Catskills 2019 Issue 2.

CATSKILLS AMERICA’S FIRST WILDERNESS

THE CATSKILLS ARE BUSY HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING TO PROTECT THEM

BIRDING IN THE CATSKILLS STEAMED BERRY PUDDINGS FIREFLIES COLORING PAGE

CATSKILLCENTER 1969 -2019

ISSUE 2 2019

CONTENTS AT THE ERPF GALLERY

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CONTRIBUTORS

7

TAKING FLIGHT

11

FALL GALA

12

BUSINESS SPONSORS

14

FIREFLIES

17

SNAPSHOT

18

WATERWHEEL

23

THE CATSKILLS ARE BUSY

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BERRY PUDDING

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ENDNOTE Photo: Heather Phelps-Lipton

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Cover Photo: Kerissa Battle

ERPF GALLERY 43355 Route 28 Arkville, NY Mon-Fri

JOAN WULFF, THE ‘FIRST LADY OF FLY-FISHING’

9:30am - 4:30pm

Selected photos from the 2019 Catskill Center publication

NATURAL RESOURCES: 50 STEWARDS OF THE CATSKILLS

AT THE

ERPF GALLERY CATSKILL CENTER

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CONTRIBUTORS 2019 ISSUE 2

JEFF SENTERMAN 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" and is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center.

HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON Heather edits and contributes to the magazine. She’s also the Catskill Center’s Director of Communications and currently has seven jars of hot sauce fermenting on top of her fridge.

KELLI HUGGINS Kelli is an historian, educator and native Catskillite. She experimented with and contemporized an old family recipe — steamed berry pudding. Kelli is a Visitor Experience Coordinator at the Catskills Visitor Center.

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

Deeply influenced by the natural environment of the Catskills, Will tries to capture the form of magic they inspire.

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2019 ISSUE 2

JOHN THOMPSON John is the Coordinator of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership. His brain is a treasure chest of knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

ANDY MOSSEY Andy has a knack and a passion for speaking up for public lands without a voice. Andy is the Stewardship and Advocacy Coordinator at the Catskill Center.

PEG DIBENEDETTO Peg is an avid bird watcher and a lead organizer of the Center’s annual Taking Flight conference series. She’s also a member of the Catskill Center’s board.

DAN SNIDER Dan is a hiker, a paddler and a board game aficionado. He’s also the Field Projects Manager of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership.

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

43355 State Highway 28

fostered the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of

Arkville, NY 12406

the Catskill region.Our mission is to ensure a bright future for the Catskills by preserving our environment, expanding our economy

845.586.2611

and celebrating our culture.

Become a member at: catskillcenter.org/membership

cccd@catskillcenter.org

CATSKILL CENTER

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2019 ISSUE 2

PEG DIBENED E T T O

TAKING FLIGHT

BIRDING IN THE CATSKILLS WATCH THE FLIES AND INSECTS ZOOMING AROUND THE CLOVER ON YOUR LAWN. NOTICE THE HUMMINGBIRDS HOVERING NEAR YOUR OAK TREE. WHAT MAKES A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM? A HEALTHY BIOME? A HEALTHY PLANET? THINGS ARE CONNECTED AND INTERTWINED IN WAYS WE BARELY UNDERSTAND. BIRDS OFTEN PROVIDE CLUES AND SOME ANSWERS. In 2013, a bird conference in Cape May, NJ sparked the idea for Taking Flight. Cape May glories in birds’ migration, but the Catskills are where many species are headed. Here we get the glory of breeding season – the royal plumage, the mating songs and calls, the babes in the nests. All of that fun, plus the iconic Bicknell’s Thrush – our own little cheerful, elusive mascot.

In 2016, the Catskill Center hosted the first Taking Flight weekend at the beautiful Ashokan Center campus in Olivebridge. The goal was pretty simple: invite birders and non-birders alike to meet the birds of the Catskills. Let’s offer ways to learn about them and see them, learn to love them, and ultimately protect their ecosystems.

We offered a weekend of education and camaraderie, bird walks guided by experts, CATSKILL CENTER

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workshops on bird songs, and excellent

and nearby, kept us hiking and learning

keynote presentations by the leading

throughout the weekend.

