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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? It’s been a while since I found a big one like this. Until a few days ago, things were pretty dry from the lack of rain. After that first measurable rainfall, this big guy popped up–a giant puffball. They are edible when white andContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Got another chance to help out on a prescribed burn yesterday (October 10th) at the Albany Pine Bush. We burned 6 acres beneath a powerline corridor to reduce woody growth encroachment, encourage warm-season grasses and forbs, and wild blue lupine. Tyler Briggs is theContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Streams are pretty low right now. Since I normally go for trout found in streams, I haven’t fished since early summer due to low flow. Trout are stressed when streams are down, probably due to higher stream temperatures, lower oxygen levels, and less foodContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? The kids look cute on their first day of school last week but notice the background. September marks the beginning signs of fall’s “golden rays.” I’m mesmerized by the golden appearance these rays cast through the trees, especially as fall foliage unfurls. Oak’s deepContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Highly recommend planting Asian pear if you want a relatively low-maintenance fruit tree and have subpar soils (i.e. clay). This tree seems to tolerate (not like) drought and wetter soils better than apple. It also has suffered fewer pest issues, like this year’s leafContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? As some of you may already know, beech leaf disease is making its way through the Catskills, finishing off trees that have already been suffering from beech bark disease. Beech leaf disease attacks both American beech and copper or European beech; This is theContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? After climbing this mountain, this butterfly just wouldn’t leave me alone. Most are aware that butterflies go after nectar, but they also will seek out salt from a perspiring human. Apparently, some believe there are spiritual reasons butterflies land on one, such as: GoodContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Here’s an example of “old growth” in the Catskills. The photo doesn’t do it too much justice, but this is a small stand–less than 3 acres–of old hemlock and red spruce at around 3,000 feet in elevation. Just below this area are some remnantsContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? How awesome are the roots of this old growth red spruce tree? This ancient spruce was found growing at around 3,000 feet on some rocky ground. The photo doesn’t do it much justice, but it was pretty storybook looking for sure.  May the ForestContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Yellow birch is an interesting tree. For me, it’s the ability to metamorphosize bark over time. When it’s young, the bark appears a shiny, papery gold. An old tree’s bark resembles that of a black cherry, kind of like burnt potato chips, but completelyContinue Reading