Catskill Center 2018 Fall Newsletter

CATSKILLCENTER FALL 2018

FALL COLOR PROGRESSION CIDER DOUGHNUT ROADTRIP UTILITARIAN ART — CALL FOR ART UNPLUG AND GET YOUR VITAMIN N ACTIVE AUTUMN ARACHNIDS FALL AT THE CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER AUTUMN IN THE CATSKILLS COLORING PAGE AT THE ERPF GALLERY THE QUEST FOR LINGERING ASH

CONTENTS 3

CALL FOR ART

6

FALL COLOR PROGRESSION

10

PLANNING FOR THE 50TH

13

PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE UPDATE

15

CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER SCHEDULE

17

GET YOUR VITAMIN N(ATURE)

20

CATSKILLS AUTUMN COLORING PAGE

23

SNAPSHOT

25

CIDER DOUGHNUT ROAD TRIP

26

RECAP

28

ACTIVE AUTUMN ARACHNIDS

30

AT THE ERPF GALLERY

32

THE QUEST FOR LINGERING ASH

38

ENDNOTE

Cover Photo: Heather Phelps-Lipton

Later this year, the Catskill Center will host its 3rd invitational exhibit to highlight the utilitarian

HAND-HOOKED RUG — ANNIE HAYES

UTILITARIAN ART / CALL FOR ART

art of the Catskill Region.

To submit, send one jpeg image for each piece to be considered, up to five works. Include artist name, mailing address, phone number, title of work, medium, dimensions, price, and a brief bio.

Send submissions to: kpalm@catskillcenter.org Deadline: Monday, October 15

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CONTRIBUTORS Fall 2018

JEFF SENTERMAN Executive Director, Catskill Center Jeff is a Catskill native and when he’s not steering the ship that is the Catskill Center, can often be found atop a local peak.

Jeff contributed his regular column, "Endnote".

HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON Director of Communications, Catskill Center Heather is the newsletter’s editor, contributes and creates photography to and for the newsletter and ate way too many cider doughnuts while fact gathering for her "Cider Doughnut Roadtrip" piece.

MICHAEL CONNOR Michael Connor runs Open MIC, a non-profit media advocacy organization, and lives in Phoenicia. He is a member of the Catskill Center’s Board of Directors and contributed "Going for Gold.

WILL LYTLE aka Thorneater Comics Will is a Catskills born and raised comic artist and illustrator.

He’s deeply influenced by the natural environment of the Catskills, and tries to capture the form of magic they inspire.

He created the centerfold coloring page," Autumn in the Catskills".

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FALL 2018

JOHN THOMPSON Coordinator, Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership For twenty+ years John has collaborated with scientists and land stewards throughout southeastern New York State promoting science-based management and conservation.

John penned both "The Quest for Lingering Ash" and "Fall Color Progression".

ANDY MOSSEY Peekamoose Blue Hole Steward Coordinator Andy has a knack and passion for speaking up for public lands without a voice. For this issue, Andy summarized the inaugural season of the Peekamoose Blue Hole Steward Program.

DAN SNIDER Field Service Coordinator, Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership Dan enjoys hiking, kayaking, and board games in his free time.

And insects. Dan is the author of "Active Autumn Arachnids".

KATIE PALM Director of Programs, Catskill Center When not working on education programs for the Catskill Center, Katie loves spending time outside with her two children.

Catching caterpillars, climbing trees and puddle jumping are some of her favorite ways to get her Vitamin N(ature)! Discover Katie’s suggestions for outside fun in, "Unplug and get your Vitamin N."

