CATSKILLS Magazine - Winter 2023 by Catskill Center

BEATING BACK INVASIVES

A FERN PICKER’S KID FAMILY FOREST CARBON PROGRAM TO ANTARCTICA AND BEYOND

WINTER 2023

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER

FEATURED ARTIST: AMY SILBERKLEIT

A FERN PICKER’S KID

FIGHTING INVASIVES

TO ANTARCTICA AND BEYOND

CARBON MARKETS IN THE CATSKILLS

FALL BENEFIT 2023

ENDNOTE

COVER: KESTRELS POST MORTEM (WORK ON PAPER). INSIDE COVER: OLD ROAD, AUTUMN (LITHOGRAPH)

CONTENTS

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS

WINTER 2023

JEFF SENTERMAN Jeff grew up spending weekends in the mountains, and when he’s not steering the ship that is the Catskill Center, can often be found atop a local peak. His column, Endnote, appears in each issue. Jeff is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center.

ALLISON DUNNE After a career in journalism, Allison joined the Catskill Center to tell stories in a different realm as the Communications Manager. She contributed multiple pieces to this issue and is one of the magazine’s editors.

LISSA HARRIS Lissa is a local freelance reporter, a volunteer firefighter, and a seventh-generation Catskills resident who moved away but was compelled to come back. She designed and laid out this issue of the magazine.

SARAH CONEY Sarah is the CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager and has been working in the CRISP PRISM since 2017. She is passionate about aquatic ecosystems, helping to preserve them, and spends much of her time above and below our NY waters.

DAN SNIDER Dan is the CRISP Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager and has been working within the partnership since 2014. He helps control the spread of myriad invasive species in the Catskills through workshops, training events, surveys, and invasive species pulls.

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 Route 28, Arkville, NY 12406 | cccd@catskillcenter.org | 845.586.2611

CATSKILL CENTER

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER We are thrilled to introduce two new team members who have recently taken on roles at the Catskill Center. They join us on our journey to protect and foster the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the Catskills.

ALEXA TUMBARELLO, VOLUNTEER AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR Alexa brings a passion for community engagement and environmental stewardship to our team. As the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, she will be working diligently to connect our incredible volunteers with meaningful opportunities to protect and preserve the Catskills. With a strong background in outreach and a deep connection to the region, we are thrilled to have her on board to help us further our mission. Growing up on a farm in upstate NY, Alexa developed a deep love for the land and all the creatures who inhabit it. She would often wander her family’s property taking photos of the plants and animals she saw each day. After studying environmental science in college, Alexa worked for the National Park Service where she blended her interests in art and science and developed a love for conservation photography. Since then, she has worked in higher education, PR and communications, photography, and digital strategy. Alexa is also a NYS licensed hiking and camping guide. She looks forward to connecting and engaging with more people who love the Catskills. Have a question about volunteering? Contact Alexa: atumbarello@catskillcenter.org 4

WINTER 2023

BRENT LERASH, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Brent is a seasoned communicator with a knack for storytelling. As our Communications Manager, he will be responsible for sharing the inspiring stories of the Catskill Center’s work and keeping you all informed about our latest initiatives, achievements, and events. Through Brent’s vision, we look forward to enhancing our communications efforts and connecting with you in new and exciting ways. Brent comes to the Communications Manager role following a career in natural history and science expedition television. As a conservationistcum-filmmaker, he parlayed a background in wildlife biology into a career telling stories for networks including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Amazon Studios. Despite professional experience in over fifty countries and some of the most remote and inspiring wild places on the planet, Brent is continually in awe of the beauty and diversity surrounding him at home in the Catskill Mountains. Have a question about Catskill Center communications and publications? Contact Brent: blerash@catskillcenter.org

CATSKILL CENTER

FEATURED ARTIST: AMY SILBERKLEIT

Amy Silberkleit is an artist living and working in the Northern Catskills. Her work is based on the forests, mountains, roads, trails, and natural objects found near her home. The extraordinary beauty of the region, the variety of plants, forms and textures, and the dramatic changes from season to season are an inexhaustible source of subjects for her work. She draws detailed landscapes on limestone blocks and hand-prints limited editions in her lithography studio. The tonal range made possible by the

