CONTRIBUTORS SUMMER 2024
BRENT LERASH
Brent is the Catskill Center’s Communications Manager. A filmmaker with a background in natural history and conservation, Brent has worked in more than fifty countries, but is still in awe of the beauty and diversity surrounding us in the Catskill Mountains.
GENEVIEVE SALERNO
Genevieve is an LVT and wildlife rehabilitator and educator (state and federal) who works as an instructor for the Veterinary Science Department at SUNY Delhi and has been volunteering for FFF Wildlife for many years. She also has a blog called The Animal Mother.
GLENN KREISBERG
Glenn Kreisberg is an author, outdoor guide, and radio engineer, who researches archeoastronomy and landscape archaeology in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains of New York. He is co-founder of the non-profit Overlook Mountain Center in Woodstock, NY, where he was raised and currently resides with his family.
FRANK WILDERMANN
Frank has been spending time in the Catskills since he was a boy. His farm in Prattsville, NY has been in his family for 4 generations. As a former actor, he co-founded two separate theater companies, one in Los Angeles and another in New York City.
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.
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.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS
We’re thrilled to welcome Wendy Hunt and Michelle Schoenborn to the Catskill Center team, bringing with them a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep connection to the Catskills that perfectly aligns with our mission to protect and preserve this incredible region.
WENDY HUNT, ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Wendy Hunt brings a wealth of experience and a profound connection to the Catskill Center, stepping into her role as Accounting Manager. With an extensive background in public, international corporate, and non-profit accounting, Wendy’s professional journey has uniquely prepared her to oversee the financial health of our organization. Her previous roles, including significant involvement with the Catskill Center as an auditor and consultant, demonstrate her deep commitment to our mission. Beyond her professional capabilities, Wendy’s personal passion for hiking, outdoor adventures, and restoration projects, especially her work on her 1880 home in Franklin, NY, mirrors the Center’s dedication to preserving the natural and historical beauty of the Catskills. Living across various parts of New York has given her a broad perspective on community engagement and conservation, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
MICHELLE SCHOENBORN, BOOKKEEPER & OFFICE MANAGER
Michelle Schoenborn joins the Catskill Center with a rich collection of experiences deeply rooted in the heart of the Catskills. As our new Bookkeeper & Office Manager, Michelle’s background in accounting, coupled with her hands-on experience in customer service, lodging, and the food & beverage industry, equips her with a multifaceted view of operations management crucial for our organization’s success. Born and raised in the Catskills, her love for the region transcends her professional life, as seen in her personal interests in hiking, gardening, birdwatching, and beekeeping. Michelle’s innate connection to the Catskills and her passion for the outdoors will help elevate our mission. Her local upbringing and commitment to environmental stewardship will undoubtedly inspire and strengthen our community’s bond with the land we all cherish.
Together, Wendy and Michelle’s diverse skill sets are vital as we navigate the challenges of conserving the Catskills’ natural and cultural resources. Their roles may focus on the financial and operational backbone of our organization, but their passions and personal connections to the environment ensure that our mission remains at the heart of all we do.
Are you ready for an exhilarating journey through the heart of the Catskills? The Catskill Center and the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center are thrilled to announce the Catskills Adventure Challenge. This unique challenge offers outdoor enthusiasts a fresh and exciting opportunity to explore the Catskill Mountains while fulfilling their passion for adventure.
TAKE ON THE CATSKILLS ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Inspired by the success of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, the Catskills Adventure Challenge offers a new goal for outdoor enthusiasts who have already reached the Catskills’ six iconic fire towers. It’s designed to provide both new and seasoned hikers with a unique set of objectives that highlight the beauty and diversity of the Catskill Mountains.
The Catskills Adventure Challenge invites hikers to embark on a journey through eight carefully selected hikes that showcase the region’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich history. To complete the challenge, participants must finish six of these eight hikes, offering flexibility and variety to suit all levels of experience and interest. Participation in the challenge is straightforward and rewarding.
Stop by the Catskills Visitor Center to pick up a Catskills Adventure Challenge brochure with detailed information about each of the eight hikes or visit the Catskills Adventure Challenge website at www.catskillsadventurechallenge. com for all the information you’ll need to complete the challenge.
Once you have completed your hikes, simply compile a log of your adventures, including details of the six trails you conquered. To add a personal touch to your submission, please include your favorite photo from the challenge. All submissions should be made via our convenient online form found at: www.catskillsadventurechallenge.com.