ABOUT US: Since 1969, the Catskill Center has protected and

CCCD can be reached at:

fostered the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of

43355 State Highway 28

the Catskill region. Our mission is to protect and foster the

Arkville, NY 12406

environmental, cultural and economic well-being of the catskill

845.586.2611

region. Become a member at: catskillcenter.org/membership

cccd@catskillcenter.org

CATSKILL CENTER

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BY JOHN THOMP S O N

FALL COLOR PROGRESSION

MOST MARVEL AT THE COLOR SATURATION OF OCTOBER’S "PEAK FOLIAGE"— BUT THE ASTUTE LEAF-PEEPER APPRECIATES THE SEASON’S PROGRESSION OF COLOR

6

FALL 2018

beginning with red and yellow flashes in late summer and extending through November’s flickering gold. The first colors that we begin to see in the late summer are often diseased, injured, or drought-stressed trees, but frequently there will be scattered red maples in some of our swamps that begin to turn red by early September.

Why do leaves change colors? Pigments are most responsible for the color changes we see in autumn: chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins.

CATSKILL CENTER

7

Chlorophyll allows plants to produce

because while some factors that play

sugars from sunlight.

As the days

into the timing of foliage are constant,

shorten, the trees stop producing

many change. Different species turn

chlorophyll and store valuable sugars

different colors, and those species

and nutrients for the following year. The

turn at different times in the fall. Two

reduction of green chlorophyll in the

constants are 1) day length, which is the

leaves allows other colored compounds

primary factor influencing when leaves

to show through. Carotenoids show up

change, and 2) the tree species, which

as yellow and anthocyanins show up as

is the main factor influencing how the

red.

leaves change through a predictable color progression. But environmental

One of the earliest wide-spread colors

conditions and weather play into the

that we see is yellow from ash, yellow

timing of foliage change.

birch and black birch. Red maples generally will turn red, while their cousins, sugar maples will show a spectrum of yellow, orange and red. We generally recognize “peak foliage” as the period when maples are in full color.

Oaks will be the last to change, with red oaks turning red and chestnut oak golden to bronze hues.

The northern hardwood forest is the predominant forest in the Catskills and includes tree species with the most dazzling colors. Sugar maple and beech dominate this forest; other common trees include yellow birch, red maple and black cherry. Locally, there is white ash, American elm, basswood, and hop hornbeam.

A common question this time of year is, "When is peak foliage going to

BRIGHT FALL SUNLIGHT PRODUCES THE MOST BRILLIANT FOLIAGE Perfect foliage follows the Goldilocks principle: that the weather has not been too hot, too cold, too wet, nor too dry, but just right. The entire growing season contributes to the health of trees and their colors, but bright fall sunlight produces the most brilliant colors.

Numerous cloudy days during fall may result in more golds and yellows. If temperatures get too cold, leaves may die before they change colors. Heavy rains and winds during fall knock leaves off of their branches and shorten the leaf-peeping season. Climate change is another variable and is causing the fall foliage season to be later in the season.

be?"”Answering this question is tricky, CATSKILL CENTER

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1969 - 2019

GOING FOR GOLD THE CATSKILL CENTER PREPARES TO MARK ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

BY MICHAEL CO N N O R

The year was 1969. Richard Nixon was sworn in as the 37th President of the United States. The Beatles released their Abbey Road album. The Woodstock music festival rocked a farm in Bethel, N.Y. The war in Vietnam – and opposition to it – dominated the news. The New York Jets won Superbowl III. The New York Mets took the World Series. The boots of astronaut Neil Armstrong walked the surface of the moon.

10

FALL 2018

I

n

September

a

budding

1969,

amidst

national

international

and

"We also aim to have some fun. There’s a lot to celebrate."

environmental

movement, the Catskill Center for

The 50th Anniversary plan will include

Conservation

Development

a series of events that draw attention

(Catskill Center) was incorporated

to the varied locales of the Catskill

and

region. These will begin in February

and

launched.

Sherrett

Local

Chase

and

resident fellow

at the Hanford Mills Museum Ice

founding members envisioned the

Harvest in East Meredith; continue at

Catskill Center as a “non-profit,

the Catskill Center’s annual Summer

non-partisan,

controlled

Gathering – combined with a Family

organization for the Catskill region;”

Day – at the Catskill Interpretive

working for “the preservation of

Center in Mount Tremper; and wind up

the environmental systems of the

with a spectacular Fall Gala in Arkville.

