A research project in the Cashiers-Highlands area this summer could provide new ammunition in the fight against the hemlock woolly adelgid, a tiny beetle from Asia that is killing off the region’s giant hemlocks, an anchor tree species in the Southern Appalachian ecosystem.

Last summer tens of thousands of predator beetles that prey on the adelgids were released into infested forests. However, the predator beetles are a drop in the bucket compared to the number of adelgids. A new tactic, designed to speed up the process, will be tried this summer — releasing the eggs into the forests instead of the live beetles.

Space is limited in the two laboratories — Clemson University and University of Tennessee — that are breeding the beetles. By releasing the eggs and avoiding the incubation time in the lab, foresters could greatly increase the turnover of predator beetles being release. It would also reduce the cost of beetle breeding.

The Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance is working with Clemson University and the forest service to coordinate the new tactic. Dedicated volunteers are needed to track the success of the egg releases this summer. Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance is soliciting the volunteers and coordinating a training session to be held March 30.

“It is estimated that volunteers will spend up to 2 hours counting eggs, monitoring hatch and maturation several times a week during the two-month span of the project,” said Cynthia Strain with the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance.

Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance has played at integral role in the fight against hemlock woolly adelgids. The group raised $110,000 for the release of predator beetles in the Chattooga watershed last year. The group has trained volunteers to monitor the infestation, such as tracking the initial sighting of adelgids in a new area to monitoring reproductive rates.

Those interested in volunteering should call David M. Bates, executive director of the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, at 828.526.9938, ext. 320, or email jmca@dnet.net.