October 13 and 14th, there will be two public programs,

one indoors and one outdoors,

focused on the Catskill forest with Dr. Michael Kudish

Saturday, Oct. 13 at 4:30pm “First Growth Forest in Our Backyard”, an introduction with Dr. Kudish.

Hiking on nearby sections of the Finger Lakes Trail over Cabot, Middle, and Mary Smith Mountains north of Lew Beach, Dr. Kudish realized much of the summit ridges had never been farmed, barked, burned or logged, making them the westernmost significant first-growth tree stands in the Catskills.

When asked why first growth forest is special, Kudish said: “They are rare, so people enjoy seeing these relics of the past. They provide spiritual and aesthetic inspiration for artists, photographers, musicians, poets, writers, philosophers, and they are ecologically simpler than forests disturbed by people, so they serve as controls in forest studies.” For Dr. Kudish “first growth gives me much more insight into what the original forests looked like thousands of years ago.”

 

Sunday, Oct. 14th at 1:00 – 3:30pm “Field Trip to First Growth Forest”

Hike up a nearby Catskill trail to first growth forest near the summit! Moderate difficulty uphill. 3 miles roundtrip. Leave from Morgan Outdoors at 1:00pm. Hike limited to 12 people, so register early at 845 439 5507 or by email [email protected].

 

Dr. Kudish, Professor Emeritus at Paul Smith’s College, is the foremost authority on the Catskill forests, and author of the recently reprinted “The Catskill Forest, A History”. We will have copies of the book available.

To reserve a seat for Oct. 13th, call 845 439 5507, as seating is limited.

 

Concurrently on display at Morgan Outdoors is the exhibition “Streams: Art in Motion“, which highlights the wonders of the upper Delaware River watershed, where these programs take place. This project is made possible in part with funding from a Sullivan County Arts and Heritage grant, funded by the Sullivan County Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.

PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Michael Kudish in first growth forest on Middle Mountain, north of Livingston Manor, NY.   Photo by L. M. Lyons