Catskills” as well as “harmonious

But those are only highlights. There’s

economic

more in the planning.

locally

six

development”

of

the

region.

Markley Boyer, chair of the Catskill Almost a half century later, the

Center’s

board,

said

golden

Catskill Center follows the same

anniversary

mission, stronger and more exciting

growing the number of individual

also

include

than ever and is currently prepping

memberships

for a year-long celebration that takes

participation

note of past accomplishments while

businesses

embracing a broad range of critical

"Protecting our incredible natural

and exciting new challenges.

environment while helping to foster

goals and of in

increasing

Catskill the

region

organization.

a sustainable local economy requires 'We’re hoping to look back over the

the support of the entire Catskill

last 50 years to highlight how the

community",” said Boyer.

Catskills have changed while looking ahead – with the help of friends and organizational allies – to help shape a vision of the Catskills for the next 50 years",” said Jeff Senterman, the Catskill Center’s Executive Director.

If you or your business would like to participate in the Catskill Center’s 50th anniversary celebration, please contact Jonathan Mogelever at 845-5862611, ext. 116.

Leave No Trace

PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE 2018 SUMMER SEASON IS ONE FOR THE RECORDS

BY ANDY M O S S E Y

If you visited the Blue Hole this year,

2018 saw greater crowds than ever

you were one of the 10,000 (plus)

previously recorded, but the tranquil

people to have a first-hand experience

swimming hole, with a riparian area

of this summer’s new coordinated

free of campfire rings and shards of

conservation efforts.

glass, clean of litter and supported with healthier trailside vegetation, is in better

With forest rangers, a fresh permit

shape than it was at winter’s end.

system, and working hand-in-hand with the Department of Environmental

Over the course of the program’s

Conservation,

the

Catskill

Center’s

inaugural

Peekamoose

Blue

Hole

Stewards

Mossey and Selina Guendel have

developed a visitor education program

educated thousands of visitors, collected

that has proven to be essential for

over 118 bags of litter, deconstructed and

protecting the health of Blue Hole.

rehabbed 15 campfire rings, maintained

season,

stewards

CATSKILL CENTER

Andy

13

over 3 miles of trail, and disguised herd

litter increases and rock dams and rock

paths around the Blue Hole proper. Those

stacks are built in the stream. Without

figures are staggering, but the fruit of

the continued efforts of stewardship,

their work are enormously encouraging.

the impact of increased visitation will

Because of the consistent education of

threaten public land in the Catskill Park.

daily visitors, and the stewards’ work

It is the duty of all people to function as

to ensure a litter free experience, the

stewards of the land. Let’s keep our wild

volume of litter being left has lessened;

lands wild, for our lifetime and for future

a great improvement over years past.

generations.

But even with such promising news, their work is never ending. Visitors arrive in ever-increasing numbers, and bring with them the reminder the tools and skills necessary to enjoy the outdoors responsibly are not innate. When stewards and rangers are not present, 14  

FALL 2018

A kill is a body of water, most commonly a creek, but also a tidal inlet, river, strait, or arm of the sea.

Fall Schedule

CATSKILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER SEPTEMBER 22 9AM 2ND ANNUAL CATSKILL CONQUEST PILOT RALLY A 75 mile Pilot Rally to commemorate the 1903 Automobile Endurance Run — beginning at the CIC and ending in Unadilla.

OCTOBER 27 11am -3pm Fall Open House + Family Halloween Celebration Opportunities to explore the Catskills with members of the New York State Outdoor Guide Association and join the Catskill Center staff in OCTOBER 13 celebrating Halloween with crafts, 12:30PM - 4:30PM hands-on activities for all ages, and EDUCATORS DAY showcasing local some local treats (no tricks). resources for curriculum materials, field trips, presenters/performers, funding opportunities + »» Wifi Open to the public, the fair is »» Guidance especially geared toward teachers, »» Maps homeschooling parents, librarians, and other formal and non-formal educators.

