MORNINGS IN ARKVILLE
CATSKILLS REPRESENT!
SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
CONTRIBUTORS WINTER 2024
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.
BRENT LERASH
Brent is the Catskill Center’s Communications Coordinator. A filmmaker with a background in natural history and conservation, Brent has worked in more than fifty countries, but is still in awe of the beauty and diversity surrounding us in the Catskill Mountains.
LISSA HARRIS
Lissa is a local freelance reporter, a volunteer firefighter, and a seventh-generation Catskills resident who moved away but was compelled to come back. She designed and laid out this issue of the magazine.
TRACY RACZEK
Tracy Raczek is a climate policy expert dedicated to multilateral processes and sustainability practices of companies, foundations, and civil society. Born in Apalachin, she spent most of her life west of NY. She and her husband returned to New York 20 years ago and divide days between NYC and their off-the-grid cabin in the Catskills.
ABOUT US: Since 1969, the Catskill Center has protected and fostered the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the Catskill region. Our mission is to ensure a bright future for the Catskills by preserving our environment, expanding our economy, and celebrating our culture.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE CATSKILL CENTER
Welcome to our new staff member!
We’re excited to welcome Sarah DiMaggio to the Catskill Center team as our new Development Associate. Sarah brings with her a strong passion for environmental conservation and justice, along with a diverse background in academia. Her commitment to the environment aligns seamlessly with the Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region. Sarah’s enthusiasm and fresh perspective make her a fantastic addition to our growing team.
SARAH DIMAGGIO, DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Sarah joined the Catskill Center in 2024, eager to make a meaningful impact in the environmental field after previously working in higher education. She is passionate about environmental conservation and justice, believing that we are all connected through our sh ared environments and we must work together to make a difference.
Sarah is an avid climber and hiker and since coming to the Catskills, has also taken up biking as a new way to experience and appreciate the beauty of the region. She earned her PhD in Phil osophy from Vanderbilt University in 2022 before teaching courses on environmental philosophy and climate justice at Sarah Lawrence College for two years. She is excited to bring this experience to the Catskill Center and grateful to be able to call New York home.
As a climber, hiker, and now a biker in the Catskills, Sarah is eager to deepen her connection to the region while applying her knowl edge and experience to further our work. With her commitment to fost ering meaningful connections between people and the environment, we a re confident that Sarah will play a key role in advancing our miss ion and strengthening our community’s engagement with the Catskills . We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to many great things to come!
Have a question about development at the Catskill Center?
Contact Sarah: sdimaggio@catskillcenter.org.
FEATURED ARTIST: NATALIE WARGIN
Natalie Wargin is a nature and landscape painter based in Cottekill, New York. Her paintings are narratives, each telling a story of the Hudson Valley landscape, focusing especially on the birds and animals that cross her path daily.
Following a move from Chicago to upstate New York, she discovered a completely different and surprising environment. Concrete and highrises gave way to woodland and farmland and mountains. The connection Natalie feels to her new home has taught her to open her eyes and connect. She also concedes the influence of her dog. Tilly stops to sniff, Natalie pauses a moment to look around.
"I paint what I see. I paint what I love. The Hudson Valley landscape and the birds and animals I encounter everyday. My house, my dog. And I write about each painting, telling the tale of what I’ve painted and perhaps guiding the viewer to see details that might be overlooked."
Natalie has a degree in Communications Design from the University of Illinois. She had a graphic design studio in Chicago for over twenty-five years, working with both corporate and non-profit clients, designing for product and print. She began painting in 2013 and began exhibiting her work in 2017 in local and national shows.
Find Natalie’s work on her website at www.nataliewargin.com or see work in progress on Instagram @nataliewargin2.0. You can also see her work in person at the Roxbury Art Center from November 2 through January 11, 2025.
Read Natalie’s stories at www.nataliewargin.com/blog.
TOP: SMOKE FAZE (ACRYLIC ON CLAYBOARD, 2022). BOTTOM: THE LETTER (ACRYLIC ON CLAYBOARD, 2022).
PREVIOUS PAGE: THREE BEARS (ACRYLIC ON CLAYBOARD, 2024).
