WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Monday, February 4th marked the opening of the 2019 maple season in Samsonville, Ulster County; Nearly 1 week later than last year’s start. Last week’s cold temperatures make it seem unbelievable, but the forecast is showing milder weather and today will be in theContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Stuck in meetings for two days in Suffern, Rockland County for the New York State Arborists Winter Conference. Two of the meetings spoke about the looming threat–now in PA–from spotted lantern fly. This pretty insect sucks the sap right out of trees and createsContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? The Apple Tree Pruning season is well underway & so is winter. Ice, snow, & wind are coming & with that comes tree damage. Pruning trees not only helps reallocate sunlight onto the healthiest branches, but also can improve shape & overall sturdiness. ForContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Are deer hungry? They sure are. John & I finished pruning these 2 apple trees and moved to the other side of the yard when 3 deer popped out and began browsing the fresh apple buds. They must have been patiently waiting for usContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? And the award goes to–The Husqvarna 562 XP chainsaw with a 20″ bar. I’ve heard some mixed reviews in its durability department, but this is the most comfortable and ergonomic chainsaw I’ve ever used. It’s also priced modestly and the weight to power is justContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Well, it’s about 50 degrees outside in central Ulster County and I’m betting this sugar maple is thinking about running on this New Year’s Day. Last year, I tapped early in January, and probably could make syrup this first week in January since temperaturesContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Christmas tree time; Picked my balsam fir up at Bell’s Christmas Tree Farm near Accord, Ulster County. The Bell Family spends all year growing them, and on the day of your cutting, will shake it free of debris & bundle it for the rideContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Learned a great tip @ last year’s Deer Processing Demonstration from Jake Rosa that I used this year while cutting up my deer. After skinning the deer, take a small blow torch & lightly burn away all the hair that sticks to the frontContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Winter seems to have come early to the Catskills this year. Took a walk up to Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower a couple of weeks ago and winter has definitely set in there. The tops of mountains seem to have anywhere from 1 to 1.5Continue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? This season I got a chance to hunt the Shawangunk Ridge. I have never seen so much bear sign in my life. I must have crossed (no exaggeration) about a dozen bear tracks. Seemed like more bear than deer! Some were small, some medium,Continue Reading