Black Rock Forest News

Spring 2009 The Black Rock Forest Consortium Volume XIX, No. 2

Consortium Celebrates Its Teacher Workshop 20th Anniversary! Educators Plan Trips, Curriculum estive is the word for the Black The Golden Award Rock Forest Consortium’s 20th eachers from six independent F “We created the William T. Golden Anniversary Celebration! On May 13, and public schools and science award to honor Bill’s creativity and T a sold-out crowd of more than 250 education students and teachers persistence in founding the Consor- Consortium members and friends from University’s tium,” said Executive Director Dr. gathered for lunch at the Union Steinhardt School of Culture, Edu- William Schuster. Bill Golden’s in- League Club, where the first William T. cation, and Human Development terest in Black Rock Forest went Golden Award for Innovative Leader- gathered at Black Rock Forest on back to 1981, when Dan Steiner, ship in Science and Science Education February 27 for a workshop on cre- vice-president and general counsel of was presented to Helene L. Kaplan. ating successful educational experi- and a long-time There were many reasons to cele- ences in the Forest. About half of the friend, called to ask his advice about brate. Since its founding in 1989, the 17 teachers who participated were the Forest, which Harvard then Consortium has built two award- able to stay overnight in the Lodge owned but used infrequently. Based winning green for a second half-day program. on his experi- buildings, the Helene L. Kaplan, recipient of the first William The program kicked off with a ence with other Science Center T. Golden Award, in front of photograph of tour of the Forest’s green Science research or- and the Forest Black Rock Forest that was presented to her. Center and Forest Lodge, including (Photo: Jennifer Strader) ganizations, Mr. Lodge; research- the laboratories and the trout Golden came ers have pro- hatchery. After lunch, Consortium up with the duced more staff members Jack Caldwell and idea that a con- than 400 scien- Hannah Roth reviewed the logistics sortium of sci- tific papers; and of planning a trip to Black Rock, entific and edu- more than including Lodge information and cational insti- 11,000 stu- other topics. The teachers then tutions could dents visit the split into smaller groups, led by share both the Forest each John Brady, Matthew Munson, resources and year. The Con- Chris Lee, and Bill Schuster, to dis- the costs of the sortium not only cuss their previous class experi- Forest. After supports mem- ences in the Forest and develop that 1981 con- ber research curricula for student trips to the versation, Mr. and teaching Forest during the winter or spring. Golden spent programs, but The smaller groups reflected the the next eight also has devel- diversity of the teachers attending years develop- oped innovative the workshop: elementary, middle ing the idea science, educa- school, and high school teachers all with New York tion, and con- participated, as well as the NYU institutions, servation pro- education students and teachers. Forest neighbors in Cornwall, and jects. These include multi-year, multi- Consortium schools represented Harvard itself. investigator research on the future of included Browning, Dalton, Metro- Helene L. Kaplan worked with forests and the presence and im- politan Montessori School, Trevor him throughout those years to shape pact of mercury in the environment; a Day School, and the Urban Assem- the structure of the Consortium and summer Field Ecology Research In- bly for Applied Math and Science; a to negotiate the transfer from Har- ternship for high school students; teacher from the Elisabeth Morrow vard, and has continued ever since annually raising and releasing native School in New Jersey, under con- as an extraordinarily helpful board brook trout into Forest streams; and sideration for one open spot in the member. “We honor Helene for her creating the Virtual Forest, a web- Consortium, also participated. dedication over the past 20 years to based teaching tool that will put Con- Subject areas ranged from elemen- making Black Rock Forest Consor- sortium scientists’ data and models tary math and science to high into the hands of students. (continued on page 5) (continued on page 4) 2 Black Rock Forest News Spring 2009

