CATSKILLCENTER SUMMER 2018 TAKING ACTION AT THE BLUE HOLE SWIM THE CATSKILLS SILVER FLY RELEASE THE LIGHTING OF THE FIRETOWERS 10(+1) AWESOME SPOTS TO BIRD IN THE CATSKILLS SUMMER AT THE CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTERCATSKILL BIRDS COLORING PAGE AT THE ERPF GALLERY THE BIOLOGICAL LEGACY OF OUR CATSKILL FORESTS
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Summer in the Catskills is a magical
We have great restaurants, new
time -- whether you are enjoying a hike,
breweries and distilleries, farm fresh
tubing down the Esopus, searching for
food and more. There’s a little of
the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush on our
everything for everyone here in the
highest mountains or enjoying a drive
Catskills.
on our scenic byways while listening to an audio tour, everything seems better in the summer! The Catskills offer almost limitless recreational opportunities along with amazing cultural and historical destinations.
2 SUMMER 2018
Personally, it’s also my favorite time of the year to enjoy the trails of the Catskills! It is important though to understand that the Catskills are not a limitless resource.
When we enjoy the Catskills, no matter
That’s why we at the Catskill Center
what we do, we make an impact on the
work hard to bring diverse visitors
area. For hikers it’s as simple as the
to the region, give them the tools
mud that sticks to your boots or an
to responsibly enjoy the Catskill
errant candy bar wrapper left behind.
Park and inspire in them a love
For places like the Peekamoose
and appreciation for the natural
Blue Hole, it’s thousands of visitors
and cultural history that make the
stressing a fragile ecosystem. In a
Catskills so unique and important. It
community, it’s the dollars that you
is not easy, but it is something that
spend at a locally owned business
we must work on in order to protect
spreading through and supporting
the natural resources of the Catskills
that community. We try to look at
while ensuring we continue to bring in
that big picture and how we balance
visitors who help to sustain our local
welcoming visitors to the region while
economies and communities.
protecting what makes the mountains so beautiful and important.
Ultimately
it
is
our
collective
responsibility to ensure the continued
We often hear how a place is "loved
protection of the Catskills and viability
to death" and can see how overuse
of the communities of the region. The
in an area can negatively impact the
Catskill Park is unique in that we are
natural areas that people want to
a mix of public and private lands –
visit. As part of anything that we do,
wilderness and communities – and
we want to make sure we are able to
we need to ensure the protection and
welcome more visitors, who spend
sustainability of both aspects of the
more money in the region, and who
Park! #LoveItToLife
visit and enjoy our important places, all without harming those places! We want to make sure our visitors help invest and regenerate our natural areas – we want to love the Catskills to life!
Jeff Senterman CATSKILLCENTER 3
CONTENTS 2 A LETTER FROM JEFF 5 TAKING ACTION AT THE BLUE HOLE 11 SWIM THE CATSKILLS 14 SILVER FLY RELEASE 16 THE LIGHTING OF THE FIRETOWERS 20 CATSKILL BIRDS COLORING PAGE 21 SUMMER AT THE CIC 22 10(+1) AWESOME SPOTS FOR BIRDING IN THE CATSKILLS 26 AT THE ERPF GALLERY 28 THE BIOLOGICAL LEGACY OF OUR CATSKILL FORESTS 32 WATCHING OVER THE LAND 34 CATSKILL SCENIC BYWAY
TAKING ACTION AT THE BLUE HOLE The Peekamoose Blue Hole is a gem of the northeast. Lined by shale ledges 3-5’ in height, the wild geologic formation is an exquisite frontcountry basin in a remote Catskills location. Cool 55 degree spring-fed water keeps the ‘hole’ a stunning blue color. Recent fame has exponentially increased visitation and the resulting impact is severe.
CATSKILLCENTER 5
I
n a busy summer weekend,
MOVING FORWARD. The Catskill
anywhere from 600-2000 people
Center, in coordination with local
visit the Peekamoose Corridor.
and
national
partners,
The three-quarter acre footprint
the
Rondout
Neversink
including Stream
of the Blue Hole has been impacted
Program, New York State Department
with soil erosion, trampled vegetation,
of
litter, food waste, human waste, pet
NYCDEP, Adirondack Mountain Club,
waste, sound pollution, social trails,
and the Leave No Trace Center for
and wildlife impacts.
