#DidYouKnow: The Western Hemlock #loopermoth is a native species to our region. Increases in their population are part of a natural cycle that happens every 11-15 years. We are in the third year of an outbreak, after which their numbers are expected to naturally decline. (1/5) You may see more browning and damaged trees on the #NorthShore as #loopermoth larvae eat conifer needles, especially western hemlock. These outbreaks are part of the ecosystem – dead trees fall down and become nutrients on the forest floor, allowing new trees to grow (2/5)