All participants who complete the challenge will receive a special Catskills Adventure Challenge patch, a symbolic token of your adventurous spirit and lasting connection to the stunning Catskills wilderness.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for your next big challenge or a newcomer seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Catskills for the first time, the Catskills Adventure Challenge is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, test your limits, and create unforgettable memories.
FEATURED ARTIST: CHRISTIE SCHEELE
Christie Scheele has been painting devotedly since receiving her BFA in 1980. Her artistic foundation was shaped by a transformative year spent at the Royal Academy of Fine Art and the University Complutense of Madrid from 1978 to 1979. By 1985, Christie had begun exhibiting and selling her work, quickly establishing herself among collectors and gaining widespread recognition.
She started painting the atmospheric, minimalist landscapes that have come to define her style just before moving to the Catskills from New York City in 1990. As a non-regional landscape painter, Scheele paints images of all of the places she has ever been. Among her favorite locales are the beaches and marshes of the Northeast, the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, and the highways and bridge views of the Hudson Valley and New York City metro area. These meditative pieces cross the boundaries between traditional realism and the contemporary art world, reaching the viewer’s heart without sentimentality or melodrama.
As a full-time painter, Christie Scheele’s work has been collected nationally and internationally by hundreds of private and public collectors. These collections include the Queens Museum of Art, the Dorsky Museum, the Tyler Museum of Art, American Airlines, Waterford Crystal, Elaine Kamarck, Kelsey and Camille Grammer, and Howard and Ellen Greenberg. Her paintings were featured in the film "Broken Flowers" (in the scene with Jessica Lange) and "Perfect Strangers" on the set of the Halle Barry character; have appeared in Architectural Digest; and have been written about and reviewed extensively in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
In recent works, Christie has subtly captured the environmental shifts impacting the Catskills landscape she calls home. Her exhibitions at Albert Shahinian Fine Art in Rhinebeck, NY and the 1053 Gallery in Fleischmanns, NY, reflect on nature’s transient yet enduring essence and its susceptibility
to human influences. Christie will explore these themes further as the featured speaker at the Catskill Center’s annual Fall Benefit on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Look for more of Christie’s captivating art throughout this issue and to see more of her work, please visit: christiescheele.com
SUMMER HAZE
SUMMER HOURS
April 1 - November 30 Daily | 9:30 AM–4 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
READING THE SIGNS
As the chill grip of winter in New York State weakens, an incredible change begins. The budding trees and babbling creeks signal the beginning of new life for many of our wild animal natives. Meadows, wetlands, forests, and backyards reinvigorate in the lengthening days and the spaces that once lay quiet and cold now begin to teem with life. It is an inspiring time for us and for the animals.
During the spring season, wildlife rehabilitators receive an influx of calls as more people venture outdoors and come into contact with animals, particularly young ones that may appear to be in distress. It’s crucial to understand when these encounters should prompt a call for help.
BELOW: GENEVIEVE SALERNO AND DAVID LOVERDE EXAMINE A RESCUED BALD EAGLE
Recognizing Distress in Young Wildlife
If you find a baby animal that appears to be alone, take a moment to assess the situation: Is the baby attempting to move? Does it appear alert and vocal, or is it quiet and possibly injured, with visible wounds or bugs nearby? If it’s the latter, gently place the animal in a box and contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
Encouraging Reunion With The Mother
If the baby animal is alert and appears unhurt, look around. If there is an adult nearby, it will most likely be calling and vocalizing. Reunion with the mother should be your top priority. Here are some tips to make that possible:
Place a milk crate over the baby like the one pictured with this ermine. The crate will offer protection and security, while still allowing the mother to enter and retrieve her baby.
For young tree-dwelling animals, like squirrels and birds, secure them off the ground by fastening a Tupperware container, tissue box, or basket to a tree. Strawberry cartons lined with paper towels or cotton rags also work well for this purpose. Place the baby inside this setup, which protects it while waiting for the mother’s return. Check the container every three to four hours. If the mother has not returned by nightfall and the baby is still in the box, it is then essential to call a wildlife rehabilitator for further assistance.
