Catskills Magazine - Spring 2021

CATSKILLS ADVOCACY: FOR THE LOVE OF THE CATSKILLS

WOMEN ON THE MAP WAFFLES, TWO WAYS LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

SPRING 2021

CONTENTS 3

CONTRIBUTORS

4

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER

6

HOW TO GARDEN

8

LOCAL BUSINESS: THE HERBAL SCOOP

12

FEATURE: WOMEN ON THE MAP

15

BROOKIES BY STEVEN WEINBERG

16

ADVOCACY UPDATE: CATSKILL PARK DAY

19

MEET A CATSKILL CENTER MEMBER

21

NATURAL RESOURCE: MARC WOLF

22

VINTAGE RECIPE: WAFFLES, TWO WAYS

26

THE (CITIZEN) SCIENCE OF SPRING

28

EXCERPT: THE CATSKILL PARK

30

ENDNOTE

Front Cover Photo + Painting by Steven Weinberg Inside Cover Photo by Maria C. Fernandez

CONTRIBUTORS SPRING 2021 JEFF SENTERMAN Jeff grew up spending weekends in the mountains, and when he’s not steering the ship that is the Catskill Center, can often be found atop a local peak. His column, EndNote, appears in each issue. Jeff is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center.

KELLI HUGGINS Kelli is an educator, historian, and native Catskillite. For this issue, she wrote Women on the Map and Waffles, Two Ways.

Kelli is a Visitor Experience Coordinator at the Catskills Visitor Center. She also copy-edits the magazine.

SARAH MCGINNIS For this issue, Sarah test-baked and photographed a bounty of waffles (it’s a tough job), and handled the layout and design work. Sarah is the Exhibit, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for the Catskills Visitor Center.

KATIE PALM Katie Palm is the Catskills Visitor Center Director by day and a talented gardener in her spare time. She contributed How To Garden (When You Don’t Have Time to Garden).

ANDY MOSSEY Andy has a knack and a passion for speaking up for public lands. He’s the Stewardship & Advocacy Coordinator for the Catskill Center and contributed to the Advocacy Update in this issue.

STEVEN WEINBERG Steven Weinberg is a children’s book author and illustrator and operates the Spruceton Inn with his wife Casey. The cover image is a glimpse into his Catskills art studio, and you’ll find one of his famous trout paintings on page 15.

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WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER CRISP (Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership) is looking for volunteers to monitor for spotted lanternfly. Spotted lanternfly is spreading into our region and threatens to damage multiple agricultural crops including apples, grapes, hops, and maple. Learn more at https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf THE CATSKILL STEWARDS PROGRAM is growing in 2021 to include a Ridge Runner for the Catskill Park! A Ridge Runner hikes trails, meets and greets hikers, and provides materials to inform visitors about the trail and its intended primitive experience. To ensure our success, we need your help! https://catskillcenter.org/ridgerunner CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER releases a new self-guided, family-friendly, themed scavenger hunt each month. Pick up the current challenge sheet at the service window (Thurs-Tues, 10-3). Upcoming themes are Unplug and Observe (March), Amphibians (April), Birds (May), and Pollinators (June). For more information, call 845-688-3369 or visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

KATIE PALM AND SUSAN BLAKE recently celebrated their 10th anniversaries with the Catskill Center. Katie is the Catskills Visitor Center Director and Susan is the Data & Office Manager. Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!

TROUT TALES 2021 - A celebration of all things spring! Catskills Trout Tales (CTT) is an event designed to inspire visitors and residents alike to explore the area’s forests, waters, and communities as stewards rather than simply consumers. Catskills Trout Tales 2021 will be mainly online - join us at the CTT Facebook page throughout April & May for virtual events, stories, and art from our Catskills friends and neighbors.

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 and celebrating our culture.

Become a member at: catskillcenter.org/membership

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

845.586.2611 cccd@catskillcenter.org

...AND AROUND THE CATSKILLS FREE FISHING DAYS allow anyone to fish the fresh waters of NY State with no license required! Upcoming dates include June 26-27, September 25, and November 11. For details visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89821.html.

DOUBLETOP AND GRAHAM MOUNTAINS are located on private property and recently due to the increasing number of visitors and resulting negative natural resource impacts, the landowner has closed the mountains to the public. Trespassing on private property could be subject to legal action.

