Black Rock Forest News Fall 2013 The Black Rock Forest Consortium Volume XXIII, No. 3

Students and Teachers Rave about Research Symposium Summer Science Camp! Consortium Hosts Regional Scientists

cientists working at Black Rock Forest and around the Hudson SHighlands region presented their work at the Consortium’s eighth Re- search Symposium, held on June 17, 2013. Some 100 people attended the event, which included 36 talks as well as eight posters on display in the Science Center. The symposium, co-sponsored by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, was divided into four sessions: a ple- nary in the morning, and simultaneous afternoon programs on water resources and biodiversity, animals and the envi- ronment, and plants. “The Highlands are an important region,” noted Dr. William Schuster, the Consortium’s executive Dr. Antonia Florio and Dr. Bryan Falk measure a snapping turtle in the Surveying Turtles class. director, “and there is a lot of exciting work going on.” he Black Rock Forest Consortium’s es, noted that she learned a lot she could pilot program of four weeks of apply to her classroom. “The teach- Consortium Research T Summer Science Camp, three at ers were so enthusiastic and made the Several of the talks featured signature the Forest and one at the University of ‘work’ so inviting that even the most Consortium research, including the Florida’s Seahorse Key Marine Laborato- reserved and timid of campers found a Future of Oak Forests experiment, ur- ry, was a big hit with students, teachers, way to participate,” she said. “Anoth- ban-rural gradient investigations, and and parents. Students said, “I loved how er benefit of the camp,” she added, “for studies designed to help ensure wildlife we got to hold the turtles,” “I loved go- students who love to learn, who love sci- connectivity between the Forest and ing out and catching bugs,” “The instruc- ence, and who are excited by things that Schunemunk Mountain. Dr. Schuster tors were awesome,” and “I felt ecstatic many think are weird, who are probably led off the symposium with a presenta- about the camp,” and many are already the nerdy students at their schools, is tion on the results of the oak research, thinking about coming back next year the opportunity to be with their peers. I a multi-year, multi-investigator proj- and telling their friends about it. Parents don’t think anyone anticipated how pow- ect designed to identify the cascade of raved too. “I was so impressed at [my erful that experience would be. During impacts following the loss of oaks, a son’s] field journal and the detailed notes the high school week, the connections foundation taxon in northeastern for- he took. They really show me his interest between students who might never ests, should they succumb to current and excitement about the program. . . He have been with their true peers before or future threats (see “From Microbes and I cannot wait until next year,” wrote was wonderful to observe. They bonded to Mammals,” Spring 2012, and “Under one. Another noted that her daughter quickly and spent the week laughing and the Canopy,” Fall 2012). He reviewed the didn’t watch television when she came talking about ideas and observations. history of the project, which involved home from the camp; instead “her time Beautiful!” using a species-removal technique in is spent reading and doing research on experimental plots: some with all oaks the computer. I am happy to see such a The Camp Program girdled, some with all non-oaks gir- change in my daughter.” The concept of the camp, as developed dled, some with half the oaks girdled, Emily Boronkay, a Storm King School by the Consortium’s education director and some controls. Before girdling, sci- teacher who assisted with several class- (continued on page 4) (continued on page 6) Black Rock Forest News