The Importance of Professional Care
Never attempt to feed or give water to a baby animal. Baby mammals and birds typically do not know how to drink water and rely on their mother’s milk for hydration and nutrition. Unfortunately, well-meaning attempts to provide water or milk to these animals have often resulted in heartbreak. Wildlife rehabilitators are equipped with the necessary tools, formulas, and expertise to safely nourish wild animals. If you’re interested in learning how to care for wildlife properly, consider volunteering with a rehabilitator and obtaining your license. Many rehabilitators are eager to provide training and guidance!
When Fawns Need Help
Wildlife rehabilitation centers receive numerous calls about white-tailed deer fawns each spring, making them one of the most commonly reported mammals. It can be challenging to distinguish between a fawn that is healthy and safe and one that is vulnerable or in danger. Here are some crucial tips for making that assessment.
A common misconception is that if a fawn’s ears are curled, it needs help. However, a fawn’s ears typically curl after feeding, so this is not a reliable indicator of abandonment. If you encounter a curled-up fawn, it’s best to leave it undisturbed. The mother fawn often leaves her young temporarily to forage and produce milk. She usually isn’t far away and will return to move her fawn to a new location within 24 hours.
To determine if a fawn is in danger when ear position isn’t reliable, examine the fawn’s overall condition. Check if the fawn is lying on its side, appears unclean, or has bugs on its body. Also, look for signs of blood or diarrhea. The presence of any of these signs is an urgent cue to contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Please refrain from giving the fawn any milk or water, as proper care from trained rehabilitators is crucial for its survival.
Doing Your Part
If this sounds exciting, and you would like to learn more, reach out to your local rehabilitator or wildlife rehabilitation center. You can find rehabilitators by area when you search the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guide to wildlife rehabilitators online at dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health.
You can also reach out to FFF Wildlife Center in Hunter, NY at fffwildlifecenter.org or The Animal Mother at widerwildblog.wordpress. com.
Most importantly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring enough to help. Knowing what to do and when to do it makes all the difference for wild animal babies. Be the hope and let wild be wild!
Genevieve Salerno is an LVT and wildlife rehabilitator and educator (state and federal) who works as an instructor for the Veterinary Science Department at SUNY Delhi and has been volunteering for FFF Wildlife for many years. She also has a blog called The Animal Mother.
BLAZING A NEW KIND OF TRAIL
WALKWAY AT CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER HONORS
LOCAL INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
The staff of the Congressman 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.
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
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN SHAKESPEARE
By Frank Wildermann
As the sun sets over the picturesque Catskill mountains, the stage is set for another enchanting season of live theater. Catskill Mountain Shakespeare (CMS) proudly announces its fifth summer season, promising audiences a mesmerizing blend of classic texts and contemporary flair, all against the stunning backdrop of Hunter. Nestled within the natural beauty of the region, CMS invites theater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to experience the magic of outdoor performances under the tent.
PHOTOS
CMS is not just about entertainment; it’s about weaving the timeless beauty of classic texts into the fabric of our community. The company meticulously selects locations that offer both infrastructure and accessibility while minimizing their carbon footprint. Through the power of vibrant storytelling and live art, CMS creates a shared space for locals, weekenders, and visitors to come together and immerse themselves in the wonders of theater.
This summer, CMS proudly presents Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, Julius Caesar, opening July 13, 2024. Directed by renowned international theater director, Michael Alvarez, and in collaboration with The Catskill Mountain Foundation, this production promises a unique theatrical experience. Combining contemporary dance, visual art, fashion, and dynamic storytelling, Julius Caesar is a searing saga that delves deep into the complexities of power in our contemporary world.
But CMS’s commitment goes beyond the stage. The company is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity for all. Their Outreach Program runs concurrently with the mainstage performances and includes initiatives like Low Cost/No Cost ticket options, a Community Book Club (7/14),
Pay What You Can Performances (7/17 & 7/24), and the LGBTQ+ Midsummer Social (7/19). Additionally, CMS offers free theatrical workshops for kids and teens (7/20) and pop ups with arts and crafts at local farmers’ markets, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts reaches every corner of the community.
In a groundbreaking move, CMS introduces its inaugural Youth Company (CMS YoCO) from August 5-10, 2024. Young people, grades 6-12, will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Shakespearean performance. Led by professional actors and teaching artists, participants will explore verse, stage combat, and Elizabethan song and dance, culminating in an outdoor performance to showcase their newfound skills.