Alterations to hiking challenges are as follows: Catskills 3500 Club Challenge: Beginning 3/21/21, the 3500 Club will require summiting 33 high peaks rather 35. Graham and Doubletop are removed from the list, but the rest of the challenge will remain unchanged.

The Catskill Grid 420 and the Catskills 4 Seasons 140: Qualifications have been reset to include Mill Brook Mountain (Ridge) and Dry Brook Ridge in place of Graham and Doubletop. Until 3/21/21, South Doubletop may be substituted for Dry Brook Ridge.

PHOTO: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON

VISITING PEEKAMOOSE BLUE HOLE requires a permit. Get yours at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/. Permits will be required from May 15-September 15, 2021. Once a permit is acquired visitors should plan to visit only on the day their permit is valid. At the Blue Hole, Catskill Center Catskill Stewards provide visitors visitors with information about the best way to have a fun and safe visit, while helping to protect this natural wonder.

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HOW TO GARDEN (WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO GARDEN)

by Katie Palm As I write this, I look out my window and my perennial garden is covered in two feet of snow - and more is falling! The vision of my early bulbs peeking out of the ground seems like a dream that won’t ever arrive. But, like all seasons, this winter too will pass and before I know it, I will be out prepping my garden for spring. Everyone approaches their garden with different priorities. Some prefer a hands-on method that creates a perfectly manicured vision. Others find beauty in the wild untamed-ness of letting your garden grow as it wants.

I find I am a "time gardener" - I only make it into the garden when I have the time, which isn’t as often as I would like. This means that my spring cleanup may be the only attention I give my plants for several weeks.

Here are my favorite tips for starting your garden off right, even when you can’t devote as much time to it as you’d like:

LEAVE THE DEER FENCE UP. One of the first lessons I learned when I started gardening in the Catskills was that deer love just about any green shoots that appear in a perennial garden. I think they consider my flower bed their personal salad bar! If you want to have beautiful plants earlier in the season, keep that deer fence up until there is plenty of food for the deer out in the woods.

DON’T CLEAN UP. Leave the dead plant material in the fall. I leave seed winter protection for overwintering insects. It is quite common for our family to spot wooly bears crawling out of the remaining plant material on a warm spring day. Because I am a time gardener, I often find that I am cleaning out the dead plant material after the new shoots have started to appear. Rather than feel like I am slacking on my gardening duties, I tell myself that I have protected those early shoots from late frosts.

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

PHOTO: SARAH MCGINNIS

heads for migrating and winter birds. The dead leaves and stems provide

PRUNE.

There is nothing more satisfying than cleaning out old dead

stems on my roses. Or every other year cutting my hydrangea back to the ground so it doesn’t take over space needed for my peonies. A good rule of thumb about knowing when to prune shrubs is to pay attention to when they flower. If they bloom before June – wait to prune until after bloom. If you prune these early spring blooming shrubs too early, you will be removing flower buds and reducing that year’s display.

PLAN AHEAD.

Knowing myself as a gardener with limited time, I have

learned to install my plant supports when I conduct my spring clean. I really like the grow-through plant supports for my peony plants. It is much easier to help the shoots get through a support that is already in place than to try and maneuver long stems through a support that you are installing too late in the season.

REFRESH THE SOIL.

In the spring, I check my mulch level in the

garden. I have gotten into a routine where every 2-3 years I add fresh mulch to my garden. The amount of mulch I add depends on how much of the old mulch has broken down and how much of my soil has migrated out of my manmade beds on top of a hill. My favorite mulching method is to cover the flower bed with wet newspaper and then cover the newspaper with mulch.

The newspaper acts as an extra barrier to keep weeds out of the garden. It breaks down within a couple years – as does the mulch.

Enjoy the last days of winter. Browse the spring seed catalogs and garden magazines and dream of the garden beauty to come. Happy gardening!

SHOW US your spring garden! Tag us on Instagram @CatskillCenter

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

AN INTERV I E W W I T H K E N D R A P A Y N E , OWNER OF T H E H E R B A L S C O O P

WELLNESS FROM THE GROUND UP Callicoon-based business owner Kendra Payne is a herbalist and yoga teacher who is dedicated to nutrition and wellness. After facing chronic illness as a child and into adulthood, Kendra turned to her life-long interest in plants and nature, earning certification as a herbalist. She turned that passion and knowledge into a business, opening The Herbal Scoop in 2019 with the motto "Eat more plants. Drink more leaves." The Herbal Scoop store, both online and in-person, sells herbs, tinctures, and teas. Kendra also does one-on-one consultations to help individuals find their ideal herbal practice. We chatted with Kendra to learn more about her business and her connection to the Catskills.