OCTOBER 26 + OCTOBER 27 HALLOWEEN JOURNEY An immersive theater experience spun from Catskill history, ecology and folklore. Wander the woods by candlelight, with over a dozen characters of Catskill past sharing interactive stories, live regional music, baked goods + a community bonfire.

»» Sculpture Trail »» Snacks »» Restrooms »» Events »» Books »» Hikes »» Treasures

Catskill Interpretive Center 5096 Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457 845-688-3369 catskillinterpretivecenter.org

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16  

FALL 2018

BY KATIE P A L M

UNPLUG AND GET YOUR VITAMIN N(ATURE)

M

ost parents will say that

So, what are we to do about these

their kids spend way too

unfortunate trends? One way to

much time watching TV,

get our children to stop using

texting on their phone and playing

electronic devices is to lead by

on their many electronic devices.

example. We cannot just limit our

Not

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU AND YOUR KIDS SPEND ON YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

surprisingly,

doctors

and

scientists agree. The Kaiser Family Foundation released a study in 2010, Generation M2: Media in the lives of 8to 18-year-olds,” that found that kids spend over 50 hours per week on an electronic device. The International Journal of Time Use published a study, Changes in American Children’s Time

1997-2003,”

that

reported

children today spend over 90% of their time indoors.

children’s screen time, we can limit ours too! When we aren’t spending time checking email or posting on Facebook, we will find more time to venture outside and get a healthy dose of Vitamin N (ature).

CATSKILL CENTER

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Here are few ideas to get you started:

sparks your child’s interest or a

CREATE NATURE JOURNALS

club that you can join together.

and spend time outside recording

Throughout the Catskills, there are

what you see, hear, smell, and feel.

hiking, birding, biking and many

You may find a squirrel or chipmunk

other

near your house that you can observe

activities. Many offer events on

or adopt a tree and record its growth

evenings and weekends.

clubs

that

offer

outside

and changes through drawings, leaf rubbings, and descriptions.

During the winters, it may be a little more challenging to get outside. As

CREATE A TREE HOUSE OR FORT . Let the kids use the hammer

the days get shorter and the kids go

and a few nails, Yes, there may be a

weeekends, there’s no time to get

bruised finger or two, but you will be

outside.

back to school, it seems like even on

giving your child the confidence and skills to excel in problem-solving

But you can still encourage your

and life!

children to enjoy the Catskills in the winter. PLAN WEEKEND HIKES

JOIN AN OUTDOOR CLUB OR VOLUNTEER . Find a club that 18

FALL 2018

to look for animal tracks or learn how to snowshoe.

BUNDLE UP AND GO SLEDDING

one day a week to be a device-free

That hot chocolate is extra tasty

family. When the family leaves in

after a winter adventure.

the morning, unplug the TVs, turn off the WIFI, and leave a box by the

If your schedule makes it difficult to

front door. When everyone arrives

get outside during short winter days,

home, all electronic devices go into

you could instead declare electronic

the box, so no one is looking at email

device-free family time for two

or playing games -- even mom and

hours. Use those hours to MAKE

dad!

DINNER TOGETHER and sit down as a family to eat and share about

There’s no denying electronics are

your day.

a permanent and useful part of our lives. But they don’t have to

Or, host family (and friend) GAME

consume so much of our time. Plan

NIGHTS , and spend the evening

a few device-free activities for your

playing board and card games.

family and before you know it, you

Everyone

will be spending more time outside

should

leave

their

electronic devices by the front door

and

experiencing

and the TV shouldn’t be on during

family time.

more

quality

game night. You could also pick

EXCELLENT RESOURCES FOR DEVICE-FREE GOOD TIMES catskillmountainclub.org catskill-3500-club.org visitthecatskills.com greatnortherncatskills.com greatwesterncatskills.com/ ulstercountyalive.com/landing/recreation sullivancatskills.com childrenandnature.org naaee.org/our-partners/nonprofits/children-and-nature-network childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/ naturalearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Benefits-ofConnecting-Children-with-Nature_InfoSheet.