HONORING SOJOURNER TRUTH AND AFRICAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO
THE CATSKILLS LEGACY
An interview with Dr. Cesi Davidson
Dr. Cesi Davidson is a playwright, scholar, and speech language pathologist. In 2021, she began on a journey of memorializing the contributions of Africans and their descendants to the region through the Commemorative Bricks Project at the Catskills Visitor Center, beginning with Sojourner Truth. Here she discusses her journey and her vision.
Q: What is your personal connection to the Catskills, and how has this region shaped your artistic or personal journey?
A: Like most people who choose to live in this region, I treasure and I’m grateful for the beauty, wildlife, and terrain of the Catskills. I’m inspired by and renewed by nature. I’ve authored five anthologies of plays: Articulation, Fricatives, Bilabials, Stop Plosive, and America Acirema. All the books have stories with plants, or animals given human characteristics.
Q: How did you first become interested in Sojourner Truth’s life and legacy and what has been your journey so far?
A: Sojourner Truth has been a part of my consciousness since I first learned to read. My parents encouraged pride in our cultural heritage while recognizing our brotherhood with people of all ethnicities. Although Sojourner Truth wasn’t mentioned in the textbooks at the time, I was fortunate to have some teachers who infused Black history into the curriculum. I have a body of work on Sojourner Truth’s legacy which includes five plays, essays, and lecture notes. The first play was commissioned by Urban Stages in New York City and toured in libraries, schools, and stages for about five years. I’ve continued to write plays that have been presented in public spaces. Raw Truth, Tall as a Tree, Raw Truth: Family Tribute, Mijn Kudde (My Flock),and It’s a New Day Isabella. Each play embraces specific aspects of Sojourner Truth’s life and her legacy. Raw Truth: Family Tribute was presented at the Walkway Over the Hudson in 2022. I was recognized by the Ulster County Legislature with a Pride of Ulster County proclamation for this work. It’s a New Day Isabella was recently presented in Port Ewen at the site of the young Sojourner Truth statue. Mijn Kudde-My Flock, will be published early in 2025. I’m always making new discoveries and continuing the writing.
Q: Can you share how the idea for the Sojourner Truth Memorial Brick Project came about? What inspired you to take the lead on this initiative?
A: Whenever I came to visit, I admired the commemorative walk. I thought it was a beautiful way to honor people we respected and who contributed to the region. I noticed that the Catskill Visitor Center didn’t have any representations of Africans or their descendants in any form. It’s sometimes important to have a physical representation of history to spark the interest of others. I could be the fire starter for that spark.
Q: Why did you choose the Catskills Visitor Center as the location for this memorial? What significance does this place hold in Sojourner Truth’s life and your own work?
A: I didn’t go looking. I was led here.
Q: In what ways do you feel memorializing Sojourner Truth and her allies here in Ulster County can impact visitors and the local community?
A: To my knowledge, this is the only place in the region where Sojourner Truth and her known family members are memorialized in one place. The people of the Hudson Valley have a shared history that includes Indigenous, Black, and white people. We should embrace that history and allow that history to inform us how we can thrive together. The bricks here focus on individuals who assisted Sojourner Truth’s first walk to freedom with her infant Sophia in the fall of 1826. At that time, she identified herself as Isabella, the name given to her by her parents Mau-Mau Bett (Elizabeth) and Bomefree (James). Sojourner Truth self-emancipated from enslaver John Dumont. He refused to keep his promise to free her one year prior to the legalized end of slavery in New York state July 4, 1827. Levi Roe was the first person she encountered for help. He guided her to Isaac & Maria Van Wagenen. She lived with these good Samaritans as a free woman and assumed their last name.
Q: Sojourner Truth’s journey from enslavement to becoming an activist is remarkable. What aspects of her story do you feel are most important for people to remember, especially in today’s context?
A: Sojourner Truth was an activist before she was acknowledged, recognized and celebrated. Her dying of natural causes - not being murdered - her survival, our individual survival, is activism. Too often we look at achievements only and we neglect to remember the character that facilitated that achievement. All her life is important. My current research focuses on her African heritage, childhood, family life, and transformation into womanhood.
