Introduction

Invasive species can pose significant threats to forest ecosystems. They contribute to biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and overall ecosystem degradation. The hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect that feeds on the sap of eastern hemlock trees. As HWA inhabit and feed upon hemlocks, the trees begin to die and lose their needles from the bottom up. This study observes the impact of HWA infestation on forest canopy cover and the resulting effects on environmental factors such as light intensity, air temperature, and soil temperature.