LEFT: SOUTH MOUNTAIN PINES, JANUARY (LITHOGRAPH)

lithography stone’s fine texture lends itself perfectly to highly detailed representational drawings. In each piece, she tries to capture a moment in time while showing the effect of light, water and temperature on different elements in the landscape. Her intention is to draw the viewer in; to find a place in the landscape and observe the beauty of the natural world. An avid hiker, she particularly enjoys walking through the forest in winter. Without leaves and undergrowth, and covered in snow, the contours of the land are revealed. The tones and textures of the landscape stand out when they aren’t overwhelmed by the colors of other seasons.

Amy has a BA in printmaking and a Certificate in Natural Science Art and Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. Her drawings and prints have been exhibited in juried shows, galleries and museums. Amy is a member of the Society of American Graphic Artists and an Active Member of The Woodstock Artists Association.

VIREO NEST (LITHOGRAPH)

Look for more of Amy’s beautiful work throughout this issue. To see more of her work, please visit: amysilberkleit.com

WINTER 2023

TOP: SKULLS AND SNAKESKIN (WORK ON PAPER). BOTTOM: WINTER PASTURE (LITHOGRAPH)

CATSKILL CENTER

A FERN PICKER’S KID

PHOTO: Rosemary with her mother, Frederica (Goodrich) Bowers, pictured around the time she picked ferns on the side of the road (circa 1943). Rosemary lived with her family on Tennanah Lake Road outside Roscoe until she attended the State Teachers College in Oneonta in 1954. She met her husband there, and together they raised seven children. 10

WINTER 2023

The Catskill Mountain region offers a tapestry of natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls and lush forests to meandering rivers and pristine lakes. Yet beyond its awe-inspiring beauty lies a fascinating history, interwoven with tales of settlers, Native American heritage, artistic inspiration, and business entrepreneurs. To really grasp the essence of the region, we need to peel back the personal histories of the people who lived here. Tales of hardship, perseverance, and triumph are etched into the very fabric of the Catskills, adding depth and meaning to each farm, tranquil lake, babbling brook, and business. It is those personal narratives that help us know the allure and significance of the region. In that vein, I’d like to offer one story of a Catskills family in the 1940s, lovingly painted by our mother, Rosemary Bowers (Shea), before her death in 2005. Mom always made Christmas an extravagant affair despite the financial constraints of seven kids. The excitement would build until we thundered down the stairs on Christmas morning to a cornucopia of gifts. As we grew older, those big, inexpensive tokens made way for more thoughtful and meaningful presents. We all cherished exquisite handmade quilts lovingly crafted by mom. In her later years, Mom began sharing handwritten stories from her own childhood. She grew up a few miles from Roscoe, among a cluster of houses occupied by aunts, uncles, and cousins. In those post-Depression years, most everyone in northern Catskills struggled to get by, and her family was no exception. But she was certain that nobody else had it quite so good. Her stories, artfully penned and vivid in detail, touch on love, kindness, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of family. Among her collection, the following story stands out as one of our favorites. It was a heartfelt gift she gave to us on December 25, 1996. We have prospered, and most of us have moved away from the Catskills, but we all remain proud descendants of a close-knit family that once picked ferns to make ends meet. Wishing you a happy holiday season. ~Mike, Brian, Dan, Pat, Dennis, Matt and Mary Kate Shea

My dear children and grandchildren, As I get older, the memories of my childhood have become pictures in my mind. Recently, I’ve been focusing on some of those pictures. I now attempt to draw one for you in words, as a Christmas gift.

