CATSKILLCENTER FALL 2018
FALL COLOR PROGRESSION CIDER DOUGHNUT ROADTRIP UTILITARIAN ART — CALL FOR ART UNPLUG AND GET YOUR VITAMIN N ACTIVE AUTUMN ARACHNIDS FALL AT THE CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER AUTUMN IN THE CATSKILLS COLORING PAGE AT THE ERPF GALLERY THE QUEST FOR LINGERING ASH
CONTENTS 3
CALL FOR ART
6
FALL COLOR PROGRESSION
10
PLANNING FOR THE 50TH
13
PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE UPDATE
15
CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER SCHEDULE
17
GET YOUR VITAMIN N(ATURE)
20
CATSKILLS AUTUMN COLORING PAGE
23
SNAPSHOT
25
CIDER DOUGHNUT ROAD TRIP
26
RECAP
28
ACTIVE AUTUMN ARACHNIDS
30
AT THE ERPF GALLERY
32
THE QUEST FOR LINGERING ASH
38
ENDNOTE
Cover Photo: Heather Phelps-Lipton
Later this year, the Catskill Center will host its 3rd invitational exhibit to highlight the utilitarian
HAND-HOOKED RUG — ANNIE HAYES
UTILITARIAN ART / CALL FOR ART
art of the Catskill Region. To submit, send one jpeg image for each piece to be considered, up to five works. Include artist name, mailing address, phone number, title of work, medium, dimensions, price, and a brief bio. Send submissions to: kpalm@catskillcenter.org Deadline: Monday, October 15
CATSKILL CENTER
3
CONTRIBUTORS Fall 2018
JEFF SENTERMAN Executive Director, Catskill Center Jeff is a Catskill native and when he’s not steering the ship that is the Catskill Center, can often be found atop a local peak. Jeff contributed his regular column, "Endnote".
HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON Director of Communications, Catskill Center Heather is the newsletter’s editor, contributes and creates photography to and for the newsletter and ate way too many cider doughnuts while fact gathering for her "Cider Doughnut Roadtrip" piece.
MICHAEL CONNOR Michael Connor runs Open MIC, a non-profit media advocacy organization, and lives in Phoenicia. He is a member of the Catskill Center’s Board of Directors and contributed "Going for Gold.
WILL LYTLE aka Thorneater Comics Will is a Catskills born and raised comic artist and illustrator. He’s deeply influenced by the natural environment of the Catskills, and tries to capture the form of magic they inspire. He created the centerfold coloring page," Autumn in the Catskills".
4
FALL 2018
JOHN THOMPSON Coordinator, Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership For twenty+ years John has collaborated with scientists and land stewards throughout southeastern New York State promoting science-based management and conservation. John penned both "The Quest for Lingering Ash" and "Fall Color Progression".
ANDY MOSSEY Peekamoose Blue Hole Steward Coordinator Andy has a knack and passion for speaking up for public lands without a voice. For this issue, Andy summarized the inaugural season of the Peekamoose Blue Hole Steward Program.
DAN SNIDER Field Service Coordinator, Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership Dan enjoys hiking, kayaking, and board games in his free time. And insects. Dan is the author of "Active Autumn Arachnids".
KATIE PALM Director of Programs, Catskill Center When not working on education programs for the Catskill Center, Katie loves spending time outside with her two children. Catching caterpillars, climbing trees and puddle jumping are some of her favorite ways to get her Vitamin N(ature)! Discover Katie’s suggestions for outside fun in, "Unplug and get your Vitamin N."
