From The Forest

Fungi Cultivation with Giovanna D'Angelo

On this week's show, we'll be discussing how Giovanna inoculates mushrooms--mainly shiitake and now oyster--through CFA's FOREST FARMING PROGRAM. Giovanna is also looking into growing other mushrooms for members.

Giovanna was hired full-time as CFA’s Education Forester in December 2024. She earned her Associates of Applied Science from The New York State Ranger School of SUNY ESF in May 2024. She leads the Forest Farming Program and assists in the development, implementation, and marketing of CFA’s programs and events. She additionally creates written content for the CFA newsletter and weekly email blast. She strives to foster reconnection with our lands through education of the public to promote land stewardship.

Gary's Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Every 3rd Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing Gary's recent trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Apple Tree Pruning

On this week's show we'll be discussing Apple Tree Pruning, especially those overgrown ones.

Food Plots & More with Joel Riotto & Carl Grocholl

On this week's show, we'll discuss with Joel Riotto & Carl Grocholl the benefits of food plots to deer and other wildlife.

About Joel Riotto
Joel Riotto resides in New Jersey and the Catskill Mountains of New York State. He is also an author of many archery and bow-hunting publications such as:

• Bowhunter Magazine
• Traditional Bowhunting Magazine
• Archery World Magazine
• Professional Bowhunting Society Magazine
• Bear Hunting Magazine 

Joel is also a Senior Member of the Pope & Young Club; Life Member #9 of the Professional Bowhunters Society; Life Member #95 of the NY Bowhunters; Life Member of the NJ Foundation of Sportsman’s Clubs; Founder, past-President, & member of the Traditional Archers of NJ; Past-President of the United Bowhunters of NJ; & Past-President & Life Member of the Bergen Bowmen Archery Club.

About Carl Grocholl
Carl is the Owner of Grocholl Landscaping and Catskill Mt. Quality Whitetails. He designs, installs, manages food plots, and other aspects on property to manage wildlife. Carl is an avid bowhunter and outdoorsman.

Maple Myths & More

The 2026 maple sugaring season has begun. On this week's show we'll discuss some of those stories and topics that often come up while sitting around the maple boiler. 

Peach with Gary Mead

Every 3rd Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. Last month it was pear; This month we'll be the peach tree.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Prescribed Fire on Deer Habitat with Mark Turner

On this week's show, we'll be discussing the importance of prescribed fire on deer habitat with Oklahoma State University's Mark Turner.

Mark Turner is an Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. His research and Extension programming focuses on applied habitat management practices including prescribed fire, forest stand improvement, and nonnative species management. Research Interests: Prescribed fire; Forest stand improvement; Nonnative plant control; White-tailed deer; & Wild turkey.

Burning in the Catskills with John Musacchia

On this week's show, we'll be talking to John Musacchia about his experiences with burning his land in the Catskill Mountains. John used to live down south where burning is far more common. He is an avid hunter & former owner of Muzzy Broadhead.

The Beaver Institute with Aaron Hall

On this week's show, we'll be talk about how humans can co-exist better with beavers--and some of the cool things about this busy animal-- with Aaron Hall. Aaron is the Program Director for The Beaver Institute. The Institute's Mission is "to be a catalyst for advancing beaver management and watershed restoration, training mitigation professionals, supporting scientific research, and increasing the public’s appreciation of the beaver’s critical role in creating climate resilient ecosystems." Dr. Aaron Hall is an aquatic biologist who works to protect species in aquatic and riparian habitats, finding scientifically sound and pragmatic solutions for the threats these species face. He holds a BS and MS in Environmental Science from The Rochester Institute of Technology, and a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from The University of Toronto. Aaron has a diverse background in field ecology and has worked with many species groups and in many ecosystems, and has lived in Central New York, Alaska, Maine, Colorado, and currently resides in Ontario, Canada. His primary focus for the past decade has been working with beaver by leveraging their ecosystem engineering skills to create and enhance habitat for many at-risk species including freshwater fishes, amphibians and reptiles, shorebirds, aquatic insects and others. He is passionate about protecting the delicate balance of the natural environment in an increasingly human-influenced world. Aaron is an avid outdoors person and enjoys hiking, canoeing, camping, birding, disc golf, woodworking, board games, and gardening. Contact: aaron@beaverinstitute.org

Pear with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the pear tree. Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Meet CFA's New Forest Technician_Erik Heidenfelder

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also introduce CFA's new Forest Technician--Erik Heidenfelder.