Outdoor Ethics is working to start a
HOW DID WE GET HERE? The Peekamoose Blue Hole wasn’t always this way. Pre-2014, trash and litter
Environmental
new stewardship program for the Blue Hole. Beginning Memorial Day weekend,
were a rarity and
easily
picked up by local visitors. Over the past three
years
Conservation,
visitors of the Blue
AMID SO MUCH DIALOGUE OF AN AREA BEING OVERUSED, THE REAL QUESTION IS — WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?
however,
Hole
will
interact
with stewards, who will be stationed at the
trailhead.
stewards
will
The be
present to educate
social media, news outlets, and
the public about best practices to
internet guides have boasted about
enjoy the Blue Hole responsibly, while
the pristine and picturesque beauty
helping to make sure that all visitors
of this place, causing people to flock
of the area are able to enjoy a relaxing
to the narrow corridor.
experience. The Blue Hole is public
The Blue Hole is a hot topic among concerned locals and conservation organizations, and it’s easy for one to become overwhelmed with what feels like an overpowering issue.
6 SUMMER 2018
land, open for everyone to enjoy, but visitors may not understand the full consequence of leaving litter or trampling new trails in backcountry lands.
This big-picture thinking has proven
successful models from across the
effective across the country. The High
nation, the Peekamoose Blue Hole
Peaks of the Adirondacks, the White
Steward Program is designed to
Mountains of New Hampshire, and
best meet the needs of the Catskills.
national parks such as Grand Canyon
Additionally, the Catskill Center is
and Acadia all have stewards who
working
help visitors minimize their impact
online travel blogs, and the media to
on these pristine areas. Here in the
spread the ‘Leave No Trace’ message
with
local
stakeholders,
to a wider audience.
GET INVOLVED
.
Programs like this are most successful when everyone works together to protect the beautiful places where we live, work,
and
play.
The
easiest way to support the
Peekamoose
Blue
Hole Steward Program is via your Catskill Center membership. Secondly, you can volunteer at catskillcenter.org/jobopportunities and help our Catskills, the Catskill Center seeks to promote a leave-no-trace culture, which
preserves
the
wilderness
stewards
protect
this vital resource. - Andy Mossey
experience for current and future generations of visitors. Building upon CATSKILLCENTER 7
TIPS FOR A NO IMPACT PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE VISIT VISIT DURING OFF-PEAK TIMES, SUCH AS MON-FRI OR MORNING HOURS. WALK ON DESIGNATED TRAILS OR BARE ROCKS TO PREVENT FURTHER EROSION AND ALLOW PLANTS TO REGROW CARRY-IN AND CARRY-OUT EVERYTHING BROUGHT TO THE AREA - INCLUDING FOOD SCRAPS TO AVOID PARKING CITATIONS, PARK ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS ALONG THE ROAD NO FIRES, PORTABLE SPEAKERS, OR GLASS CONTAINERS ARE PERMITTED AT THE BLUE HOLE
8 SUMMER 2018
CATSKILLCENTER 9
CONTRIBUTORS JEFF SENTERMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
MICHAEL DRILLINGER LAND TRUST MANAGER
JOHN THOMPSON
CRISP COORDINATOR
ANDY MOSSEY
PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE STEWARD
2018
SUMMER SINCE 1969, THE CATSKILL CENTER HAS PROTECTED AND FOSTERED THE ENVIRONMENTAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THE CATSKILL REGION COVER PHOTO: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON
SWIMMING IS PERMITTED IN THE LAKES, PONDS AND STREAMS OF THE CATSKILL FOREST PRESERVE Some sites are not controlled and there is no lifeguard, so you swim at your own risk, such as:
SWIM THE CATSKILLS There is a controlled beach with lifeguards at NORTH SOUTH LAKE
CAMPGROUND where day-use is permitted for a fee.