ABOUT US: Since 1969, the Catskill Center has protected and
CCCD can be reached at:
fostered the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of
43355 State Highway 28
the Catskill region. Our mission is to protect and foster the
Arkville, NY 12406
environmental, cultural and economic well-being of the catskill
845.586.2611
region. Become a member at: catskillcenter.org/membership
cccd@catskillcenter.org
CATSKILL CENTER
5
BY JOHN THOMP S O N
FALL COLOR PROGRESSION
MOST MARVEL AT THE COLOR SATURATION OF OCTOBER’S "PEAK FOLIAGE"— BUT THE ASTUTE LEAF-PEEPER APPRECIATES THE SEASON’S PROGRESSION OF COLOR
6
FALL 2018
beginning with red and yellow flashes in late summer and extending through November’s flickering gold. The first colors that we begin to see in the late summer are often diseased, injured, or drought-stressed trees, but frequently there will be scattered red maples in some of our swamps that begin to turn red by early September. Why do leaves change colors? Pigments are most responsible for the color changes we see in autumn: chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins. CATSKILL CENTER
7
Chlorophyll allows plants to produce
because while some factors that play
sugars from sunlight.
As the days
into the timing of foliage are constant,
shorten, the trees stop producing
many change. Different species turn
chlorophyll and store valuable sugars
different colors, and those species
and nutrients for the following year. The
turn at different times in the fall. Two
reduction of green chlorophyll in the
constants are 1) day length, which is the
leaves allows other colored compounds
primary factor influencing when leaves
to show through. Carotenoids show up
change, and 2) the tree species, which
as yellow and anthocyanins show up as
is the main factor influencing how the
red.
leaves change through a predictable color progression. But environmental
One of the earliest wide-spread colors
conditions and weather play into the
that we see is yellow from ash, yellow
timing of foliage change.
birch and black birch. Red maples generally will turn red, while their cousins, sugar maples will show a spectrum of yellow, orange and red. We generally recognize “peak foliage” as the period when maples are in full color. Oaks will be the last to change, with red oaks turning red and chestnut oak golden to bronze hues. The northern hardwood forest is the predominant forest in the Catskills and includes tree species with the most dazzling colors. Sugar maple and beech dominate this forest; other common trees include yellow birch, red maple and black cherry. Locally, there is white ash, American elm, basswood, and hop hornbeam. A common question this time of year is, "When is peak foliage going to
BRIGHT FALL SUNLIGHT PRODUCES THE MOST BRILLIANT FOLIAGE Perfect foliage follows the Goldilocks principle: that the weather has not been too hot, too cold, too wet, nor too dry, but just right. The entire growing season contributes to the health of trees and their colors, but bright fall sunlight produces the most brilliant colors. Numerous cloudy days during fall may result in more golds and yellows. If temperatures get too cold, leaves may die before they change colors. Heavy rains and winds during fall knock leaves off of their branches and shorten the leaf-peeping season. Climate change is another variable and is causing the fall foliage season to be later in the season.
be?"”Answering this question is tricky, CATSKILL CENTER
9
1969 - 2019
GOING FOR GOLD THE CATSKILL CENTER PREPARES TO MARK ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
BY MICHAEL CO N N O R
The year was 1969. Richard Nixon was sworn in as the 37th President of the United States. The Beatles released their Abbey Road album. The Woodstock music festival rocked a farm in Bethel, N.Y. The war in Vietnam – and opposition to it – dominated the news. The New York Jets won Superbowl III. The New York Mets took the World Series. The boots of astronaut Neil Armstrong walked the surface of the moon.
10
FALL 2018
I
n
September
a
budding
1969,
amidst
national
international
and
"We also aim to have some fun. There’s a lot to celebrate."
environmental
movement, the Catskill Center for
The 50th Anniversary plan will include
Conservation
Development
a series of events that draw attention
(Catskill Center) was incorporated
to the varied locales of the Catskill
and
region. These will begin in February
and
launched.
Sherrett
Local
Chase
and
resident fellow
at the Hanford Mills Museum Ice
founding members envisioned the
Harvest in East Meredith; continue at
Catskill Center as a “non-profit,
the Catskill Center’s annual Summer
non-partisan,
controlled
Gathering – combined with a Family
organization for the Catskill region;”
Day – at the Catskill Interpretive
working for “the preservation of
Center in Mount Tremper; and wind up
the environmental systems of the
with a spectacular Fall Gala in Arkville.