Report from the Executive Director

Whether great leaders are born, or made, we all recognize great As has often happened, Consortium member effort leadership when we see it, and miss it when it is gone. We lost combined with the nearly boundless capacity of Forest a great leader and friend when Frank Moretti, our Consortium Manager John Brady to turn vision into reality. One of the president, died in July. hallmarks of Metropolitan Montessori School’s activities has Frank pursued ideas with passion, even when conditions been to implement a new project in the Forest each year, usually on the ground or limited resources meant that the pace of working with John. They independently designed a project for a progress was likely to be slow. He had a vision for our Black teaching/sleeping platform at a remote Forest location to allow Rock Forest Science and Education Center at least five years students to more easily immerse themselves in nature. John before we were able to construct it, and sold others on the and our staff recognized the congruence of these ideas and concept. Realizing the vision for our flagship “green and smart” worked to ensure that the design would provide classroom and facilities took a huge amount of work, time, and fundraising. sleeping space, and an outdoor science lab with a high-speed But once the project began, Frank was already envisioning Internet connection. some of our next important steps. The Montessori School students, John, and the Forest Crew The Virtual Forest was a concept we worked on starting worked on it through the year, and now the new “Outpost” is around 1997. We began with one remote, automated monitoring nearly ready for use. I inspected it with Dr. Kevin Griffin last station connected to a radio telemetry network and a crude month and we agreed that it could provide great support for web interface that provided something painfully far from “real- Forest research teams, reminiscent of some remote sheltered time” transmission of environmental data. Now, 15 years later, spaces in New Zealand in which we had earlier set up multi- a six-station monitoring network supports a range of research investigator ecophysiology experiments near ancient Podocarp studies and has informed the development of innovative forests. Constructed with Black Rock Forest timber from the web-based tools and curricula used to enhance college and site, the Outpost will be dedicated in Frank’s memory. secondary school courses in life science and chemistry. I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Griffin, another Another of Frank’s visions will soon become a reality in the great leader in education and also in ecological research, has Forest. Two years ago, he shared with us a concept of remote, agreed to become the Consortium’s next president (see Forest self-contained student work stations distributed around the News in Brief, p. 7). At its genesis, the Consortium was fortu- Forest, networked to each other and to schools and colleges. nate to have Barnard College Professor Phillip Ammirato as its These would enable remote experimentation and collaborative first president, providing the leadership needed to start and projects among teams with discrete functions ranging from firmly establish the new organization. Phil was then succeeded on-the-ground data collection to sophisticated data analysis, by Frank, and now the Consortium is privileged to be led by interpretation, and discussion back on school campuses. At Kevin Griffin and to help pursue realization of his visions. Great about the same time, Black Rock’s recently hired education leadership is invaluable regardless of whether it is innate or de- director, Dr. Jeffrey Kidder, was independently advocating for veloped over time. But we all recognize that we have clearly new remote teaching and research facilities around the Forest seen it in the succession of presidents of the Black Rock Forest to free groups from dependency on our Science Center and Consortium. Forest Lodge structures. — Dr. William Schuster

Board of Directors of the Consortium The Black Rock Forest Consortium Institutional Members The Sibyl R. Golden, Chairman advances scientific understanding through American Museum of Natural History Storm King School Dr. Kevin Griffin, President research, education and conservation Barnard College Teachers College Valerie Colas-Ohrstrom programs It is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) The Geoffrey W. Dann, Treasurer organization supported by membership The Urban Assembly for Applied Math Vivian Donnelley dues, grants, and gifts. Conservancy and Science Christopher J. Elliman Consortium Staff Scott Godsen Cornwall Central School District Editor: Sibyl R. Golden Helene L. Kaplan William Schuster, Ph.D., Executive Director The Design: Jenkins & Page (NYC) John Brady, Forest Manager Liam Kavangh Frederick Douglass Academy © 2013 Black Rock Forest Consortium Sam Keany Emily Cunningham, Director of External Harlem Academy Dr. Ryan Kelsey Affairs The Hewitt School Caryn L. Magid Jeffrey Kidder, Ph.D., Education Director David N. Redden Jack Caldwell, Operations Manager Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Anne Sidamon-Eristoff Barbara Brady, Office Manager Hole—The Ecosystems Center Beatrice Stern Matthew Munson, Data/Network Manager Metropolitan Montessori School Dr. Martin Stute Kate Pavlis, Research Associate/ Newburgh Enlarged City School District Christie Van Kehrberg, Secretary Environmental Educator Department of Parks Julio Vazquez and Recreation New York – New Jersey Trail Conference 65 Reservoir Road, Cornwall NY 12518 William T. Golden (1909-2007), Phone: (845) 534-4517 Founding Chairman Queens College E-Mail: brfoffice @ blackrockforest.org The School at Columbia University Web: www.blackrockforest.org