Q: What role do you see this memorial playing in the broader landscape of education and remembrance, particularly regarding Black history in the region?
A: Let’s speak of American history and the continuing myths that enslavement was limited in New York State and not as cruel as the institution as that practiced in the southern United States. Let the memorial remind us that cruelty has no place in this nation. Let’s be reminded that freedom is an ideal we must work for daily. Let’s remember that our treasured Catskills has been supported by many people. People are the greatest natural resource.
Q: How does this project fit within the larger narrative of honoring underrepresented historical figures in the Catskills and Ulster County?
A: There are so many voices to be uncovered and honored. The bricks here are only a beginning. For example, there is a brick here now for Robert S. Duncanson (1821-1872). He was a landscape painter of the Hudson River school of art. Now that we acknowledge that he was inspired by the beauty of the Hudson Valley and that his work achieved international acclaim, how do we use that information? How can we learn from the garden journal entries of James F. Brown (1793-1868) who is also honored here? He wrote about his relationships with plants and included notes about becoming free from enslavement.
Q: What do you hope visitors take away from their experience when they see the memorial? What lasting impact do you want this to have on the community and those who visit the Catskills Visitor Center?
A: A brick by itself is just a name. Perhaps it may represent an individual you may or may not know. My vision is that that brick project will increase education, understanding, and insightful conversation. This reach can happen with programming including performance art, podcasts, and live lectures. The possibilities are endless. The goal is community outreach that builds community brick by brick.
For more information on Dr. Davidson’s work, visit: www.articulationny. com.
BLAZING A NEW KIND OF TRAIL
WALKWAY AT CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER HONORS
LOCAL INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
The staff of the Congressmen Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center has begun lining the front walkway with bricks sponsored by local donors, businesses, and organizations, engraved with customized messages that honor the people, traditions, and rich history of the Catskills. A limited number of 4x8” and 8x8” bricks are still available - see details on the following page. Brick sponsorships are greatly appreciated to help support the Catskill Center in maintaining and operating the Catskills Visitor Center.
CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER BRICK WALKWAY
I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A 4X8 BRICK FOR $250
I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE AN 8X8 BRICK FOR $500
NAME:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
PLEASE ENGRAVE MY BRICK AS FOLLOWS:
4X8 BRICK - 3 LINES WITH MAXIMUM 18 CHARACTERS PER LINE
8X8 BRICK - 6 LINES WITH MAXIMUM 18 CHARACTERS PER LINE
ANY SYMBOL IS CONSIDERED ONE SPACE. ALL TEXT WILL BE CENTERED.
TEXT IS SUBJECT TO STAFF REVIEW AND APPROVAL.
ORDER BY MAIL: MAIL IN THIS FORM WITH YOUR CHECK, PAYABLE TO CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER, PO
WINTER HOURS
DECEMBER
1 – MARCH 31
Open Fri.-Mon. | 9:30 AM–4:00 PM
Seasonal hours are for the Catskills Visitor Center building, where our knowledgeable staff can assist you with area information. The grounds are open to the public every day during daylight hours.
THANK YOU BUSINESS MEMBERS!
We would like to recognize these businesses for their generosity. When you do business with them, you support the Catskill Center and the entire region.
BUSINESS LEADERS ($5,000+)
CATSKILL WATERSHED CORPORATION
CLEAN PATH NY
MARGARETVILLE TELEPHONE CO.
BUSINESS PARTNERS ($1,000+)
BANK OF GREENE COUNTY
FOXFIRE MOUNTAIN HOUSE
JILL C. SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
KINSHIP PHOTO
LAMONT ENGINEERS, PC
LVDV OPERATIONS, INC.
NATIVE ROGUE MEDIA LLC
BUSINESS FRIENDS ($500+)
CAMP CATSKILL
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN QUILTER GUILD
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORP.