ONTEORA LAKE , off Route 28
County Route 18
towards Kingston, has great access
Haines Falls, NY 12436
and good fishing opportunities. The
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html
shoreline is undeveloped and has a fairly steep drop-off. Onteora lake is really popular with folks that like to kayak and have a small boat for fishing. https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/58904.html
LAKE MINNEWASKA STATE PARK PRESERVE is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky
Swimming at ECHO LAKE requires
terrain. The park features numerous
a hike up Overlook Mountain.
waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes,
http://www.catskillmountaineer.com/IH-
dense hardwood forests, incising
overlook.html
sheer cliffs and ledges opening to
A hike is also required to access
beautiful views, clear streams cut
BISCUIT BROOK off Route 42
into valleys.
towards Claryville.
5281 Route 44-55
https://www.bushsmarts.com/blogs/
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
news/34747205-biscuit-brook
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/127/details.aspx
CATSKILLCENTER 11
LAKE AWOSTING is also at Minnewaska State Park. Hike in required, lifeguards on duty. Day-use fee or empire pass needed. 5281 Route 44-55 Kerhonkson, NY 12446 https://parks.ny.gov/parks/127/details.aspx
BELLEAYRE BEACH at Pine Hill Lake offers a ton of fun activities for the entire family. And they have life guards. 33 Friendship Manor Road Pine Hill, NY 12465 www.belleayre.com
At
MONGAUP POND CAMPGROUND, right outside of Livingston Manor, swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty. 231 Mongaup Pond Road Livingston Manor, NY 12758 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24484.html
And there’s supervised swimming at
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE PARK Dr Duggan Rd Bethel, NY 12720 www.yelp.com/biz/lake-superior-state-parkbethel
12 SUMMER 2018
CATSKILLCENTER 13
WORKING TO S AV E C AT S K I L L HEMLOCKS FROM H E M L O C K W O O L LY ADELGID, THE H E M LO C K I N I T I AT I V E INTRODUCES S I LV E R F L I E S I N A CONTROLLED RELEASE. 14 SUMMER 2018
A new friend in the rally to
infested hemlock branches
save New York’s hemlocks
wrapped in fine mesh bags. The
arrived on Overlook Mountain in
bags help to establish an initial
Woodstock this May — the silver
persistent population of the silver
fly. The New York State Hemlock
flies. The hope is that the silver
Initiative, with partners at the
flies will spread in the area after
Catskill Center for Conservation
the bags are taken down, moving
and Development and the
into other HWA-infested areas in
New York State Department of
the state.
Environmental Conservation, released Leucopis spp. silver flies
These released flies feed
on hemlock trees on Overlook
specifically on hemlock woolly
Mountain. The health of these
adelgid, coming to New York
trees is at risk due to an invasive
from the Pacific Northwest where
insect from Japan, the hemlock
they are native predators of
woolly adelgid (HWA).
HWA. These newcomers are an important next step in preserving
The NYS Hemlock Initiative is
the New York hemlock forests in
releasing these flies onto heavily-
our landscape. CATSKILLCENTER 15
THE LIGHTING OF THE FIRE TOWERS SEPTEMBER 1 / 9PM Share your fire tower adventures
Learn more at the Catskill Center’s
— tag your photos with
Fire Tower Project at
#CatskillsFireTower and
catskillcenter.org/fire-tower-project
#CatskillCenter
16 SUMMER 2018
was up Hunter Mountain. Everyone on the hike heard the Bicknell’s Thrush, and 3 hikers saw 4 individual birds. Other conference visitors to the mountain got to ride the Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl’s chair lift. Next year’s Taking Flight will be coupled with the New York State Ornithological Association’s annual
TAKING FLIGHT 2018 WAS A SMASH! WE HAD THE LARGEST NUMBER OF BIRDERS ATTEND AND WE CERTAINLY SAW WAY MORE BIRDS.
meeting. This means many more
This year’s total bird count was 106!
The conference will be held in the fall
opportunities for field trips around the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, as well as a variety of technical, general and beginners workshops. of 2019 - check the Catskill Center’s
Taking
Flight
2018’s
theme
was
website starting next year for more
Warblers, and we were fortunate
info and see more photos of this year’s
enough to have the authors of The
event at Catskillcenter.org/blog.