Catskills” as well as “harmonious
But those are only highlights. There’s
economic
more in the planning.
locally
six
development”
of
the
region. Markley Boyer, chair of the Catskill Almost a half century later, the
Center’s
board,
said
golden
Catskill Center follows the same
anniversary
mission, stronger and more exciting
growing the number of individual
also
include
than ever and is currently prepping
memberships
for a year-long celebration that takes
participation
note of past accomplishments while
businesses
embracing a broad range of critical
"Protecting our incredible natural
and exciting new challenges.
environment while helping to foster
goals and of in
increasing
Catskill the
region
organization.
a sustainable local economy requires 'We’re hoping to look back over the
the support of the entire Catskill
last 50 years to highlight how the
community",” said Boyer.
Catskills have changed while looking ahead – with the help of friends and organizational allies – to help shape a vision of the Catskills for the next 50 years",” said Jeff Senterman, the Catskill Center’s Executive Director.
If you or your business would like to participate in the Catskill Center’s 50th anniversary celebration, please contact Jonathan Mogelever at 845-5862611, ext. 116.
Leave No Trace
PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE 2018 SUMMER SEASON IS ONE FOR THE RECORDS
BY ANDY M O S S E Y
If you visited the Blue Hole this year,
2018 saw greater crowds than ever
you were one of the 10,000 (plus)
previously recorded, but the tranquil
people to have a first-hand experience
swimming hole, with a riparian area
of this summer’s new coordinated
free of campfire rings and shards of
conservation efforts.
glass, clean of litter and supported with healthier trailside vegetation, is in better
With forest rangers, a fresh permit
shape than it was at winter’s end.
system, and working hand-in-hand with the Department of Environmental
Over the course of the program’s
Conservation,
the
Catskill
Center’s
inaugural
Peekamoose
Blue
Hole
Stewards
Mossey and Selina Guendel have
developed a visitor education program
educated thousands of visitors, collected
that has proven to be essential for
over 118 bags of litter, deconstructed and
protecting the health of Blue Hole.
rehabbed 15 campfire rings, maintained
season,
stewards
CATSKILL CENTER
Andy
13
over 3 miles of trail, and disguised herd
litter increases and rock dams and rock
paths around the Blue Hole proper. Those
stacks are built in the stream. Without
figures are staggering, but the fruit of
the continued efforts of stewardship,
their work are enormously encouraging.
the impact of increased visitation will
Because of the consistent education of
threaten public land in the Catskill Park.
daily visitors, and the stewards’ work
It is the duty of all people to function as
to ensure a litter free experience, the
stewards of the land. Let’s keep our wild
volume of litter being left has lessened;
lands wild, for our lifetime and for future
a great improvement over years past.
generations.
But even with such promising news, their work is never ending. Visitors arrive in ever-increasing numbers, and bring with them the reminder the tools and skills necessary to enjoy the outdoors responsibly are not innate. When stewards and rangers are not present, 14  
FALL 2018
A kill is a body of water, most commonly a creek, but also a tidal inlet, river, strait, or arm of the sea.
Fall Schedule
CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER SEPTEMBER 22 9AM 2ND ANNUAL CATSKILL CONQUEST PILOT RALLY A 75 mile Pilot Rally to commemorate the 1903 Automobile Endurance Run — beginning at the CIC and ending in Unadilla.
OCTOBER 27 11am -3pm Fall Open House + Family Halloween Celebration Opportunities to explore the Catskills with members of the New York State Outdoor Guide Association and join the Catskill Center staff in OCTOBER 13 celebrating Halloween with crafts, 12:30PM - 4:30PM hands-on activities for all ages, and EDUCATORS DAY showcasing local some local treats (no tricks). resources for curriculum materials, field trips, presenters/performers, funding opportunities + »» Wifi Open to the public, the fair is »» Guidance especially geared toward teachers, »» Maps homeschooling parents, librarians, and other formal and non-formal educators. OCTOBER 26 + OCTOBER 27 HALLOWEEN JOURNEY An immersive theater experience spun from Catskill history, ecology and folklore. Wander the woods by candlelight, with over a dozen characters of Catskill past sharing interactive stories, live regional music, baked goods + a community bonfire.