CONE ZERO CERAMICS SCHOOL
DEER MOUNTAIN INN
EMINENCE ROAD FARM WINERY
ERICKSON’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
BUSINESS STEWARDS ($250+)
ADAMS FAIRACRE FARMS
ALPINE ENDEAVORS
AUGUSTINE NURSERY
CATSKILL HERITAGE REALTY
CESI WRITES BY CECELIA DAVIDSON
COUNTRY HOME SECURITY
DESIGNS BY DEBORAH
EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTSALBANY
BUSINESS MEMBERS ($100+)
ALCHEMY FARMHOUSE
BELLEAYRE
CLOVE & CREEK
DANDELION RESTAIURANT AT EAST
F5
FIRST BLOOM CORNER STORE
GLOBAL FOUNDRIES
LAUGHING GUT KOMBUCHA
PARKS PROJECT
PLATTE CLOVE COMMUNITY
SLUITER AGENCY, INC.
SPOTTED DOG VENTURES LLC
STONE AND SAWYER
THE ASHOKAN CENTER
WEST KILL BREWING
HIKE ON GUIDES
HOTEL LILIEN
INSIDE THE LINE: THE CATSKILL
MOUNTAINS PODCAST
LABELLA ASSOCIATES
MID HUDSON VALLEY FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION
PEEKAMOOSE RESTAURANT
ESCAPE HOSPITALITY
GINGER WORKS - HIGH MEADOW
CATSKILLS
HANNAFORD
HATCHET OUTDOOR SUPPLY CO.
HUDSON VALLEY APPRAISAL CORP.
O’CONNOR FARM FLOWERS
OTTO & FRIENDS
PKBROWN WOODWORKING
LAURELSIDE 1 LLC
MOUNTAIN’S BOUNTY LLC
PANCHO VILLAS
PEPACTON STUDIO
PHOENICIA LODGE
RAIL EXPLORERS PHOENICIA
RESTAINO DESIGN -LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE P.C.
RYAN & RYAN INSURANCE
SAFECO ALARM SYSTEMS, INC.
SILVER HOLLOW AUDIO
SULLIVAN COUNTY VISITORS
ASSOCIATION
THE RUNNING KIND
PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN SKI CENTER &
BIKE PARK
PRICE CHOPPER
SCHWARTZBERT & KENYON PLLC
STEWART’S SHOPS CORPORATION
THE NEVERSINK ASSOCIATION
WOODSTOCK FIELD TO VASE
WOODSTOCK WINES & LIQUORS
BROKERS
SHAWANGUNK VALLEY
CONSERVANCY
SOYUZIVKA HERITAGE CENTER
SPOTIFY
STRICKLAND HOLLOW
ZEN MOUNTAIN MONASTERY, INC.
ZONE4 LANDSCAPES
For more information visit catskillcenter. org/businessmembership
MORNINGS CAFE
ARKVILLE FINDS A NEW FAVORITE
Just one year ago, Mornings Cafe and Market opened its doors in Arkville, New York, bringing Korean cafe culture to the heart of the Catskills. Founded by Christina Kim and her husband Eric, the cafe has quickly become a local favorite, known for its warm atmosphere, creative dishes, and unique marketplace.
For Christina, the inspiration behind Mornings was rooted in a connection to both her heritage and community. "We dreamed of bringing Korean cafe culture to this beautiful town and building a gathering place for the community we love so much," she explains. Drawn to Arkville by its charm and the potential of their spacious building, Christina and Eric saw an opportunity to create a space that would complement the hamlet’s other long-established businesses like the Caboose, Union Grove Brewstillery, and the Delaware and Ulster Railroad.
With a background as a Creative Director, Christina embraced the chance to design every detail of Mornings, from the logo to the menu. The dishes reflect her family’s South Korean roots, combining traditional flavors with approachable presentations. Bowls inspired by everyday meals at Christina’s table—like bulgogi, rice, and vegetable side dishes—offer a taste of
Korean home cooking. Their pastries also delight with an unexpected twist, tapping into memorable flavors from Christina’s childhood.
The market at Mornings is similarly a whimsical extension of Christina’s personal taste. Shoppers find an eclectic selection of gourmet groceries, playful novelty items, and Korean skincare. Ube pancake mix, unique popcorn flavors, and quirky candles like the Tinned Fish Candle have quickly become favorites.