Bicknell’s Thrush expert Chris Rimmer

topics included conservation, planting

and Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Chris

for birds, peregrine falcons, and e-Bird

Workshop

Wood and Jessie Barry. There was an impromptu mini-concert by Jay Unger and Molly Mason — a beautiful thank you for bringing birding to the Ashokan Center. The energy was great and we realized we were on to something!

For Taking Flight 2017, we gathered at Frost Valley, near Claryville, NY. Perched in a rustic, lakeside lodge, there were bird walks, workshops, an avian rehabilitator’s perspective, Beginning Birding, and again, two superb keynote presentations: an historical perspective

by John J. Audubon, and engaging photography and narrative by renowned author and photographer Richard Crossley. We realized that hosting Taking Flight in different Catskills locations offers our participants varied experiences and the opportunity to experience different species. Not just

PHOTOS: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON

the same old, same old!

2018 found us at the Emerson Resort in Mt. Tremper, NY. "Warbler Weekend" featured bird walks led by our main keynote speakers Tom Stephenson and Scott Whittle, the authors of The Warbler Guide. Multiple bird experts and a variety of trails, both on the premises 8

2019 ISSUE 2

WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH THE JOHN BURROUGHS NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, WHICH HAS JAM-PACKED THE WEEKEND WITH TOP-NOTCH BIRD TRIPS IN THE CATSKILLS AND THE HUDSON VALLEY, INCLUDING A JOLLY FRIDAY EVENING CRUISE ON THE HUDSON. and Merlin expertise from the Cornell Lab folk. We also had a surprise banding and release of a sharp-shinned hawk!

There was rain, but it dampened neither our enthusiasm, nor our spirit of fun and adventure. A challenging hike up Hunter Mountain rewarded participants with song and glimpses of the timorous Bicknell’s Thrush.

Our

2019

weekend

will

combine

Taking Flight with the New York State

Ornithological

Association’s

annual meeting. Our boundaries have expanded to Kingston, NY, to take advantage of the beginnings of fall migration along the Hudson River.

This year, we’ve teamed up with the

NYSOA’s academic paper session,

John Burroughs Natural History

workshops on birding, planting for

Society, which has jam-packed the

birds, and the upcoming New York

weekend with top-notch bird trips in

State Breeding Bird Atlas. There will

the Catskills and the Hudson Valley,

also be book signings, a prize raffle,

including a jolly Friday evening

social hour, our banquet, and then the

cruise on the Hudson. Alternatively,

Keynote Presentation by author Nathan

try the feisty Bird Trivia challenge!

Pieplow. So much to do, so little time.

After Saturday morning field trips

- PD

and the NYSOA annual meeting, the Saturday afternoon line-up includes

CATSKILL CENTER BOARD MEMBER PEG DIBENEDETTO IS AN AVID BIRD WATCHER AND A LEAD ORGANIZER OF THE CENTER’S ANNUAL TAKING FLIGHT CONFERENCE SERIES, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 1315. DETAILS ABOUT THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE ARE AVAILABLE AT CATSKILLCENTER. ORG/TAKINGFLIGHT. 10

2019 ISSUE 2.

at the

KIMBERLY HAWKEY + her

BASIL SEGGOS recipient of the

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

50 YEARS OF CATSKILL CENTER. THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES! CATSKILL CENTER

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BUSINESS SPONSORS HELP MAKE US POSSIBLE

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2019 ISSUE 2.

YOUR LEGACY

THE FUTURE OF THE CATSKILLS Planned Giving. Secure the health of the Catskills for generations. catskillcenter.org/plannedgiving

FIREFLIES Dan Sni d e r

Fireflies are a diverse family of insects;

communicates the presence of toxic

most of the examples that people are

compounds to potential predators. As

familiar with are glowing, nocturnal

adults, most fireflies use their glow to

species.

communicate and locate each other for mating.

These fireflies use chemical reactions to produce their bioluminescence for

Some species of fireflies don’t light up

two primary reasons: defense and

at all as adults, living their active lives

identification. As larvae, the light

under the sun.