»» Sculpture Trail »» Snacks »» Restrooms »» Events »» Books »» Hikes »» Treasures
Catskill Interpretive Center 5096 Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457 845-688-3369 catskillinterpretivecenter.org
CATSKILL CENTER
15
16  
FALL 2018
BY KATIE P A L M
UNPLUG AND GET YOUR VITAMIN N(ATURE)
M
ost parents will say that
So, what are we to do about these
their kids spend way too
unfortunate trends? One way to
much time watching TV,
get our children to stop using
texting on their phone and playing
electronic devices is to lead by
on their many electronic devices.
example. We cannot just limit our
Not
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU AND YOUR KIDS SPEND ON YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES?
surprisingly,
doctors
and
scientists agree. The Kaiser Family Foundation released a study in 2010, Generation M2: Media in the lives of 8to 18-year-olds,” that found that kids spend over 50 hours per week on an electronic device. The International Journal of Time Use published a study, Changes in American Children’s Time
1997-2003,”
that
reported
children today spend over 90% of their time indoors.
children’s screen time, we can limit ours too! When we aren’t spending time checking email or posting on Facebook, we will find more time to venture outside and get a healthy dose of Vitamin N (ature).
CATSKILL CENTER
17
Here are few ideas to get you started:
sparks your child’s interest or a
CREATE NATURE JOURNALS
club that you can join together.
and spend time outside recording
Throughout the Catskills, there are
what you see, hear, smell, and feel.
hiking, birding, biking and many
You may find a squirrel or chipmunk
other
near your house that you can observe
activities. Many offer events on
or adopt a tree and record its growth
evenings and weekends.
clubs
that
offer
outside
and changes through drawings, leaf rubbings, and descriptions.
During the winters, it may be a little more challenging to get outside. As
CREATE A TREE HOUSE OR FORT . Let the kids use the hammer
the days get shorter and the kids go
and a few nails, Yes, there may be a
weeekends, there’s no time to get
bruised finger or two, but you will be
outside.
back to school, it seems like even on
giving your child the confidence and skills to excel in problem-solving
But you can still encourage your
and life!
children to enjoy the Catskills in the winter. PLAN WEEKEND HIKES
JOIN AN OUTDOOR CLUB OR VOLUNTEER . Find a club that 18
FALL 2018
to look for animal tracks or learn how to snowshoe.
BUNDLE UP AND GO SLEDDING
one day a week to be a device-free
That hot chocolate is extra tasty
family. When the family leaves in
after a winter adventure.
the morning, unplug the TVs, turn off the WIFI, and leave a box by the
If your schedule makes it difficult to
front door. When everyone arrives
get outside during short winter days,
home, all electronic devices go into
you could instead declare electronic
the box, so no one is looking at email
device-free family time for two
or playing games -- even mom and
hours. Use those hours to MAKE
dad!
DINNER TOGETHER and sit down as a family to eat and share about
There’s no denying electronics are
your day.
a permanent and useful part of our lives. But they don’t have to
Or, host family (and friend) GAME
consume so much of our time. Plan
NIGHTS , and spend the evening
a few device-free activities for your
playing board and card games.
family and before you know it, you
Everyone
will be spending more time outside
should
leave
their
electronic devices by the front door
and
experiencing
and the TV shouldn’t be on during
family time.
more
quality
game night. You could also pick
EXCELLENT RESOURCES FOR DEVICE-FREE GOOD TIMES catskillmountainclub.org catskill-3500-club.org visitthecatskills.com greatnortherncatskills.com greatwesterncatskills.com/ ulstercountyalive.com/landing/recreation sullivancatskills.com childrenandnature.org naaee.org/our-partners/nonprofits/children-and-nature-network childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/ naturalearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Benefits-ofConnecting-Children-with-Nature_InfoSheet.