CFA Field Staff Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester Jen Betz, Forest Process Efficiency Coordinator Erik Heidenfelder, Forest Technician

Sustaining Vegetation Management

On this week's From the Forest radio show, we'll be discussing the "sustainability" of managing vegetation, the tools or methods used (i.e. livestock, chemicals, and mechanical), as well as future options like fire. 

Forestry Check-In

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. This week Zane, Jen, and Giovanna will dive into what they've been up to and what their plans are for Winter.

CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager
Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester
Jen Betz, Forest Technician

Deer Hunting in the Catskills with Jen Betz

On this week's show we'll have 4th generation deer hunter--Jen Betz--on to discuss this important forest heritage in the Catskill Mountains.

Jen was hired at the Catskill Forest Association (CFA) in August of 2025 and oversees their Legacy Tree Program and helps support their IT & business systems. Prior to this she served a short stint on the CFA Board of Directors, before taking a leave of absence to work as a contractor, then transitioned to staff. She has an A.A.S degree in Park and Recreation Management from SUNY Delhi and a bachelor’s in business administration, as well as Green Belt and Agile Project Management Certifications from Villanova University. She has over 20 years’ customer service and business systems knowledge. She is a lifelong resident of the Catskill Mountains. When not working, Jen gardens and enjoys the trails on her family farm.

New York Farm Bureau with Todd Heyn

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Todd Heyn from the New York Farm Bureau about how they advocate for and promote farming & forestry in New York State.

The mission of New York Farm Bureau is "Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education."  Todd lives in East Meredith and has 120 acres that he manages himself. His background is an AAS degree in Pre-Professional Forestry from Paul Smith’s College ('89) and a BS degree in Environmental and Forest Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry ('91). Todd has worked for the New York Farm Bureau for the past 12 years after leaving the Boy Scouts of America and an 18-year career there.

Birch Trees with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing birch trees.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Hortus Arboretum & Botanical Garden

On this week's show we'll be talking to Allyson Levy of Hortus Arboretum about all the plants they grow and educate others about near Stone Ridge, Ulster County. Allyson & Scott Serrano are co-Founders of Hortus Arboretum, which traces back to 2001. They are also co-Authors of their book, "Cold Hardy Fruits & Nuts."

Mission "Located in the Mid-Hudson Valley countryside of Stone Ridge, New York, Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a family-run arboretum and botanic garden whose mission is to sustain the native, unusual, and historic plant life of our area and serve as a vital educational resource for the public. We are also focused on saving rare and endangered plants worldwide to ensure that species diversity lives on. We welcome garden groups and individuals to come to visit Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens! The gardens have been growing for over 20 years, with several specific collections such as the Chinese Garden, Native Woodland Garden and Japanese shade garden, in addition to a large collection of unusual edibles and hardy cacti. We have the most diverse selection of plants in Ulster County! Hortus Arboretum exists as a ‘Living Textbook’ of plants that can be grown in the Hudson Valley."

Forests Lacking Humanity

Recently, a reader of CFA's column--From the Forest--in the Shawangunk Journal asked what the forest would look like if humans didn't exist. We'll talk about what that forest might look like, the possible advantages and disadvantages too.

Catskill Mountain Club with Peter Manning

On this week's show, we'll be talking about the State of the Catskill Mountain's hiking trails and outdoor recreation with Peter Manning, Executive Director of the Catskill Mountain Club. The Catskill Mountain Club is a member-directed, not-for-profit organization formed to promote sustainable and safe outdoor recreation within the Catskill Park and on public lands throughout the Catskill Mountain Region.