Black Rock Forest Report from the Executive Director Consortium he adage “the more things floor and to streams in affected ar- T change, the more they stay the eas. This is followed by increased same” can sometimes provide impor- wood decomposition, and can trans- Black Rock Forest News is published three times a year by the Black Rock tant perspective. But some kinds of form forests from functioning as ma- Forest Consortium. changes, in some settings, can result jor carbon sinks into sources of car- in impacts that are both profound bon to the atmosphere. Increased The Black Rock Forest Consortium is an alliance of public and private schools, and long lasting. biomass of wood-eating insects and colleges, universities, and scientific and Black Rock Forest and much of decomposers should eventually result cultural institutions engaged in research, the surrounding Highlands experi- in benefits to consumers and preda- education, and conservation in the 3835- enced damage from a heavy ice storm tor populations, and more energy acre Black Rock Forest in New York’s last December. Thick loads of ice flowing through the community tro- . built up on nearly every tree in the phic web. Some studies have shown The Black Rock Forest Consortium is a Forest above about 700 feet, com- initial losses of bird species adapted not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization sup- prising about 90% of the Forest. For to closed-canopy forest interiors, but ported by membership dues, grants, and more than 24 hours, the sounds of have also demonstrated increases of gifts. branches and trees cracking, break- some open/edge bird species. Consortium Institutions ing, and falling to the ground filled Ice storm damage can also lead to American Museum of Natural History the air. When it was over, I counted increased export of nitrate in stream 95 trees uprooted or broken just in waters, at least for a few years, due The the half mile between the entrance most likely to reduced uptake by The gate and the Science Center. damaged vegetation. But the combi- Not all areas, nor all species, re- nation of increased nitrogen and in- Cornwall Central School District sponded in the same way. Smaller creased woody debris in streams can The trees were more likely to bend or lead to enhanced in-stream nutrient Hunter College snap, while larger trees were more retention, growth of algae and plants, Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods likely to experience limb breakage. and enhanced fish habitat. On a large Hole—The Ecosystems Center Birch trees, with their relatively soft scale, major disturbances appear to Metropolitan Montessori School wood, were often mortally damaged, be important mechanisms for increas- Newburgh Enlarged City School District while often only lost horizontal ing both ecosystem diversity and New York City Public School 311 branches. Severe trunk damage oc- landscape heterogeneity. But with New York – New Jersey Conference curred most often on steep slopes rapidly spreading invasive species, it The School at Columbia University and uprooting was most common in is not known how much of the new The wet areas with shallow soils pulse of diversity will be exotics or So what about the longer term? other undesirable organisms. Some indications may be provided by Much will seem the same after Urban Assembly for Applied Math the consequences of an ice storm 10 this ice storm. We will still have a for- and Science years ago that produced damage of est. But, on close view, it will not be Consortium Staff similar magnitude across 7 million the same. This is consistent with the William Schuster, Ph.D., Executive Director hectares of northern New England current ecological view of the ubiquity John Brady, Forest Manager and adjacent Canada. As much as of disturbance and the lack of any Jack Caldwell, Operations Manager 10% of the live above-ground forest real “equilibrium” state or regional Emily Cunningham, Development Director biomass was lost due to this storm. “climax community” in nature. In- Barbara Brady, Administrative Assistant From a human perspective, one stead, initial starting points and ran- Matthew Munson, Data/Network Manager Hannah Roth, Research Associate/ impact is a sense of decreased visual dom events determine conditions in Environmental Educator aesthetics. From an ecological per- any given place and time, all species spective, one of the biggest impacts is react individually to changes in condi- Consortium Officers increased light penetration, to the tions, and events sometimes result in Sibyl R. Golden, Chairman Frank Moretti, Ph.D., President potential benefit of many opportunis- completely novel communities. William M. Kelly, Treasurer tic organisms. Studies have shown Somewhat analogously, we can Christie Van Kehrberg, Secretary increased growth in those trees un- reflect on the impacts of the Black Consortium Address damaged by the storms. But tree ring Rock Forest Consortium on the occa- analyses have demonstrated that sion of its 20th anniversary. While 129 Continental Road Cornwall NY 12518-2119 vigor and growth of damaged trees some things have remained the same, Phone: (845) 534-4517 often remain reduced for years, and others have