Warbler Guide, Tom Stephenson and Scott Whittle lead workshops and
-Michael Drillinger
walks, sign copies of their book, and give an awesome keynote talk about their new birdsong app project. We featured yet another Catskill destination this year by basing the conference at the Emerson Resort. Strategically
located
on
the
the
Esopus Creek and along the Route 28 Scenic Byway. The Emerson provided on-site opportunities to view a variety of birds, and was close to the several off-site field trips. These trips included night walks at the Catskill Interpretive Center where owls were heard, and trips up Hunter Mountain. Once again we offered a dawn hike in search of the Bicknell’s Thrush. This year the hike CATSKILLCENTER 17
Become A Member This extraordinary, four-part educational program series is reserved exclusively for Catskill Center members
CATS KI LLC E N TE R 2 0 18
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAM SERIE S
18 SUMMER 2018
JULY AVENUE OF CHANGE—THE INFLUEN CE OF THE HUDSON VALLEY ON THE CATSKILL FORESTS MICHAEL KUDISH MARGARETVILLE, NEW YORK
AUGUST RENEWABLE ENERGY AT HANFORD MILLS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE RESTORATION AND OPERATION OF THE MILL’S RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION EAST MEREDITH, NEW YORK
SEPTEMBER THE BIOLOGICAL INHERITANCE OF CATSKILL FORESTS: BURIAL GROUNDS AND HUMAN TRACES ON THE LANDSCAPE JOHN THOMPSON MARGARETVILLE, NEW YORK
OCTOBER FALL COLORS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP / ON LOCATION FRANCIS X. DRISCOLL TANNERSVILLE, NEW YORK
Your tax-deductible donation supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the Catskill region. Catskillcenter.org/membership Or complete this form and mail to:
Member Benefits 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
ZIP
PHONE
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 #
CATSKILLCENTER 19
COLORING PAGE CREATED BY WILLOW LYTLE
CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER SUMMER SCHEDULE JUNE 14 – AUGUST 30 11:00AM - 12:00PM . NATURE CLUB
JULY 13 7 – 8:30 PM TO BE FOREVER WILD Join
Weekly outdoor adventures for kids of all ages. Make a nature journal, track wildlife, identify stream "monsters" and more! Every Thursday.
Director David Becker, his film crew and surprise guests for a screening of this Catskills-based film.
JUNE 23 10AM – 4PM 3RD ANNUAL CATSKILL MOUNTAINS BOOK FESTIVAL Celebrate the past, present and future of writing in the Catskills. Enjoy author readings and panels, storytelling and music performances, make books and share your own stories. Activities for all ages.
JUNE 28 12:30 – 2:30PM + AUGUST 11 3 - 5PM STREAM HEALTH Explore the Esopus Creek ecosystem, identify macroinvertebrates and determine if the stream is healthy.
JULY 21 10AM – 2PM PLEIN AIR ARTISTS PICNIC Live music, nature writing workshop, and plein air art making. Bring a picnic and spend the day! All ages. Part of the Shandaken Art Studio Tour.
JULY 28 10AM – 2PM SUMMER OPEN HOUSE Learn about opportunities to explore the Catskills with NYSOGA member guides.
AUGUST 9 6:30PM HOPE ON THE HUDSON
JULY 7 4:30 - 6:30PM
Filmmaker Jon Bowermaster will screen three of his brand-new films on the Hudson River: City on the Water, Restoring the Clearwater, and Seeds of Hope.
Water Wise: Marguerite UhlmannBower, Wild Foods Forager, leads a walk on how to be water wise. Preregistration requested.
SEPTEMBER 1 10AM – 3PM FAMILY DAY Bring a picnic and enjoy hands-on activities, forest adventures + more.
5096 ROUTE 28 MOUNT TREMPER, NY 12457 CATSKILLCENTER 21
MAURICE D. HINCHEY CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER The visitor center for the
redpolls foraging in the alders. Best
Catskill Park is also a prime birding
About 12 miles long, fills two large
time to bird: Spring, Winter (JBNHS)
ASHOKAN RESERVOIR
destination with a variety of habitats.