CATSKILL CENTER
19
A COLORING PAGE — CREATED BY WILL LYTLE
Your tax-deductible donation supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the Catskill region. Catskillcenter.org/membership Or complete this form and mail to:
Become a Member Individual ($35) Family ($50) Senior/Student ($25)
CATSKILL CENTER P.O. BOX 504, ROUTE 28 ARKVILLE, NY 12406 NAME
FREE SUBSCRIPTION to the Catskill Center’s quarterly newsletter with news from the Catskill Center and across the Catskill Region.
ADDRESS
10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center and all Catskill Center facilities with presentation of member card.
MEMBER ONLY INVITATIONS to the Annual Gathering, lectures and special events. ACCESS TO THE CATSKILL CENTER ARCHIVES at the Erpf Center in Arkville. Please contact the Catskill Center to schedule an appointment. MEMBER PACKAGE Members receive a membership package in the mail, including a member card and Catskill Center cling sticker.
CITY STATE
MEMBERSHIP LEVEL $35 — Individual $50 — Family $25 — Senior/Student $100 — Partnering member $250 — Benefactor $500 — Leadership Circle $1000 — President’s Circle
AMOUNT CARD # EXPIRATION SECURITY #
22
FALL 2018
ZIP
PHONE
Snapshot BERNS ROTHCHILD + DAVID BUNDE "Shortly after we moved to the Catskills, we became aware of the extraordinary asset the Catskill Center is for the area. We see their hand everywhere: efforts to help thwart invasive species, the ever improving Interpretive Center, educational programs, land and stream side preservation, advocacy for State resources for the Catskills and so much more. It’s satisfying to know that, with our membership and donations, we have had a hand in helping the Center with all it accomplishes."
CATSKILL CENTER
23
Roadtrip
APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS Another reason to love fall in the Catskills BY HEATHE R P H E L P S - L I P T O N October.
GOLDEN HARVEST FARM
Halloween gets all the attention, but
Because the dough is soft, all of the
in New York State, it’s the month for
farms I visited use a
cider doughnuts. Cakey and crunchy-
dough-dropping, fat-frying-conveyer
edged (but surprisingly light), they can
apparatus to give their doughnuts a
be found at orchards and farm stands
flip mid-fry. At Golden Harvest, John
throughout the state and are best eaten
Henry has been perfecting the cider
warm. Here’s my take on a couple of the
formula and manning the doughnut-
region’s best.
making machine for 25 years. 3074 U.S. 9, Valatie, NY 12184
THE CARROT BARN
goldenharvestfarms.com
A friend had brought a box to a gathering; which was a real tell as she’s not
TANTILLO’S FARM MARKET
usually an eater of the sweets. The cider
Truly a family affair, with three
doughnuts here are to die for.
generations buzzing around the
5605 NY-30, Schoharie, NY 12157
kitchen,
schoharievalleyfarms.com
packing up boxes of lofty, light and
frying,
fantastically
sugaring crunchy
WILKLOW ORCHARDS
doughnuts.
Wilklow doughnuts are made completely
730 NY-208, Gardiner, NY 12525
and cider
from scratch. They’re probably the least sweet of the doughnuts I tasted and have just the right note of nutmeg.
For a Google roadmap, go to
341 Pancake Hollow Rd, Highland, NY
bit.ly/ciderdoughnuts
12528 CATSKILL CENTER
25
Recap
SUMMER GATHERING The Bear Café in Woodstock, New
The MARK Project was honored
York, was packed June 30th, as
with the Alf Evers Award for 40
guests gathered over a delightful
years of outstanding leadership
lunch at the Catskill Center’s 2018
and commitment to the Catskill
Summer Gathering.