A Fern Picker’s Kid Rosemary Bowers Shea December, 1996 I remember it as a perfect day in the Catskills. My father’s only sister, Aunt Gertie, came to pick us up in her old Ford, an old Model T, as I recall, to take us fern picking. She removed the back seat (maybe there never was a back seat), and we sat on the floorboards, and Mom got up front. We drove about a mile to a forest midway between our house and Tennanah Lake. It was on the left side, and I think that at the time, a downstate resident owned the property. Years later, I drove by and saw that the gypsy moths had a great feast; the woodlot looked boney, naked. When Aunt Gertie pulled the car over, she cautioned us kids not to run wild in the woods because we would trample the ferns. We understood they were the money crop that day. I still savor the picture of wonder before me as I stood by the side of the road and looked into the dark woods. The ferns covered the entire forest floor as far as I could see, like a soft green quilt. Thin shivers of sunlight sent shafts of gold to the forest floor in the oddest ways. It was as if the sun wanted me to notice a thousand points of beauty simultaneously. The trees, in whole leaf, looked like a giant umbrella opened to protect all below. It was the forest primeval, the place of Hansel and Gretel, a hidden land where fairies and elves lived under toadstools. It was where angels landed on earth to visit us humans. I stood in awe, enchanted by the miracle. Perhaps it was the first time this six-year-old was entranced by the wonder of nature. So many years later, I can still see the picture clearly in my mind’s eye. With great trepidation, as if we might break the spell cast by some ancient leprechaun, we entered this world of ferns. I remember we talked softly, perhaps because we were trespassing, but I’d like to think it was because we had entered a tabernacle. With little knives and quick, well-practiced cuts, Aunt Gertie and Mom began harvesting the ferns with their right hand and piling them on their left. They counted softly until they got to 11, then pulled little cords from their front shirt pockets and tied them. Then each little pile was piled into

WINTER 2023

a stack totaling 110 ferns. Ferns were sold by stacks of 100, but we always stacked 110 to be polite, my Mother said, and because it was the family way of things. Cousin Ednabell amused baby Eddie while I helped stack the 110s so I could have a treat later. The soil where the ferns grew was moist and black and smelled like tea or some exotic spice. After a few hours passed, we sat on the side of the ditch in the shade of that old Ford and had our lunch. It was homemade bread with homemade butter and homemade currant jelly. We drank spring water from Mason canning jars. It must have seemed like a Grant Wood painting. It was a delicious lunch, and Mom and Aunt Gertie told stories and laughed and joked as we romped with Eddie in the tall grass by the roadside. A few cars went by, honked their horns, and we waved. Neighbors, I guess. Then, with ferns stacked to the roof of the car, we all jammed into the front seat to go to Livingston Manor to sell our crop. It was hot by now, and I was pretty dirty. We had to unload the ferns for shipment to a New York City florist. I got out of the car to watch the activity, and soon a large man with a huge belly yelled, "Get out of the way," and turned to another man and said, "Another damn fern picker’s kid." He was talking about me, and I sensed being a fern picker’s kid was not a good thing to be. He had, after all, said damn and looked right at me. When we got back to the car, I told Aunt Gertie. She said, "Sure Snookie, we are fern pickers. But the only bad thing about us is we got no money; we are poor. Forget about it." Mom and Aunt Gertie got their money, and we drove to Roscoe to buy some groceries. I remember getting a big piece of black licorice. It was great, not like that cherry stuff kids buy today that they call licorice. Then we went home to make supper and waited for dad to come home from work. Now, so many years later, I remember that day. I can, if all is very quiet still, hear the soft counting voices of Mom and Aunt Gertie, the giggles of Eddie when Ednabell tickled him. I can almost taste the currant jelly on that bread and swell with pride at my work reward of black licorice. We toiled together as a family to get a job done, and we celebrated life as we ate lunch on the side of that country road. More than anything, I remember the gift of beauty and the lasting joy of nature. It was a day of magic and learning both good and bad things. I am grateful for that day because it taught me then, and reminds me now, how rich I am because I am a fern picker’s kid.

CATSKILL CENTER

BLAZING A NEW KIND OF TRAIL

WALKWAY AT CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER HONORS LOCAL INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS The staff of the Congressmen Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center has begun lining the front walkway with bricks sponsored by local donors, businesses, and organizations, engraved with customized messages that honor the people, traditions, and rich history of the Catskills. A limited number of 4x8” and 8x8” bricks are still available - see details on the following page. Brick sponsorships are greatly appreciated to help support the Catskill Center in maintaining and operating the Catskills Visitor Center.