PHOTO: NOUSHA SALIMI, COURTESY OF KENDRA PAYNE

What drew you to the Sullivan County Catskills?

I had spent so much time in Sullivan County and actually got married in Woodridge! My husband and I would use our days off in NYC to travel to Sullivan County to get away from the chaos. Gradually, we knew we wanted to make Sullivan County our home and we made that dream come true in 2019.

What does your work look like in the early spring?

My business kicks into high gear in early spring! I am growing in 2000 square feet this year so early spring is planting season. I will be living in the greenhouse this spring to get ready for planting season.

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How has it been to be a small

Are there Catskills native plants

business owner (of a relatively

that

new business) during COVID?

enjoyed working with or hope to

Being a new small business

work with?

during

a

I really enjoyed working with

rollercoaster. There are days that

wild rose, goldenrod, elderberry,

I made zero dollars and thought

mugwort, reishi. All of these

about giving up and there are

plants made it into the shop and

days that felt like I was living my

there are some wonderful herbal

dreams. On those days I was able

goodies from my Catskill finds.

COVID

has

been

you

have

particularly

to spend time harvesting herbs, making

herbal

products

and

What’s been your most exciting

connecting with the community. I

find while foraging locally?

loved those days and that’s what

My most exciting find this year

has kept me going through this

was perfectly bloomed St. John’s

pandemic.

Wort on the summer solstice. I was able to harvest some and

Have you seen a shift in how

made the most beautiful oil I

people think of wellness due to

have seen.

the pandemic?

I think there has been a definite

If you could only grow one plant,

shift

what would it be?

in

how

people

think

about wellness. I think people

Oooh that’s a difficult one. I

are more open to the idea of

personally work with Astragalus

building a wellness practice. We

root a lot. It makes it into a

experienced so much over the

lot of my herbal blends and I

past year and people really began

incorporate it into my veggie

to rely on their wellness practice

broths as well.

to help them feel better. I have had many conversations with

What are some of your goals

people on how to build the right

for the business and broader

herbal tea for their needs. People

community?

are getting back to basics and

There are a lot of goals for The

that feels really good.

Herbal Scoop. I want to be able to grow or forage all of the herbs in

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

my shop. Each year I am expanding my growing space so one day I hope to be able to complete that goal. As a Black-owned business it’s important to me to work with

SHOW OFF YOUR CATSKILLS GEAR IN ACTION!

Black farmers and continue to build relationships and create opportunities

of

equity

and

liberation. One last goal I will share is that I hope in 2022 to host a Black Herbalist Conference at The Herbal Scoop farm!

Tag us on Facebook: @CatskillsVisitorCenter Or Instagram: @Catskills.Visitor.Center Don’t have any CATSKILLS gear yet? Visit the Catskills Visitor Center in person or online to find hoodies, hats, mugs, key tags, and more! All purchases support the work of Catskill Center. www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org

VISIT

theherbalscoop.com

to

learn more about the business and products. Find a selection of The Herbal Scoop’s herbal teas at the Catskills Visitor Center

store

and

online

at

catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

Photo by Lee Alexander

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KELLI HUGGIN S

WOMEN ON THE MAP MANY CATSKILLS TOWNS AND LANDMARKS WERE NAMED AFTER INFLUENTIAL FIGURES. BUT WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? In the mid-2010s, a series of

who

researchers around the world

settled,

began

discovered, or

were

colonized, otherwise

for

influential in them. Sexism and

their efforts to document how

the bias of those shaping our

few places are named for women

history have effectively erased the

compared to those named for

contributions of many who are

men. A team of engineers with

not men. In many cases, when a

Mapbox released a study in 2015

place is named after a woman, it

showing that in seven cities

is someone given the honor due

spanning

to their relationship to a man,

making

headlines

multiple

continents,

only 27.5% of streets bore women’s

typically a mother or wife.

names. That same year, an activist group in Paris renamed 60 streets

We don’t have data on the

in protest of the fact that only

breakdown of place name origins

2.6% of city streets were named

in the Catskills. A crowdsourced

for women (versus 31% for men).

list on Catskill Center social media

Movements have cropped up on

brought up quite a few options,

college and university campuses

but if we had asked for places

to examine namesakes of dorm

named for men or for geographic

and classroom buildings. Rebecca

features, we suspect there might

Solnit and Joshua Jelly-Schapiro’s

have been more. In the following

2016 Nonstop Metropolis: A New York

list, we have highlighted some

City Atlas includes a map imagining

of these local places named for

every

renamed

women. This is not intended to be

for a woman.This disparity has

an exhaustive list, but instead to

historical roots, of course. Places

show the variety in these name

are often named for the people

origins.