With its unwavering commitment to community engagement and the breathtaking backdrop of the Catskills, CMS is not just a theater company; it’s a cultural hub. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can gather, share, and revel in the transformative experience of the arts. As CMS continues to evolve, it aims to be the heartbeat of the community, enriching the lives of all who call this region home.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Julius Caesar: July 13-28, 2024, under the tent at The Red Barn, Main Street in Hunter.
CMS Youth Company: August 5-10, 2024, at Main Street Community Center in Windham.
For more information and tickets, visit catskillmountainshakespeare.com. Catskill Mountain Shakespeare is a 501(c)(3) non-profit theater company.
Immerse yourself in an artistic vision of the Catskills with featured speaker Christie Scheele, enjoy the soulful sounds of musical guest Brother Jax, and savor seasonally-inspired fare catered by Provisions.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 | 5:30PM - 9PM
CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER
5096 NY-28, MOUNT TREMPER
BENEFIT PROCEEDS PROVIDE CRITICAL FUNDS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR CATSKILLS, FROM VALLEY TO SUMMIT.
TICKETS & INFO: CATSKILLCENTER.ORG/FALLBENEFIT
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.
ROBERT BOLLINGER FOUNDATION
BUSINESS PARTNERS ($1000+)
PLATTE CLOVE COMMUNITY
ASHOKAN WATERSHED STREAM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
BANK OF GREENE COUNTY
SPOTTED DOG VENTURES LLC
STONE AND SAWYER
PHOENICIA DINER
FOXFIRE MOUNTAIN HOUSE
BUSINESS FRIENDS ($500+)
CAMP CATSKILL
SLUITER AGENCY, INC.
HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
PLATTE CLOVE DONATION BOX
HOTEL LILIEN
EMINENCE ROAD FARM WINERY
BUSINESS STEWARDS ($250+)
EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS
SCHWARTZBERG & KENYON PLLC
O’CONNOR FARM FLOWERS
THE NEVERSINK ASSOCIATION
ALPINE ENDEAVORS
ERICKSON’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
THE RUNNING KIND
WOODSTOCK FIELD TO VASE
GINGER WORKS - HIGH MEADOW
CATSKILLS
HANNAFORD
CATSKILL WATER DISCOVERY CENTER
HATCHET OUTDOOR SUPPLY CO.
BUSINESS MEMBERS ($100+)
STRICKLAND HOLLOW
ALCHEMY FARMHOUSE
CLOVE & CREEK
MAEVE’S PLACE
PHOENICIA LODGE
BROOKFIELD
LAMONT ENGINEERS, PC
LVDV OPERATIONS, INC.
NYSEG
KINSHIP PHOTO
JILL SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
WEST KILL BREWING
CESI WRITES BY CECELIA DAVIDSON
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN QUILTER GUILD
CONE ZERO CERAMICS SCHOOL
LABELLA ASSOCIATES
MID HUDSON VALLEY FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION
SILVER HOLLOW AUDIO
HUDSON VALLEY APPRAISAL CORP.
OTTO & FRIENDS
PEEKAMOOSE RESTAURANT
PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN SKI CENTER & BIKE PARK
SAFECO ALARM SYSTEMS, INC.
WOODSTOCK WINES & LIQUORS
SUNNY HILL RESORT & GOLF COURSE
BELLEAYRE
PEPACTON STUDIO
RESTAINO DESIGN - LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE P.C.
MOUNTAIN’S BOUNTY LLC
FIRST BLOOM CORNER STORE
PANCHO VILLAS
RYAN & RYAN INSURANCE BROKERS
SOYUZIVKA HERITAGE CENTER
ZEN MOUNTAIN MONASTERY, INC.
For more information visit catskillcenter. org/businessmembership
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.
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.
Your tax-deductible donation supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the Catskill region.
Catskillcenter.org/membership
Or complete this form and mail to:
CATSKILL CENTER
P.O. BOX 504
ARKVILLE, NY 12406
MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
$35 — Individual
$50 — Dual / Family
$25 — Senior/Student
$100 — Partnering member
$250 — Benefactor
$500 — Leadership Circle
$1,000 — President’s Circle
STEWARDS ANSWER WHEN THE CATSKILLS CALL...
In the 2023 season, the Catskill Center’s Stewards Program achieved a remarkable milestone, greeting over 100,000 visitors across four key locations, including the highly frequented Peekamoose Blue Hole and Kaaterskill Falls. This engagement represents a substantial 110% increase from the previous year, underscoring the program’s expanding influence and vital role in high-use areas at risk of environmental degradation.