2 Fall 2013 • Volume XXIII, No. 3

Frank Moretti Visionary Consortium President

hen Dr. Frank A. Moretti died in July, the Black Rock For- W est Consortium lost not only its long-time president but also a true friend of the Forest. Dr. Moretti was a visionary leader who had a deep under- standing of the Consortium’s past and present, and who could look into the future and see where the Consortium should be headed. He knew countless people and organizations – sometimes it seemed he knew almost everybody – and delighted in introducing the Consor- tium to them all. Frank Moretti At its 2012 benefit luncheon, the Con- sortium presented its William T. Golden Award, named after its founder, to Dr. Moretti: the award celebrates innova- tive leadership in promoting science and science education. Sibyl R. Golden, Mr. Dr. Frank Moretti with his family at the Consortium’s 2012 luncheon where he received the William T. Golden Golden’s daughter and the chairman of Award for innovative leadership in science and science education. Photo: Jennifer Strader. the Consortium’s board, told the lun- cheon guests how Dr. Moretti got in- Dalton School, where volved with Black Rock Forest. “Frank he also cofounded its likes to say that he’s been working on New Laboratory for Black Rock Forest for 30 years, and Teaching and Learn- that’s about right. It was back in 1981 ing and developed the that my father first started develop- school’s technology ing the idea of the Consortium and be- plan. He had a PhD in gan talking to schools, universities, and history from Colum- other organizations around New York bia University, sev- to determine their interest. The Dalton eral masters degrees School was one of the first institutions from both Columbia to express its enthusiasm, and after a and Teachers College, while its headmaster, Gardner Dunnan, and a BA in Greek asked Frank to represent the school. In and Latin from St. typical Frank fashion, he soon felt frus- Bonaventure Univer- trated that things were moving along sity. too slowly and decided to go see my fa- Dr. Frank Moretti (center) with Dr. William Schuster and Sibyl R. Golden at “Frank was a vi- ther to talk about how to get things go- Consortium Day in 2007. sionary,” notes Ms. ing. That was the beginning of Frank’s Golden, “but he also commitment to the idea of the Consor- tium on the path to success and we will was someone who got involved in the tium and to the Consortium itself, and always be grateful for his dedication and nitty-gritty of Consortium activities. he hasn’t slowed down yet.” In 1994, Dr. leadership.” He participated in interviewing sever- Moretti became the second president Dr. Moretti cofounded the Colum- al key staff candidates, once by Skype of the Consortium, following Dr. Phillip bia Center for New Media Teaching and from an internet café in Cairo, and of- Ammirato of Barnard College. Learning (CCNMTL) in 1999 and served ten said that he liked to hire people who “Frank had an indelible impact on our as its executive director until his death. ‘brought him gifts,’ meaning perspec- Consortium and on so many of us who Thanks to Dr. Moretti’s leadership, the tives and talents that he didn’t already he worked with,” said Dr. William Schus- Consortium and CCNMTL partnered have. Frank brought the Consortium ter, the Consortium’s executive director. on several projects, most recently and gifts, with his enthusiasm, creativity, “He urged us to embrace new technolo- most successfully on the Consortium’s wisdom, persistence, and networking. gies, to expand our staff and facilities, Virtual Forest Initiative. In addition We miss him.” and to create new connections among to his CCNMTL role, Dr. Moretti was a The Consortium plans to plant a people and across institutions. His love professor of Communications, Comput- white pine in Dr. Moretti’s honor near of ideas was infectious, his capacity for ing, and Technology at Teachers Col- the Science and Education Center, and vision incredible, and his energy nearly lege. Before he came to Columbia, he his friends and family have contributed inexhaustible. He helped set our Consor- served as associate headmaster at the to the Consortium in his name. 

3 Black Rock Forest News

Middle school students using field guides in the Summer Science Camp’s Amazing World of Plant Adaptations class.Photo: Dave Sirota