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subway

stop

2021 SENSE OF PLACE

AUGUSTA SAVAGE IMAGE: COLLECTION OF SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE, NYPL. DOT NEBEL IMAGE: PHOTO BY WERNER J. KUHN, COURTESY OF BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN. MAUDE ADAMS IMAGE: PHOTO BY EDMOND ROSTAND.

Augusta Savage Road (Saugerties): Augusta Savage was a Harlem Renaissance sculptor who moved to Saugerties in the 1940s. She was an activist and an educator.

Her Saugerties home and studio is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places and her work is in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and other museums.

Charlotte Creek and Charlotte Valley (Delaware County): In the 18th century, Sir William Johnson named his 26,000 acre land patent for British monarch Queen Charlotte (1744-1818).

Claryville (Sullivan County): Claryville was originally called Claraville, named for a local landowner’s wife.

Dot Nebel Ski Trail (Belleayre Mountain): Born in Schenectady, NY in 1905, Dorothy H. Nebel was a decorated downhill and slalom skier and a pioneer for women in the sport in the United States. Nebel also worked at Belleayre Mountain designing trails and directing the ski school. She was inducted into the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame in 1972.

Ellenville (Ulster County): Ellenville was called Fairchild City

until

Charles

Hartshorn

came to town and realized the locale needed a post office and, therefore,

an

official

name.

After debating the issue in the Hoornbeck Tavern and failing to come to a consensus, they named it for Ellen Snyder, who was in town visiting her sister, tavern owner Maria Hoornbeck.

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Leavitt Peak (Hunter):

in the late 19th and early 20th

Also known as Southwest Hunter,

centuries. Best known for being

this 3740’ peak is named for

the first actress to play Peter

Elinore and Bill Leavitt, the first

Pan on Broadway, Adams was

finishers to summit the required

very private and largely withdrew

peaks to become members of the

from the public eye by the 1920s.

Catskill 3500 Club in 1963.

She

purchased

Tannersville

an

where

estate she

in

spent

Margaretville (Delaware County):

most of her retirement. She died

The

there in 1953.

town

of

Margaretville’s

namesake was Margaret Lewis, great-granddaughter

of

land

Mt. Utsayantha (Stamford):

patent owner Robert Livingston.

Lore tells of the mountain being

She inherited the tract of land that

named for an indiginous woman

was named in her honor in 1850. It

named Utsayantha. The story was

was previously Middletown Center.

popularized in the 19th century, when the mountain became a

Mary’s Glen (Hunter):

tourist attraction for summer

The Mary of Mary’s Glen was Mary

boarders and vacationers.

Scribner, wife of Ira Scribner who owned a sawmill there.

One thing that becomes quickly apparent in studying geography is that place names are not static.

People frequently change them to better suit modern norms and tastes, to honor new people, or for various other reasons. Will we see more Catskills places named for women in the coming years? It remains to be seen. What is clear,

Maude Adams Road (Tannersville): Maude Adams, born in 1872 in Utah, was a famed stage actress

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

however, is there is no shortage of local women-- famous and not, historical and contemporary-- who could deserve such recognition.

“2020 WINTER BROOKIES” BY STEVEN WEINBERG. STEVENWEINBERGSTUDIO.COM @STEVEN_DRAWS

CATSKILL CEN T E R S T A F F

ADVOCACY UPDATE CATSKILL PARK DAY 2021: A VIRTUAL VOICE FOR THE CATSKILLS

The Catskill Center has advocated

in an organized day of advocacy in

for the Catskill region since its

Albany.

educating people, from visitors to

This year due to COVID-19, Catskill

lawmakers, about all the Catskills

Park Day looked different; however,

have to offer. One of our major

with your help, we were still able to

tools in maintaining these efforts

give the Catskills a virtual voice.

is Catskill Park Day: together with

Instead of our normal gathering

27 local groups that comprise the

of Catskill advocates in Albany,

Catskill Park Coalition, the Catskill

the Catskill Park Coalition worked

Center composes a list of the

together to schedule conference

Catskill Park and its communities’

calls with our representatives. In

fiscal needs and presents them to

collaboration with the Catskill

the governor and state legislators

Mountainkeeper, we held the first

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

PHOTO: JEFF SENTERMAN

start in 1969. That is 52 years of

ever Catskill Park Day webinar on February 9th, 2021 – 200 people tuned in to the webinar to support the Catskills.