changed. The “seedlings Fax: (845) 534-6975 may eventually be followed by mor- and saplings” that have been pro- Web: www.blackrockforest.org tality from secondary factors. Some duced through increased research, species can recover by forming new education, and conservation activities Black Rock Forest News branches from previously dormant may well impact the future. Only time Sibyl R. Golden, Editor buds, but others cannot do this. will tell just how profound and long- © 2009 Black Rock Forest Consortium Another major impact is the huge lasting these changes are.  input of woody debris to the forest — Dr. William Schuster Spring 2009 Black Rock Forest News 3 Forest Ride Offers Varied Bicycle Trips and Activities all foliage, fresh local produce, by lunch, an ecologist-guided hike in needed; more information is available F and the scenic roads of the Hud- the Forest, and a local, organic dinner at www.forestride.org. son Highlands – that’s the winning at a special location, all before a night The Forest Ride is a fundraising combination of the Forest Ride. This in the award-winning Forest Lodge. ride, so participants must raise at year’s bicycle ride to support the On Sunday, the one-day riders least $1800 from family and friends Black Rock Forest Consortium has a join the group, traveling through the for the three-day ride or $900 for the new name and new options for hills of Orange County and up one-day ride. Riders will have access shorter rides and other exciting ac- through the Hudson Highlands to the to fundraising assistance, training, tivities, but it still promises beautiful Catskills and back. On Monday, the and bike tech advice. scenery, incomparable camaraderie, three-day cyclists will break up their “That a busy working mother was and abundant support over the Co- 60-mile ride with visits to local farms able to complete the challenge and lumbus Day weekend, October 10-12. for samples of super-fresh produce thoroughly enjoy the experience is a With summer coming, now’s the time and cheeses, ending with a victory testament to the wonderful support to sign up as a rider and get in shape! celebration at an organic vineyard. and camaraderie,” says School at Co- The Forest Ride offers bicyclists This year’s ride is produced by lumbia teacher Lisbeth Uribe, speak- four options: a three-day ride of either Global Impact Productions which has ing about last year’s Green Ride. 150 or 185 miles, and a one-day ride successfully organized fundraising This year, she is a Forest Ride co- on Sunday of either 100 miles or 62 bicycle rides for a variety of not-for- chair, along with Bill Kelly, Jim Bix- miles (a century or “metric century”). profit groups. They will provide com- ler, Justine Yeung, Scott Wood, and Three-day riders will gather at the plete support for the riders, including Bill Schuster. Forest by 8:30 on Saturday morning “oases” with snacks, water, sports So visit www.forestride.org and (the Ride organizers will help cyclists drinks, stretching advice, bike techs, start training for an unforgettable arrange transportation for themselves medical assistance, and lots of cheer- experience that will help support edu- and their bikes). The first day’s ride ing, as well as signage, sweep vehi- cation and other activities in Black will be a 25-mile warm-up, followed cles, and more. Volunteers are Rock Forest.  Renovated Hatchery Enhances Trout Conservation, Learning

lack Rock Forest’s brook trout – Soon after the Forest Lodge was 2003). The creation of The Hatchery B when they are indoors – now have finished in 2001, Forest Manager- will allow hundreds of students to a wonderful new habitat, The Hatch- John Brady, who developed the participate in the program each year, ery, thanks to grants from the Hud- Brookies at Black Rock program, and the annual release of many brook son River Improvement Fund and the traveled to Long Island to obtain eggs trout into Forest streams. New York State Department of Envi- from the state’s Cold Spring Harbor The De Coizart grant enables the ronmental Conservation, obtained Hatchery. He brought them back to Consortium to build on this base, with the help of State Senator Bill two 40-gallon nursery tanks, each both for education and for conserva- Larkin. Another grant, from the containing equipment to chill, aerate, tion. It supplies funding for tree Sarah K. De Coizart Trust, will allow circulate, and filter the water. planting near streams to help im- the Consortium to participate more He then developed a curriculum prove habitat, for an aquatic biologist actively in brook trout conservation that, in successive visits, enables stu- to work with the Consortium in as- and education activities. New York’s dents not only to see the progression sessing area streams for brook