From The Forest

Hemlock 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 one of the Catskill Mountain's most famous tree--the hemlock--or Tsuga canadensis.

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.

Pledge to Protect Against Invasive Species with SLELO’s Megan Pistolese-Shaw

On this week's show we'll be talking with the St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership's--Education Outreach & Communications Coordinator--Megan Pistolese about their "Pledge to Protect" program. Upon "taking the pledge", one is given "simple actions they can practice and educational resources that will help protect outdoor spaces, backyard, and community."

 

The St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) is in cooperation with The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and more than twenty-three regional partner organizations. Their mission is to protect native habitats, biodiversity, natural areas, and freshwater resources by using a collaborative and integrated approach to invasive species management with an emphasis on prevention, early detection, rapid response, education, and outreach. Megan Pistolese holds a Bachelor of Science Degree focused on Ecology, Environmental Education, and Sustainability. She is experienced with aquatic and terrestrial invasive species identification, impacts, modes of introduction, prevention and management methods. She leads our Education & Outreach Committee and collaborates with our partners to raise awareness of invasive species and coordinate outreach events throughout the region.  She is working to recruit and train volunteers to recognize and report invasive species through their invasive species Volunteer Surveillance Network (VSN).

Islands in the Forest

On this week's show, we'll discuss "islands" in the forest; Mostly metaphorical "islands" that is. We'll go into those areas of the forest that are isolated from heavy deer browse pressure. These areas may contain rare and important plants like ginseng, trillium or even sugar maple seedlings that deer prefer to eat. We'll also discuss things you can do to make your forest an "island" from heavy deer browse. 

2022 Recap

The sun is setting on 2022. We'll discuss how the year went, both for work and play in the woods.

Tree Dormancy & Damage from Winter 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 how trees cope with winter and things you might do to prevent damage to them as well.

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.

Christmas Trees & Wreaths with Mike Porter

On this week's show, we'll discuss Christmas Trees, different species & tips, and comparisons to artificial trees too. If we have time, we'll get into making wreaths as well with Catskill Forest Association's Mike Porter

Common Tree Myths

John and Zane will discuss common myths and misconceptions people may have about trees and the forest. Filling cavities, painting wounds, and pruning flush to the trunk, to name a few. They’ll discuss how these myths started and why they persist. They’ll also try and dispel some of the stubborn half-truths that still seem to crop up in the tree care world.

Restoring Oak & Chestnut with USDA’s Dr. Stacy Clark

On this week's show, we'll be discussing the hard work being done to bring back oak and American chestnut to forests with the USDA's Dr. Stacy Clark.

Stacy conducts research on artificial regeneration (i.e., planting) of oak (Quercus) and American chestnut (Castanea dentata) to restore and/or sustain these important species. Her research is unique and innovative because the genetic heritage is known for all material, and seedlings are highly characterized prior to planting. She examines the effects of seedling quality and factors that affect field performance after planting. Stacy also studies the effect of silvicultural treatments, including prescribed burning, herbicide, and commercial timber operations, to develop the most effective and economically efficient prescriptions that can be used to regenerate oak and American chestnut species. Dr. Stacy Clark is a USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station Researcher – Upland Hardwood Ecology & Management Research Work Unit, based in Knoxville, TN. Education includes: Oklahoma State University (Ph.D.) Plant Science, 2003; University of TN (M.S.) Forestry, 1999; & University of TN (B.S.) Forest Resources Management, 1996.

Meet the Pileated Woodpecker

On this week's show, we'll be talking about the pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). This woodpecker is the largest in North America and one of the largest in the world. The sound they make is unforgettable too. We'll talk about the biology of this bird, its habitat and behavior, and things you can do in the forest to improve its home.

White Oak 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 white oak tree. Apparently, white oak is "red hot" in the timber market world & we'll get Gary's perspective on this 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.

Deer to Table

November should be white-tailed deer awareness month. Now is the time when the woods "come alive" with deer movement. Bucks begin chasing does, and hunters begin chasing bucks (and does).

On this week's show, John & Ryan will share how they take deer "from the forest" and prepare it for the table.

