South Road
Hawley
MA
American beech is an important species in the Northern Hardwood woodlands that comprise most of the forests in western Massachusetts. Federal surveys have shown that Beech comprises 10% of forest trees statewide, more than 140 million in all, but in much higher proportions in western parts of the state.
In recent years, beech species in the Northeast have been under attack from a previously unknown invasive nematode, Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mcannii , called LCM, thought to be native to Japan. Such infestations, which have been called Beech Leaf Disease, threaten all species of beech.
At the tour, participants can see some of the damage caused by Beech Leaf Disease, and discuss recent research of methods to control it.
Participants should meet at the junction of South and Plainfield Roads at 9 a.m. Long pants and bug spray are recommended. The tour will be postponed in the event of heavy rain.
For more information, see the MFA website at www.massforestalliance.net or call Greg Cox at 413 475-2883.