The

Catskill

included

Park

Day

panel

Department

of

Environmental

Conservation

(DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos, NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assembly Member Aileen Gunther, Assembly Member Chris Tague, Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Deputy Director

Katherine

Nadeau,

and Catskill Center’s Executive Director Jeff Senterman. We went into the day strongly committed to a set of priorities essential for the region to thrive this year: an

increase

in

Catskill

Park

management to further ensure public

safety,

Environmental

Protection Fund (EPF) programs to enhance and protect the Catskills, and important actions to take in support of the local economy.

When asked how these requests were received at Catskill Park Day, the Catskill Center’s Stewardship

continued funding in the areas we were drawing attention to."

Although Catskill Park Day was different this year, as long as those who want to maintain the beauty of the Catskills and cultivate a healthy local economy continue to show their support, the Catskills will continue to thrive. After a record number of visitors last year, the Catskill Center is preparing for another busy season.

Catskill Park Day has set us up for a successful year of advocacy, but always remember that maintaining the well-being of the Catskill region is also every visitor’s responsibility.

& Advocacy Coordinator, Andy Mossey,

said,

"The

advocacy

season is ongoing. We feel that

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CATSKILLCENTER.ORG/ADVOCACY

the Catskills are in a good place and we should expect to see CATSKILL CENTER

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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) Dual / Family ($50) Senior/Student ($25) BENEFITS INCLUDE: SUBSCRIPTION to the Catskill Center’s quarterly Catskills magazine with news from the Catskill Center and across the Catskill Region.

10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Catskills Visitor Center, all Catskill Center facilities and Campmor in Paramus, NJ with presentation of member card.

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

EMAIL

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

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

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

AMOUNT

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

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2021 SENSE OF PLACE

ZIP

PHONE

CARD # EXPIRATION CVC

ROBERT COLLIGNON, COSMIK ICE CREAM

CATSKILL CENTER BUSINESS MEMBER SINCE 2021 When it came time to choose

where

to

give

back as part of the 1% for the Planet program, supporting the Catskill Center was the only way to go.

Five years ago, after a decade living in the city, I moved to Hobart to get closer to nature and to start a new business. I’ve always loved freeze-dried ice cream and wanted to make it with high quality ingredients, so Cosmik Ice Cream was born. After building a production facility in Margaretville, the Catskill Center connected me to other small business owners at the Great Outdoor Expo, where I found guidance and support.

Over the next few years as my business found its footing in Delaware County, I found a community and a renewed appreciation for the outdoors. The Catskill Center’s impact was felt beyond the Expo as I hiked, scaled fire towers, and visited the Erpf Gallery. And as I became more involved in the community, I saw that the Catskill Center was a constant presence at local events.

PHOTOS: COURTESY ROBERT COLLIGNON

As a small business owner, I’m proud to support the Catskill Center in their preservation and improvement of the region. It’s an honor to give back to a place that has given me so much.

- Robert Collignon

FOR MORE OF ROBERT’S STORY, VISIT WWW.CATSKILLCENTER.ORG/BLOG CATSKILL CENTER

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BUSINESS MEMBERS ALPINE ENDEAVORS

LAMONT ENGINEERS, PC

BLAIR COLLECTIBLES

LAURELSIDE 3 LLC

BUGGED OUT

LVDV OPERATIONS, INC

CAMPMOR

MARGARETVILLE TELEPHONE

CATSKILL COLLECTIBLES

COMPANY

CATSKILL REGION SURVEYING

MARK LOETE PHOTOGRAPHY

SERVICES

NEW YORK CENTRAL MUTUAL FIRE

CENTRAL CATSKILLS CHAMBER OF

INSURANCE COMPANY

COMMERCE

PART 2 EVENTS

CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC

PHOENICIA LODGE

CORP.

SAFECO ALARM SYSTEMS, INC.