Arboriculture with Arborist Charlie Blume_November 2022

Each year we check in with veteran Arborist Charlie Blume. We'll ask Charlie about his perception of practicing arboriculture in the Catskill Mountains as well as some tips for those who want to take better care of the trees near their home. We'll also ask Charlie about the lack of fruit this year, fruit-tree diseases, and things you can do to enhance their health.

Charlie Blume grew up in Freeport, Long Island, NY where he owned a Tree Care company. Almost 20 years ago, he relocated to Grahamsville, Sullivan County, where he has been practicing arboriculture ever since.

Biotechnology & Forests with NC State’s Jason Delborne

"We have genetically modified food; How about trees?" NC State's Dr. Jason Delborne focuses on highly politicized scientific controversies, drawing upon the interdisciplinary field of science, technology, and society. Biotechnology is a hot topic and a potential tool to combat forest threats, like the creation of transgenic American chestnuts that are blight-resistant to the devastating chestnut blight. Is everyone on board? We'll find out from Jason.

Dr. Jason A. Delborne is a Professor of Science, Policy, and Society and a University Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University. Appointed in 2013 to the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and the Genetic Engineering and Society Center, Delborne teaches and conducts research at the intersection of environmental policy, biotechnology, and public engagement. Jason engages qualitative research methodologies to explore how policymakers, stakeholders, and members of the public interface with emerging biotechnologies designed for environmental benefit. Recent projects have focused on the genetically engineered chestnut tree, a gene drive mouse for biodiversity conservation, and the management of free-ranging cats in National Parks. Delborne was twice appointed to expert committees of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), which published Gene Drives on the Horizon (2016) and Forest Health and Biotechnology (2019). He serves on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Task Force on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation, which published Genetic Frontiers for Conservation (2019). His academic scholarship includes over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, appearing in journals such as Science, Social Studies of Science, BioScience, and Public Understanding of Science. Delborne holds a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University (1993) and a doctorate in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley (2005). He completed an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison (2006-08) and was an Assistant Professor of Science, Technology, and Policy at Colorado School of Mines in the Division of Liberal Arts and International Studies (2008-13).

Fall Foliage with Gary Mead

Every 3rd Wednesday, we talk to Gary Mead about something "tree-related." On this week's show, we'll talk about this season's fall foliage & how it's shaping up. We'll also discuss why and how trees turn color and why some years are better than others.

Gary Mead was the owner of Fruitful Furnishings sawmill in Margaretville, Delaware County for about 30 years. He is currently the owner of Gary Mead Gallery, where he makes one-of-a-kind wood art pieces.

How the Pandemic Drove up the Cost of Wood Products with USDA’s Jeff Prestemon

Covid-19's impacts stretched far and wide and the wood products industry was not spared either. On this week's show, the USDA Forest Service's--Jeff Prestemon--will discuss the particulars of how the pandemic has impacted the wood products industry. He wrote a research paper on "Covid-19 & Forest Products--Analysis of the Pandemic's Effect on the Forest Product's Sector including Lumber Pricing & Demand, Reduction of Labor." We'll also get Jeff's opinion on how things might shape up going forward.

Jeff is a Project Leader w/ the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station's Forest Economics & Policy. Jeff's research interests include Understanding human-caused wildfire processes; Quantifying the effects and economic net benefits of wildfire fuel treatments; Understanding processes of illegal activities, including green crimes, occurring in forests; Understanding the national and global impacts of policies and programs to reduce rates of illegal logging and trade in illegally sourced forest products; Nonlinear and linear modeling of forest product market prices and spatial relationships; The economics of forest-based disturbances; & National and global forest product markets and trade modeling.

Jeff's academic experience include: Ph.D. in Forest Economics from U. of Wisconsin-Madison; M.S. in Forest Economics, NC State; & B.S. in Forest Resource Management, Iowa State University.

Turkey Vultures_Natures’s Grim Reaper_Part 2

On this week's show, we'll be talking about "Nature's Grim Reaper." The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) spends its days looking spooky, cleaning up the dead, and riding the thermals to the next dead animal body. We'll discuss this bird's peculiar traits, its range, biology, habitat, and more.

 

2nd half of show; Start at beginning and runs half-way through total recording.

Turkey Vultures_Nature’s Grim Reaper_Part 1

On this week's show, we'll be talking about "Nature's Grim Reaper." The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) spends its days looking spooky, cleaning up the dead, and riding the thermals to the next dead animal body. We'll discuss this bird's peculiar traits, its range, biology, habitat, and more.