trout state fish, the brook trout (Salvelinus from eggs to hatchlings to small fish status and suitability, and for making fontinalis) requires clean water and ready for release in Black Rock’s the Consortium a member of the low water temperatures; its popula- streams, but also to learn about trout Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, tions were decimated in the past pri- biology and habitat, and about as well as offsetting costs of the marily due to human-caused habitat stream environments and water qual- Brookies at Black Rock program. deterioration. ity (see “Brookies at Black Rock “Brook trout, and efforts for their With the grants for the Hatchery, Brings Trout to Students,” Spring restoration, are symbolic of our na- the Consortium was able to complete tion’s increased interest in environ- some of the plans originally designed mental issues and dedication to im- by FXFowle, turning the unfinished proving environmental quality,” says basement of the Forest Lodge into a Executive Director Dr. William Schus- real aquatic laboratory that will offer ter. “They also serve as ideal organisms hundreds of students “hands-on” sci- to engage students’ interest in nature, entific experiences. The grants funded life cycles, and a host of other subjects. installation of wood walls, a drop ceil- We are very thankful for the funds to ing, light fixtures, outlets, new complete this aquatic laboratory and wooden benches and shelves, stools, teaching space so it may enhance this a table, and window coverings, as program and many more research, well as painting (supplied by a Corn- education and conservation activities wall Eagle Scout project). over the coming decades.”  4 Black Rock Forest News Spring 2009

Student Research Spotlight: CO2 in an Urban-Rural Gradient by Diana Hsueh

ast year, for the first time in his- For that reason, I examined both The tree core data show that his- L tory, 50% of the world’s population historical CO2 concentrations from toric CO2 levels in Central Park, lived in urban centers. By 2050, this is the past 100-150 years using tree LDEO, BRF and the Catskills were expected to rise to 70%. As urbaniza- cores from the four sites and current roughly 15, 7, 4 and 2 ppm above am- tion increases globally, it is important CO2 concentrations to decipher diur- bient “clean” levels, respectively. I am to investigate how our natural ecosys- nal and seasonal patterns. Historical still analyzing the current data; how- tems respond to this change. Urban CO2 concentrations can be deter- ever, the overall trend is the same, pollutants and acidic soils may hinder mined by measuring the radiocarbon with the city exposed to higher levels plant growth, while higher night-time (14C) content in tree rings. Current of CO2. Nevertheless, the CO2 concen- temperatures, nutrient deposition, and CO2 concentrations are measured at trations in the city are not as high as carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations a network of atmospheric monitoring one might expect in such a large ur- may stimulate plant growth. stations, the Lamont Atmospheric ban area, partly because some of city’s To study these effects, Consortium Carbon Observation Project. Each pollution is flushed out by cleaner air scientists established an urban-to- monitoring station also measures blown in by northwest winds. rural transect of oak seedlings (Central weather indices such as rain, air tem- By examining what CO2 concen- Park, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observa- perature, solar radiation, relative hu- trations past flora were exposed to, tory (LDEO), Black Rock Forest (BRF), midity, wind direction, and wind current CO2 levels, and weather data, and Catskills) in 2004 [Ed. Note: See speed so researchers can study CO2 we can better understand the basic “Field Season Yields Plant Growth trends in relationship with variations physics, biology (notably plant physi- Data,” Winter 2007]. Oak seedlings in in weather patterns. Current weather ology), and chemistry of the environ- the city grew larger than those in rural conditions and the locations of the six ment, and thus have a better under- sites; however, the cause is still un- project sites can be found at standing of how urbanization affects clear. We know CO2 concentrations www.ldeo.columbia.edu/outr/ air quality and ecosystems.  play a crucial role in plant growth, but LACOP/. Up-to-date CO2 measure- Diana Hsueh is an M.A. Conservation the distribution of CO2 concentrations ments from an instrument installed Biology student in the Ecology, Evolution at small temporal and spatial scales is in the Forest in 2008 will be accessi- and Environmental Biology Department at still poorly understood. ble on this website soon. Columbia University.