Summer Science Camp (cont. from p. 1) Florida and Hong Kong. Scholarships display of art with the landscape, on a Dr. Jeffrey Kidder (see “Meet the New generously provided by the Dyson Foun- course entitled “The Art of Scientific Ob- Education Director,” Fall 2011) was to dation, Time Warner Cable, the Ralph servation – From Microecology to Mon- harness the resources of the Consor- E. Ogden Foundation, the David L. Klein umental Sculpture.” The middle-school tium, in particular graduate students Jr. Foundation, the Cornwall Lion’s Club, course was co-taught by Hara Woltz, an from college and university member and other individuals and organizations artist, landscape architect, and doctoral institutions, to teach hands-on sci- allowed students to participate on a student in the Department of Ecology, ence classes to middle- and high-school needs-blind basis. Evolution, and Environmental Biology at students from Consortium and other During their week at camp, students Columbia University, and Victoria Licht- schools. Lorrin Johnson, who coordinat- could take one class in the morning and endorf, the Art Center’s director of ed the Consortium’s Toyota-funded Vir- another in the afternoon. Middle-school education and public programs. The stu- tual Forest Initiative, served as program classes included ornithology, art and dents kept accordion-style field book manager, and the entire Consortium nature, scientific and artistic observa- journals in which they noted their scien- staff helped the program succeed. This tion and drawing in partnership with tific and artistic observations and drew year, as a pilot, the Consortium held two the neighboring Storm King Art Cen- sculptures, landscapes, bodies of water, weeks of camp for middle-school stu- ter, plant adaptations, insects, wetland trees, meadow grasses, flowers, and in- dents, one residential and one day-on- ecology, and a full-day biodiversity blitz sects. The instructors focused on devel- ly, one residential week for high-school class. The high school classes, in addi- oping the students’ observational and students, and one week for high-school tion to the week at Seahorse Key (to be representational skills and on demon- students at the Seahorse Key field sta- featured in a future issue), covered or- strating techniques and media. tion. The instructors came from the nithology, turtles, field collections of in- “The students’ enthusiasm for the American Museum of Natural History, sects, and the full-day biodiversity blitz. class was wonderful,” said Ms. Woltz. including its Gilder Graduate School, In the evenings, Lodge supervisors Ja- “My favorite part of teaching them was Columbia University, NYU’s Steinhardt mie Kamlet and Chris Lee, both retired engaging with them about their ob- School, and Teachers College, along with teachers, led the residential students servations and watching the evolution professors from the City University, in fun activities, including a raptor talk of their observational skills over the Barnard College, and other institutions. with live raptors and a water balloon week.” John Stern, the president of the Students came from Consortium “battle.” Art Center’s board, visited the class and schools, including the Urban Assembly got involved in a philosophical discus- for Applied Math and Science, the Corn- Artistic Collaboration sion with the students about artist Andy wall Schools, the Newburgh Schools, The Consortium was fortunate to be able Goldsworthy and the ephemeral nature Calhoun, and Dalton, as well as from to partner with the neighboring Storm of art. The students also, on their own, schools around New York City and the King Art Center, one of the world’s lead- showed their sketchbooks to other visi- Hudson Valley and from as far away as ing sculpture parks, which integrates its tors to the Art Center who were sharing