 

Unfortunately, this show is spliced over 2 sections, you will have to "fast-forward" to about the middle. The second half is on "Part 2."

Woodland Valley Observations with Paul Misko_Last 10 minutes

Part of the show was deleted from the 1st one; This is the last 10 minutes

Woodland Valley Observations with Paul Misko

Paul Misko is an avid hiker who grew up in Woodland Valley, Ulster County. Paul will discuss some of his observations near Woodland Valley including his trail camera results, in-person wildlife sightings, changes in the forest, and how to prepare for a forest adventure.

Drought Impacts on Trees with Gary Mead

Before last week's rain, the Catskills were experiencing some pretty dry conditions. On this week's show, we'll discuss how drought impacts trees in both the short & long-term. Topics will include: Defining drought; Importance of water to plants; Symptoms of stress; Drought impacts on younger vs. older trees; Impacts on fall foliage; Things you can do to prevent drought impacts; & more.

First Growth Forest in the Catskills with Forest Historian Dr. Michael Kudish

Back in August, we had Gary Mead discuss old growth trees; We didn't get into deciphering the difference between "old growth" & "first growth." This week we will, with Dr. Michael Kudish. Mike has been mapping "first growth" forests for decades in the Catskill Mountains. We'll get Mike's viewpoint on defining each and what makes "first growth" so special to him.

"Michael Kudish received his Ph.D. at the New York State College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. In 2000, Purple Mountain Press published The Catskill Forest: A History. As a professor emeritus in the Division of Forestry at Paul Smith's College, he has also written four books on the vegetation of the Adirondacks, including Adirondack Upland Flora and a number of articles on forest history of both the Catskills and Adirondacks. As a railroad historian, he has written volumes on the subject of railroads in the Adirondacks and the Catskills."

Open Discussion with Ryan, John, & Zane

Open (forest-related) discussion with Ryan, John, & Zane

Logging’s Ongoing Public Relations Battle with NJ Forester Bob Williams

Bob Williams is a veteran Forester in the State of New Jersey & recently wrote an article for the Forest Landowners Association's newsletter--"Logging's Ongoing Public Relations Battle." We've had Bob on the show before to discuss his forestry awareness project in Manhattan & fire management in New Jersey as well. This time around, we'll get Bob's perspective on Logging's poor perception, and its importance to Forestry & society.

Bob Williams is the owner and founder of Pine Creek Forestry LLC. Bob graduated with an Associate's degree in forestry in 1972 from Centralia College and a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry from Rutgers University, New Brunswick in 1975. Bob has 43 years experience in the field of forestry. His experience includes working for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the US Forest Service in Alaska and Washington, and Scott Paper Company as a logging engineer. Since 1985, Bob has worked as a consulting forester in New Jersey working with both private and public landowners to achieve management and stewardship goals for natural resources. In addition to consulting work, Bob has authorized many forestry activities, as well as newsletters put out by various forestry organizations.

Forest Vegetation Management with Arborchem’s Todd Hagenbuch

ARBORCHEM sells a wide selection of backpacks, sprayers, pumps, and accessories used for the application of herbicides. Their goal is "to provide you with every tool you need to meet your vegetation management objectives." We'll discuss with Todd his thoughts on "integrated vegetation management", pesticides, & more.

Todd Hagenbuch is Arborchem's Regional Manager & Vegetation Management Specialist. Todd holds a degree in Forest Science from Penn State University. Todd has 28 years of experience in vegetation management. Todd has been past president of Mountain Lake Vegetation Management Council and past chair of the Pinchot Chapter of the Society of American Foresters. His duties include sales and service across the United States in Utility R.O.W., Roadside VM, forest vegetation management programs, invasive plant, and city/municipal vegetation management programs. Todd speaks at many continuing education training throughout the year.

Old & First Growth 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 Old & First Growth Trees. I'll go a little bit into deciphering the difference between "old growth" from "first growth" forests and where they might exist in the Catskills. Gary will talk more about old trees from around the world, working with old wood, & other unique characteristics too.

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.