Throughout the season, which spans from mid-May through mid-October,
the stewards undertook significant conservation efforts. They collected nearly 300 bags of trash, dismantled rock dams and fire rings, and cleared away rock stacks, significantly mitigating human impact on these sensitive environments. Moreover, their proactive approach helped visitors avoid nearly 190 parking citations, emphasizing the stewards’ valuable role in enhancing visitor experience and compliance with park regulations.
Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center, highlighted the growing visitor interest in the Catskill Park and the consequent urgency of promoting responsible recreation to protect its invaluable natural resources. "The Catskill Stewards Program is instrumental in imparting crucial knowledge to our visitors, enabling them to understand and appreciate the beauty and ecological significance of the Catskill Park and its communities. This year, by engaging with and educating over 100,000 individuals, our Stewards have reinforced their indispensable role in connecting
visitors with our multi-faceted mission, thus ensuring the sustained integrity of the natural environment and supporting the economic resilience of local communities reliant on tourism."
Operating in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) at strategic locations such as the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, Devil’s Path, and the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve, the program aims to instill a culture of responsible recreation. Stewards are pivotal in demonstrating the critical importance of preserving the park’s integrity—from advocating
against littering to promoting adherence to designated trails. Notably, the absence of stewards on their days off results in visible increases in litter, unauthorized rock formations, and user-created trails.
Finn Parnell, Community Relations Specialist and Steward Coordinator, commented on this phenomenon, stating, "The difference when our stewards are not present is stark. Litter accumulates quickly, and the damages to the landscape become immediately apparent. Their presence is not just helpful but essential for maintaining the health and longevity of these unique environments."
By guiding visitors towards alternative areas to explore and connecting them with local communities and businesses, the stewards alleviate the impacts of overuse and play a significant role in distributing the economic benefits of tourism more evenly. The exponential growth in visitor
engagement not only reflects the success of the Catskill Stewards Program but also embodies a collective stride towards a future where recreation and conservation go hand in hand.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Finn expressed optimism, "With more consistent Steward coverage at these highuse areas, we can better capture engagement opportunities with the public to further our conservation efforts in the Catskills. We will also include an additional location this season, the Catskill Center’s Thorn Preserve, which will provide another excellent opportunity to interact with visitors. The success of the Catskill Stewards Program is driven not just by our members and partners, but also by the passionate individuals dedicated to educating the public about responsible recreation and how to be better stewards of the land."
As we continue to navigate the balance between recreation and conservation, the commitment and efforts of the Catskill Stewards illustrate a promising path forward.
Learn more about the Catskill Stewards Program and read the full 2023 End of Season Report at:
catskillcenter.org/catskillstewardsprogram
LIVING STONE
By Glenn Kreisberg
A landscape archaeologist delves into the Native American ceremonial stone structures of the Catskills
Scattered throughout the wooded uplands of the Catskill Mountains are a large number of standing stone structures that have mostly been ignored by conventional archaeologists.
Often dismissed as colonial era stone walls and field clearing piles, these formations are increasingly emerging as part of a Native American tradition of ritual building practices that reflect a sophisticated world view and sociocultural belief system.
ABOVE: CATSKILL MOUNTAIN STONE STRUCTURE. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN CENTER
The significance of these structures is underscored by a resolution from the United Southern and Eastern Tribes (USET). Resolution #2007:037 highlights the cultural importance of these landscapes and reads in part as follows:
"Within the ancestral territories of the USET Tribes there exist sacred ceremonial stone landscapes and their stone structures which are of particular cultural value to certain member Tribes..."
"For thousands of years before the immigration of Europeans, the medicine people of the USET Tribal ancestors used these sacred landscapes to sustain the people’s reliance on Mother Earth and the spirit energies of balance and harmony..."
"Whether these stone structures are massive or small structures, stacked, stone rows, or effigies, these prayers in stone are often mistaken by archaeologists and State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs) as the efforts of farmers clearing stones for agricultural or wall building purposes."
Known as manitou achsinal (spirit stones) in local Algonquin dialect, current research focuses on gathering locational data of potential Native American ceremonial stone landscapes (CSL) within the Catskills and surrounding regions, in order to identify patterns in their construction features and techniques, environmental positioning, and their alignment with astronomical events. Utilizing GIS software, hundreds of sites and structures in the region have been geo-located, providing a basis for
understanding these sites in their original context. This research is only the first step in a larger effort to rediscover and establish the baseline indigenous cultural heritage in our region, which Native Americans have long practiced and represented as a living relationship projected upon their physical landscape.