Since its soft opening on October 2, 2023, Mornings Cafe and Market has grown into a vibrant gathering space, thanks to the support of the Arkville community. "We’re so thankful to everyone who’s popped their head in, tried a coffee, or had a meal here," Christina says. "We feel so grateful to have found a footing in the community."
Listening to customers has been a priority in this first year. The Kims have made adjustments while staying true to their vision, like tweaking the menu to offer more seasonal dishes and adding new specialty drinks. As they adapt, their connection with the community continues to deepen.
As Mornings celebrates its first anniversary, Christina and Eric are excited for what’s to come. They plan to host more community events, collaborate with local creators, and continue evolving their menu with the seasons. This winter, visitors can look forward to warming up with new hot noodle soups and seasonal lattes like Salted Maple Cinnamon.
Reflecting on the journey, Christina’s pride in Mornings shines through. She credits the community and her family—especially her mother Aekyung, the cafe’s baker, and Eric’s mother, Young Ha, their "recipe guru"—for making it all possible.
In just one year, Mornings Cafe and Market has become more than a place to eat and shop—it’s become a cornerstone of Arkville, bridging cultures and creating new connections in the Catskills.
To find more information about upcoming events and seasonal menu items, visit www.cafemornings.com.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION:
BRINGING THE CATSKILLS TO THE CAPITOL
Advocacy isn’t just about politics—it’s about shaping what’s possible for the places we love. By securing critical support, the Catskill Center ensures that both our lands and communities continue to thrive, today and for years to come.
The Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the Catskills goes beyond trails and visitor centers. A significant part of this work takes place in Albany, where our team advocates tirelessly for policy and funding that support the region’s lands, waters, and communities. This work isn’t just
about long meetings and legislative sessions—it’s about creating a future where the Catskills continue to thrive for generations.
In the 2024/2025 New York State budget, the Catskill Center’s advocacy helped secure a record-breaking $10 million for the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserves. This funding will support stewardship efforts to maintain the integrity and resilience of our trails, enhance visitor services at the Catskills Visitor Center (CVC), and advance scientific research in the region.
With a $2 million increase from the previous year, this budget reflects growing recognition of the Catskills’ value as both a natural and community resource.
These wins don’t happen overnight. They’re the result of persistent work and strong partnerships. As co-chair of the Forest Preserve Advocates alongside the Adirondack Mountain Club, the Catskill Center helped lead the charge for this historic funding.
One major outcome of this increased support is an additional $50,000 for the Catskills Visitor Center. This funding boost allows the CVC to expand services, welcoming even more visitors and deepening their connection to the region. As the only official visitor center for the Catskill Park, the CVC serves as a gateway to the Catskills—a place where people come to learn, plan their adventures, and discover a new appreciation for the region’s natural and cultural history.
Another key win is increased funding for the Catskill Stewards Program. Our dedicated Stewards are a vital presence at busy trailheads and outdoor hotspots across the Catskills, promoting safe and responsible recreation. The $50,000 boost in this year’s budget supports the expansion of their work, ensuring that as more people discover the beauty of the Catskills, they’re equipped with the knowledge to respect and preserve it.
The Catskill Center’s advocacy also secured an $80,000 increase for the Cary Institute’s Catskill Science Collaborative. This support enables crucial research and environmental monitoring, providing the data needed to address emerging challenges like invasive species and climate change. It’s an investment in understanding and protecting the Catskills’ future.
Beyond individual projects, the Catskill Center’s efforts in Albany play a role in state-wide initiatives. This year’s budget included continued funding for Clean Water Infrastructure, Climate Smart Communities, Smart Growth, and Connect Kids grants. These victories reflect the Catskill Center’s broader mission to advocate not just for the Catskills, but for all New Yorkers who benefit from clean water, healthy forests, and access to outdoor spaces.
While this year’s achievements are significant, the work is far from over. The Catskill Center will continue advocating in Albany, growing its partnerships, and pushing for the investments needed to sustain both the natural landscape and the people who call this region home. From funding for new trail projects to enhancing scientific research, the Catskill Center remains focused on a brighter future for the Catskills.