WINTER 2023

CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER BRICK WALKWAY I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A 4X8 BRICK FOR $250 I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE AN 8X8 BRICK FOR $500 NAME: PHONE: EMAIL: PLEASE ENGRAVE MY BRICK AS FOLLOWS: 4X8 BRICK - 3 LINES WITH MAXIMUM 18 CHARACTERS PER LINE

8X8 BRICK - 6 LINES WITH MAXIMUM 18 CHARACTERS PER LINE

ANY SYMBOL IS CONSIDERED ONE SPACE. ALL TEXT WILL BE CENTERED. TEXT IS SUBJECT TO STAFF REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

ORDER BY MAIL: MAIL IN THIS FORM WITH YOUR CHECK, PAYABLE TO CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER, PO BOX 231, MOUNT TREMPER, NY 12457. ORDER ONLINE:

CATSKILLSVISITORCENTER.ORG/DONATE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE CVC AT 845-688-3369

WINTER HOURS DECEMBER 5 – MARCH 31 Open FRI.–MON. | 9:30 AM–4:00 PM

Seasonal hours are for the Catskills Visitor Center building, where our knowledgeable staff can assist you with area information. The grounds are open to the public every day during daylight hours. 5096 NY–28, Mount Tremper, NY

www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org

WINTER 2023

THANK YOU BUSINESS MEMBERS! We would like to recognize these businesses for their generosity. When you do business with them, you support the Catskill Center and the entire region.

BUSINESS LEADERS ($5,000+) CLEAN PATH NY MARGARETVILLE TELEPHONE CO. THE VERMONT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BUSINESS PARTNERS ($1,000+) ASHOKAN WATERSHED STREAM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CECI WRITES BY CECELIA DAVIDSON DIXON ROADSIDE FOXFIRE MOUNTAIN HOUSE JILL SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

KINSHIP PHOTO NYSEG PLATTE CLOVE COMMUNITY SPOTTED DOG VENTURES LLC STONE AND SAWYER WEST KILL BREWING LLC

BUSINESS FRIENDS ($500+) BANK OF GREENE COUNTY CAMP CATSKILL CONE ZERO CERAMICS SCHOOL EMINENCE ROAD FARM WINERY HOTEL LILIEN

HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES LABELLA ASSOCIATES LAMONT ENGINEERS, PC LVDV OPERATIONS, INC. WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB

BUSINESS STEWARDS ($250+) ALPINE ENDEAVORS BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN CATSKILL WATER DISCOVERY CENTER EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS- ALBANY GORDON HUNTER MOUNTAIN REALTY HATCHET OUTDOOR SUPPLY CO. HUDSON VALLEY APPRAISAL CORP. O’CONNOR FARM FLOWERS OTTO & FRIENDS

PEEKAMOOSE RESTAURANT PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN SKI CENTER RESTAINO DESIGN P.C., LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE THE NEVERSINK ASSOCIATION THE RUNNING KIND WOODSTOCK FIELD TO VASE WOODSTOCK WINES & LIQUORS WOODLAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

BUSINESS MEMBERS ($100+) ALCHEMY FARMHOUSE BROOKFIELD CATSKILL CANDLE STUDIO CLOVE & CREEK ERICKSON’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC. HIKE ON GUIDES THE J.M. KAPLAN FUND LAURELSIDE 3 LLC OPUS 40 PEPACTON STUDIO PHOENICIA LODGE

PINKEY PUZZLES RAIL EXPLORERS RYAN & RYAN INSURANCE BROKERS SHAWANGUNK VALLEY CONSERVANCY SHUSTER ASSOCIATES SLUITER AGENCY, INC. STEWART’S SHOPS CORPORATION STRICKLAND HOLLOW SUNNY HILL RESORT & GOLF COURSE WAYNE BANK ZEN MOUNTAIN MONASTERY, INC.

For more information visit catskillcenter. org/businessmembership CATSKILL CENTER

Your tax-deductible donation supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the Catskill region.