basins n the towns of Olive and
Finches, bluebirds and sparrows
Hurley. Bald Eagles can be seen
inhabit the lawn and meadows; Bald
year round and a pair of Eagles has
Eagles, Ospreys, Mergansers, and
nested near the southern end of the
Kingfishers are common along the
dividing weir since 1999. Passerines
Esopus Creek; Sharp-shinned Hawks
forage in the winter and nest in the
and Barred Owls prowl the hardwood
summer in the wooded areas around
forests; all while the wet woodland
the aeration basin. In Winter, as
understories make for excellent
long as there is open water, loons,
Warbler habitat for breeding birds
grebes, ducks and gulls are present.
and migrants alike. While you’re
Walking and biking are permitted
there, learn about the Catskill Park,
on the East Dyke and on Monument
rent a fishing pole, or jump into a fun
Road along the West Basin. Parking
and educational program! Best time
is available at three sites along CR
to bird: All Seasons.
28A: at the Aeration basin, the "frying
KENNETH L. WILSON STATE PARK & CAMPGROUND Surrounded by
pan" at the east end of the Dyke,
beautiful mountains and panoramic views it is a popular camping destination. The "off" season is the best time for a birder to visit the park; the walking is easy and good habitat is accessible on the paved camping loops and maintained trails that follow the meandering Little Beaver Kill. The park is known for resident Ruffed Grouse and breeding Alder Flycatchers, but can also be an exciting location during spring
and the west end of Monument Rd. Access to the shore and the water is limited to individuals with fishing licenses and permits. All other access is prohibited. The Reservoir is closely monitored by guards from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, and visitors must remain only in the areas permitted by the NYCDEP. Best time to bird: All Seasons. (JBNHS)
SLIDE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS At 4,180ft, Slide Mountain is the Catskills’ highest
migration when many birds will feed
peak and the site of the original
on aquatic born insects near the
discovery of Bicknell’s Thrush. The
beaver impoundment. In flight years,
peak is reached via a moderately
winter finches are likely, especially
22 SUMMER 2018
difficult 2.8-mile foot trail. At higher elevations there is an extensive balsam fir-red spruce boreal forest where Bicknell’s Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher nest. The lower elevation deciduous forest hosts numerous species of breeding thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, and Scarlet Tanager, Winter Wren, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, and rarely Boreal Chickadee are potential winter invasion species. Best time to bird: Spring, Summer, Winter (JBNHS)
10+1 Hot Spots
BIRDING IN THE CATSKILLS
for
from the Upper Cherrytown Road trailhead or the Trails End Road trail head. Both are in the town of Kerhonkson. Look for Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ruffed Grouse, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Scarlet Tanager, Veery, and Acadian
PLATTE CLOVE PRESERVE
Flycatcher.
One of the Catskill Center’s two public
BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN The mountain peak
preserves, the Platte Clove Preserve is 212 acres that include hemlock forests, an amazing waterfall, and access to the Devil’s Path and other Catskill park trails. The Preserve is located on Platte Clove Road 6 miles from Tannersville and just up from Saugerties. Be sure to park in the DEC parking area as Town of Hunter police will ticket vehicles parked on
is at 3730 feet and there is a firetower at the summit. The trailhead parking area is at the end of Beaverkill Road in the town of Hardenburg. The birds you may see include Bicknell’s Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Canada Warbler, Purple Finch, and Magnolia Warbler.
the road. Bird species you are likely
THORN PRESERVE
to find include Blackburnian Warbler,
The Thorn Preserve is one of two
Winter Wren, Louisiana Waterthrush,
public preserves owned by the
and Northern Parula.
Catskill Center. Thorn is 62 acres
VERNOOY KILL STATE FOREST Vernooy Kill Falls is the site of the oldest grist mill in Ulster County. All that remains of Cornellis Vernooy’s 1702 grist mill is a single massive stone wall. Access is either
of mostly open meadow with mowed paths around the fields. It is located at 55 John Joy Road in Woodstock. Birds that have been seen there include Bobolink, Cliff Swallow, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Baltimore Oriole. CATSKILLCENTER 23
SLOAN GORGE PRESERVE The gorge was formed at the end of the last ice age by melting glaciers.
Yellowthroats. Eastern Bluebirds, Baltimore Orioles, catbirds and others also can be found along the way.
