WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER

CRISP (Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership) is looking for volunteers to monitor for spotted lanternfly. Spotted lanternfly is spreading into our region and threatens to damage multiple agricultural crops including apples, grapes, hops, and maple. Learn more at

https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf

THE CATSKILL STEWARDS PROGRAM is growing in 2021 to include a Ridge Runner for the Catskill Park! A Ridge Runner hikes trails, meets and greets hikers, and provides materials to inform visitors about the trail and its intended primitive experience. To ensure our success, we need your help!

https://catskillcenter.org/ridgerunner

CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER releases a new self-guided, family-friendly, themed scavenger hunt each month. Pick up the current challenge sheet at the service window (Thurs-Tues, 10-3). Upcoming themes are Unplug and Observe (March), Amphibians (April), Birds (May), and Pollinators (June). For more information, call 845-688-3369 or visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

KATIE PALM AND SUSAN BLAKE recently celebrated their 10th anniversaries with the Catskill Center. Katie is the Catskills Visitor Center Director and Susan is the Data & Office Manager. Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!

TROUT TALES 2021 - A celebration of all things spring! Catskills Trout Tales (CTT) is an event designed to inspire visitors and residents alike to explore the area’s forests, waters, and communities as stewards rather than simply consumers. Catskills Trout Tales 2021 will be mainly online - join us at the CTT Facebook page throughout April & May for virtual events, stories, and art from our Catskills friends and neighbors.

ABOUT US: Since 1969, the Catskill Center has protected and fostered the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of the Catskill region. Our mission is to ensure a bright future for the Catskills by preserving our environment, expanding our economy and celebrating our culture.

Become a member at: catskillcenter.org/membership

43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406

845.586.2611

cccd@catskillcenter.org

...AND AROUND THE CATSKILLS

PHOTO: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON FREE FISHING DAYS allow anyone to fish the fresh waters of NY State with no license required! Upcoming dates include June 26-27, September 25, and November 11. For details visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89821.html.

DOUBLETOP AND GRAHAM MOUNTAINS are located on private property and recently due to the increasing number of visitors and resulting negative natural resource impacts, the landowner has closed the mountains to the public. Trespassing on private property could be subject to legal action. Alterations to hiking challenges are as follows:

Catskills 3500 Club Challenge: Beginning 3/21/21, the 3500 Club will require summiting 33 high peaks rather 35. Graham and Doubletop are removed from the list, but the rest of the challenge will remain unchanged.

The Catskill Grid 420 and the Catskills 4 Seasons 140: Qualifications have been reset to include Mill Brook Mountain (Ridge) and Dry Brook Ridge in place of Graham and Doubletop. Until 3/21/21, South Doubletop may be substituted for Dry Brook Ridge.

VISITING PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE requires a permit. Get yours at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/. Permits will be required from May 15-September 15, 2021. Once a permit is acquired visitors should plan to visit only on the day their permit is valid. At the Blue Hole, Catskill Center Catskill Stewards provide visitors visitors with information about the best way to have a fun and safe visit, while helping to protect this natural wonder.