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A COLORING PAGE — CREATED BY WILL LYTLE

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

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

Become a Member Individual ($35) Family ($50) Senior/Student ($25)

CATSKILL CENTER P.O. BOX 504, ROUTE 28 ARKVILLE, NY 12406 NAME

FREE SUBSCRIPTION to the Catskill Center’s quarterly newsletter with news from the Catskill Center and across the Catskill Region.

ADDRESS

10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center and all Catskill Center facilities with presentation of member card.

EMAIL

MEMBER ONLY INVITATIONS to the Annual Gathering, lectures and special events.

ACCESS TO THE CATSKILL CENTER ARCHIVES at the Erpf Center in Arkville. Please contact the Catskill Center to schedule an appointment.

MEMBER PACKAGE Members receive a membership package in the mail, including a member card and Catskill Center cling sticker.

CITY STATE

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL $35 ­— Individual $50 ­— Family $25 ­— Senior/Student $100 ­— Partnering member $250 ­— Benefactor $500 ­— Leadership Circle $1000 ­— President’s Circle

AMOUNT CARD # EXPIRATION SECURITY #

22

FALL 2018

ZIP

PHONE

Snapshot BERNS ROTHCHILD + DAVID BUNDE "Shortly after we moved to the Catskills, we became aware of the extraordinary asset the Catskill Center is for the area.

We see their hand everywhere: efforts to help thwart invasive species, the ever improving Interpretive Center, educational programs, land and stream side preservation, advocacy for State resources for the Catskills and so much more.

It’s satisfying to know that, with our membership and donations, we have had a hand in helping the Center with all it accomplishes."

CATSKILL CENTER

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Roadtrip

APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS Another reason to love fall in the Catskills

BY HEATHE R P H E L P S - L I P T O N October.

GOLDEN HARVEST FARM

Halloween gets all the attention, but

Because the dough is soft, all of the

in New York State, it’s the month for

farms I visited use a

cider doughnuts. Cakey and crunchy-

dough-dropping, fat-frying-conveyer

edged (but surprisingly light), they can

apparatus to give their doughnuts a

be found at orchards and farm stands

flip mid-fry. At Golden Harvest, John

throughout the state and are best eaten

Henry has been perfecting the cider

warm. Here’s my take on a couple of the

formula and manning the doughnut-

region’s best.

making machine for 25 years.

3074 U.S. 9, Valatie, NY 12184

THE CARROT BARN

goldenharvestfarms.com

A friend had brought a box to a gathering; which was a real tell as she’s not

TANTILLO’S FARM MARKET

usually an eater of the sweets. The cider

Truly a family affair, with three

doughnuts here are to die for.

generations buzzing around the

5605 NY-30, Schoharie, NY 12157

kitchen,

schoharievalleyfarms.com

packing up boxes of lofty, light and

frying,

fantastically

sugaring crunchy

WILKLOW ORCHARDS

doughnuts.

Wilklow doughnuts are made completely

730 NY-208, Gardiner, NY 12525

and cider

from scratch. They’re probably the least sweet of the doughnuts I tasted and have just the right note of nutmeg.

For a Google roadmap, go to

341 Pancake Hollow Rd, Highland, NY

bit.ly/ciderdoughnuts

12528 CATSKILL CENTER

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Recap

SUMMER GATHERING The Bear Café in Woodstock, New

The MARK Project was honored

York, was packed June 30th, as

with the Alf Evers Award for 40

guests gathered over a delightful

years of outstanding leadership

lunch at the Catskill Center’s 2018

and commitment to the Catskill

Summer Gathering.