Learn how you can help support our efforts at: www.catskillcenter.org/support
RENT WINTER GEAR AT THE CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER
Forgot your trekking poles? Didn’t expect an icy ascent to the mountaintop?
The Catskills Visitor Center has you covered with winter gear essentials ready for rent!
Choose from trail crampons, snowshoes, trekking poles, and more.
Stop by the Catskills Visitor Center at 5096 NY-28 in Mount Tremper or visit www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals for a full list of gear and pricing.
THE WOODS WATCH:
SPOTTING CLIMATE CHANGE
IN THE CATSKILLS WITH LONGTIME LOCALS
By Tracy Raczek
Cracks in the sedimentary shale of the Catskills have birthed hundreds of hillside springs that trickle and surge depending on the season, slope and rainfall. On walks through the forest it is a powerful temptation to creep towards the gurgling call of these springs. To leave the forest’s deep, dry shadows and charge into the direct sunlight of these miniature bogs. But I resign to step my boot backwards again to not disturb the delicate ecosystem.
I have spent decades serving the environment and sorting through climate solutions, spending many years in the woods of the mid and western United States. But I am a relative newcomer to the Catskills. And so, to better understand these hills and the Catskill ecosystems, I rely not only on science but on good-natured neighbors to reveal their phenological observations—seasonal patterns that only locals know: the first snow each winter, the first ramps of spring, and which tree typically buds before another.
My neighbor Gianni was the first person to mention maples ailing in our area. He and his wife, Angela, walk the forest daily. Each of them often reverently recites a tree’s species as they pass. Gianni—a consummate woodworker who has painstakingly crafted trees into art, furniture, and a home—is a retired cell biologist who emphatically claims to be a pure empiricist. Yet he will fawn over a gall as if it were a newborn. And he will extol a tree’s unique qualities as if it were his very own—and very perfect— grandchild. His voice sometimes cracks, distraught, when he speaks of the maples’ ailments in a hilltop grove he visits regularly.
I now notice these maples struggling on our land. The maples’ crowns are increasingly barren of leaves and paltrier each spring, as if pelted by a recent hail that never came. Their roots seem somehow disconnected from the underworld. But these maples are not unique. Many maple species— from northern Wisconsin to Maine—are declining due to the warming climate. Heavier rainfalls and warmer shoulder seasons stress the trees. Less snowpack in winter exposes the roots to cold snaps. And although some maple species will fare better than others, with sugar maples faring worse of all, their overall domain is expected to recede northward as the decades and warming continue.
Ash trees are faring no better. The emerald ash borer—on a steady march through the mid-Atlantic and now in 36 states—is projected to forever change the understory and autumn palette of eastern forests. In lockstep with invasive bark beetles of the Western US and Canada these insects are surviving warming winters without the steady deep freezes of past years and are, combined, killing tens of millions of acres of trees each year. Hikers, hunters, sugar-makers and so many others bear witness to this demolition.
This includes Mary, who after decades in the Catskills, knows these woods well. When she was younger she rode her Icelandic pony atop the cliff above our cabin and, until last year, often rode the rolling roads of our county in her horse-drawn two-wheeled carriage, with hands gnarled like the branches of an old apple tree from years of holding the reins. When she stopped to visit, and I stood below her, she appeared fused to her horse-drawn carriage like a centaur and frequently fell into a trance with local knowledge and folklore cascading down—of the disappearing blueberry bushes on the ridgetop; of the well run dry near the abandoned stone foundation; and of the birds singing for berries that she hopes will surround the soggy green meadows for years after she is gone. Whenever our paths cross, I steel myself to remember as much as possible—for my next ramble up to the ridgetop in search of any remaining blueberry bushes. On my way to the ridge, I will pull out invasive plants as best I can, disturb the least I can, and pay careful attention to signs of change.
Credit: A version of this article originally appeared in Appalachia, Volume 73.
Tracy Raczek is a climate policy expert dedicated to multilateral processes and sustainability practices of companies, foundations, and civil society. Born in Apalachin, she spent most of her life west of NY. She and her husband returned to New York 20 years ago and divide days between NYC and their off-the-grid cabin in the Catskills.