READ MORE A T S C I E N T I F I C A M E R I C A N . C O M / ARTICLE/HOW - A N D - W H Y - D O - F I R E F L I E S /

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2019 ISSUE 2.

FIREFLIES - A COLORING PAGE — CREATED BY WILL LYTLE

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

CATSKILLCENTER 1969 -2019

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

Catskillcenter.org/membership Or complete this form and mail to: CATSKILL CENTER P.O. BOX 504 ARKVILLE, NY 12406 NAME ADDRESS CITY

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

10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center, all Catskill Center facilities and Campmor in Paramus, NJ 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.

STATE

EMAIL

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

AMOUNT CARD # EXPIRATION SECURITY #

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2019 ISSUE 2

ZIP

PHONE

Member Snapshot BRETT BARRY / SILVER HOLLOW AUDIO " As another generation discovers and flocks to the Catskills, the mission of the Catskill Center has never been more critical to the health and vitality of this region. From advocacy in Albany, to land and water conservation, to invasive species education and trail stewardship, Catskill Center programs are key to preserving those very attributes that draw tourists and residents alike.

The Catskills Visitor Center fills a long-awaited need, connecting visitors with knowledgeable staff in a central and welcoming space. The annual Catskill Mountains Book Festival is one of our favorite programs there.

Silver Hollow Audio is a long-time business member of the Catskill Center, which we’ve been proud to partner with on a number of occasions, including the production of audio tours through the central Catskills, and further development of that content into a GPS-enabled travel app.

As the Catskill Center and its passionate staff continues to recognize and advocate for this very special place, we are inspired to continue supporting their mission. The Catskills are fortunate to have such a dedicated friend."

CATSKILL CENTER

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JOHN THOMPSON

OH, SNAP! THE FASCINATING + INVASIVE WATERWHEEL

WHAT IS A NIGHTMARISH INVASIVE PLANT? HOW ABOUT ONE THAT GROWS QUICKLY, REPRODUCES RAPIDLY, PRODUCES MANY OFFSPRING, OUTCOMPETES OTHER PLANTS AND UPSETS AN ECOSYSTEM. NOW IMAGINE AN INVASIVE PLANT THAT DOES ALL THAT WHILE FREE-FLOATING IN THE WATER AND FEEDING ON THE FLESH OF ANIMALS! 18  

2019 ISSUE 2

The invasive waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa) was introduced by water plant enthusiasts into Eastern North America at sites in Virginia, New Jersey and New York State. Here in New York, it is documented to infest only one pond—and that one pond happens to be in the region where the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) does its work. CRISP is a collaborative of organizations and agencies that work cooperatively to promote prevention, early detection/rapid response, and control of invasive CATSKILL CENTER

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species to protect natural resources,

(Sarracenia

purpurea),

sundews

the economy, and human health.

(Drosera spp.), and bladderworts (Utricularia spp.).

Waterwheel plant is a member of the venus fly trap family. Waterwheel

The waterwheel plant grows rapidly,

gets its common name from its

doubling its mass in two weeks,

whorls of four to nine modified

growing 1/3 inch of new stem and

leaves, shaped like tiny "venus fly

adding one new whorl of carnivorous

traps," arranged around the stem

leaves per day.

in the shape of a wheel.

Each of

inches long and are air-filled, so that

these jaw-like traps is made up of

they float in the water column. The

two translucent membranes lined

prolific waterwheel can spread by

with trigger hairs on the inside and

seeds, stem fragments, and turions.

membranous teeth sticking out

Turions are densely packed clusters

from the margins.

When a small

of modified leaves at the end of a

animal (like zooplankton) swims

branch. As the growing season ends

into the trigger hairs, the two lobes

and the waterwheel senesces, the

of the leaf snap closed in 0.01 seconds, trapping the prey. This quick snap-action is one of the fastest plant movements in the world! Trapped prey are dissolved in digestive juices and nutrients are absorbed into the plant.

