JAMESTOWN — Throughout the months of January and February, representatives from the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown Community College  and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will collaboratively survey a number of sites within the area for the presence of an invasive forest pest, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Organizers are looking for volunteer “Citizen Scientists” to contribute to these important efforts.

Prior to the first survey, Roger Tory Peterson Institute will host a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Citizen Scientist training at their headquarters tonight at 6 p.m. (rescheduled from Dec. 8).

During this session, Conservation Technician Elyse Henshaw will describe the impact HWA is having on forests throughout the eastern United States, identify the signs and symptoms of an infestation, and explain the best course of action when this problematic pest is discovered.

Attendees will also be introduced current survey techniques and guided through the process of reporting relevant data.

Once equipped with this knowledge, citizens are invited to assist with field surveys alongside RTPI, CWC and JCC to monitor for the presence of HWA in our local forests.

Visit www.rtpi.org or http://chautauquawatershed.org/ for additional information.

Questions about the training session or survey efforts can be directed to Elyse Henshaw (RTPI) at ehenshaw@rtpi.org or by calling 716-665-2473 ext. 231.