August in the Catskills: American Ginseng, Leaf Diseases, and Looking Forward to Fall

On this week’s episode of From the Forest, John and Zane will be chatting about their observations of the trees and forest now that we are close to the middle part of August and Fall is staring us in the face. It might not seem like it, but highs in the 60’s and lows in the 40’s are forecasted, to me this means it’s time to start to stop daydreaming and start actually thinking about the fall and leaving the hot ugly summer weather behind. We will discuss American Ginseng, its use, and how to conserve it. We will also discuss the leaf diseases we are noticing these last couple of weeks, what it means for the trees, and also think forward to what we predict for the fall; food for wildlife, and more.

Painting the Line Between Public & Private Stewardship

On this week's show, we'll decipher the difference between public & private stewardship as well as preservation & conservation. Both have their place within Natural Resources Management, Environmentalism & Forestry. Ryan will discuss how his perception has changed about each when he worked for the State of NY painting boundary lines from age 19 to his last 15 years with the Catskill Forest Association working for forest owners.

Mike’s Trip Across the United States (2nd Half)

Please note: The 2nd half of this show runs from the beginning to half-way of this download.

 

Recently Mike & his wife Becky, traveled across the US and back. We'll ask Mike what he saw, his most favorite & forgettable parts, noteworthy forest aspects, wildlife, and more. We'll also go into how it all compares to the Catskills too.

Mike Porter is the President of the Catskill Forest Association. He 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.

Mike’s Trip Across the United States (1st Half)

Unfortunately, this show was cut in half; You'll have to fast-forward to the midway-point to hear beginning.   Recently Mike & his wife Becky, traveled across the US and back. We'll ask Mike what he saw, his most favorite & forgettable parts, noteworthy forest aspects, wildlife, and more. We'll also go into how it all compares to the Catskills too.

Mike Porter is the President of the Catskill Forest Association. He 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.

Sustaining Local Part 2 with Gary Mead

Back in June, we interviewed Catskill Mountain Woodsman--Hoppy Quick--on his perspective of "Sustaining Local." We discussed some of the challenges and conditions people are encountering making a living locally in the forest & outside it in these mountains.

Gary Mead--like Hoppy--is another local who has made his living "from the forest." He was the owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & is the current owner of Gary Mead Gallery which specializes in one-of-a-kind wood art. We'll get Gary's take on "Sustaining Local."

Bats as Biomonitors of Heavy Metals in Urban Areas with Chris Blume

On this week's show we'll be discussing how bats can be used, sort of like a "canary in a coal mine" in urban areas. College student--Chris Blume--will discuss his research project in Baltimore, Maryland on how bats can be used to detect heavy metals in urban areas. Should be interesting. 

Critters of Interest: Rats, Rabbits, Skunks & Ants

Once in a while we like to check in with the critters and discuss a few we might encounter rarely or more commonly. For this week, we'll go into the Allegheny wood rat, eastern cottontail rabbit, striped skunk, and Allegheny mound ant.

A Forester’s Perspective with Randy Kelly

Randy is a local forester to these Catskill Mountains, spending his life’s work managing timber and aiding landowners to manage their woodlot resources. Randy will discuss with us his perspective on the overall health of the Catskill’s Forests and where our attention should be focused going forward.

Sustaining Local with Hoppy Quick

Catskill Mountain Woodsman & well-known Chainsaw Carver--Hoppy Quick--revisits FROM THE FOREST to discuss his thoughts on "Sustaining Local." A lot has changed in the last 2 years in these mountains. We'll get Hoppy's view of what's been going on, especially the challenges some locals are facing making a living that's "from the forest."

"Hoppy Quick is The Catskill Mountain Woodsman. Born and raised in the mountains of New York State, Hoppy has been chainsaw carving and sculpting wood since 1978 into bears, owls, wolves, eagles and a myriad of other wildlife. No two sculptures are the same, as he creates from his memory of actual creatures he's encountered in the wilds of the Catskills Mountains."

Kiln Drying Lumber 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 how Gary kiln dries lumber of various tree species. 

NYS Wetlands Regulations Update with Ed McTiernan

On this week's show we'll talk to Environmental Litigator---Ed McTiernan. Ed will delve into defining a "wetland", the NYS Freshwater Wetlands Act, Waters of the US, & recent amendments to the NY Environmental Conservation Law.

