The Spongy Moth in Our Yards and Forests

Join Cary Institute for a presentation on spongy moths (formerly gypsy moths), an invasive forest pest that has recently resurged. Outbreaks of very hungry caterpillars have defoliated trees in the Hudson Valley of New York State and beyond. Will this happen again in 2024? Will defoliated trees recover? Can we do anything to protect our trees and forests? This event will feature Cary scientists Clive Jones and Charles Canham, who bring deep expertise on the topic. Jones studied the spongy moth for 30 years as part of a long-term project on Cary’s 2,000-acre research campus. Canham has been researching the ecology of Northeastern forests for 40 years. Spongy moth caterpillars prefer to feed on oak trees but will defoliate a wide variety of deciduous species, and sometimes conifers. Learn where the spongy moth came from, how it was introduced, how it spread, and the history of outbreaks and defoliation in the US. Discover how outbreaks get started and why they collapse. Find out about current and future impacts of forest pests. About Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: We are an independent nonprofit center for environmental research. Since 1983, our scientists have been investigating the complex interactions that govern the natural world and the impacts of climate change on these systems. Our findings lead to more effective management and policy actions and increased environmental literacy. Staff are global experts in the ecology of: cities, disease, forests, and freshwater. Cary Institute is committed to engaging the public through environmental programming and content. Our live streamed and in-person lecture series connects public audiences with environmental luminaries and leading ecologists. Connect with Cary Institute: Visit Cary Institute’s website: https://www.caryinstitute.org Follow Cary Institute on Facebook:   / caryinstitute   Follow Cary Institute on Instagram:   / cary.institute   Connect with Cary Institute on LinkedIn:   / cary-institute-of-ecosystem-studies   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Spongy moths and their impact 02:22 The spread and outbreaks of the spongy moth in North America 07:58 Spongy moth outbreaks and their causes 14:02 The impact of mouse density on moth populations 20:12 Gypsy moth population dynamics and collapse 26:43 Controlling defoliation 32:52 Forest pests and their impact on trees 38:19 Forest ecology and pest management 43:28 Pest management and infestations in the Hudson Valley 49:25 Forest ecology and tick control strategies 57:54 Controlling invasive plants and insects