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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Just beginning to collect scionwood (apple cuttings) for CFA’s upcoming Apple Tree Grafting Program. Been down @ Schoonmaker’s Farm in Accord, Ulster County; these are some hard-working people generous enough to let me take some cuttings; they have a great farm stand too (SaunderskillContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? When temperatures are this cold, my woodpile seems to noticeably shrink each day. Temperatures have been sub-zero for a few days now in a row. Before apparently warming up, temperatures are supposed to dip to -10 or lower in the higher elevations. Makes youContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Cut down a Fraser fir for a Christmas tree a couple weeks ago at Bell’s Christmas Tree Farm in Accord, Ulster County. Some of these trees are over 10 years old. The amount of care that goes into these trees each year (for manyContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Been busy making some “Doe-essence” soap for Christmas this year. Deer fat may not “melt in your mouth” like beef or pork fat does, but is seems to make a pretty hardy soap. Just make sure to render that fat first & have someContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? First snowfall of the year here in central Ulster County. One of my favorite things about fresh snow is the literal “track records” it leaves behind; now we know where the animals go.   May the forest be with you, Ryan Trapani Director ofContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? “Volcano mulch.” Been seeing quite a bit of it lately while walking around. Volcano mulch is mulch that is piled up deeply around a newly planted tree. Although this might look aesthetically pleasing, it can cause butt rot and rooting issues as well. MulchContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? “Don’t kill deer daddy; that’s mean.” How does a father respond to such a statement from his 4-year old daughter? I empathize with fathers who give up hunting to placate their children. But, I think to myself she’s 4 years old & besides, sheContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? I was out near White Lake, Sullivan County last week examining some hemlock trees. I think many are familiar with Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) & their devastating impact on hemlock trees. However, these trees were mostly absent of HWA. Instead they were riddled withContinue Reading

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? The maple trees have now long turned yellow and red and dropped their leaves. Last week I mentioned how oak were then reaching peak foliage. Now, it’s the American beech’s turn. Their foliage can be surprisingly good. Sometimes they just turn brown, but thisContinue Reading