The loop trail includes an informative
At the end of the 0.9 mile rail section,
and self-guided geology walk, an
a spur trail climbs another 2.2 miles
old quarry, and other interesting
up a forested mountainside where
features. The parking area is
typical Catskill woodland birds such
located on Stoll Road in the town of
as Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted
Woodstock. Species you may find
Grosbeaks,
include Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager,
Thrushes, Ovenbirds, Black-throated
Winter Wren, Black-and-White
Blue Warblers, Broad-winged Hawks,
Warbler, Brown Creeper, and Ruby-
and Blue-headed Vireos nest.
Wood
and
Hermit
crowned Kinglet.
HUNTER MOUNTAIN At 4046 ft., Hunter Mountain is the second highest peak in the Catskills. There is a fire tower at the top of the mountain. There are various approaches including two trailheads on Route 214. Look and listen for Swainson’s Thrush, Bicknell’s Thrush, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Magnolia Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Whitethroated Sparrow.
THE ANDES RAIL TRAIL begins at a 1900s station presently undergoing renovation. The flat railroad grade is cut into the side of a valley that allows views of the village and farmland below. The overgrown pastures and wood edges provide habitat for a variety of birds in spring and summer, including Yellow and Chestnut-sided Warblers, American Redstarts and Common
24 SUMMER 2018
Best time to bird: Spring and summer.
If you would like to try any of these hikes, we recommend you stop at the Catskill Interpretive Center. Our knowledgeable staff will supply you with maps and directions.
Wifi. Guidance. Maps. Sculpture Trail. Snacks. Restrooms. Events. Books. Hikes. Treasures.
CAtskill Interpretive Center 5096 Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457 845-688-3369 / catskillinterpretivecenter.org
CATSKILLCENTER 25
IN THE ERPF GALLERY
6.30 - 8.11
WALKING THE WATERSHED Liz Mogel 6.30 / Reception + Artist’s talk / 2-4pm
Liz Mogel spent the past two years learning about the Catskill communities that provide New York City with water.
8.18 - 9.29
Walking the Watershed explores the relationship between the communities water system. CATSKILL MOUNTAIN 5.4 - 6.16at either end of the
QUILTERS HALL OF FAME
STICKS, STONES AND BONES SHOW Sculpture by John Byer 8.18 / Reception / 2-4pm 5.12 / Reception / 6-8pm
26 SUMMER 2018
10.6 - 11.10
6.30 / Reception + Artist’s talk / 2-4pm
8.18 - 9.29
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN QUILTERS HALL OF FAME STICKS, STONES AND BONES SHOW 5.4 - 6.16
Sculpture by John Byer
5.12 / Reception / 6-8pm
8.18 / Reception / 2-4pm
This annual exhibit highlights the work of one Catskill Mountain Quilters Hall of Fame (CMQHOF) member.
10.6 - 11.10
The CMQHOF is dedicated to preserving the history of quilting in the Catskill Mountains, as well asINSPIRED promoting BY theTHE evolving and complex LAND artistry expressed in quilting. It was conceived as a tribute to honor Art created by Conservation quilters in the area who have shown dedication to the art of quilting.
Easement Land Owners 5.4 - 6.16 10.6/ Reception / 2-4pm
ERPF GALLERY
STICKS, STONES AND BONES Sculpture by John Byer
43355 ROUTE 28 ARKVILLE, NEW YORK Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Monday10am – Friday Saturday - 2pm
9:30am – 4:30 pm Saturday 10am – 2pm
CATSKILLCENTER 27
MONUMENTS AND TRACES THE BIOLOGICAL LEGACY OF OUR CATSKILL FORESTS
A
s we walk through tracts
stands were left uncut.
of mature forests in the
cleared the land, settlers grew some
Catskills, it’s difficult to
vegetables
and
raised
After they livestock.
imagine that this land has
This land was not good for farming,
a long history of human use, but upon
soils were thin and poor. Residents
careful examination, there are many
of the Catskills had to be extremely
traces of past use that remain in
resourceful in providing for their
this wild landscape. Today’s Catskill
families. The areas most intensively
forests exist as a biological legacy
used for farming were the areas of
of the people that came before us
best soils, along floodplains of major
and that narrative remains in our
streams. Areas of steeper slopes and
landscape today.
thinner soils were settled later. These
Most valleys in the Catskills were settled by Europeans in the late 1700’s through early 1800’s, with even later settlement of more remote areas. The forests were first harvested for lumber, fuelwood, and eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) were cut to harvest their bark for the tanning industry.