Become a Member Individual ($35) Dual / Family ($50) Senior/Student ($25) BENEFITS INCLUDE: SUBSCRIPTION to the Catskill Center’s Catskills magazine with news from the Catskill Center and across the Catskill Region. 10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Catskills Visitor Center and all Catskill Center facilities with presentation of member card.

CATSKILL CENTER P.O. BOX 504 ARKVILLE, NY 12406 NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE PHONE EMAIL

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL $35 — Individual $50 — Dual / Family $25 — Senior/Student $100 — Partnering member $250 — Benefactor $500 — Leadership Circle $1,000 — President’s Circle

MEMBER-ONLY INVITATIONS to special events, activities, and opportunities. 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 a Catskill Center cling sticker.

AMOUNT CARD # EXPIRATION CVC

WINTER 2023

ZIP

CRISP TEAM MEMBER WILL MCCALL SURVEYS AND PULLS MILE-A-MINUTE VINE.

Catskillcenter.org/membership Or complete this form and mail to:

INVASIVE WEEDS:

WINNING THE BATTLE By Dan Snider-Nerp and Sarah Coney The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development hosts the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and works with partners to address invasive species in the greater Catskills region. Two of our CRISP staff members say there were plenty of victories in controlling and eradicating certain invasive species on land and in the water this year. Still, monitoring and identifying new invasive threats is ongoing and the CRISP team remains ever vigilant.

CATSKILL CENTER

TERRESTRIAL TEAM HIGHLIGHTS: SUMMER 2023 By Dan Snider-Nerp, CRISP Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager The summer field season was very productive for the CRISP terrestrial team; many old infestation sites continue to shrink in size, and we were able to start some new projects. Overall, the CRISP terrestrial team surveyed 2,661 acres, found 19.9 acres of target invasive species, and managed 6.7 acres of target invasive species. In general, we are finding most sites reducing in size. Managed giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) sites have shrunk by 78% since last year, and managed mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) sites have shrunk by 52.3% since last year. Giant hogweed, as its name suggests, can grow to 15 feet, and is a noxious, flowering plant. Coming into contact with it can cause serious health effects. Also as its name suggests, mile-a-minute, with its triangular leaves and clusters of blue-colored berries can grow up to six inches per day in the right conditions. If you think either of these plants, or any Tier 2 species, are growing on your property, contact CRISP; we are happy to confirm identification and help with management. Visit catskillinvasives.com to see a list of our Tier 2 invasive species. The team also discovered more than a few new sites for some invasive species. While two existing Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus) sites are nearing local eradication (no plants recorded growing this year), the vine also spread to a new property this year, adjacent to an existing one. Plus, several new mile-a-minute sites have been discovered as well. One exciting project the CRISP team participated in this year was an experimental release of Hypena opulenta, a biological control for pale and black swallow-worts, two highly aggressive invasive twining vine species. We released 40 pupae at a large infestation of pale swallow-wort, and documented at least four adult moths successfully emerging. Unfortunately, as the release and study progressed, we documented very little evidence of moths feeding on the vines, and cannot confirm whether the moths survived. We have also been working on a five-year project targeting Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and

WINTER 2023

CRISP TEAM MEMBERS SURVEY A SITE FOR INVASIVE SWALLOW-WORT.

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) across the state campgrounds within the Catskills Park, and are seeing populations of these plants shrink considerably at these sites. Lastly, we have been working to develop and establish Invasive Species Prevention Zones (ISPZ) within the CRISP region — areas with extremely high conservation value that have few or no invasive species in or near the area. We considered conservation values such as proximity to rare, threatened, or endangered species, presence or proximity of rare or significant natural communities, and habitat connectivity, among others. We have located 22 potential sites for consideration as ISPZs, covering 2,350 acres of Catskills land. We have completed surveys of 1,738 acres of these properties, and are currently assessing and prioritizing these 22 sites for official recognition as Invasive Species Prevention Zones.