Ed McTiernan is an environmental litigator who focuses on state and federal regulatory issues including site remediation, Brownfield redevelopment, natural resource damages, energy and infrastructure projects, as well as environmental permitting and due diligence in support of real estate development and energy infrastructure. He represents clients on a wide range of matters under the Clean Water Act and Oil Pollution Control Act, federal and state Superfund programs, emerging contaminants, and the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as the New York Environmental Quality Review Act. In 2011, Mr. McTiernan was appointed to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation by Governor Andrew Cuomo where he served as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel. In that capacity, he was responsible for enforcement, rulemaking, and major policy initiatives including the review and permitting of transportation and energy projects, Article 78 proceedings challenging agency action, as well as citizen action suits, CERCLA cost recovery claims and permit proceedings. Mr. McTiernan supervised a team of 90 attorneys in nine regional offices, and coordinated with federal agencies and national environmental advocacy groups on a number of controversial projects. In addition, he directly supervised the state's docket of environmental litigation, enforcement proceedings, and policy initiatives.

A Business Owner’s Perspective on Inflation, Supply Chains, & More with Bob Conyea

Bob Conyea is a long-time owner of Ashokan Turf & Timber that services and sells forestry & lawncare equipment in Shokan, Ulster County. COVID-19 may be waning in your purview, but "long-COVID" seems to be lingering for many small business owners in the Catskills. Increasing prices & supply chain issues are a couple of examples that come to mind.

Bob sells and services a lot of forestry equipment (i.e. chainsaws) to Arborists, Foresters, Loggers, and Forest Owners. Bob not only provides a crucial service for these professionals, but remains engaged of what others are feeling out in the woods economically. We'll talk to Bob about what's going on both inside & outside his shop.

Clear-Cutting vs. Land-Clearing

All too often we hear these two terms being used interchangeably--"clear-cutting" & "land-clearing." We'll compare & contrast the two as well as their benefits & costs. We'll also bring into the discussion "selective cutting" as well. Spoiler alert: One of these terms is a legitimate silvicultural practice. 

Flowering 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 flowering trees that stand out to Gary.

Trees Near Your Home

Lots of time, labor, money, and energy are devoted to many trees near people's homes. Still, we often find trees suffering or not meeting expectations.

On this week's show Ryan & John will discuss “Trees Near Your Home.” Topics covered will be: (1) What Makes a Healthy Tree; (2) Are You & Your Tree a Good Match; (3) Residual Tree Maintenance; (4) New Trees; & (5) CFA Programs for You.

Portable & At-Home Sawmilling with Mike Porter

Sometimes Mike Porter and John get together to discuss this and that. This time we will be discussing milling lumber from small scale sawmills. Mike has a small sawmill at his property in Andes NY and John runs the Catskill Forest Association’s Portable Sawmill Program bringing a similar sized unit to landowner’s houses to mill. We will discuss what these sawmills are useful for and what enjoyment they may provide a small landowner. Mike Porter is the President of the Board of Directors of the Catskill Forest Association and a life-long local of these Catskill Mountains.

Alternative Food From the Forest Roundtable Discussion

Everyone loves the "backstrap" or "tenderloins" on a deer. But, what about the heart? Or the liver? Deer are the more commonly eaten wildlife species, but what about woodchuck, rabbit, or squirrel? On this week's show, we'll talk to Anne Bloomfield and Julia Priolo about how they prepare and cook some of these "alternative" meals from the forest. We might even go a little bit into domesticated livestock too and their less commonly eaten parts.

Anne Bloomfield is a wildlife biologist with a focus on birds. One of her main professional interests includes how the management of private lands, such as farmland, influences bird populations. Outside of her professional life, Anne enjoys wandering the local forests and fields. She is passionate about getting people excited about birds, hunting and fishing, particularly those historically underrepresented in these areas. Through a desire to eat good food, live in relationship with the land and avoid supermarkets as much as possible Anne fishes, hunts, forages and enjoys cooking meals from common and less common ingredients found in the forest. She also holds a wild mushroom food safety certificate, serves on the board of her local trout unlimited chapter and is a longtime volunteer for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Anne lives in Olivebridge with her partner Malcolm where they raise chickens, appreciate good firewood and grow fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Julia is John's wife; She is originally from the Finger Lakes Region. Julia graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in Wildlife Management, has worked in nuisance wildlife management and currently works at the NYS DEC in inland fisheries. She now lives in the Delhi area.