Ceremonial stone landscapes exist in nearly every watershed contributing to the Esopus and Schoharie Creeks. They are typically found marking headwaters of tributary streams, fed by rainwater and groundwater springs. CSL sites and site locations suggest not only a connection to surface and subsurface water features, but many are configured and oriented toward the sky, to mark events on the horizon such as solstices and equinoxes. Stone constructions on the landscape, connecting the supernatural Underworld and Skyworld, with that of the material world we inhabit.
Descendant communities of the original Lenape People who inhabited the Catskills exist today in dispersed areas including Wisconsin, Ontario, Oklahoma and New Jersey, as well as in our local communities. For 10,000 years their ancestors called the mountains, forests, fields, valleys, rivers, creeks, streams and springs of the Catskills their homeland, honoring it in ceremony for the sustenance it provided in balance and harmony with nature. As the original inhabitants, they welcome us as neighbors and visitors to their ancestral lands.
Glenn Kreisberg is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Overlook Mountain Center.
MANITOU ACHSINAL IN WOODSTOCK, NY
HIKE FOR THE CATSKILLS
AUGUST 1-31, 2024
ENDNOTE - VALUING THE WORK
Whether I’m looking across the Catskills from the top of a fire tower or standing on a main street in one of our vibrant communities, the Catskills we enjoy today are the result of the hard work and dedication of those before us who protected and preserved this beautiful region. That same task falls to us today—you, me, all of us.
We are the future of the Catskills. The investments, advocacy, work, and care we put into the Catskills today preserve and protect them for generations to come.
Here at the Catskill Center, the work you support and energize focuses on three key areas: advocating at the state level for the funding the Catskills need and deserve; protecting the lands we love through stewardship, partnerships, and programs like the Catskills Region Invasive Species Partnership; and introducing our amazing region to hundreds of thousands of visitors through efforts like the Catskills Visitor Center and the Catskill Stewards.
RAISE MONEY TO HELP PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE CATSKILLS.
THIS MONTH-LONG EVENT IS MEANT FOR ALL HIKING ABILITIES. SET YOUR CAMPAIGN GOAL AND HIT THE TRAILS, BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE AND AVAILABILITY.
This work includes the historic gains we achieved for the Catskills in this year’s New York State budget. With $10 million dedicated to the Forest Preserve, $250,000 for the Catskills Visitor Center, $180,000 for the Catskill Science Collaborative, $100,000 for Catskill Stewards, and much more for invasive species management, Belleayre Mountain, and other Catskill Park priorities. The Catskill Center’s successful advocacy in Albany is directly because of you—your donations, your support, and yourcalls to elected officials make these critical investments in our region possible.
Over the 55-year history of the Catskill Center, we have helped protect tens of thousands of acres of the Catskill Park. Today, we manage two public preserves,
the Platte Clove and Thorn Preserves, and monitor more than a thousand acres of conservation easements. Our land protection efforts are ongoing as we seek to preserve unique natural spaces while working hard to slow and stop the progression of invasive plants and pests.
For the many visitors coming to the Catskills, the Catskills Visitor Center has become their first stop for information about the Park and the region. Our Catskill Stewards Program greeted more than 100,000 visitors in the past year, while tens of thousands pass through the doors of the Catskills Visitor Center. Our newly published Catskills Map and Guide, available at the Visitor Center, offers new insights and information about the region. The Catskills Adventure Challenge will have folks exploring new and unique opportunities across the Catskills! Across all of these initiatives, we welcome visitors with a kind and sincere "hello," offering information about the Park, the Forest Preserve, and our region, all while urging responsible recreation and stressing Leave No Trace principles.
This work doesn’t just happen. We have an incredibly dedicated team at the Catskill Center who work hard every single day to do the best they can for the Catskills. They’re only able to do that work because of individuals like you! You are the Catskills, you are the future of the Catskills, and when you support the Catskill Center, you are ensuring the continued prosperity of our region while protecting and preserving it for generations to come.
JEFF SENTERMAN Catskill Center Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406 A periodical celebrating New York State’s glorious Catskills, delivered directly to Catskill Center members.