4 Fall 2013 • Volume XXIII , No. 3

Student’s pen and ink drawing from the Visualizing Entomology class (above). Students at the Seahorse Key Marine laboratory study sea vegetation they gathered (left). the tram that was taking them around was able to teach the students about Stern said. “The students were so ex - the grounds, and discussed their work turtle ecology, behavior, evolution, and cited to go out into the field every day. with them. diet. The ongoing research, involving They had the opportunity to do work “The collaboration with Black Rock mostly painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), that real scientists do by making their Forest and Hara Woltz was an immense- but also snapping turtles (Chelydra ser- own observations and asking questions ly rewarding experience for our staff pentina), helps scientists and conserva- for which they wanted to find answers. at Storm King,” noted Ms. Lichtendorf. tionists assess turtle abundance, health, There is also the wonder factor: we al- “The enthusiasm and openness of the and potential migration patterns. ways found exciting things taking place students exceeded all expectations. “I loved that the entire class was out- in the Forest that we didn’t expect, and Their meaningful engagement with one side,” says Dr. Florio, “and I think the stu- weren’t necessarily focused on, but we another and the course material was dents did too. They were outside hiking, would stop to learn about them anyway. made evident by the beautiful journals setting and retrieving traps in muddy For example, we discovered brightly col- they produced over the course of the water, and looking at turtles throughout ored mushrooms and saw a red eft and week. Happily, the Art Center had be - the course. That is a huge advantage of a frog cross our path. These were the come a second home.” having classes in the Forest.” best opportunities for learning, because The world is filled with organisms the students were instantly curious, and Turtles and Plants with fascinating adaptations for sur- asked so many questions about what Scientists from the American Museum vival, including plants which, unlike an- they observed. of Natural History have tracked turtles imals, can’t move around; in the Forest, “This year’s Summer Science Camp in the Forest’s ponds and recorded de- for example, plants must adapt to a was the best and most diverse we have mographic data about them for the past cold, temperate climate. Rebecca Stern, offered and allowed us to provide week- 15 years. Working with Dr. Antonia Flo- a recent science education graduate of long, immersive science, art, and nature rio, a research associate at the Museum, the Teachers College Graduate School experiences for more than 90 students,” 14 high school students (7 each in the of Education, and a science teacher, led Dr. William Schuster, the Consortium’s morning and the afternoon) contribut- a class for 15 middle school students executive director said. “This is the ed to this long-term project by setting (some in the morning and some in the place to send your high-school or upper up and baiting hoop traps to capture afternoon) entitled “The Amazing World middle-school students if they are really turtles, identifying turtles that had pre- of Plant Adaptations: Investigating the interested in learning about these topics viously been trapped by determining Monstrous, Spiny, Beautiful, and Carniv- working with professionals in the field! whether they already orous.” The students learned to identify It highlights the tremendous diversity had a small elec- plants using keys and figure out their of resources within our Forest and our tronic tag called adaptations. Each student also creat- Consortium, and at allied institutions a PIT tag, and ed a mini field guide by choosing and like Storm King Art Center and other then recording sketching five plants, picking fun facts biological field station partners around shell size, age, and about them, and describing their adap- the country. If you are interested, keep in what pond the turtle tations for survival. an eye on our web site for information was found. In the course of “I loved the enthusiasm the students and online registration for next sum- this hands-on activity, Dr. Florio had for what they were learning,” Ms. mer’s exciting offerings.” 

