WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Went for a hike up on Sam’s Point–Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Shawangunk Ridge–last weekend. Haven’t been up there in a while. One photo shows the aftermath of a fire, leaving behind pitch pine and lowbush blueberry; 2 species highly adapted to frequent fire. The other photo shows how dense this mountain can get without fire. That scrub oak sure is difficult to bushwack through. The last photo shows remnants of the mid-20th Century blueberry pickers who used to burn this mountain to foster the growth of blueberries. Things sure have changed.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association