Teachers (continued from page 1) weekend with the other participants. Environmental Education at New school biology, chemistry, environ- All were enthusiastic about the train- York University. “I hope this is the mental science, and global studies. ing session and the inspiration it pro- first of many where different topics Curriculum development took up vided. “[This was] an excellent day to can be explored.” most of the afternoon. With their help teachers plan their trips to BRF,” “The Consortium’s full potential group, teachers created lesson plans, said Mary Leou, the director of the is only realized when teachers are either completely new ones for chilly Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban fully engaged and benefit from the weather activities or wealth of re- adaptations of suc- The December 2008 ice storm in the Forest. See the reports from the Executive sources available cessful spring-time Director and the Forest Manager. to them, includ- programs, including a ing curricula unit comparing energy developed and usage of Black Rock tested by others, Forest facilities and and the valuable their own school skills and experi- buildings. The teach- ence of our ers then shared their teaching staff,” lesson plans with the notes Executive whole group and Director Dr. Wil- worked through a liam Schuster. sample activity. “This workshop The teachers who worked well for could stay overnight these 17 teach- spent Saturday morn- ers to advance ing creating a plan for their teaching their next trip to the using the Forest Forest, using the and we will con- ideas developed the tinue to provide previous day, and opportunities wrapped up the work- like this for our shop by sharing their members each observations of the year.”  Spring 2009 Black Rock Forest News 5

Celebration (continued from page 1) vice-chair of tium a preeminent resource for stu- Sotheby’s, and dents in the New York area,” contin- Christopher J. ued Dr. Schuster, “and for her stead- Elliman, ex- fast leadership in promoting science- ecutive direc- based policy and science education tor of the nationally.” Mrs. Kaplan, who is of Open Space counsel to Skadden, Arps, Meagher Institute, ably and Flom, specializes in not-for-profit led a benefit and fiduciary law, is the chair emerita committee of the boards of the Carnegie Corpora- that included tion of New York and Barnard College, heads of Con- and chaired the Task Force on Judi- sortium mem- cial and Regulatory Decision Making ber institu- for the Carnegie Commission on Sci- tions, Consor- ence, Technology, and Government. tium board Ellen Futter, president of the members, and American Museum of Natural History, other devoted Barnard College was well represented at the Celebration, including presented the William T. Golden friends. “We are former President Ellen Futter. (Photo: Jennifer Strader) Award. “We could think of nobody deeply grateful better than Ellen to present the to David, Kim, and the entire commit- Consortium board president Dr. award to Helene,” explained Sibyl R. tee for making this anniversary such Frank Moretti then described some of Golden, board chair of the Black Rock a spectacular success,” said Ms. the Forest’s exciting future plans. Forest Consortium and daughter of Golden. “Through their tireless ef- Mr. Golden. “She has the distinction forts, the Celebration raised more Special Thanks of having led two founding Consor- than $250,000 for Consortium sci- Dr. Schuster thanked the Open Space tium members, as president of Bar- ence and education programs.” Institute which took the opportunity nard College and now of the Museum, After mingling in the Library of of the Consortium’s 20th anniversary and the further distinction of having the Union League Club, the guests sat to present it with 18 acres of addi- known both Helene and my father down for lunch in Lincoln Hall. Mr. tional land, including more than 14 since she was a student representa- Elliman and Mr. Redden welcomed acres high on Sackett Ridge, a sensi- tive to the Barnard board.” them, briefly described the Consor- tive parcel surrounded by the Forest’s President Futter gave some high- tium and its history, and introduced Canterbury Brook Ecological Reserve. lights of Mrs. Kaplan’s deep involve- Anna Quindlen, writer and board “This is a wonderful donation of stra- ments with New York educational and chair of Barnard College. Ms. Quin- tegically situated property,” he noted. scientific institutions and then, with dlen explained the myriad ways the “Preservation of these properties pre- Ms. Golden, presented Mrs. Kaplan Consortium has enhanced Barnard’s vents forest fragmentation and en- with a photograph by Tom Doyle, educational efforts, noting the many sures habitat connectivity to sustain framed with oak from