28 SUMMER 2018
Very few forest
lands made for such poor farming that they were abandoned as soon as a better opportunity was available. The timing of most of the land clearing and agriculture stretched from the 1850’s to about 1930. Much of what is now northern hardwood forest at lower elevations, became established after farm abandonment in the early 20th Century.
Much
of
the
activities
of
our
predecessors were ephemeral, but traces persist as stone walls, woods roads, cellar holes, and current forest plants.
Apple (Malus pumila) trees
may indicate an old orchard. Lilacs (Syringa
vulgaris)
and
daffodils
(Narcissus spp.) that were planted around a farmer’s house may still
to some of the farmers who tapped those same trees for their sap). Wolf trees that once grew in a hay field are now surrounded by trees that are just as tall. Maybe you admire its large crown, or maybe you walk by without any thought that it differs from the surrounding trees.
provided maple syrup to their owners,
A WOLF TREE IS A TREE THAT WAS OPEN GROWN, IS LARGECANOPIED AND STANDS ALONE, LIKE A WOLF
have grown into large-boled shaggy-
An
barked trees. The stub of a broken
feature in today’s forests is stone
branch might now shelter a family of
wall.
fishers (fishers were extirpated from
of our woodlots and forested areas.
the Catskills by the early Twentieth
These stone walls were originally
Century and may have been unknown
constructed at the edges of cultivated
flower in the spring and ornamental Japanese barberry (Berberis vulgaris) may now form a dense thicket around the remnants of a cellar hole. Sugar maples (Acer saccharum), that once lined the edge of a plowed field and
easily
noticeable
man-made
Stone walls crisscross many
CATSKILLCENTER 29
fields and around livestock pastures.
Thoreau
Each rock was extricated and carried,
adequate monument to honor those
pulled, pushed, or dragged by human
people, but perhaps those organized
or domesticated beast to the edge
stones, now covered by mosses and
of the field to build the wall.
lichens, are monument enough.
It is
estimated that in New York State and New England, more than 250,000 miles of stone walls were built by 1871. That’s a long enough wall to encircle the earth’s equator ten times! Thoreau wrote in his journal in 1850 about the builders of these walls, "How can their works be so visible and themselves so transient?"
30 SUMMER 2018
suggested
building
an
As Catskill farming declined, the majority
of
abandoned
fields
succeeded to sugar maple, birch (Betula spp.) and white pine (Pinus strobus), but human attempts were also made to augment nature’s reforestation efforts. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation
JOHN THOMPSON WILL LEAD AN ENCORE OF HIS "THE BIOLOGICAL INHERITANCE OF CATSKILL FORESTS: BURIAL GROUNDS AND HUMAN TRACES ON THE LANDSCAPE" WALK THIS SEPTEMBER AS AN OFFERING FROM THE 2018 CATSKILL CENTER MEMBER PROGRAM SERIES Corps planted row-upon-row of red
Reflect on the effort required to
pine (Pinus resinosa) and Norway
harvest the trees and move so much
spruce (Picea abies). Mature trees,
stone.
that are still growing today, are the
of our Catskills forest. In a mere
result of these plantings of nearly a
century, old agricultural fields have
century ago.
returned to stand as one the largest
Today, as you hike through your favorite
woods
of
sugar
maple,
American beech (Fagus grandifolia), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and black cherry (Prunus serotina), think about what all of this would have been like when it was cleared.
And consider the resiliency
areas of unfragmented forest in the Northeastern United States.
