Hemlock Conservation Project

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The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has been identified in the District of Lunenburg, affecting the municipality's hemlock trees. The region's rich forests and numerous waterways make it an important area for monitoring and managing HWA due to hemlock trees' ecological and environmental significance. The District of Lunenburg's parks are home to numerous hemlocks and serve as cherished spaces for residents and visitors alike. These parks provide vital opportunities for recreation, social connection, and outdoor enjoyment.

90%-95% mortality rate in Eastern Hemlocks within 4 to 15 years.

The loss of hemlock trees in the District of Lunenburg's parks due to HWA infestation could have far-reaching effects on the environment and community use. Hemlocks are essential for maintaining shade, regulating park temperatures, and preventing soil erosion. Their decline would lead to hotter, less comfortable spaces and potentially degraded trails and waterways. Wildlife that rely on hemlocks for shelter and food would also be impacted, reducing biodiversity within these green spaces. For many park visitors, especially those with mobility challenges, the loss of shaded, accessible areas could limit outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities. Protecting hemlocks and planning for their potential loss is crucial to ensure parks remain inviting and inclusive.

Park Surveying

1. Surveying Location: River Ridge Common, 4668 Highway 10, Pinehurst.
River Ridge Common is a 115-acre park that spans both sides of the South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail.

The lower section of the park includes a naturalized playground and interactive art features constructed from wood, stone, and plant elements. This area also has trails, picnic spots, porta-potties, a pump track and a bike skills park.

Surveying Timeline: Beginning January 2025, ending May 2025.

Phase one: Extensive tree inventory and site preparation to monitor tree health.

River Ridge Common surveying is now complete.

2. Surveying Location: Miller Point Peace Park, 13941 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Dayspring.

Miller Point Peace Park is ideal for a leisurely scenic walk or family picnic. You can enjoy views of the LaHave River and Horseshoe Cove along the trails as you walk through the towering pines. View hundreds of lady slippers and other flora and fauna in the spring along the 5 km of walking trails.

Surveying Timeline: Beginning May 2025, ending June 2025.

Phase one: Extensive tree inventory and site preparation to monitor tree health.

3. Surveying Location: M.A.R.C, 33 Leary Fraser Road, Dayspring.

The Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex in Dayspring, better known as the MARC, is a year-round outdoor recreation facility. With 100 acres of open space, including fields, woods, ponds, brooks, and trails, the MARC is perfect for flying a kite, having a picnic, stargazing, watching wildlife near the ponds, or exploring the trails.

Surveying Timeline: Beginning May 2025, ending July 2025.

Phase one: Extensive tree inventory and site preparation to monitor tree health.


The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has been identified in the District of Lunenburg, affecting the municipality's hemlock trees. The region's rich forests and numerous waterways make it an important area for monitoring and managing HWA due to hemlock trees' ecological and environmental significance. The District of Lunenburg's parks are home to numerous hemlocks and serve as cherished spaces for residents and visitors alike. These parks provide vital opportunities for recreation, social connection, and outdoor enjoyment.

90%-95% mortality rate in Eastern Hemlocks within 4 to 15 years.

The loss of hemlock trees in the District of Lunenburg's parks due to HWA infestation could have far-reaching effects on the environment and community use. Hemlocks are essential for maintaining shade, regulating park temperatures, and preventing soil erosion. Their decline would lead to hotter, less comfortable spaces and potentially degraded trails and waterways. Wildlife that rely on hemlocks for shelter and food would also be impacted, reducing biodiversity within these green spaces. For many park visitors, especially those with mobility challenges, the loss of shaded, accessible areas could limit outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities. Protecting hemlocks and planning for their potential loss is crucial to ensure parks remain inviting and inclusive.

Park Surveying

1. Surveying Location: River Ridge Common, 4668 Highway 10, Pinehurst.
River Ridge Common is a 115-acre park that spans both sides of the South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail.

The lower section of the park includes a naturalized playground and interactive art features constructed from wood, stone, and plant elements. This area also has trails, picnic spots, porta-potties, a pump track and a bike skills park.

Surveying Timeline: Beginning January 2025, ending May 2025.

Phase one: Extensive tree inventory and site preparation to monitor tree health.

River Ridge Common surveying is now complete.

2. Surveying Location: Miller Point Peace Park, 13941 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Dayspring.

Miller Point Peace Park is ideal for a leisurely scenic walk or family picnic. You can enjoy views of the LaHave River and Horseshoe Cove along the trails as you walk through the towering pines. View hundreds of lady slippers and other flora and fauna in the spring along the 5 km of walking trails.

Surveying Timeline: Beginning May 2025, ending June 2025.

Phase one: Extensive tree inventory and site preparation to monitor tree health.

3. Surveying Location: M.A.R.C, 33 Leary Fraser Road, Dayspring.

The Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex in Dayspring, better known as the MARC, is a year-round outdoor recreation facility. With 100 acres of open space, including fields, woods, ponds, brooks, and trails, the MARC is perfect for flying a kite, having a picnic, stargazing, watching wildlife near the ponds, or exploring the trails.

Surveying Timeline: Beginning May 2025, ending July 2025.

Phase one: Extensive tree inventory and site preparation to monitor tree health.


  • Information Session

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
    Do you care about hemlocks in Nova Scotia?

    Join us for an informative discussion on hemlock tree conservation efforts in our region, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). The session will be held at the DesBrisay Museum followed by a walk around the Duck Pond to observe these invasive pests in real time.

    The session will be led by representatives and staff from the NS Hemlock initiative, Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, Town of Bridgewater, and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Hemlock Conservation Project team who will be available to answer any questions you may have.

    Saturday, March 1, 2025
    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
    DesBrisay Museum, 130 Jubilee Road, Bridgewater.
    Hot tea & coffee available
    FREE!

Page last updated: 22 May 2025, 07:45 AM