Because

the

plant

Stems grow to 8

THE WATERWHEEL PLANT CAN DOUBLE ITS MASS IN TWO WEEKS, GROWING 1/3 INCH OF NEW STEM AND ADDING ONE NEW WHORL OF CARNIVOROUS LEAVES PER DAY

is

supplementing its diet by eating

turions remain. These turions will

invertebrates, waterwheel is able to

float or sink depending on water

thrive in acidic, low-nutrient water

temperature —sinking to the bottom

bodies such as bogs and fens. These

in the fall and floating back up to the

are not habitats where you usually

pond surface by spring. Turions may

get invasives spreading but you do

also remain viable even after they

get other fascinating carnivorous

have dried out. Both stem fragments

plants

and turions can be moved by birds

20  

such

as

2019 ISSUE 2

pitcher

plant

(such as wading birds or waterfowl),

and waterfowl.

beavers and other mammals, and

by predators may upset the balance

even boats that have moved out of

of primary producers, herbivores,

infested waterbodies.

Streamflow

and predators to cause what is

or

also

carry

called a “trophic cascade� and

waterwheel fragments or turions

lead to changes in water quality in

downstream.

ponds and lakes. Will dense mats

floodwaters

can

Overconsumption

of waterwheel outcompete native Having this invasive plant in the

aquatic plants?

CRISP region has caused concern

needed to understand what impact

and raised many questions. What

this invasive plant is having on our

is waterwheel eating here?

natural waterbodies.

This

More research is

plant may feed on anything from PHOTOS: JOHN THOMPSON

copepods

and

water

bears

to

CRISP

staff

and

partners

are

insect larvae and tadpoles. What

monitoring waterwheel and have

impact does this feeding have on

not detected that it has spread from

invertebrate populations or the

the one pond that it is known to

food web of the entire waterbody?

inhabit. But will it spread in a future

Macroinvertebrates

in

flood, on a duck moving from this

decomposition and provide a food

pond to another, or will it find more

source for larger animals, like fish

habitat due to other environmental

aid

changes? We do not know, but we

Many aquatic invasive plants are

will keep a vigilant eye on areas

introduced to new areas when water

downstream and on the local ponds

gardeners

near where it now exists.

dump plants into a local waterbody.

or

aquarium

owners

Dispose of aquarium and water You can help us by keeping a

garden

animals

watchful eye out for this plant. If you

the garbage, NOT in waterbodies.

identify waterwheel, please email a

Also, place water gardens away

photo showing the characteristics

from

of the plant to catskillinvasives@

floods, animals, or other factors

gmail.com, or report it through

could contribute to the release of

iMapInvasives (www.imapinvasives.

aquatic plants (or animals) into the

org/).

environment.

natural

and

plants

systems,

Wifi.

Guidance.

Garb.

Maps.

Snacks.

Restrooms.

Events.

Books.

Hikes.

Treasures.

5096 Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457 845-688-3369 catskillsvisitorcenter.org

in

where

Leave No Trace

THE CATSKILLS ARE BUSY – WHAT ARE WE DOING TO PROTECT THEM? A NDY MOSS E Y 30,915 people have interacted with the

expansive views of upstate New York — a

Catskill Stewards Program thus far

reprieve from their NYC daily routines.

during the 2019 season. At Kaaterskill Falls, Peekamoose Blue Hole, and Platte

The Catskill Park has experienced

Clove, the Catskill Center’s stewards

another, more recent, surge of tourism.

can be found educating visitors to the

With

region on how best to have a safe and

landscapes, and a plethora of amazing

enjoyable visit without leaving a trace.

agricultural destinations, it’s no wonder

pristine

waters,

exceptional

the Catskills ranked second among The Catskill Park has been a center of

Lonely Planet’s Top Regions, Best of

American tourism since the early 1820s.

Travel for 2019. Those visitors provide

Fresh air, mountain houses and nature-

a needed economic driver for Catskill

inspired art made the scenic Catskills

communities, bringing people and their

a refuge. Much like today, travelers in

travel dollars to our rural towns, as well

the 1800s sought the wilderness and

as our natural spaces.

CATSKILL CENTER

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Two of the most iconic, visited, and cherished destinations in the Catskill Park are Kaaterskill Falls and the Peekamoose Blue Hole. A quick internet search of ‘things to do in the Catskills’ yields a top recommendation of visiting

STEWARDS ARE ON SITE TO :

Kaaterskill Falls… and for good reason!