Region.
Painter
Mariella
Bisson
was presented with the Volunteer Executive Director Jeff Senterman
Recognition Award for her support
presented the State of the Catskill
of the Platte Clove Artist’s Cabin and
Center, where he spoke to the
Artist-in-Residence program.
accomplishments of the Streamside Acquisition Program, CRISP, the
The
Summer
Catskill Interpretive Center and the
sponsored
Catskill Center’s advocacy efforts.
Telephone
Gathering
by
was
Margaretville
Company
and
the
Emerson Resort and Spa.
PLATTE CLOVE JOINS HUDSON RIVER ART TRAIL 26
FALL 2018
CIC PAVILION RIBBON-CUTTING June 14, The New York State
increasingly popular CIC.
Department of Environmental
Catskill Center Executive Director,
Conservation leadership and staff,
Jeff Senterman, expressed heartfelt
local politicians, Catskill Center
appreciation for the tremendous
representatives, and the members
addition to the CIC and the
of the community came out for
Commissioner confirmed NYSDEC’s
a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the
commitment to the CIC pledging to
completion of the pavilion at the
build a fire tower on site in 2019.
Catskill Interpretive Center on Route 28 in Mt. Tremper.
The new Pavilion is available for activities and educational
NYSDEC Commissioner Basil
programs, group rental and events,
Seggos, Town Supervisors from
as well as family picnicking and
Shandaken and Woodstock
enjoying a little shade.
and Catskill Center Founding President Sherret S. Chase gathered
For information about use of the
in the new pavilion to praise
Pavilion, Contact CIC staff at 845-
the construction and discuss
688-3369.
future uses of the facility at an
Platte Clove Preserve reveals the
site and magnificent view, the
same view depicted in 19th-Century
interpretive panel that accompanies
Hudson River School paintings by
it, and the bronze medallion by
renowned artist Asher B. Durand.
Catskill-based artist Patti Ferrara that officially designates the site.
July 24, a ribbon-cutting ceremony formally unveiled the stunning
Read more at bit.ly/18thstop
CATSKILL CENTER
27
ACTIVE AUTUMN ARACHNIDS When the weather cools, where do the spiders go? BY DAN SNIDER
A
s the autumn days cool,
"cool" physiological and behavioral
the activity of our arachnid
changes as they get ready to weather
friends begins to decrease.
the
Some, having laid eggs (which will
potentially
deadly
winter
temperatures to come.
hatch in spring) in the soil or other well-insulated spots, have already
As
part
lived out the entirety of their lives.
for
winter,
of
their
Other arthropods will live through
northern areas produce antifreeze
the winter as adults or nymphs in
compounds in their bodies. These
various states of activity.
chemicals
spiders
lower
groundwork adapted
the
to
spiders’
freezing temperature, allowing them
OVERWINTERING SPIDERS WILL REMAIN ACTIVE THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Many common spiders, like jumping spiders
(family
Salticidae)
and
wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) will spend the winter huddled in a wellinsulated space or will remain active despite the chilly temperatures. For spiders - and other arthropods fall marks an intense period of very
28  
FALL 2018
to survive colder conditions. This physiological trick can be triggered by changes in daylight hours, by temperature changes, or both. The process is common to many other arthropods as well. Spiders usually combine this ability with a search for an enclosed space to help act as insulation. Some spiders lay eggs in the fall, which will hatch and overwinter as babies. The adult spiders search out crawl spaces, attics, or burrows
and will spin a thick web around their eggs. The webbing and egg sacs help provide insulation to the spider’s young, which will emerge from their protective casing once temperatures begin rising.
