From Wildland to Woodland--How the Tanning Industry Changed a Valley

Last week's show covered "Bark Tanning in the Catskills." We'll continue the conversation on this most significant mountain industry with Paul Misko. Paul's talk will focus on a particular area of the Catskills—Woodland Valley, located in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County.

 

Paul Misko has been hiking in the Catskills since childhood. Over the years he has learned much about the Catskill forest, and the human history within it. Though his main focus is Woodland Valley, near Phoenicia, he has done research throughout the whole Catskill region.

In 2009 he founded the Catskill 4000 Club, a small hiking group which focuses on history themed hikes and events. He has written articles for Kaatskill Life, and the Catskill Mountain Region Guide. He regularly gives talks on Catskill history, American history, and John Burroughs. He shares his research both in person, and on WIOX radio's "From the Forest."