the Forest, professors and students who con- populations of native species now showing the Forest in fall foliage glory. ducted research and studied in the threatened across our region, and it Forest, including Dr. Philip Ammirato, will also help protect local stream The Luncheon the Consortium’s first president. water quality. We are most grateful Luncheon co-chairs (and Consortium Later, as guests were enjoying not only for this gift but also for OSI’s board members) David Redden, the their main course, Dr. Schuster dis- ability to identify the most important cussed the Consortium’s ac- parcels for conservation.” Anna Quindlen with Celebration co-chairs David complishments in scientific Dr. Schuster also noted that, Redden and Kim Elliman. (Photo: Jennifer Strader) research, education, and thanks to a generous gift from the ecosystem management. estate of Marian O. Naumburg, the “On a day like today,” he Consortium plans to start expanding said, “we can have elemen- its education and technology initia- tary students making their tives. In particular, the Consortium first forays into a real forest, plans to hire its first full-time educa- middle school students tion director to strengthen science learning principles of science education, internship programs, and through hands-on experi- other career-related opportunities for ence, high school students science-interested students, and to conducting experiments, augment development of the Virtual undergraduates engaged in Forest initiative. “We are profoundly exploration of human/ grateful for this gift,” said Dr. Schus- ecosystem interactions, and ter, “and for all the contributions that graduate students standing enable us to provide and foster cut- on the shoulders of giants to ting-edge research and education pro- advance our understanding grams now and in the years and dec- of nature.” ades to come.”  6 Black Rock Forest News Spring 2009 Current Research at the Forest Small Grants Awarded or the 20th year, and the eighth he Black Rock Forest Consortium is committed to encouraging collabora- F generously funded by the Stiefel T tion among member institutions and also between researchers and stu- Foundation, Black Rock Forest dents. To help members learn what other members are doing and explore awarded Small Grants to Consor- opportunities for collaboration, we here present a list of current research tium scientists and educators, help- projects at the Forest, along with contact information.  ing them to start new projects, fund Distribution, Assemblage, and Activity of in a Temperate Urban summer student research, and pro- Landscape. Chanda Bennett (American Museum of Natural History). Con- duce publications and theses. This tact: Chanda Bennett. year’s grants totaled just under $25,000. Oak Forest and Response to Canopy Disturbance. William Three projects build on work Schuster (Black Rock Forest), Shahid Naeem and Maria Uriarte (Columbia begun last summer (see “Small University), Kevin Griffin (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia Grants Attract Scientists, Teachers University), and Jerry Melillo (The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological to Forest,” Spring 2008). Drs. Laboratory). Contact William Schuster. Chanda Bennett and Eleanor Ster- Cycling of Mercury in Terrestrial Environments. Allan Frei (Hunter Col- ling, from the Center for Biodiversity lege, City University of New York), Anthony Carpi (John Jay College, City and Conservation at the American University of New York), David Evers (Biodiversity Research Institute), and Museum of Natural History, along Roger Claybrook (US Mercury Deposition Network). Contact Anthony Carpi. with Dr. Kate Jones from London’s Institute of Zoology, will continue Reproductive Effects of Mercury in Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius their study of the distribution, as- phoeniceus) Breeding in the New York Metropolitan Area. Christine semblage, and activity of bats in Sheppard (Wildlife Conservation Society) and Shahid Naaem (Columbia Uni- Black Rock Forest and in other sites versity). Contact: Christine Sheppard. in and around New York City. Native Plant Performance along an Urbanization Gradient. Kevin Griffin Dr. Christine Johnson (Amer- and Natalie Boelman (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory), William Schuster ican Museum of Natural History) (Black Rock Forest), Matthew Brown (Central Park Conservancy), and J. D. will continue her work on the ecol- Lewis (Fordham University). Contact Kevin Griffin. ogy of slave-maker ants and the effect of geographic variation of Ecology of Slave-Maker Ants and Their Host: The Effect of Geographic parasites and hosts on the co- Variation in Parasite and Host Range on Co-Evolutionary Trajectories. evolution of