Tree Bark with Gary Mead

Tree Bark 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 bark of particular trees & their unique uses.

Meet Whitetail Landscape’s Jon Teater

On this week's show, we'll talk to Whitetail Expert & Founder--Jon Teater--from Whitetail Landscapes (WL). WL designs hunting properties for those that want to improve whitetail deer habitat. WL "primarily focus on developing solutions that attract and retain quality deer" for forest owners & hunters in New York State. We'll get Jon's perspective on how to "design" better habitat and his view on the "state of NY's deer herd."

Jon lives on 50 acres in central NYS. He has been published in Arrowtrade Magazine, Archery World Magazine, Bow & Arrow Magazine, Crossbow Revolution, Game & Fish Magazine and North American Deer Hunter. His particular experience and knowledge of how to manipulate the landscape is enhanced with his Quality Deer Management (QDMA) Deer Steward II certification.

2022 Backyard Maple Sugaring Report & Grafting Wild Apple Trees

The sap buckets have been pulled from the trees, cleaned, and stacked back in the sugarhouse. My 2022 maple season is over; We'll report on how it boiled down and stacked up against prior years.

While the maple sugaring season may have ended, warmer temperatures lead to "bark-slip" or where a tree's bark can be peeled back. April & May is the season for grafting apple trees, & we'll discuss CFA's APPLE TREE GRAFTING PROGRAM for its members.

Carbon Markets for Small Landowners with Finite Carbon’s Matt Smith

Carbon credits for climate mitigation seems to be gaining popularity. Most of us are aware that trees "soak" up a lot of carbon through photosynthesis. Will carbon credits be something forest owners might take advantage of in the future in NYS? We'll ask Finite Carbon's Matt Smith.

Matt Smith has a B.S. in Forest Resource Management, SUNY ESF. Matt oversees the implementation of Finite's forest carbon inventory and project verification work and has led more successful forest offset project verifications than anyone in the industry. For two decades Matt was a forest operations specialist and management director for Forecon's TIMO clients.

"Finite Carbon is North America's leading developer and supplier of forest carbon offsets. We value forest landowners as full project partners and deliver the industry's highest quality forest offset project financing and development services. We take on all project issuance risk and expense and manage all development phases in-house."

Meet TimberWorks Forest Management’s Nathan Waterfield

On this week, we'll talk to owner of TimberWorks Forest Management's Nathan Waterfield. I graduated with Nathan in 2004 from the NYS Ranger School in Wanakena, NY. Since then, Nathan (a.k.a. "Bucket") has gone on to compete both nationally & internationally in "TimberSports." Nathan is top-ranked at the "springboard chop."

Nathan now lives in Cherry Valley, Otsego County. His company--TimberWorks Forest Management--includes services such as forest management, logging, and custom sawmilling. Between family and competition, Nathan has managed to build his new home from lumber he sawed himself. We'll catch up with "Bucket" and see what his take is on making a living from the forest.

The Age of Wood with Gary Mead

The Age of Wood – With Gary Mead. Every Third Wednesday we have of Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest related. This month Gary and I each just read the book “The Age of Wood” by Roland Ennos. In this book the author explores how wood is the single most influential material that shaped mankind’s evolution, technological advancements, and overall the key to our success as a species. Gary and I will discuss our thoughts on the book and further the discussion into the Catskill regional ‘Age of Wood’.

Forest Improvement for Deer & Wildlife with Gary Graham

On this week's show, we'll talk to Gary Graham about how he has drastically improved his forest for wildlife. A few years back I visited Gary's land in Ulster County on a Forest Consultation through the Catskill Forest Association. His forest had some potential but was extremely dense with very little cover or structure on the forest floor, among other things. We'll talk to Gary about how he has made his forest more "fruitful" for wildlife through a lot of his own hard work with the chainsaw. 

Backyard Maple Sugaring

It's been cold out there, but the first signs of spring are in the air and inside the trees too. Rising temperatures into the 40s along with freezing nights are what causes maple sap to run. The 2022 maple season has begun in the Catskills. We'll discuss how we make the sweet stuff, on a small-scale.