugs, as was done at Hemlock Gorge.) The Arboretum staff are undertaking an extensive research program that is described in some detail at their web site: https://arboretum.harvard.edu/plants/hemlock-hill-history-management-and-research/
Annual Letter to Members, 2004
In 2005, we will continue our productive relationship with the leadership of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and its Urban Park Bureau. We will also continue our strong partnership with Site Supervisor Kevin Hollenbeck and his associate Bob Hassett. We note with pleasure that the new director of the Urban Park Bureau is Kevin’s…
2004 Fall Cleanup
At this event, we celebrated Hannah Sherman’s many years of service to the Friends as our Secretary and awarded her a lifetime membership
2004 Spring Cleanup