Region.

Painter

Mariella

Bisson

was presented with the Volunteer Executive Director Jeff Senterman

Recognition Award for her support

presented the State of the Catskill

of the Platte Clove Artist’s Cabin and

Center, where he spoke to the

Artist-in-Residence program.

accomplishments of the Streamside Acquisition Program, CRISP, the

The

Summer

Catskill Interpretive Center and the

sponsored

Catskill Center’s advocacy efforts.

Telephone

Gathering

by

was

Margaretville

Company

and

the

Emerson Resort and Spa.

PLATTE CLOVE JOINS HUDSON RIVER ART TRAIL 26

FALL 2018

CIC PAVILION RIBBON-CUTTING June 14, The New York State

increasingly popular CIC.

Department of Environmental

Catskill Center Executive Director,

Conservation leadership and staff,

Jeff Senterman, expressed heartfelt

local politicians, Catskill Center

appreciation for the tremendous

representatives, and the members

addition to the CIC and the

of the community came out for

Commissioner confirmed NYSDEC’s

a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the

commitment to the CIC pledging to

completion of the pavilion at the

build a fire tower on site in 2019.

Catskill Interpretive Center on Route 28 in Mt. Tremper.

The new Pavilion is available for activities and educational

NYSDEC Commissioner Basil

programs, group rental and events,

Seggos, Town Supervisors from

as well as family picnicking and

Shandaken and Woodstock

enjoying a little shade.

and Catskill Center Founding President Sherret S. Chase gathered

For information about use of the

in the new pavilion to praise

Pavilion, Contact CIC staff at 845-

the construction and discuss

688-3369.

future uses of the facility at an

Platte Clove Preserve reveals the

site and magnificent view, the

same view depicted in 19th-Century

interpretive panel that accompanies

Hudson River School paintings by

it, and the bronze medallion by

renowned artist Asher B. Durand.

Catskill-based artist Patti Ferrara that officially designates the site.

July 24, a ribbon-cutting ceremony formally unveiled the stunning

Read more at bit.ly/18thstop

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ACTIVE AUTUMN ARACHNIDS When the weather cools, where do the spiders go?

BY DAN SNIDER

A

s the autumn days cool,

"cool" physiological and behavioral

the activity of our arachnid

changes as they get ready to weather

friends begins to decrease.

the

Some, having laid eggs (which will

potentially

deadly

winter

temperatures to come.

hatch in spring) in the soil or other well-insulated spots, have already

As

part

lived out the entirety of their lives.

for

winter,

of

their

Other arthropods will live through

northern areas produce antifreeze

the winter as adults or nymphs in

compounds in their bodies. These

various states of activity.

chemicals

spiders

lower

groundwork adapted

the

to

spiders’

freezing temperature, allowing them

OVERWINTERING SPIDERS WILL REMAIN ACTIVE THROUGHOUT THE WINTER Many common spiders, like jumping spiders

(family

Salticidae)

and

wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) will spend the winter huddled in a wellinsulated space or will remain active despite the chilly temperatures. For spiders - and other arthropods fall marks an intense period of very

28  

FALL 2018

to survive colder conditions. This physiological trick can be triggered by changes in daylight hours, by temperature changes, or both. The process is common to many other arthropods as well. Spiders usually combine this ability with a search for an enclosed space to help act as insulation.

Some spiders lay eggs in the fall, which will hatch and overwinter as babies. The adult spiders search out crawl spaces, attics, or burrows

and will spin a thick web around their eggs. The webbing and egg sacs help provide insulation to the spider’s young, which will emerge from their protective casing once temperatures begin rising.

Cellar spiders (family Pholcidae)

Other spiders patiently wait out the cold as young or mature adults.

Some

will

hideaways

create up

high

their

winter

underneath

cracks in bark or in roofs. Others seek out burrows or other low-down nooks and crannies, and benefit from

naturally

insulating

AN ARTHOPOD IS AN INVERTEBRATE WITH DISTINCT SEGMENTED BODY PARTS

snow

cover.