By Sarah Coney, CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager One of the success stories for the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) 2023 season was that, working with our partners, we pulled hundreds of pounds of invasive plants, and were thrilled to find little to no water chestnut at several sites we’ve previously managed. The season officially kicked off in May and ended in September. During that time, the CRISP AIS Strike Team surveyed or managed AIS at 29 lakes in the CRISP PRISM (Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management) and covered about 50 miles of river in the Susquehanna Watershed looking for AIS and invasive riparian plants. The team focused on pulling invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans), European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), and Yellow floating-heart (Nymphoides peltata) at several sites in CRISP. Water chestnut, which lays flat on the water’s surface with a long root system, has jagged, triangular leaves (similar to strawberry leaves) and sharp nutlets with four spikes. Frogbit is a free-floating plant with small, heart-shaped leaves along with white flowers that have three petals and a yellow center. The CRISP team is currently working to control or eradicate water chestnut at nine sites, and did not detect water chestnut at four of these sites by the end of the season, following repeated removals and surveys. Continued monitoring is essential to prevent any regrowth as nutlets can stay in the seed bank for over a decade. That said, we are well on our way to eradicating water chestnut at all of these sites. Still, there are plenty more lakes and ponds in the region with water chestnut, as this invasive spreads easily due to its spiky nutlets that grab onto feathers, boat bunks, and other fabrics. Boaters are reminded to always check their boats and trailers thor22

WINTER 2023

INVASIVE WATER CHESTNUT FORMS A MAT ON BELVEDERE LAKE

AQUATIC TEAM HIGHLIGHTS: SUMMER 2023

oughly for any hitchhikers when moving between water bodies to prevent the spread of water chestnut and other AIS.

HIKE FOR THE CATSKILLS

Working with our partners at the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), the CRISP AIS team managed frogbit again this year at Clarke Pond in Otsego County, and is happy to report that no frogbit has been found in Otsego Lake. However, this year marks the most frogbit we’ve seen below the Clarke Pond dam in Cripple Creek, a direct tributary to Otsego Lake, pulling over eighty plants in one day. We will continue to work with OCCA to pull frogbit in Clarke Pond, however, frogbit continues to spread in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed. Frogbit was found in Summit Lake for the first time in August, a small lake connected to Otsego Lake by Hayden Creek. There are now two sources of frogbit directly connected to Otsego Lake, the headwaters for the Susquehanna Watershed. We will continue to address frogbit in the Susquehanna Watershed in 2024 and beyond. Our partners at OCCA also helped the CRISP AIS team to manage approximately one acre of yellow floating-heart in a small pond in Schoharie County. This is the first detection of yellow floating heart in the CRISP PRISM and is a high priority species for management. The yellow floating heart created a monoculture in the one-acre pond, though it seems to be contained as it has not been found downstream or in the surrounding area. Yellow floating heart is difficult to remove due to its extensive rhizome system, but CRISP and OCCA will continue to remove it with eradication as our goal. We have worked with our partners at the Canadarago Lake Improvement Association (CLIA) to conduct monthly plant surveys looking at the growth of an invasive macroalgae — starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) — around the lake and monitor for highly invasive hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), a submersed perennial. Stewards at the Canadarago Lake public boat launch detected hydrilla on a boat trailer late last year and it was feared that it had been introduced to the lake. Fortunately, no hydrilla was detected in the lake this year and we will continue to work with CLIA to monitor existing invasive species and new introductions. Lastly, the CRISP AIS Strike team has found brittle naiad (Najas minor) for the first time in the CRISP PRISM this September. While new to the CRISP PRISM, brittle naiad (a green invasive with spiky-edged leaves and bushlike appearance) has been found in surrounding PRISMs and has been in NY since the 1930s. Like many aquatic invasive plants, it spreads easily through fragmentation and can grow densely in shallow areas, competing with native naiads and other aquatic plants and impeding recreation. Always remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry! For more information on CRISP and types of invasives, visit: catskillinvasives.com

HIKEFORTHECATSKILLS.COM

TO ANTARCTICA...

