Planting the Future: Expanding Eastern Hemlocks Along Hellen Creek
The Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), a shade-tolerant evergreen native to the Eastern United States, is known for its feathering needles, Christmas tree-like appearance, and ample benefits to wildlife and local ecosystems. Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust is home to one of the southernmost Hemlock stands in Maryland, and we are working to preserve, protect, and expand the presence of Hemlocks in Southern Maryland. Over the past month, we have located several isolated patches of new growth seedlings and identified additional locations for transplanting. These new locations not only have ample sunlight and adequate soil moisture with drainage, but there is enough space for each seedling to grow without competition from other trees and shrubs.
Eastern Hemlocks begin producing cones between 15 and 20 years of age, oftentimes later if there is suppressed growth, but can continue reproducing for hundreds of years. These trees are a naturally slow-growing species and can take between 250 and 300 years to reach full maturity, but once mature, they can reach upwards of 170 feet in height, supporting foliage that reaches from the forest floor to the canopy. Hemlocks are known for their ability to naturally cool down understory temperatures, provide food and shelter for birds and mammals, and lower the temperatures of waterways that they overhang. It has been found that watersheds with dominant hemlock stands also have more stable stream banks, higher oxygen levels, and stable cool temperatures.
This fall, Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust will be planting approximately 100 additional Eastern Hemlock seedlings along Hellen Creek on our Clifton Drive property. We hope that these efforts will help future generations enjoy the beauty of hemlocks while strengthening local ecosystems for birds, mammals, and aquatic life.
Written by: Sydney West
Note: Sydney, a 2023 graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and current graduate student at Montana State University, is assisting with CPNHT’s Fall 2025 Hemlock reforestation efforts.