Cellar spiders (family Pholcidae)
Other spiders patiently wait out the cold as young or mature adults. Some
will
hideaways
create up
high
their
winter
underneath
cracks in bark or in roofs. Others seek out burrows or other low-down nooks and crannies, and benefit from
naturally
insulating
AN ARTHOPOD IS AN INVERTEBRATE WITH DISTINCT SEGMENTED BODY PARTS
snow
cover. Still other overwintering spiders will remain active throughout the winter. Wolf spiders can be found in the subnivean zone, the small space between the ground and the snow. In some areas, these spiders can even
are notorious for finding sanctuary in dark garages and basements. Typically, spiders found indoors in winter are not adapted to the cold and will not survive if moved outside. Most spiders in New York, even those that find shelter indoors in winter, will only live for one year. The longest-lived individuals will survive for three years at most. As the weather gets colder, keep an eye out for spiders in the out-ofthe-way places around your house. You might find some new neighbors hunkering down for the winter.
be seen on top of snow on warmer winter days. CATSKILL CENTER
29
AT THE
ERPF
Aug 18-Sep 29
FROM THE BEGINNING
ERPF GALLERY
The quilts of Debra A. Steup.
43355 Route 28 Arkville, NY
From her first quilt - made on a treadle sewing machine - to the modern techniques she
Mon-Fri
currently uses, this quilt exhibit features a
9:30am - 4:30pm
journey through the many years of Debra Steup’s quilting.
30
FALL 2018
GALLERY
Oct 6-Nov 10 Reception Oct 6 2-4pm
INSPIRED BY OUR LOVE FOR THE LAND Works by Conservation Easement Land Owners. The Catskill Center currently holds 17 conservation easements which total 2,550 acres in the Catskills. This show will highlight the art, writing, photography and crafts which these protected lands inspire their landowners to create.
CATSKILL CENTER
31
RISING LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES THE QUEST FOR LINGERING ASH
JOHN THOMPSON
32  
FALL 2018
S
ince
its
Michigan
discovery in
2002,
in
americana),
green
ash
(Fraxinus
the
pennsylvanica) and black ash (Fraxinus
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB),
nigra). White and green ash are most
Agrilus planipennis, has been a cause
common and are the trees with which
for much despair.
most of us may be familiar, while black ash grow in swamps and are
EAB larvae kill ash trees by tunneling
not as often seen.
under the bark and feeding on vascular tissue, the phloem, the
Because EAB has spread throughout
part of the tree that moves food
the majority of the Catskills, we see
and nutrients up and down the tree
declining ash trees through many
trunk. EAB has inexorably spread over
valleys, hollows and cloves. Dying ash
thirty-five states and four Canadian
trees become brittle, dangerous, and
provinces, leaving tens of millions of
more expensive to take down as the
dead and declining ash trees in its
trees deteriorate. It seems like nearly
wake. It seems like every month there
every town has work crews taking
is a breaking news story of EAB being
down ash trees proactively.
found in another state, most recently in Maine and Rhode Island.
It is easy to feel that nothing can be done about the Emerald Ash Borer, but
IT’S EASY TO FEEL THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE EMERALD ASH BORER, BUT THERE IS HOPE. Ash trees are in the genus Fraxinus; they have opposite leaf arrangement and compound leaves and are most abundant in valleys and at midelevations. In the Catskills three ash species can be found: white ash (Fraxinus
there is hope. Some ash are proving resistant to the onslaught of EAB. Nearly all ash trees die, but a small number of trees survive - these are called "lingering ash". Lingering ash are mature, untreated ash trees that persist in healthy condition significantly after the vast majority of ash in the same area have been killed by EAB. Research has shown that there is a very small percentage of ash trees that the EAB beetles do not lay many eggs on and on which the beetle does not thrive. CATSKILL CENTER
33
The
U.
S.
Forest
Service
has
demonstrated that collecting scions (woody shoots) from these lingering ash and selective breeding of these individuals can produce highly EABresistant trees within two generations. The Catskill Regional Invasive Species
What should you do about your ash?
The action map suggests
Partnership (CRISP) has partnered
the best actions to take, based
with
Borer
the
Ecological
Research
Institute to help find lingering ash by providing Monitoring and Managing
on the duration of Emerald Ash infestation.
