WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Recently I went away to the North Shore of Massachusetts. I heard a familiar sound I haven’t heard in about 10 years; The sound of raindrops in the forest on a sunny day. Obviously no rain, but instead falling leaf particles from munching caterpillars busy defoliating oak trees. Gypsy moth are wreaking havoc on the oak forests there; Some areas are completely stripped and reminded me of 10 years ago when the Forest Tent Caterpillar swept through the Catskills and defoliated maple trees. Speaking of which, we’re due for a return of these pesky little guys since they infest about every 10 years.
May the forest be with you,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association