Still other overwintering spiders will remain active throughout the winter. Wolf spiders can be found in the subnivean zone, the small space between the ground and the snow. In some areas, these spiders can even

are notorious for finding sanctuary in dark garages and basements.

Typically, spiders found indoors in winter are not adapted to the cold and will not survive if moved outside. Most spiders in New York, even those that find shelter indoors in winter, will only live for one year.

The longest-lived individuals will survive for three years at most.

As the weather gets colder, keep an eye out for spiders in the out-ofthe-way places around your house.

You might find some new neighbors hunkering down for the winter.

be seen on top of snow on warmer winter days.

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AT THE

ERPF

Aug 18-Sep 29

FROM THE BEGINNING

ERPF GALLERY

The quilts of Debra A. Steup.

43355 Route 28 Arkville, NY

From her first quilt - made on a treadle sewing machine - to the modern techniques she

Mon-Fri

currently uses, this quilt exhibit features a

9:30am - 4:30pm

journey through the many years of Debra Steup’s quilting.

30

FALL 2018

GALLERY

Oct 6-Nov 10 Reception Oct 6 2-4pm

INSPIRED BY OUR LOVE FOR THE LAND Works by Conservation Easement Land Owners.

The Catskill Center currently holds 17 conservation easements which total 2,550 acres in the Catskills. This show will highlight the art, writing, photography and crafts which these protected lands inspire their landowners to create.

CATSKILL CENTER

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RISING LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES THE QUEST FOR LINGERING ASH

JOHN THOMPSON

32  

FALL 2018

S

ince

its

Michigan

discovery in

2002,

in

americana),

green

ash

(Fraxinus

the

pennsylvanica) and black ash (Fraxinus

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB),

nigra). White and green ash are most

Agrilus planipennis, has been a cause

common and are the trees with which

for much despair.

most of us may be familiar, while black ash grow in swamps and are

EAB larvae kill ash trees by tunneling

not as often seen.

under the bark and feeding on vascular tissue, the phloem, the

Because EAB has spread throughout

part of the tree that moves food

the majority of the Catskills, we see

and nutrients up and down the tree

declining ash trees through many

trunk. EAB has inexorably spread over

valleys, hollows and cloves. Dying ash

thirty-five states and four Canadian

trees become brittle, dangerous, and

provinces, leaving tens of millions of

more expensive to take down as the

dead and declining ash trees in its

trees deteriorate. It seems like nearly

wake. It seems like every month there

every town has work crews taking

is a breaking news story of EAB being

down ash trees proactively.

found in another state, most recently in Maine and Rhode Island.

It is easy to feel that nothing can be done about the Emerald Ash Borer, but

IT’S EASY TO FEEL THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE EMERALD ASH BORER, BUT THERE IS HOPE. Ash trees are in the genus Fraxinus; they have opposite leaf arrangement and compound leaves and are most abundant in valleys and at midelevations.

In the Catskills three ash species can be found: white ash (Fraxinus

there is hope. Some ash are proving resistant to the onslaught of EAB. Nearly all ash trees die, but a small number of trees survive - these are called "lingering ash".

Lingering ash are mature, untreated ash trees that persist in healthy condition significantly after the vast majority of ash in the same area have been killed by EAB. Research has shown that there is a very small percentage of ash trees that the EAB beetles do not lay many eggs on and on which the beetle does not thrive.

CATSKILL CENTER

33

The

U.

S.

Forest

Service

has

demonstrated that collecting scions (woody shoots) from these lingering ash and selective breeding of these individuals can produce highly EABresistant trees within two generations.

The Catskill Regional Invasive Species

What should you do about your ash?

The action map suggests

Partnership (CRISP) has partnered

the best actions to take, based

with

Borer

the

Ecological

Research

Institute to help find lingering ash by providing Monitoring and Managing

on the duration of Emerald Ash infestation.