Peter has been visiting the Catskills since the 1960s and lives in Bovina with his wife and two sons. He has 25 years’ experience in municipal planning and land use training at the local, county, regional, and statewide levels. He’s worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in areas that include promotion of tourism and outdoor recreation and the development of scenic byways. An avid outdoor recreationist, he also holds a BA in Geography from SUNY New Paltz and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University.

Forest Talk with NYFOA's Jerry Michael

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Jerry Michael--a prior member of NYFOA's Board of Directors--about "front-burner" and "back-burner" issues surrounding forest ownership and management. "The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State. NYFOA fulfills this critical mission by being the leading organization to provide education, peer-to-peer networking, and advocacy for the woodlot owners of NY."

Jerry Michael was born & raised near Binghamton, NY. He graduated from Cornell University, Business & Human Resources. Jerry was a US Army Reserve Infantry Officer. He was with IBM for 32 years filling a variety of management jobs in the US and overseas. After retirement 33 years ago, he took on forestry as a 2nd career. He purchased a family tree farm in Broome County in 1972. He joined NYFOA in 1989, served on its Board of Directors for 12 years and Chaired NYFOA's Restore New York Woodlands initiative. Jerry participated in Cornell's Master Forest Owner Volunteer training at Arnot Forest in 1995, where he has since assisted over 200 woodlot owners under the program. He has hosted on his property about 20 woodswalks.

Black Cherry with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the black cherry tree.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Forestry Check-In_2025

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also introduce CFA's new Forest Technician--Jen Betz.

CFA Field Staff Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester Jen Betz, Forest Technician

Fungi Check-In with John Michelotti

On this weeks' show, we'll have "mushroom guy" & Owner of Catskill Fungi--John Michelotti along with CFA's Education Forester, Giovanna D'Angelo. We'll get into what being a beginning 'mushroomer' is like, what we've been seeing out in the woods fungi-wise, cultivation, fungi firsts, and more.

Catskill Fungi is founded and cultivated by mycologist John Michelotti and friends. As former President of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association (MHMA), John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project as well as the Gary Lincoff Memorial Scholarship. He serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association. He is an instructor for the Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification courses in NY. He was chosen by the Catskill Center as a "Steward of the Catskills" for his contribution to the environment. He served on the Mushroom Advisory Panel for Certified Naturally Grown to develop ecological standards in mushroom production. His goal is to educate and inspire people to work with fungi to improve their health, communities, and the environment.

Oath Soil Life with Andrew Freeman

On this week's show we'll be talking about "Oath Soil Life with Arborist Andrew Freeman. Oath Soil Life is "a product designed to restore and enhance the soil microbiome, which is crucial for healthy plant growth. It focuses on replenishing the microbial communities in degraded soils, thereby improving soil health and plant vitality."

Owner and Operator Andrew Freeman has over 30 years of experience in Landscape Contracting and Arboriculture. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) through the International Society of Arboriculture. Andrew has a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Landscape Contracting and has extensive field and management experience.

Linden (Basswood) with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the linden or basswood tree.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County. Description

Parks & Trails New York with Paul Steely

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Paul Steely from Parks & Trails New York. We'll see how New York State's vast network of parks and trails are doing. Mission: Parks & Trails New York works to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout our state for use and enjoyment by all.

Former Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, an organization that became a model for effective public interest advocacy. Paul has a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and master’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Montana. He spends his Saturdays and Sundays brick oven baking, bicycling, and hiking the parks and trails of the Hudson River Valley with his wife Zoe and their three rascally children. Paul joined PTNY in March 2023, succeeding the legendary Robin Dropkin.

Forest Talk with Mike Porter

It's been 5 years since we last talked to Mike Porter about what's on his mind pertaining to forest issues. We'll see what Mike has been up to: From firewood, birding, preparing for maple sugaring, outdoor education, changes in the forest & people's perspectives, and more.