CERES TECHNOLOGIES

SCHWARTZBERG & KENYON PLLC

CHAZEN ENGINEERING, LAND

SHUSTER ASSOCIATES

SURVEYING & LANDSCAPE

SILVERHOLLOW AUDIO

ARCHITECTURE CO., D.P.C.

SLUITER AGENCY, INC.

COMMUNITY BANK N.A.

SPILLIAN

COSMIK ICE CREAM

SPOTTED DOG VENTURES, INC.

ERICKSON’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

TIMOTHY TAYLOR GALLERY

FLOWING SPIRIT HEALING

TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS DISTILLERY

FOXFIRE MOUNTAIN HOUSE

VLY MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER, INC.

GREEN LABEL HOMES

WALNUT GROVE FARM

HOPE SPRINGS FARMS

WIEDENKELLER INSURANCE

HUDSON VALLEY APPRAISAL CORP.

WOODSTOCK CHIMES FUND

HUDSON VALLEY ENGINEERING PC

ZONE 4 LANDSCAPES LTD

IMMUNESHEIN, LLC

Thank you for your support.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BECOME A BUSINESS MEMBER, VISIT WWW.CATSKILLCENTER.ORG/BUSINESSMEMBERSHIP 20

2021 SENSE OF PLACE

NATURAL RESOURCES:

MARC WOLF, MOUNTAINTOP ARBORETUM

Formerly an Obie award-winning playwright and actor, Marc Wolf turned to native plants for a regeneration of sorts. After attending the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, he began working for the Mountain Top Arboretum in Tannersville – a hidden gem of the Catskills.

"I used to identify trees in my New Jersey backyard when I was seven years old. After working in the theatre in New York City for 30 years, I felt I needed to reconnect and started studying at the Botanical Garden, which reawakened my inner kid.

The Arboretum is 178 acres at an elevation of 2,400 feet, but it’s still very accessible with gardens, easy trails and boardwalks. Part of it is stunning hemlock-spruce forest. Walking through, it’s so dark but then it opens up onto a huge mountaintop marsh. It’s a breathtaking transition. The best part of the job is caring for and studying the native plants. I love tending the trails. I love working in our new Education Center. There are twenty-one tree species literally holding it up. It smells and feels like you’re in a forest. You can see the branching patterns. It’s just great to be in there."

-Marc Wolf Excerpt from Natural Resources: 50 Stewards of the Catskills, available at www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org CATSKILL CENTER

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Vintage Recipe

WAFFLES, TWO WAYS KE LLI HUGG I N S SPRING IS SYNONYMOUS WITH MAPLE SYRUP IN THE CATSKILLS. TREES ARE TAPPED IN THE LATE WINTER AND EARLY SPRING, ALLOWING MAPLE PRODUCERS TO GATHER THE SAP THAT WILL BE BOILED INTO SYRUP. ABOUT 40 GALLONS OF SAP GO INTO ONE GALLON OF MAPLE SYRUP. Waffles, with their little indents, are the

but also crisper outside. They have an

perfect vehicle with which to showcase

enticing bread-like fragrance while

Catskills maple syrup. Here are two waffle

cooking.

options, using different ingredients and yielding their own textures and tastes.

The first recipe is adapted from a 1917

2 1/4 teaspoons dry active or

recipe book published by Fleischmann’s

rapid rise yeast

Yeast. The Delaware County village of

2 cups of milk, scalded and

Fleischmanns was named for the family behind the company. The Fleischmann

cooled

family purchased property in the region

1 tablespoon sugar

in the late 1800s and invested in the place

1 tablespoon butter, melted

that would come to be incorporated in their name in 1913.

PHOTO: SARAH MCGINNIS

Yeasted Waffles

2 1/2 cups sifted flour 1 teaspoon salt

If you’re new to using yeast in baking, these waffles are a simple introduction to this ingredient. Using yeast in waffles makes them light and airy inside,

2 eggs Dissolve yeast and sugar in the lukewarm (~110 degrees) milk. Add butter, CATSKILL CENTER

23

flour, salt, and eggs and beat until smooth.

Cover and set in a warm, draft-free place for an hour. The mixture should become bubbly and rise slightly. Stir and cook on a heated, greased waffle iron.

These oatmeal waffles offer a denser, heartier alternative to a yeasted waffle. My family has been making these for decades and they are one of my favorite foods. A baking powderleavened recipe, these waffles are slightly sweet, chewy, and perfectly absorb butter and syrup.