5 Black Rock Forest News

Research Symposium mammals use them to gain (continued from page. 1) access to a broader habitat. entists obtained baseline data, and have continued to Other Research examine biogeochemistry, Some of the research cov- microbial ecology, insects, ered in other talks also in- small mammals, and more volved research at Black over the four years since the Rock Forest, including a se- trees were girdled. ries of presentations on the Dr. Schuster then turned new Queens College study to some of the key re- of how topography influ- sults that are beginning to ences the transport of air emerge from the study, in through a forest ecosys- particular that there seems tem (see “Forest News in to be a threshold of oak loss Brief,” Spring 2013); ongo- that has to be exceeded be- ing research by Dr. Dorothy fore some changes are no- Peteet of Lamont-Doherty ticeable. For example, the analyzing climate change soil is significantly cooler Columbia doctoral candidate Angie Patterson measuring photosynthesis rates of maple in the late-glacial era by and has greater water con- tree leaves in one of the Consortium’s laboratories. examining microfossils in tent in the 100% oak-gir- cores taken in Forest ponds dled plots, with implications for chem- tory, spoke about differences in CO2 and fens; statistical studies by Dr. Joel ical cycling rates and water runoff, but levels over the past 150 years observed Cohen and Dr. Meng Xu of Rockefeller not in those in which 50% of the oaks from an analysis of tree ring data along University, along with Dr. Schuster, us- were girdled. He also noted that there a gradient from New York City to the ing Forest tree data (see “New Use for was a large increase of soil nitrate on Catskills, including Black Rock Forest. Forest Data,” Fall 2012); research on bird the most heavily disturbed plots, which Nancy Falxa-Raymond from the USDA diversity in relation to vegetation com- could end up in streams and the water Forest Service talked about research position and structure by Dr. Maenza- supply. Turning to plants, he said a mix- she did with Dr. Griffin and Dr. Matthew Gmelch; and a study of the effect of ture of non-native species was observed Palmer of Columbia University compar- temperature on tree physiology by Co- growing in the fully girdled plots, as well ing foliar nitrogen in four tree species lumbia doctoral student Angie Patter- as tree species that were opportunistic extensively used in reforestation sites in son aimed at understanding which trees and fast growing, such as red maple and New York City with the same species in grow where. black birch; however, all tree regenera- Black Rock Forest. She noted that “un- Scientists from around the Hudson tion is limited by deer browsing. Finally, derstanding nitrogen cycling in urban Highlands presented research on other he noted that soil fungi may play a key systems and the associated physiologi- topics, including mercury in songbirds; role in the threshold effect in which cal changes in vegetation” is important wintering bald eagles and their roosting changes were limited when only 50% of for evaluating urban forest restoration sites; habitat functions of Phragmites; the oaks were killed because their com- and may also “have implications for water resources, water management, position changes substantially when all carbon sequestration and water quality and biodiversity in the Moodna Creek oaks are lost, along with soil chemistry. issues associated with nitrate export, basin; whether the frequency of ex- Other speakers addressed other as- two important areas of management treme hydrological events is changing pects of the oak forest study, includ- concern.” in southern New York; rare plants at ing Dr. Vladimir Ovtcharenko from the Two speakers discussed connectiv- West Point and on Torne Mountain; the American Museum of Natural History, ity-related topics (see “Addition to For- decline of golden-winged warblers; and who discussed changes in spider biodi- est Helps Build Wildlife Corridor,” Spring a variety of conservation issues, such versity and biomass in the study plots, 2011). Kate Pavlis described research as aquatic habitat fragmentation from and Kate Pavlis, the Consortium’s re- she is doing with Dr. Terryanne Maenza- dams and culverts, eels in the Hudson search associate, who discussed re- Gmelch from Barnard College and oth- River, and identifying and combating in- search on small mammals she, Dr. ers on determining the populations of vasive species. Schuster, and Kate Keck and Dr. Kate several bird species in the Forest and “It was exciting to see the diversity McFadden, now at Clemson but formerly the connectivity area more generally in and extent of research taking place in at Columbia, are carrying out (see “Small order to obtain a designation as an Im- the Highlands region and to be able to Mammals and Environmental Change,” portant Bird Area by BirdLife Interna- provide a venue for these investigators Winter 2013). tional and the National Audubon Soci- to meet and share information,” said Dr. Researchers also discussed the Con- ety. Madeline Hirshan, a Barnard College Schuster. “This may have been the larg- sortium’s urban-rural gradient studies student, discussed her project designed est number of research presentations designed to investigate how urban- to analyze which mammals use culverts ever at one place and time in the High- ization affects plant growth and what under roads in the Forest region, how lands region, encouraging us to continue causes differences in plant growth along frequently, and whether there are dif- hosting these symposia in the future.” a gradient. Dr. Kevin Griffin, of Colum- ferences in landscape and culvert char- Abstracts of all the talks will be avail- bia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observa- acteristics that affect whether and how able on the Consortium’s web site. 

6 Join Us! Become a Friend of Black Rock Forest.

New Member Renewal   Name  American Chestnut $10,000 Address  Red Oak $5,000  White Oak $1,000 Phone  Tamarack $500 E-Mail Moosewood $250 My company will match my gift.   Company name and address  Sugar Maple $100

 Individual $20 Student / Over 65 $15 Prefer giving online?  Please visit us at www.blackrockforest.org and make Family $25  a gift today. To make a gift of $5000 or more, please contact the Development Office at 845-534-4517 ext.26 Please make checks payable to the Black Rock Forest Consortium. Your contributuion is tax-deductible; the Consortium is a 501(c)(3) organization. Thank you! Black Rock Forest Consortium 65 Reservoir Road Cornwall, NY 12518