The
forests are still changing today, and it is only through appreciating this biological legacy that we will be able to best protect the forests into the future. — John Thompson CATSKILLCENTER 31
WATCHING OVER THE LAND KEEPING THE PROMISE The Catskill Center owns two nature preserves; the Thorn Preserve in Woodstock, and the Platte Clove Preserve in Hunter; the land on which the Catskill Interpretive Center stands; and a collection of conservation easements — 17 properties in total — that comprise a land trust. All of the conservation easements are beautiful properties and well represent the habitats we most love and cherish about the Catskills. Two of the Catskill Center’s easements, the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve in Saugerties
and the Round Top Mountain (between Roxbury and Prattsville) are open to the public. A conservation easement represents the development rights to a parcel of land. Land owners agree to give up these rights in order to keep their lands forever in a natural state. A land trust like the Catskill Center holds these conservation easements in perpetuity. Part of our obligations as holder of conservation easements is to check on the condition of these properties – a task called monitoring - and we
IMAGINE THAT YOUR OFFICE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODS WITH VIEW PERIOD OF TIME EACH YEAR, THAT IS WERE YOU WILL FIND SOME CATSKI LAND WE HAVE PROMISED TO KEEP UNDEVELOPED. A CONSERVATION EASEMENT IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN A LAND OWNER AND A LAND TRUST. In order to understand a
In order to protect certain conservation
Conservation Easement it is useful
land by either selling or donating a
to know first what is a Land Trust. The
conservation easement to a land trust.
Pennsylvania Land Trust Association
A conservation easement is given in
says, "Simply stated, a land trust is a
perpetuity, that is, forever. Thereafter,
charitable organization that acquires
the conservation easement runs with
land or conservation easements, or
the property no matter to whom it is
that stewards land or easements, for
sold nor how it is divided.
conservation purposes".
32 SUMMER 2018
values associated with a parcel of land, a land owner willingly gives up their rights to develop that parcel of
monitor both the conservation easements and the land we own, at least once a year. Monitoring property involves getting out into the woods and walking the property lines. A monitor confirms that the land remains undeveloped, is not encroached upon by neighbors and that there is no evidence of any unpermitted activity. An unauthorized structure could be a violation, as is harvesting timber without an approved forest management plan. Anything a neighbor does across the land boundary line is considered encroachment, such as extending a fence line, building a structure, or cutting trees. We also keep an eye out for signs of unauthorized hunting or illegal dumping of any kind. Happily, violations are very rare. Most of the time,
we walk out of the woods we may pick up a little trash, but more often than not we will have observed signs of wildlife, such as fisher tracks or the call of pileated woodpecker. There is great joy in discovering the spring ephemeral flowers or coming upon a new beaver lodge. Annual monitoring is one of the best parts of being a land trust. This year, the Catskill Center is applying for national accreditation, meaning we must meet a higher standard of ethics and operations. The first phases of our application is due this June and all of our easements and properties needed to be monitored before the end May. The staff of the Catskill Center shared the load and that goal was accomplished with ease!
EWS OF MOUNTAINS, STREAMS, FIELDS, AND FORESTS. FOR A CERTAIN KILL CENTER STAFF MEMBERS AS WE CHECK OUT THE STATE OF THE Why would a land owner willingly
conservation easement. While the tax
give up their rights? Conservation
breaks are nice incentives, they are
easements are not for any old piece
usually not the driving motivation for
of land. The land must have some
giving a conservation easement.
natural, historic, or scenic value that is important enough to conserve into
If you own a sizable tract of land
the future. A land owner who feels
that you think may have significant
connected to the property strongly
conservation values and you want
enough to protect it beyond their
to protect that land forever, please
lifetime is willing to make this kind of
contact the Catskill Center for more
a commitment. There are also various
information.
tax benefits associated with giving a
- Michael Drillinger CATSKILLCENTER 33
the Catskills Scenic Byway
The experience of driving the beautiful Catskill Scenic Byway just deepened with the addition of narration. From the Askokan Reservoir (the eastmost end of the tour), to the charming town of Andes, 56-miles of Route 28 is now enriched with an hour and a half of stories of nature, adventures and history via the TravelStorys app.
GET IT FROM THE APPLE AND GOOGLE APP STORES AND AT TRAVELSTORYS.COM. LOOK FOR "CATKILL SCENIC BYWAY" Note: Much of Route 28 has spotty (at best!) reception; be certain to download the tour before you start rolling. And have a wonderful time!
TRAVELSTORYS AUDIO TOUR 34 SUMMER 2018
CATSKILLCENTER.ORG/ BEQUESTSANDWILLS
Planned Giving #leavealegacy CATSKILLCENTER 35
Summer 2018
The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406
NON-PROFIT.ORG U.S.POSTAGE PAID CRST.NET 12550