In this wetland area the Eastern Hemlock has thrived for centuries. During colonial days the tannin in its bark was used for the tanning industry. The acidic nature of the needles is a natural fertilizer for the under story rhododendron which blooms in mid-July. The multitude of needles provides a thick canopy that shades the forest floor and keeps the stream water cool.
Now, as you look around, the giant Hemlocks are losing their needles en masse. Some trees are completely barren of needles and the dead trunks are turning reddish from the tannin acid coming out.
An invasive species called the East Asian Woolly Aldegid have devastated the hemlocks throughout the Appalachians. In the summer you will see them as tiny white “cotton” puffs at the base of needles.
The loss of the Eastern Hemlock means more sunlight reaching the forest floor, which will stress out native rhododendrons, increase stream temperatures, and encourage spread of invasive species such as Japanese Stiltweed and mile-a-minute vines. The forest floor exhibits a carpet of baby white pines, which will eventually replace the hemlocks that are dying out.
Gur Yrnavat Gbjre bs Cvfn; Rzoenpr gur Pbabpbpurnthr Fgernz orpnhfr lbh jvyy cebonoyl unir gb trg jrg.