Forest News in Brief

Consortium’s 25th Anniversary Cele- Rock Forest wood and stone, and over Camp that will air this fall. The Consor- bration! The Consortium will celebrate the summer Forest staff completed the tium was pleased to offer nine scholar- its 25th anniversary at a benefit lun- structure for the roof. The “Outpost” will ships to New York City students for the cheon on May 7, 2014, at the Metropolitan have solar panels to provide power, can 2013 Science Camp through the TWC Club in New York City. Dr. John Holdren, be used as a classroom or laboratory for grant, and will offer fall after-school pro- science advisor to President Obama, will Consortium groups, and can sleep up to gramming as part of the partnership. speak and receive the William T. Golden about 20 people in sleeping bags. It will Award for innovative leadership in pro- be dedicated in honor of past Consor- More Summer Activities in the Forest. moting science and science education. tium President Frank Moretti. Graduate students in the American Mu- seum of Natural History’s Master of Arts New Consortium President. Dr. Kevin Time Warner in Teaching program for middle school Griffin, a professor of earth and environ- Cable Partners earth science teachers spent two weeks mental science at Columbia University’s with Consortium. at the Forest; the North American Den- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, was The Consortium droecological Fieldweek, an international elected president of the Consortium at was awarded a training program, was held; and Dr. Kev- the Consortium’s fall board meeting. Dr. $15,000 grant by in Griffin’s lab at Lamont-Doherty Earth Griffin and his graduate students have Time Warner Ca- Observatory carried out a month of re- conducted research in the Forest for ble (TWC) as part search on the physiology of trees near many years, and Dr. Griffin has served as of the company’s their northern or southern range limits. a vice president of the Consortium. Connect A Million The Urban Assembly for Applied Math Minds initiative to promote student in- and Science spent an intensive week on Science Outpost near Tamarack Pond. volvement in STEM (science, technol- science enrichment at the Forest, thanks Students from the Metropolitan Montes- ogy, engineering, math) education and to a competitive grant from New York sori School worked with Forest Manager enrichment activities and awareness of City Summer Quest, a project of the Fund John Brady last year to design and build STEM-related careers. The Consortium for Public Schools, in partnership with a structure near Tamarack Pond for fu- is also the recipient of in-kind support the City departments of Education and ture education and research activities. from TWC, a 30-second public service Youth and Community Development, to They built the platform floor, using Black announcement on the Summer Science prevent summer learning loss. 

7 65 Reservoir Road Cornwall, NY 12518

Inside This Issue 1 Summer Science Camp 1 Research Symposium 2 Report from the Executive Director 3 Dr. Frank Moretti 7 Forest News in Brief

Report from the Forest Manager

As of early September, anticipation for this year’ s acorn crop eter of a tree so precisely that it will detect a slight change of by researchers and educators was high. Projects and lessons diameter as photosynthesis starts up with morning sun and involving acorn value and ecology have been absent the past decreases at evening. This technology gives the impression of two years due to a total failure of the oak tree seed crop. This a chest breathing. The thought of 4000 acres of trees simulta- year’s good crop of chestnut oak and partial white oak mast neously respiring is overwhelming, considering the life energy will supply an autumn energy boost to acorn-eating animals. produced. The circulation and respiration measurements of But northern red oak acorns, sought after by many, frustrat- the Forest prove a powerful force by scientific methods but ingly failed for the third straight year. also invite expressions of spirituality. Explanation of this long period of mast failure is complicat- Science consistently reveals ecosystems as similar to com- ed, considering the many factors affecting oak tree flowering plicated living organisms, containing incredible life forces. and pollination. However, from observations following the ice This comparison agrees with many Native American interpre- storm of December 2008 which caused massive canopy dam- tations of nature and life. age, oak trees seemed to react with an unusually large mast So what is the importance of mast crops to this huge living crop in 2010 and then two years of zero mast. organism? Is it a simple release from its many energy chan- What importance to the Forest ecosystem do acorn crops nels, a burp, if you will, or a life-giving gift from the “spirit” of actually have? To understand, it helps to consider the ecosys - the trees? Science may have trouble with the latter, but it does tem as an organism. For many years, I have stood in streams support related observations such as a dramatic reduction and ponds explaining to students the power of water, not only of tick populations. This three-year time period has clearly as a physical force but also as a life force, enabling diversifi- demonstrated the relationships between mast, acorn-eating cation of life through the water cycle. I stress water quality mammals, and ticks. as if it were the blood of an organism. This comparison gives During these times of acorn worries, the past three grow- the Forest an identity, with circulation of water by brooks and ing seasons have been very productive otherwise. Volunteer streams similar to veins and arteries. With the aid of science, trail maintainers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Con- tree measurement has come of age to record incredibly accu- ference have trimmed back overgrown grasses and shrubs to rate readings. The point-dendrometer can measure the diam- keep our trails clear. — John Brady