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY FLAVIN

When I started writing this article, I sat looking out over snow-capped rugged peaks. The

had been three months since I walked among my home in the Catskill Mountains, and fo

lessons in conservation, stewardship, and a deep connection to fellow adventurers staye

WINTER 2023

AND BEYOND

By Jenny Flavin

ey stood in stark contrast to the Catskill’s rolling blue mountains that I was used to. It

our months since leaving the Catskill Center. While I no longer work at the Center, the

ed with me all the way down to the inspiring continent of Antarctica.

CATSKILL CENTER

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY FLAVIN

I began working with the Catskill Center as a seasonal steward four years ago and I learned so much during that time. Everything from Leave No Trace principles to the variety of wonderful people who find fun and peace inside the beautiful "blue line," it was all laid out before me in a firsthand experience. I had spent many of those hot summer days speaking with visitors during hikes and at watering holes as well as through educational events. In fact, I spent so much of my time engaging with the public about the importance of preservation in nature. Even on days full of rain or crowds, I found so much joy in helping people experience the outdoors in new ways. I deepened my passion for teaching conservation and stewardship during this time. I continued to work with the Catskills Steward Program for the next three years, moving from steward to lead steward, taking on a newly-created Ridge Runner position 26

WINTER 2023

and, in 2022, overseeing the Steward Program. The foundation I gained at the Catskill Center helped me find my footing as a Polar Expedition Guide aboard a ship, where I worked in both Antarctica and the remote areas of the Arctic. My time working with the Catskill Stewards taught me a lot about human behavior in the great outdoors, including the human need to experience nature as well as an almost subconscious desire to protect these beautiful spaces. As people spend time outdoors, they find a connection, be it with the world around them or with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. As those connections grow, we realize just how important they are, and we find ways to protect those spaces that have cultivated such wonderful moments for us. These can often be seen in small changes via actions we never knew had an impact, such as caring properly for a campfire or walking on marked trails and surfaces that will yield the least negative impact. Nature finds a way to show us what it needs; sometimes people just require a little encouragement to fulfill these needs. One of my main takeaways from working at the Catskill Center was the difference in how visitors interact with their environment. Working as a steward at Peekamoose Blue Hole in the Catskills specifically illustrated that the expectations and experiences of Catskill visitors are more diverse and complex than most might realize. Some may seek the outdoors for cool, clean waters or maybe a day out with friends, while others find themselves in the mountains to quietly take in the flora and fauna of the area. This revelation held true even in the harsh environment of the polar regions. Many of our guests came to witness the unique wildlife, some came for the extraordinary photography opportunities, and a couple of them just came to check another experience off their bucket list. This knowledge helped me to hone my guiding skills, curating experiences to individual needs. In the end, guests were engrossed, absorbing information about the need to protect these incredibly beautiful places and their inhabitants. Their understanding about the need to protect our environment flourished because they were involved in what intrigued them most about the area. The Catskill Center’s innate ability to understand people’s individual needs directly influenced my own ability to curate the experience and learning opportunities for the guests I guided in these polar regions.

CATSKILL CENTER

In addition, the principles of conservation that the Catskill Center implements carried through my own ability to further other people’s education. These teachings were not only possible among the snow and rocks of Antarctica and the Arctic, but also through educational lectures aboard our ship, where I’m a Lecturer on Anthropology and Conservation among expedition staff. I stood in front of buzzing crowds of two hundred-plus guests, illuminating topics about human initiatives to protect these wild places. Out in the field, together we learned about ways to help minimize our impacts on nature, while maximizing our experiences. Efforts such as filling in boot prints in the snow to protect penguins from getting stuck and carefully watching our footing around delicate plant life all became important. We observed and navigated around polar bear behavior and actions much the same way we would with the curious black bears in the Catskills. While my surroundings changed from place to place around the globe, the need to practice basic principles of conservation remained constant. Having come from the Catskill Center, I felt not only prepared but encouraged to help protect the polar regions and inspire others to do the same. I have the privilege to meet with guests from all around the world, from a variety of social and economic backgrounds, and I am always asked what got me started as a Polar Expedition Guide. It’s a common question as a lot of people have never even heard of the job title. My answer always remains the same; "It was the Catskill Center that helped me to get here." It is in the Catskill Mountains working as a steward that I realized exactly what I wanted to teach fellow adventurers and nature enthusiasts wherever I ended up on this earth.This was a passion about and understanding of how we affect nature and how we can protect these places while still enjoying them. This sentiment has held true across the globe. From the Catskills to Antarctica and the Arctic, the Catskill Center has helped me to spread the word about the necessity of conservation while sharing a passion for the outdoors.