Wherever
you are, there is something that you can do.
Ash (MaMA) trainings throughout
If you are able to survey in
the CRISP region. The goal of these
outreach@monitoringash.org
trainings is to give citizen scientists
and landowners the tools to establish monitoring plots and track the fate of ash stands across the Northeast. Data from these plots will be used to track where EAB is and to determine when and where to look for lingering ash. For more information about ash, Emerald ash,
Ash
Catskill
Borer,
lingering
Forest
health
and how to participate, visit: catskillinvasives.com.
34  
FALL 2018
the
red
area,
please
YOUR LEGACY
THE FUTURE OF THE CATSKILLS
Planned Giving. Secure the health of the Catksills for generations.
catskillcenter.org/plannedgiving 36  
FALL 2018
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAM SERIES This extraordinary, educational program series is reserved for Catskill Center members
CatskillCenter 2018
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAM SERIES
THE BIOLOGICAL INHERITANCE OF CATSKILL FORESTS BURIAL GROUNDS AND HUMAN TRACES ON THE LANDSCAPE WITH JOHN THOMPSON September 29 / 1pm - 3pm Kelly Hollow / Margaretville, New York
FALL COLORS A PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM WITH FRANCIS X. DRISCOLL October 13 / 7pm - 8:30pm Catskill Interpretive Center / Mt.Tremper, New York
CATSKILL CENTER
37
Endnote
A
s a hiker, fall’s crisp air, cool temperatures and the fireworks of the forest’s incredible show as the leaves change are cause for pure celebration.
In summer, we’re treated to vistas of lush green, but in autumn, familiar views become a cornucopia of reds, oranges, yellows and browns. Each season brings its own flavor to the Catskills and (at least for hiking) fall is my favorite. Speaking of hiking, this past summer I’ve been lucky enough to explore (and re-explore) many of the Catskill Park’s trails and have been reminded of just 38
FALL 2018
how magnificent the Park is. The
to protect, preserve and enhance the
Catskill Park’s hundreds of thousands
environmental, cultural and economic
of acres of Forest Preserve lands
well-being of the Catskills. We stay on
host hundreds of miles of publicly
the front lines and spend our days
accessible trails and untold natural
working to ensure this treasure exists
treasures. People travel from near and
and flourishes for generations to
far to visit the Catskills and for some
come. Your generous donations to and
of us, it’s - literally - our backyard! I
membership in the Catskill Center are
truly feel honored to be able to live and
the cornerstone of all of this work -- we
work in such an amazing place.
wouldn’t be able to do it without you!
THE BRIGHT COLORATION OF JUVENILE EASTERN NEWTS - ALSO KNOWN AS "EFTS" - SERVES AS A WARNING TO PREDATORS And that living and working? Because of the unique makeup of the Catskill Park, which features both public and private lands within its boundaries, such a thing is possible. Catskill communities are just as important, interesting and pleasurable to explore as our wilderness areas, especially in the fall months when events and activities abound across the region and harvest season brings incredible bounty to our farmers markets and roadside produce stands. From our Stewards at the Peekamoose Blue Hole to our advocacy in Albany, the Catskill Center works tirelessly
As we prepare for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Catskill Center in 2019, I look forward not only to celebrating the history and the individuals who made it possible, but also to the future of the Catskills and where the work of the Catskill Center will bring the entire region in another 50 years! While we ponder that future this Fall, be sure to get outside, fill your lungs with mountain air, drop your jaw atop a Catskill vista and enjoy some time on Main Street – basking in the unique combination of wilderness Forever Wild lands and vibrant communities that make up the Catskill Park. Hike on!
JEFF SENTERMAN is the Executive Director of the Catskills Center.
CATSKILL CENTER
39
FALL 2018
Delivered directly to Catskill Center members.
A periodical celebrating New York’s state’s glorious Catskills.
PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406
The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development
