News

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Seneca Lake Water Quality in the Local Spotlight

GENEVA, N.Y. – Our work to protect hemlock trees around Seneca Lake has been getting some helpful attention in local media, giving us the chance to talk more openly about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and why it matters for lake health.

Earlier this week, Benjamin Klein, association director of Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters), sat down with WENY for a video feature on the growing threat HWA poses to eastern hemlock trees. The segment does a great job explaining why these trees are so important. Hemlocks help hold soils in place, shade streams, and reduce erosion—quiet but critical work that helps protect clean water flowing into Seneca Lake. The story also highlights why early detection and proactive management are so important as infestations continue to spread.

We also had the chance to talk more about this work on the Finger Lakes Daily News FLX Morning Podcast. Jim McGinnis, project manager for the Seneca Lake Hemlock Initiative, and Zeb Strickland, the field ecologist and invasive species lead who treats hemlock trees for Pure Waters, joined the show to discuss what HWA is, how it spreads, and how infestations are being addressed locally. They also talked about why early action and community awareness matter.

Sharing this work helps connect the dots between healthy forests, clean water, and the long-term health of Seneca Lake.

Media coverage:
WENY video feature:
https://www.weny.com/news/invasive-insect-threatening-hemlock-trees-and-seneca-lake-water-quality-local-expert-warns/article_50177504-41f2-408e-9a25-73c75961b10b.html

FLX Morning Podcast (aired Friday, Feb. 6):
https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.com/staff-blog/flx-morning-podcast-seneca-lake-pure-waters-association-11/

If you’d like to learn more about invasive species and how they affect Seneca Lake, join Pure Waters for a Sip & Learn: Invasive Species event on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. The casual WinterFest event will include a brief talk on HWA and other invasive species, along with wine, beer, and cheese. Space is limited, and the event is part of WinterFest 2026 in downtown Geneva. Register today!

Learn more about Pure Waters

To learn more about donating: https://senecalake.org/giving/
To learn more about volunteering: https://senecalake.org/volunteer-opportunities/

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.