these species. And Dr Christine A. Johnson (American Museum of Natural History). Contact: Christine Kate McFadden, from the Depart- Johnson. ment of Ecology, Evolution, and Functional Ecology of Complex Plastic Traits in Forest Trees: Pilot Studies Environmental Biology (E3B) at Co- of Reproductive and Root Traits. Hilary S. Callahan (Barnard College) and lumbia University, will once again Louise Comas (Pennsylvania State University). Contact: Hilary S. Callahan. examine the impacts of oak tree loss on small diversity and The Autotrophic Contribution to Soil Respiration by Quercus and Its abundance, part of the Consorti- Associated Mycorrhizal Fungi in Black Rock Forest: An Assessment for um’s multi-year, multi-investigator the Ecosystem Consequence of Foundation Taxon Loss Project. Kevin oak forest sustainability research Griffin (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory). Contact: Kevin Griffin. project (see “Oak Project Update,” Land-Atmosphere Coupling at Black Rock Forest: The Role of Snow, Spring 2008). Vegetation, and Soil Thermodynamics. Gavin Gong (Department of Earth In a new project, Dr. Christine and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University), Jason Smerdon Sheppard (Wildlife Conservation (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory), and Jessie Cherry (University of Society), along with Dr. Shahid Alaska). Contact: Jason Smerdon. Naeem (Columbia E3B), will investi- gate the reproductive effects of mer- Effects of Host Defoliation and Distribution on Spatial Patterns in Ecto- cury in red-winged blackbirds mycorrhizal Fungi. J. D. Lewis (Fordham University). Contact: J. D. Lewis. (Agelaius phoeniceus), adding to the The Tamarack Pond Core as a Rosetta Stone for Impact Events: Correla- breadth of the Forest’s mercury re- tion to Known Ejecta Layers. Dallas Abbott (Lamont-Doherty Earth Ob- search projects (see “Mercury Re- servatory). Contact: Dallas Abbott. search Takes Off,” Spring 2007). Robert Wallace, Susan Kirch, Long-Term Study (77+ years) of Tree Population Dynamics and Carbon and Mary Leou from New York Uni- Storage. William Schuster (Black Rock Forest). Contact: William Schuster. versity were awarded a grant for Small Mammal Response to Oak Removal. Jenna Lawrence and Kate digital ecological modeling for edu- McFadden (Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, cators and students. Allan Frei and Columbia University). Contact: Jenna Lawrence. Deborah Gardner of Hunter College received a grant to expand research Insect and Arachnid Diversity of Black Rock Forest. Vladimir I. and education associated with the Ovtsharenko (American Museum of Natural History). Contact: Vladimir Forest’s snow research station.  Ovtsharenko.  Spring 2009 Black Rock Forest News 7

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Forest News in Brief Research Symposium June 22! On Monday, June 22, Second Field Ecology Research Internship. Building on Black Rock Forest will hold its sixth Research Sympo- the success of last year’s inaugural residential field ecology sium. Scientists conducting research in Black Rock For- research internship program for high school students (see est and around the Hudson Highlands will give presenta- “Two Weeks of Forest Ecology for High School Interns,” Fall tions about their work. At the fifth Symposium, in 2007, 2008), this year’s program, once again led by Dr. Terryanne some 30 scientists gave talks on long-term biological Maenza-Gmelch and research assistant Angelica Patterson, studies, biological diversity, invasive species, mapping both from Barnard College, will be held from July 5 to 17. and monitoring, chemical cycling, earth science and the A dozen science-interested students will gain exposure to carbon cycle, and watershed studies. More information future careers in the sciences, while learning the skills will be available on the Forest web site soon. needed to participate in scientific investigations. Forest Starts Selling Excess Energy Back to Utility. Support the Forest Crew! Matt and Ben Brady, the sons Thanks to New York State’s new net metering law, which of Forest Manager John Brady and Administrative Assis- allows not-for-profit institutions to receive credit on their tant Barbara Brady, along with Matt’s dog Rogue, are at- utility bills for energy they send back to the grid, Black tempting to hike the entire 2200-mile Appalachian Trail Rock Forest Consortium is now earning money from its from Georgia to Maine (see “Forest Manager Report,” Win- solar panels. In the first month of net metering, the Con- ter 2009). By early May, they had reached Virginia! As vet- sortium received a credit of nearly one-third of the total erans of the Forest Crew, volunteers who help with bridge, charges. Thanks go to State Senator