Become a Member
Individual ($35)
Dual / Family ($50)
Senior/Student ($25)
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
SUBSCRIPTION to the Catskill Center’s Catskills magazine with news from the Catskill Center and across the Catskill Region.
10% DISCOUNT on purchases at the Catskills Visitor Center and all Catskill Center facilities with presentation of member card.
MEMBER-ONLY INVITATIONS to special events, activities, and opportunities.
ACCESS TO THE CATSKILL CENTER ARCHIVES at the Erpf Center in Arkville. Please contact the Catskill Center to schedule an appointment.
MEMBER PACKAGE
Members receive a membership package in the mail, including a member card and a Catskill Center cling sticker.
Your tax-deductible donation supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the Catskill region.
Catskillcenter.org/membership
Or complete this form and mail to:
CATSKILL CENTER
P.O. BOX 504
ARKVILLE, NY 12406 NAME
MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
$35 — Individual
$50 — Dual / Family
$25 — Senior/Student
$100 — Partnering member
$250 — Benefactor
$500 — Leadership Circle
$1,000 — President’s Circle
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY IN THE CATSKILLS
Planning for the future means safeguarding what matters most. With an estate plan, you can ensure the well-being of your loved ones, protect cherished possessions, and continue supporting the places you love—like the Catskills.
By including the Catskill Center in your plans, you help secure our work to protect and preserve this unique region for generations to come.
Ask your financial advisor about the many tax benefits of planned gifts when you consult with them on including the Catskill Center in your estate and make your commitment to the Catskills a lasting legacy.
Learn more at catskillcenter.org/plannedgiving
ENDNOTE - THE POWER OF PLACE
The Catskills are truly a magical place, something that I am constantly reminded of when I’m in the mountains and when I’m away. Whether it’s seeing the northern lights dance above the peaks, or hearing a story from someone about what the Catskills means to them when I’m well away from the mountains, the Catskills mean something to everyone who has ever been here, even if only for a day.
Whether it’s hiking, skiing, paddling, enjoying a local beer, visiting a festival, walking a main street, or a hundred other activities, once you are in the Catskills, the Catskills are inside of you. It’s that special magic of the mountains that now more than 55 years ago brought together the founders of the Catskill Center and created, still to this day, the only regional organization dedicated to protecting the sense of place that the Catskills offers. We understand that the Catskills are the mountains, the forests, the waters, the people, and the communities. That interrelationship of so many natural and human factors is what drives the uniqueness of this place and is why the ongoing mission of the Catskill Center to protect and enrich the environmental, cultural, and economic resources of the Catskills is so important.
That work takes many forms, but we focus on three major areas. We collaborate and advocate, we inspire, and we protect.
Today at the Catskill Center we are the leading organization advocating for this region in Albany and in the last three years have brought tens of millions of dollars to the Catskill Park, Forest Preserve, local communities,
and local organizations through these efforts. We have created and supported dozens of collaborative efforts across the region, including our leadership of the Catskill Park Coalition and the Catskill Park Advisory Committee.
We welcome more than a hundred thousand visitors annually at the Catskills Visitor Center and through our Catskill Stewards Program. We welcome them to the Catskills, offer a sense of place, and provide them with the knowledge and tools to responsibly enjoy this beautiful region.
When it comes to protection, we own and manage two public preserves, oversee more than a thousand acres of conservation easements, protect creekside lands to enhance water quality, and protect the Catskills from invasive plant and animal species that threaten our forests and our waters.
But all of this takes resources and lots of hard work by the dedicated staff of the Catskill Center. That’s where you come in! By supporting the Catskill Center, you are the future of the Catskills, ensuring we continue to protect and enrich our region.
In this season of giving, please support the Catskill Center. Every dollar you give unlocks $20 more dollars of investment through grants, foundations, and government contracts. None of that investment happens though without you, as your donation and ongoing support is key to unlocking all of our efforts to protect and enrich the Catskills.
JEFF SENTERMAN Catskill Center Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development PO Box 504 43355 State Highway 28 Arkville, NY 12406 A periodical celebrating New York State’s glorious Catskills, delivered directly to Catskill Center members.