This natural gem boasts a drop of over 260 feet over 2 tiers. The stream continues past the main falls area over numerous smaller falls and ledges before cascading over the final falls of this section of stream, Bastion Falls.

Needless to say, if you’re one to hike, take pictures in nature, or just looking for a big waterfall, Kaaterskill Falls is the place to visit.

Welcome people to the Catskills Provide info regarding where to explore and what to avoid Describe

impacts

that

are

harmful to each location Educate everyone on how they

After the successful 2018 season of stewardship at the Peekamoose Blue Hole, the Catskill Center preparred for 2019 by identifying other highuse locations in the Catskills. Taking what was learned from the Blue Hole and adapting our language, outreach technique, and ultimately the size of the

can help reduce their impacts Inform people of the most important rules and regulations Be a resource for any questions people have about these areas and others across the Catskills

PHOTOS: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON

program to better meet the needs of other locations, the Catskill Stewards Program now covers three iconic locations within the Catskill Park: Kaaterskill Falls, Peekamoose Blue Hole, and the Catskill

Center’s

Preserve.

Platte

Clove

The 2019 steward season is breaking the Catskill Stewards Program’s 2018 numbers and visitors will continue to come to the Catskills in ever-increasing numbers, and bring with them the reminder that everyone should have the tools and skills necessary to enjoy the

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2019 ISSUE 2.

outdoors responsibly. When stewards are not present, litter increases, natural resources are harmed, and people are less informed about the intricacies of the unique landscape they’re visiting.

Next time you visit one of our three stewarding locations, take a moment to introduce yourself to a steward and

When stewards are not present, litter increases, natural resources are harmed, and people are less informed about the intricacies of the unique landscape they’re visiting.

perhaps thank them for their time and commitment to protecting the pristine quality of the Catskills. After all, the Catskills belong to all of us -- they’re a beautiful resource of public lands to enjoy, and protect, for future generations to come.

-AM

The Catskill Stewards Program is a program of the Catskill Center, supported by funds from donations by our members and donors.

Major supporters of the Catskill Stewards Program include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Rondout Neversink Stream Program, and REI. Additional supporters include the Catskill Mountain Club, Catskill 3500 Club and the Hunter Foundation.

PACK WATER BOTTLES SNACKS FIRST AID KIT, REPAIR KIT MAP AND COMPASS GPS/PHONE RAIN GEAR, HEADLAMP MULTITOOL HAT GAITERS SUNSCREEN LIP BALM REUSABLE TRASH BAG CATSKILL CENTER

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Vintage Recipe

BERRY PUDDING I recall my grandma making the recipe most often with blackberries, but other berries are just as good.

Here, I make it with the blueberries my family grows.

PHOTOS: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON

K ELLI HUG G I N S Ruth Huggins, my paternal grandma,

Berry Pudding [original recipe]

was a baker. My childhood memories

1/2 cup vegetable shortening, like Crisco

are sweet with her homemade pies,

1/2 cup sugar

cookies, and cakes — her berry

1 egg, beaten

pudding was a family favorite. A

1 cup milk

lifelong resident of Schoharie and

1 1/2 cups flour

Greene Counties, my grandma came

2 tsp. baking powder

from a long line of Catskill farmers.

1/2 tsp. salt

Her pudding was filled with fruit

1 cup berries (blackberries, blueberries,

picked from her garden.

and raspberries all work)

I think my grandma often baked

Cream vegetable shortening and sugar.

from instinct and memory, so when

Add egg and milk and combine. In a

cancer claimed her almost 20 years

separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder,

ago, many recipes died with her. She

and salt. Add dry ingredients into the

did write some down, though, and

wet mixture and stir until combined. Put

my family has a few favorites that

one half of the batter into the bottom of

we copied decades ago from her

an ungreased double boiler. Add berries

handwritten cards. Fortunately, her

in an even layer on top. Cover with the

berry pudding recipe was saved.

remaining batter. Cook over low heat for CATSKILL CENTER

27

2.5-3 hours or until a toothpick inserted

remembers as a kid impatiently waiting

in the center comes out clean. (You will

for it to be done and my grandma saying

need to replace the water in the double

"not quite yet." Plus, you might not even

boiler multiple times so stay nearby

have a double boiler! This isn’t the most

and keep an eye on it.) Let cool before

common piece of modern kitchen

removing from the pan.

equipment. So, I’ve modified the recipe to make a dozen smaller puddings instead

As you can imagine, spending nearly

of a large one. This makes the whole

three hours babysitting a double

process take far less time while still

boiler can be rather torturous. My dad

preserving the integrity of the original.

