2013 Newsletter
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Mohonk Number 23 • 2013 Consultations LET’S TALK IT OVER AT MOHONK: A TRADITION OF CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH DIALOGUE What Mohonk Consultations DOES and WHY hat does Mohonk Consultations do any- Farm Project; the Hudson Valley Watershed Alliance; way? Should it matter to anyone? In fact, the Hunger Project, coordinated by UlsterCorps; and the Consultations has planted positive ‘seeds’ spread of the Transition Town movement to the largest W of long-term change up and down the towns in Ulster County. Hudson Valley since 1980. We do this by bringing togeth- Yet, to properly understand Consultations’ real er groups and individuals in the historic Mohonk Moun- effects the story of its start and place is important too. In tain House Parlor to “consult” with each other and find fact, the legacy of Mohonk’s work of ‘consultations’ began solutions to perceived problems. We consider ‘successful’ with the founding Mohonk Smileys who followed Quaker the Parlor consultations that jump-start viable initiatives practices of forging their own ‘inward testimony of the to serve the public good. Thus the discussions we facilitate Spirit’ into outward and practical, positive action. Bring- are taken into the realm of practical actions in our region ing people to the calm of the mountaintop and seating by a host of people outside of our organization. them in the majestic space of the Mohonk Parlor - out This newsletter highlights the flourishing effects of of the hurly-burly of their daily grind – is considered an four of our consultations: a ground-breaking model CSA important part of the legacy. (community supported agriculture), the Phillies Bridge See our centerfold for the rest of this story. SAVE THE DATES – You are invited to the Mohonk Mountain House Parlor for these 2013 events. Reserva- tions are required. 2013 Distinguished Environ- mental Achievement Award Ceremony Honoring Paul C. Huth, Di- rector Emeritus of the Daniel Smiley Research Center of the Mohonk Preserve, Mon, April 22, 2013, 5-8 pm 2013 Fall Conference A Watershed Moment: Chang- ing Climate and the Future of Our Water Resources Mon, Nov. 11, 2013, 9-4 pm Historic Mohonk Mountain House Parlor built in 1899. It replaced the Office wing of 1881 For more information on that included the old Parlor where the early these events, see pp. 2 & 3. ‘consultations’ were held. Courtesy Mohonk Mountain House Archives Local and Statewide Views of Renewable Energy Consultations’ Conference November 2012 Paul gathering data in the woods with John Thomp- Our November 12, 2012 conference at Mohonk Mountain House son (photo by Tim Shuipis) explored the status of renewable energy technologies in New York State. These included solar, wind, and geothermal sources and the innovative Honoring Paul C. Huth re-use of bio-waste. The crowd of over 120 enjoyed a day of stimulating Photo byPhoto Shuipis, Courtesy Tim of DSRC for His Invaluable presentations, discussions and question and answer sessions on technical updates and practical applica- Environmental Work & Leadership tions. On Earth Day 2013, April 22, Mohonk Consultations and the Mohonk Keynote speaker and the Preserve will jointly host the presentation of Mohonk Consultations’ Chair of the Energy Committee 2013 Distinguished Environmental Achievement Award to the Preserve’s of the New York State Assembly, Director Emeritus of Research, Paul C. Huth. Kevin Cahill assured us of his Under Paul’s leadership for nearly four decades, the Preserve’s Dan- commitment “to setting up a iel Smiley Research Center (DSRC) tackled the challenges of large-scale state-wide sustainable energy ecosystem protection by continued long-term baseline monitoring, eco- planning process that would system studies, managing collections, and continuing the legacy of Paul’s integrate energy efficiency issues mentor, Daniel Smiley. Paul worked with Dan from 1974 until Dan’s with development planning,” death in 1989, when Paul became the Preserve’s Director of Research. and gave a status of the imple- As a lifelong naturalist, Paul has made science accessible to thou- mentation of solar, wind and sands of Preserve visitors and Mohonk Mountain House guests through geo-thermal systems statewide. his engaging lectures, educational naturewalks, and DSRC tours. Paul He explained some current noted, “One of my greatest pleasures has been . in adding to the NYS Assemblyman Kevin Cahill problems such as power plant Preserve’s legacy.” Photo by Lorna Tychostup infractions, unclean energy “I am proud of what the Preserve has accomplished in its 50 years; brought from other states and the need to level the playing field among proud to carry the torch of dedication embodied in so many who have energy producers. Electric grid modernization, expansion of net-metering contributed; and proud of being a participating steward of unique records and transmission to a distribu- Matteson byPhoto