WINTER 2023

NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER!

THE CATSKILLS - A Folding Pocket Guide ARE THERE REALLY CATS IN THE CATSKILLS? WHERE CAN I FIND VIEWS WITHOUT A HIKE? WHO LEFT THESE TRACKS OUTSIDE MY TENT?!

You’ll find answers to all these questions and more in this compact guide. Created to meet a need identified by the staff and volunteers at the Catskills Visitor Center, this one-of-a-kind guide is waterproof, lightweight, and an excellent resource for both visitors and residents. Easily tucks in a jacket or backpack pocket, tackle box, or glove compartment, and makes a great gift. Explorers of all ages and experience levels will appreciate the outdoor recreation tips, regional information, and full-color illustrations for identifying local plants and wildlife. Retails for $7.95. To order, visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

CATSKILL CENTER

DETAIL FROM SOUTH MOUNTAIN PINES (LITHOGRAPH), AMY SILBERKLEIT

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A new conservation program pays local families to keep and improve their forests 30

WINTER 2023

The unstable temperatures, intense rain and flooding, and smoky air we experienced this past summer across the Catskills are tangible reminders that our beloved natural places are increasingly vulnerable. Most of us do not realize how much work it takes to care for and steward the land. Managing natural lands like forests is not easy, and the challenges and risks — from property taxes, development pressure and invasive species to extreme weather — are mounting. The majority (53%) of forestland with the Catskill Park is owned by private landowners, many of them families. Those 380,000 privately-owned acres of forestland depend on landowners for care and protection. Yet many forest owners are aging and do not always have children or grandchildren to help them. In New York, broadly speaking, most forest owners are 60 years or older and make no or little income from their land. Despite this, most want their land to stay forestland. CATSKILL CENTER

Recognizing this need, innovative programs are emerging to help owners of small forests conserve their land and improve how the land is managed. For one, the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy have developed a science-based program called the Family Forest Carbon Program that enables family forest owners to protect their forest and improve the health of their land. Like other programs, it links landowners to a forester to produce a management plan for their forest. But unlike other programs, it also provides annual payments to enrolled landowners to implement forest management practices scientifically proven to increase carbon storage and improve forest health. That increase in carbon is measured and equated to carbon credits, which are sold in the carbon market. "Carbon storage is an important way forests of the Catskills help reduce the cause of climate change," says Tracey Testo of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. "There is real value to carbon storage, and landowners can get paid for owning and protecting this valuable asset." Carbon markets were not designed for small forest owners and access is not fast or easy. The Family Forest Carbon Program removes barriers for small forest owners so they, too, can benefit.

WINTER 2023

How Forest Carbon Works While trees and soil naturally remove carbon from the atmosphere, how much carbon forests store depends a lot on what people do. To put it simply, forests benefit from care and maintenance, so when we improve our management practices, trees get healthier and take more carbon out of the atmosphere. But sustainable forest management is easier said than done. The Family Forest Carbon Program provides access to professional foresters who develop a tailored forest management plan with each forest owner, which helps ensure that carbon will increase in the forest over time. By providing both technical and financial support to implement sustainable forest management practices, Catskills forest owners can protect their forest and increase the long-term health of the land. "Forested land provides many ecosystem services," says Testo. "In addition to combating climate change, forests help protect water quality and reduce flooding." This benefits other New Yorkers too, because it allows forest owners to keep their forests as forests. Saving their forests means saving the benefits forests bring all of us – cleaner air, cleaner water, beauty, recreation and so much more.

DETAIL FROM KNOVEMBER (LITHOGRAPH), AMY SILBERKLEIT