Mike is a retired teacher from Margaretville Central School. He taught Earth Science, Environmental Science, Science Research in the High School, Driver Education and several elementary and junior high courses over his 33-year career. In 1988 he was selected as the New York State Conservation Teacher of the Year by the New York State Board of Soil and Water Districts. A life-long resident of Delaware County, Mike is an avid birder and has studied the changes in the avian community over the years. As a small woodlot landowner, he has learned to manage his property to better enhance wildlife, timber quality and maple syrup production. Mike has been an active volunteer Fireman for nearly 45 years and was an Executive officer for most of that time. He was a member of the Town of Middletown Zoning Board of Appeals and, later, a Planning Board member and Chair. Besides birding, Mike gardens, makes Maple syrup, cuts his own firewood and does woodworking. Currently, he is harvesting trees from his property and preparing his own lumber via a bandsaw mill on the property.

LandTrust with Taylor Moyer

On this week's show we'll be talking to Taylor Moyer from the LandTrust Recreation Access Network. LandTrust is a 2-Way marketplace for "Connecting farmers, ranchers, and landowners to people that want to recreate in the outdoors." Choose an activity: Hunting, fishing, bird-watching, mushroom picking, camping, etc. LandTrust can then find a willing landowner throughout the US. Sounds like a great way to keep rural land viable, while filling a demand for outdoor activity.

Sycamore with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the sycamore tree. Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County. Description

Forestry Check-In

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also go into Ryan's recent 3-Day trip in the woods over the 4th of July weekend.

CFA Field Staff Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager

Weaving Wild: Foraged Basketry with Artist & Author Katie Grove

On this week's show, we're grabbing a seat with Katie Grove, full-time artist, wild basket maker and soon-to-be author. We'll get into the unique challenges and delights the wild weaving process presents and discuss how active forest management intersects with the legacy craft that is basketry. How does a tree go from forest to basket? What kinds of plants can be utilized? Can basketry be another outlet for managing invasives?

Katie Grove is an artist and educator whose passion is to inspire both viewers of her art and students in her classes to build a relationship with the plants growing around them. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from SUNY New Paltz and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from the NOMAD program at University of Hartford. She teaches basketry from her studio in Stone Ridge and enjoys a robust studio practice that merges traditional basketry techniques with sculpture.

How to Love a Forest with Ethan Tapper

On this week's show we'll be discussing the role and responsibility of active forest management with Ethan Tapper - an internationally recognized forester, bestselling author, and content creator from Vermont.  Join us as we get into his book and all that active land management entails - reimagining what acts of compassion in the woods can look like, choosing imperfect action over the comfort of doing nothing, and so much more.

Ethan started writing How to Love a Forest in 2016, after realizing that there was no book that captured his understanding of what forests are, how they work, and what it means to take care of them. He wrote the book over the following eight years, one hour at time — from 5:00-6:00 AM each day. It was published by Broadleaf Books in September, 2024. Since being published, How to Love a Forest has sold thousands of copies, been named to several bestseller lists, been named a finalist for the Vermont Book Award and has been endorsed by prominent nature writers including Bill McKibben, Doug Tallamy, and Ben Goldfarb.

Hickory with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the hickory tree.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Description

Forestry Check-In

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also go into Ryan's recent 3-Day trip in the woods over the 4th of July weekend.

CFA Field Staff Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester John Unverzagt, Education Arborist

The American Chestnut Foundation with Vasiliy Lakoba

On this week's show we'll be discussing American chestnut with Vasiliy Lakoba from the national organization--The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF). As many of you know, American chestnut has been made "functionally extinct" from the devastating chestnut blight brought in from Asia in the last century. We'll discuss how TACF plans to bring back the tree as well as their recent parting with SUNY College of Enviornmental Science & Forestry's transgenic chestnut project as well.