Bill Larkin for co- trail, and other work, they are using the hike to raise sponsoring this bill. money for the Crew. To help, please see www.blackrock Recognition for Executive Director. Forest Executive forest.org/pdf-files/AppalachianTrailPledgeCard.pdf. Director Dr. William Schuster has been elected vice- Forest and Cornwall Plant 400 Trees for 400 Years. president of the Organization of Biological Field Stations, The Consortium and other Cornwall groups have pledged to whose membership includes nearly 200 field stations plant at least 400 trees this year, in part to help celebrate from around the and North and Central the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s original voyage America. In addition, Dr. Schuster was asked to partici- up the . The Consortium has already planted pate in a National Science Foundation-sponsored plan- several dozen trees with students from the Dalton and ning workshop guiding development of one of the coun- Trevor Day schools. The trees will help to reforest areas try’s first NEON field stations at the Ordway-Swisher Bio- with hemlock tree mortality and ice storm damage, and the logical Station operated by the University of Florida. shade will keep streams cool for species like brook trout.  Black Rock Forest Consortium 129 Continental Road Cornwall NY 12518-2119

Phone: (845) 534-4517 Fax: (845) 534-6975 Web: www.blackrockforest.org

Inside This Issue Consortium Celebrates Page 1 20th Anniversary! Workshop for Consortium Page 1 Teachers Forest Ride Offers Varied Page 3 Bike Trips, Activities Renovated Trout Hatchery Page 3 Enhances Education Student Spotlight: Page 4 CO2 in an Urban- Rural Gradient Small Grants Awarded Page 6

Report from the Forest Manager

sons Matt and Ben, and the Forest is gradual, but a one-day, lings in areas of high hemlock mortal- My Rogue the dog, are well on Forest-changing event can seem ity caused by the woolly adelgid. His- their way the Appalachian catastrophic to the human eye and torically, these huge hemlocks have Trail [Ed. Note: See “Report from the mind. The Forest reacts well to dis- been providing shade to the stream- Forest Manager,” Winter 2009]. As of turbance. Reproduction begins almost sides of Canterbury and Black Rock mid-May, they have hiked more than immediately when the sunshine re- Brooks. This shade helps maintain 700 miles north from the starting unites with forest soil. cool temperatures of the Forest’s point, Springer Mountain, Georgia. The new openings in the canopy streams, creating habitats for brook With the use of a tracking device left by falling limbs and trees result in trout as well as the many other or- called “Spot,” coordinates of their lo- new light penetration to the forest ganisms that require clean, cool, oxy- cation are transmitted to a web site. floor. This will start and continue the genated water. Research at Black Third- and fourth-grade students in establishment of a new dimension of Rock Forest has shown plantings of Cornwall have been following their life and diversity. To create an white pine, black , white cedar, journey online. They support the “uneven-aged forest,” multiple age and tamarack can serve as three by sending letters, cookies, and classes must be present. The effect of replacements. Native white pine seed- dog bones, as well as their inspiring December 12 will result in a new age lings show the clearest ability to es- energy. Other supporters are also class of trees, owed to a day of devas- tablish in sites vacated by hemlocks. following the progress of this “Corps tation. Or was it just a much needed Historically, Black Rock’s northern of Discovery” and offering their wishes disturbance? ravines had more of a component of for success. I send a hearty thank you to all white pine mixed with hemlock and Back here at the Forest, the ice the volunteers who have helped the other species, including sycamore storm of December 12 is still being clean-up so far. We know the magni- and yellow birch. dealt with [Ed. Note: See photo, p. 4]. tude of your work and are grateful. If you would like to volunteer, or The ice storm brings to mind other The money pledged to the Forest Crew know a young student who is inter- natural events that changed the ap- by supporters of Matt, Ben, and ested in getting to know forest work, pearance of the Forest in just one Rogue will have immediate use, sup- it can readily be found at 9 am on day. Hurricane Floyd on September porting its continuing work clearing Saturday mornings at the Forest shop 15, 1999, and the March 16 blizzard , roads, and fire breaks. on Continental Road. Please contact of 1993 were also events that ap- Also during this spring-summer, me for more information.  peared disastrous. Most change in the Crew will plant white pine seed- — John Brady