Oatmeal Waffles 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup quick-cooking oats 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 6 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla Mix together flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add the wet mixture into the dry and stir until combined. Preheat your waffle iron and follow your individual iron’s directions.

PHOTO: MARC WOLF

I love the red maple. It is our first native tree to bloom in the spring, and I am always on the look-out for the earliest opening flowers.

The bright red clusters are beautiful up close and can light up the forest in the right light.

When I catch views of masses of red maples flowering in the valleys below, I am reassured that spring will soon reach the Arboretum’s 2400’ elevation, too.

- Marc Wolf, Mountain Top Arboretum

THE (CITIZEN) SCIENCE OF SPRING ANN PETERS For the past two years our family has volunteered with the AM&RC (Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossing) to witness and document the great amphibian migration.

This migration occurs on the wettest of nights in March and April,

and,

Citizen

Scientists

(trained volunteers) like ourselves, greatly look forward to them. For the purpose of science, we skip bedtime and don reflective gear, headlamps,

clipboards,

pencils,

and unfortunately, a spatula.

We head out to a favorite migration spot in the area and walk up and down the road for an hour or two, photographing, counting, and moving the amphibians we find across the road. My daughter (age 7) enjoys catching

26

2021 SENSE OF PLACE

the spring peeper frogs and eastern newts. My favorite find was the spotted salamander that was the size of my hand!

Seeing

pictures

of

these

creatures is one thing, but witnessing

one

scuttle

across the road with its bright spots catching the flashlights rays, is a different experience entirely.

Making

this activity a family affair requires extra safety efforts and

consideration,

but

is well worth the missed bedtime.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE AMPHIBIAN AT A TIME Interested in volunteering with the Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossing?

You can sign up for email alerts for training sessions and more information here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/51925.html Ann Peters is an avid outdoor explorer, a Rover Scout and Otter scout leader with the 91st Sojourners- BPSA, the Catskill-Woodstock Ambassador for Hike it Baby, a homeschool mom to 2 kids, and a Catskill Center volunteer. Keep an eye out for more stories from Ann on making a difference as a Citizen Scientist.

Planned Giving.

Secure the health of the Catskills for generations.

PHOTOS: ANN PETERS

catskillcenter.org/plannedgiving

YOUR LEGACY

THE FUTURE OF THE CATSKILLS CATSKILL CENTER

27

BOOKSHELF: THE CATSKILL PARK: INSIDE THE BLUE LINE Given that the Catskill forest preserve is constitutionally protected as a collection of "forever wild" natural areas, with no timber harvesting or deliberate habitat alteration allowed, one might assume that there would be no need for any kind of management or stewardship of those lands once they are acquired —that they simply need to be left alone while nature is allowed to take her course. Certainly one of the primary reasons for protecting the most mountainous lands in the state as forest preserve is to safeguard natural ecosystems and preserve whole landscapes where resources are not extracted and natural cycles may continue without interruption or disturbance. The forest preserve exists not only for the benefit of nature, however, but also for the benefit of people. The citizens of the state, who collectively own the forest preserve, demand access to these lands for outdoor recreation, nature study, and personal enjoyment and reflection.

There has been a long history of outdoor recreation in the Catskills. Long before the forest preserve was established, the mountains were filled with people who loved to fill their lungs with clean mountain air as they stretched their legs among the streams and forests. The great trout streams of the Catskills have always attracted fishermen from New York City and elsewhere, and for centuries people have turned to the hills for hunting game in the fall. Walking among the scenic areas of the mountains was a favorite pastime of the upscale clientele who stayed at the famous and numerous Catskill Mountain hotels during their heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s. After the forest preserve was created, the Catskills became home to the first hiking trail commissioned by the state (authorized in 1892), leading to the summit of the Catskills’ tallest peak—Slide Mountain. As the acreage of 28

2021 SENSE OF PLACE

the forest preserve increased over

Excerpt from The Catskill Park:

the years, and as the recovering

Inside the Blue Line, published with

and regenerating forests began to

permission from Black Dome

mature, the building of public trails

Press.