Vasiliy Lakoba is Director of Research and Restoration with The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF). TACF's mission of restoring the American chestnut tree has been driving diverse approaches to establishing disease resistant trees throughout the eastern U.S. for over 40 years. Vasiliy's work with TACF spans applied tree improvement and evaluation, species reintroduction, and public engagement. He holds a PhD from Virginia Tech and his prior work includes forest understory restoration, invasion ecology, species distribution modeling, and ecophysiology. Vasiliy serves as Board Vice President of the North American Invasive Species Management Association and is passionate about nonprofit models of long-term environmental conservation.

Managing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid with Nicholas Dietschler

On this Wednesday's show, we'll be talking to Nick Dietschler at the Hemlock Initiative to see how things are going with combatting the devastating hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). HWA is an exotic insect that has wreaked havoc on the eastern US's hemlock trees beginning in the mid-1900s.

Nick grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, and moved to Ithaca in 2014. He received an Associates in Natural Resources Conservation from Finger Lakes Community College, Bachelors in Conservation Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a Masters in Natural Resources from Cornell University. Before coming to the Hemlock Initiative at Cornell, he spent a season with the NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation conducting hemlock and balsam woolly adelgid surveys throughout New York. At NYSHI, Nick manages many aspects of the program’s field work, works with statewide collaborators, and coordinates NYSHI’s bio-control release program. Nick’s research focuses on understanding plant-pest interactions and predator community ecology, and their influence on integrated pest management in forest systems.

Tulip Poplar with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the yellow poplar tree.

 

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

American Chestnut Restoration with Allen Nichols

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Allen Nichols, President of the recently created American Chestnut Restoration (ACR). Allen was previously the President of the NYS Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (NY-TACF). In December of '23, the national TACF decided to discontinue its support of SUNY College of Enviornmental Science & Forestry's Darling 54/58 transgenic chestnut program; A project heavily supported by NY-TACF. This disagreement ended in the termination of the NY Chapter, going back to 1990 and the creation of the ACR. We'll get Allen's opinion on how this occurred and where the transgenic chestnuts stand.

Allen Nichol's first exposure to American chestnut was growing up in the 1950s above the Pepacton Reservoir when his father and brother returned from hunting with some burs. At that time many believed there would be some survivors of the chestnut blight. Allen saw his first American chestnuts when his father pointed out the remains of dead trees as a boy. He was aware of the resprouts that kept coming up and then dying back from the blight. As a teenager, he witnessed the death of all the great American elms on his farm, which gave him a vision of what must have happened when the chestnut blight killed all the chestnuts 50+ years earlier.  Allen believes the death of the ash today is probably giving the next generation a glimpse of what has happened in the past.

Bringing Back American chestnut with SilvaBio's Michael Bloom

On this week's show we'll be discussing how one company is seeking to bring back the American chestnut tree. A pathogenic fungus introduced from Asia knocked out the mighty American chestnut early on in the last century and represents one of the greatest losses to North America's forests. We'll see if SilvaBio has a solution.

Michael Bloom is a serial entrepreneur and avid outdoorsman, having successfully developed, led and sold two pioneering ed-tech companies, Great Courses and Learn25. Coming from a family of master gardeners & outdoor enthusiasts, Michael combines a passion for forest restoration with over 25 years of leadership experience. Michael has a B.S. degree from Boston University and an MBA with High Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. SilvaBio's Mission—“To create the disease-tolerant seedlings needed to restore the health & resilience of North America’s forests through science-driven solutions to tree disease.”

Open Space Institute's New Land Acquisition in the Catskills

On this week's show, we'll be discussing Open Space Institute's (OSI) new land acquisition in the Town of Neversink of 3,100 acres. Known as "Blue Hill", this purchase represents the largest potential addition to the NYS DEC forest preserve in 25 years. OSI plans to turn over this property to the DEC in the future.