Wherever

you are, there is something that you can do.

Ash (MaMA) trainings throughout

If you are able to survey in

the CRISP region. The goal of these

outreach@monitoringash.org

trainings is to give citizen scientists

and landowners the tools to establish monitoring plots and track the fate of ash stands across the Northeast.

Data from these plots will be used to track where EAB is and to determine when and where to look for lingering ash.

For more information about ash, Emerald ash,

Ash

Catskill

Borer,

lingering

Forest

health

and how to participate, visit: catskillinvasives.com.

34  

FALL 2018

the

red

area,

please

email

YOUR LEGACY

THE FUTURE OF THE CATSKILLS

Planned Giving. Secure the health of the Catksills for generations.

catskillcenter.org/plannedgiving 36  

FALL 2018

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAM SERIES This extraordinary, educational program series is reserved for Catskill Center members

CatskillCenter 2018

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAM SERIES

THE BIOLOGICAL INHERITANCE OF CATSKILL FORESTS BURIAL GROUNDS AND HUMAN TRACES ON THE LANDSCAPE WITH JOHN THOMPSON September 29 / 1pm - 3pm Kelly Hollow / Margaretville, New York

FALL COLORS A PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM WITH FRANCIS X. DRISCOLL October 13 / 7pm - 8:30pm Catskill Interpretive Center / Mt.Tremper, New York

CATSKILL CENTER

37

Endnote

A

s a hiker, fall’s crisp air, cool temperatures and the fireworks of the forest’s incredible show as the leaves change are cause for pure celebration.

In summer, we’re treated to vistas of lush green, but in autumn, familiar views become a cornucopia of reds, oranges, yellows and browns. Each season brings its own flavor to the Catskills and (at least for hiking) fall is my favorite.

Speaking of hiking, this past summer I’ve been lucky enough to explore (and re-explore) many of the Catskill Park’s trails and have been reminded of just 38

FALL 2018

how magnificent the Park is. The

to protect, preserve and enhance the

Catskill Park’s hundreds of thousands

environmental, cultural and economic

of acres of Forest Preserve lands

well-being of the Catskills. We stay on

host hundreds of miles of publicly

the front lines and spend our days

accessible trails and untold natural

working to ensure this treasure exists

treasures. People travel from near and

and flourishes for generations to

far to visit the Catskills and for some

come. Your generous donations to and

of us, it’s - literally - our backyard! I

membership in the Catskill Center are

truly feel honored to be able to live and

the cornerstone of all of this work -- we

work in such an amazing place.

wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

THE BRIGHT COLORATION OF JUVENILE EASTERN NEWTS - ALSO KNOWN AS "EFTS" - SERVES AS A WARNING TO PREDATORS And that living and working? Because of the unique makeup of the Catskill Park, which features both public and private lands within its boundaries, such a thing is possible. Catskill communities are just as important, interesting and pleasurable to explore as our wilderness areas, especially in the fall months when events and activities abound across the region and harvest season brings incredible bounty to our farmers markets and roadside produce stands.

From our Stewards at the Peekamoose Blue Hole to our advocacy in Albany, the Catskill Center works tirelessly

As we prepare for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Catskill Center in 2019, I look forward not only to celebrating the history and the individuals who made it possible, but also to the future of the Catskills and where the work of the Catskill Center will bring the entire region in another 50 years! While we ponder that future this Fall, be sure to get outside, fill your lungs with mountain air, drop your jaw atop a Catskill vista and enjoy some time on Main Street – basking in the unique combination of wilderness Forever Wild lands and vibrant communities that make up the Catskill Park.

Hike on!

JEFF SENTERMAN is the Executive Director of the Catskills Center.

CATSKILL CENTER

39

FALL 2018

Delivered directly to Catskill Center members.

A periodical celebrating New York’s state’s glorious Catskills.

PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406

The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development