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2019 ISSUE 2.

Whether you tough it out and make THE AUTHOR AND HER GRANDMOTHER

the large 3-hour pudding or take my shortcut, you’ll be rewarded with a lightly sweet, spongy summer treat. Its flavor is reminiscent of good blueberry pancakes and would be delightful spread with a thin layer of maple cream. No matter how you enjoy it, know that my grandma would have been thrilled to know you made her recipe and were sharing her love of baking. - KH

Mini Berry Puddings (modified recipe) Mix all of the ingredients together as listed in the original recipe. Simmer about an inch of water in a wide pan.

Place cupcake liners in individual glass ramekins or in a 6 cup-size standard muffin pan. Divide half of the berries equally between the liners, fill each halfway with the batter (covering the berries), and sprinkle the remaining fruit on top of the batter. Cover the berries with remaining batter. Carefully place the ramekins or pan in the simmering water and cover. Cook puddings about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and berries.

Makes one dozen mini puddings.

Endnote

B

y the end of summer, if the

communities and individuals who

absence of my watch has

wish to enjoy this special area and its

left a tan line on my wrist,

public lands.

I consider the season a success.

As the summer of 2019 comes to

The Catskill Center is leading the work

a close, I take my watch off and

of addressing high use by running

find that is definitely the case. The

our Catskill Stewards Program at

tan line says to me that I’ve been

Kaaterskill Falls, Peekamoose Blue

outdoors enjoying and appreciating

Hole and Platte Clove, as well as by

what our wonderful Catskill Park

operating and managing the Catskills

and Catskill Mountains have to offer.

Visitor Center. We often visit Albany

Whether it’s a long distance hike, a

to advocate for more Catskill Park

camping trip, or just an evening jog

resources and it motivates our choice

along the Kaaterskill Rail Trail, being

to co-chair the Catskill Park Coalition.

in this region is refreshing for the

It is also why we are celebrating our

mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, I

accreditation as a Land Trust and it

am still in disbelief that I get to work,

is why we host the Catskill Regional

live, and play in this dream land we

Invasive Species Partnership. We see

call the Catskills.

the value in welcoming visitors to the Catskills, providing them with

Although the Catskills are flourishing,

the information to responsibly enjoy

we still have work to do. Being on

the mountains, and connecting them

the front lines in our park, I see the

with the communities of our region to

results

foster economic development.

of

increasing

visitorship:

overflowing parking lots and, as I pass through many groups of fellow

Over the years, from hiking on a trail

hikers, natural resource degradation

to advocating in Albany, I have learned

on

my

that there are multiple reasons the

presence is also contributing to). With

Catskills are worth fighting for, but it

proper management, the increasing

is most importantly because of their

popularity of the Catskills can be

ability to nurture both the human life

better addressed in a way that is

and wildlife within.

trailless

peaks

(which

equitable and supportive of all the 30  

2019 ISSUE 2

FROM LEFT: JEFF SENTERMAN, DEC COMMISSIONER BASIL SEGGOS, LT.GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL PHCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MOE LEMIRE

As we celebrate 50 years of protecting, preserving

and

enriching

the

Catskills, I am thankful for the Catskill Center. My gratitude is not only for ensuring that our mountains, forests and waters remain protected, but for

simultaneously

ensuring

our

BY THE END OF SUMMER, IF THE ABSENCE OF MY WATCH HAS LEFT A TAN LINE ON MY WRIST, I CONSIDER THE SEASON A SUCCESS

communities can continue to thrive.

Remember,

when

you’re

in

the

Catskills, love them to life!

JEFF SENTERMAN is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center.

CATSKILL CENTER

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2019 ISSUE 2

Delivered directly to Catskill Center members.

A periodical celebrating New York State’s glorious Catskills.

PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406

The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development