"The Open Space Institute protects scenic, natural and historic landscapes to provide public enjoyment, conserve habitat and working lands, and sustain communities." Tom Gravel is a senior land project manager at the Open Space Institute (OSI) where he manages the conservation of open space and environmentally sensitive lands in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey by facilitating complex real estate transactions. After graduating from Middlebury College, Tom began his career in land conservation in 2004 with the Trust for Public Land before joining OSI in 2012. Abigail Weinberg is Vice President for Science & Conservation Policy for the Open Space Institute (OSI). She develops nature-based solutions to climate change, water quality and land-based inequities. Her work translating science to conservation practice and policies informs the work of foundations, state and federal agencies and land conservation organizations. Her recent work focused on using data and tools to optimize forest carbon mitigation through land protection and quantifying the impact of land protection on water quality.  Abby has a Master of Forestry degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Bachelors degree from St. John’s College (the “Great Books School”), Santa Fe.

Thirsty Trees with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the amazing process of water uptake by trees.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Forestry Check-In_May 2025

Occasionally, each 1st Wednesday, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest.

CFA Field Staff Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester John Unverzagt, Education Arborist

Forest Issues in New York with Empire State Forest Products Association's John Bartow

On this week's show we'll talk to John Bartow & Jennifer DeFrancesco from Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA) about pressing policy issues impacting New York State's forests and forest products economy.

John Bartow was appointed Executive Director of the Empire State Forest Products Association on July 18, 2015.  The Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA), a non-profit organization for businesses and individuals, whose mission is to improve public awareness and promote public policy in support of productive and healthy New York forests and the forest products economy to meet the needs of society, today and for future generations.

Forest Heritage

Heritage means passing something down from preceding generations. Both trees and humans rely upon deep roots to pass their role in the forest down to the next generation. Some of our heritage in the forest has disappeared and some has not. On this week's show, we'll discuss some heritage in the Catskills that is "from the forest."

Food Forest Farm with Jonathan Bates

On this week's show we'll interviewing Food Forest Farm's Owner & Operator--Jonathan Bates.

Forest Food Farm operates in Ithaca, NY and "creates low maintenance, regenerative food systems. They grow, supply, and teach about perennial vegetables and other multipurpose plants. Forest Food Farm works with clients to design landscapes, and lives, that are sustaining and nourishing for people and planet."

Lost Trees to Diseases with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing some of the trees we've lost--or are losing--over the years--American chestnut, American elm, American beech, white ash, and hemlock.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

The Deer Crisis: The Threat Facing NY Forests & Biodiversity with Eli Arnow

On this week's show we'll be talking to Eli Arnow on how deer are impacting New York State's forests and their possible solutions.

Eli Arnow is a land steward and environmental advocate serving as chair of the Forest Health Task Force at Partners for Climate Action. He has a Master's degree from SUNY ESF in Environmental Science with a concentration in ecological restoration and lives in southern Columbia County.   Partners for Climate Action (PCA) provides funding and support to local communities who are taking action to address the climate crisis and improve the ecosystems of the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. PCA's mission is to catalyze bioregional climate action.

Forestry Check In

Occasionally, each 1st Wednesday, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll introduce new Staff members that you may not have met yet--Giovanna D'Angelo & John Unverzagt.

CFA Field Staff Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester John Unverzagt, Education Arborist

Twisted Tree Farm with Akiva Silver

On this week's show we'll be talking to Twisted Tree Farm's Akiva Silver. Twisted Tree Farm is "dedicated to growing healthy trees, food, and family." They specialize in "low maintenance fruit & nut trees, berry bushes, and useful perennials." Maybe some of these make sense in your backyard.

"Akiva Silver owns and operates Twisted Tree Farm, a homestead, nut orchard, and nursery located in Spencer, New York, where he grows around 20,000 trees per year using practices that go beyond organic. His background is in foraging, wilderness survival, and primitive skills. He has been observing nature intensively for the last 20 years, cultivating a deep appreciation for life."

Past & Present of Sawmilling & Logging with Gary Mead

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing some history of sawmilling and logging.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.