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
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Maples are finally letting go of their leaves down here in central Ulster County. Now it’s the oaks turn. White oak and red oak are beginning to turn a beautiful burgundy red. The Hudson Valley seems pretty late this year for foliage; some treesContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Dr. Mike Kudish (Author of “The Catskill Forest: A History”) had me out looking for 2 extremely rare tree species over the weekend in a large swamp in Ulster County for his upcoming Kaatskill Life article. More common up north in the Adirondacks, blackContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Found one of the largest black cherry trees I’ve seen yet, high up in the mountains. How many bears have climbed this tree over the years to get to its cherries? How many hunters/hikers have passed by it? It may have started growing afterContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Went out October 1st for the Opening Day of bow season. Saw a spike and a button-buck about 50 yards away & nothing else; that’s okay. Wasn’t really in the mood to harvest anything anyway. If nothing else, just hanging out in a treeContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? I was with my girls a week or so ago & found myself walking around with them in an empty parking lot. Off to the side was a sycamore tree growing in some small woods between the parking lot & nearby train tracks. LoContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Got a new son, got a new gun; both arrived within days of each other at about 7 pounds a piece & I couldn’t be happier about it. Maybe one day, Tanner Trapani will take his first deer using this same gun. We’ll see.Continue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Took my 4-year old daughter–Metta Mae–for a walk last night. Found some autumnberries (Elaeagnus umbellata). I said, “They might be a little bitter right now & need more time to ripen.” Metta says, “I think they’re sweet; I love them.” She scarfed ’em downContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Yesterday, I noticed my favorite red maple began shedding its green for fall’s reds. If you saw this red maple in front of my house, you would wonder why it’s not firewood; it’s a pretty beat up little tree. But, it has some ofContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Just checked out 2 mulberry trees I planted near Margaretville 7 or so years ago; finally seeing some fruit & perhaps the only 2 young mulberry trees around. I have seen older ones up Dry Brook Road. If nothing else, this tree is oneContinue Reading