and lean-tos also increased, as did the recreational use of these public

The Catskill Park is a history of the

lands. Hiking and outdoor clubs such

Catskill Park (established 1904)

as the Appalachian Mountain Club,

and the Catskill Forest Preserve

the NY/NJ Trail Conference, and the

(established 1885). This region is

Adirondack Mountain Club came

one of the earliest experiments

to the Catskills more and more for

in environmental conservation

recreation, and the Catskill 3500 Club

in the United States, wherein

formed to recognize those people

wildlands coexist with private

who ventured to all of the highest

property within the blue line of the

peaks in the region. Today there are

Catskill Park.

over three hundred miles of marked foot trails in the Catskill Park, and

The Catskill Park: Inside the Blue

these clubs often work with the state

Line is illustrated with 32 pages

land managers on trail maintenance

of

projects and help make the Catskills

more than 70 historical and

a great place to hike and camp.

contemporary B&W photographs, and

color

photographs

includes

the

and

Carpenter

So, who determines what activities,

Report, an 1886 inventory of the

recreational

are

Catskill Mountains, including its

allowed on forest preserve lands?

streams and rivers, game forests,

Who determines which, how many,

and industry. It was originally

and where, human "improvements"

published in 2004 and has just

such as hiking trails, horse trails,

been reprinted.

or

snowmobile kiosks,

otherwise,

trails,

lean-tos,

footbridges, areas,

The Catskill Park: Inside the Blue

campgrounds, and even ski areas

Line is available from Black Dome

might be allowed and built on forest

Press and local retailers including

preserve

the Catskills Visitor Center.

land

parking

to

accommodate

the public demand for recreational access and opportunity?

CATSKILL CENTER

29

Endnote

The Catskills are ready for the

with the employment of seven

renewal of spring. Although the

stewards, as opposed to last year’s

past year has been a challenging

four, stationed at the increasingly

time for everyone, no one could

populated Peekamoose Blue Hole,

have prepared us for the way in

Kaaterskill Falls, and Platte Clove

which the pandemic urged people

Preserve.

to reconnect with nature. In 2020 our stewards greeted more than

In addition to these locations,

70,000 visitors to the Catskill Park.

one of these seven stewards will

In a time of fear, uncertainty, and

fulfill the brand-new position of

monotony, people turned to the

Ridge Runner – a highly qualified

refuge of the Catskill region.

individual

who

will

take

on

With

visitors

stewarding popular backcountry

comes an increase in the Catskill

locations throughout the Catskill

Center’s responsibility to protect

Forest Preserve. The Ridge Runner

our natural resources. Last year’s

will be a vital addition to the

massive upturn in hikers only

Catskill Center’s team by providing

reinforced the importance of the

even more coverage for the Catskill

Catskill Stewards Program for the

Park and the opportunity to interact

health and safety of everyone and

with thousands of hikers across

every acre.

Therefore, this year

the region. The Catskill Center

will see the growth of the program

is excited to further implement

30

an

increase

in

2021 SENSE OF PLACE

PHOTO: HEATHER PHELPS-LIPTON

the immense responsibility of

IN ADDITION TO MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES, WE ARE DEDICATED TO ENSURING THE CATSKILLS ARE WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE FOR EVERYONE. our

recreate

and more people come to the

responsibility and our Leave No

commitment

to

Catskills to recreate. In addition

Trace initiative with the growth of

to maintaining the integrity of our

the Stewards Program.

natural resources, we are dedicated to treating each other with respect

We expect 2021 to see just as many

and kindness and ensuring the

visitors to the Park as last year, if

Catskills

not more. Although it is wonderful

inclusive for everyone.

are

welcoming

and

to welcome all visitors – new and returning,

local

and

traveling,

Although it is the Catskill Center’s

novice and experienced – to the

responsibility to introduce and

region, we must be ready with a

implement tools to protect both

considerable increase in education

the Catskill region and its visitors,

and outreach. The age of COVID-19,

it is up to each and every one of

as well as a tough budget year,

us to uphold these values. Join me

has shifted the way we conduct

in our effort to further transition

advocacy; however, we have been

the Catskill region’s growth from

able to remain in contact with

challenge

Albany, educating lawmakers on

promoting education and outreach,

the importance of the Catskill

encouraging

Park and greater Catskill region,

protecting our natural resources

and continue the important work

for generations to come.

to

opportunity inclusivity,

by and

of ensuring the Catskills are being represented.

As a founding member of the New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition, the Catskill Center is committed

JEFF SENTERMAN

to upholding our values as more

Catskill Center Executive Director CATSKILL CENTER

31

SPRING

2021

Catskills magazine is 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