Patty and lands,” Paul reflected. For the future, Paul said he hopes that many tive network system are needed. of his [own] “educational articles and papers on diverse topics at the But above all, he stressed Research Center will be scanned and made more available on the Web.” that “human power is the most important form of energy.” So- “Paul Huth is a walking encyclopedia of the flora and fauna of the lutions to some of our current Shawangunk Ridge,” said Mohonk Consultations’ Vice Chair Sandra problems, he noted, include Solar panels at Lifebridge Sanctuary in Smiley. “His many years of working alongside Dan allowed Paul to energy conservation at the sim- Rosendale plest level in the home and work absorb the essence of Dan’s commitment to maintaining a balance place, and more education on sources of energy other than fossil fuels. between human activities and a healthy natural environment.” Most instructive were local business owners who described Paul will be presented with the Award at a program at Mohonk models of both conservation and Mountain House Parlor, Mon., April 22, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event innovation that most homeown- will include a “virtual field trip”; a nominating speech by Preserve Direc- ers, farmers and businesses can tor of Conservation Science, John Thompson; a keynote presentation by implement. Barbara Valocore Mohonk historian, Larry Burgess, Ph.D., Director of the A.K. Smiley Pub- of Rosendale’s Lifebridge lic Library in Redlands, California; and a reception featuring light fare. Sanctuary, Jim Ottaway of the Registration at $50 per person is required, with part of the proceeds Matteson byPhoto Patty Taylor Biomass Gasification benefitting Mohonk Consultations and the DSRC. Register online at our Fossil-free plowing by Ulster County Draft project, Tom Smiley of Mohonk Horse Association participants web site or mail a check payable to Mohonk Consultations to: Mohonk Mountain House and from Four Consultations, Attn. Huth Award, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, Lake Mo- Winds Farm in Gardiner, farmers Jay and Polly Armour have all put these honk, New Paltz, NY 12561. practicalities into direct action to lessen their use of fossil fuels. 2 MOHONK CONSULTATIONS NUMBER 23 • 2013 NOTEWORTHY A Watershed Moment: Changing Climate and the Future of Our Water Resources A Fall Conference presented by Mohonk Consultations & MOHONK the Hudson River Watershed Alliance, Mon., Nov. 11, 2013 CONSULTATIONS In the Hudson Valley region, climate trends indicate that our communities will experience The purpose of Mohonk Consulta- stronger storms and wetter weather. The increased incidence of flooding and the need for tions is to bring about a clearer more careful water management are complex challenges already being faced by many local understanding of the interrelation- towns and villages. In Mohonk Mountain House Parlor, this conference will bring together ships of all life on earth, emphasize concerned citizens and representatives of community organizations, businesses, local gov- the need for sustainable use of all ernment, and higher education to explore how we can together best adapt to this dimension the earth’s resources, including humans, and support the develop- of climate change. ment of practical means to do so. The conference will focus on these topics: BOARD OF MANAGERS Reducing and managing Bradley Berg, Chair the risk of flooding, Chris Bernabo including consideration of land use Ellen Brady in floodplains and other areas near Ronald P. Brand, Treasurer streams and exploring the Kristin Brown Airy Dixon value of green infrastructure Anne Finn strategies for storm water Ann Guenther, Secretary byPhoto Simon Gruber Forge Hill Rd. Bridge, over Moodna and stream corridor Laraine Mai Creek in Windsor, NY, which was cut management Patty Matteson in two by Hurricane Irene flooding. Sandra Smiley, Vice Chair Barbara Valocore Addressing water quality issues Helen L. Vukasin, Emeritus in the context of stream management goals and increased flooding CONSULTANTS Managing water resources Assemblyman Kevin Cahill to ensure adequate supplies for Donald Christian drinking water and other human Hon. Maurice D. Hinchey and commercial needs, while also Paul Kellar protecting streams and watersheds James Robbins to restore and sustain the region’s Albert K. Smiley fisheries, wildlife, recreational oppor- Photo by Patty Matteson byPhoto Patty Pond at Brook Farm Project, New NEWSLETTER tunities and other priorities Linda Gluck, Graphic Design Paltz, NY Patty Matteson, Editor Creating community-based, sustainable water resources, planning and management strategies, To receive notice of our events, check Mohonk-consultations.org, that can enhance the region’s economy, create jobs and contribute where our newsletters are also to our overall quality of life, including linkages with public available as .pdf files. health, fitness, and the well-being of our communities. The Hudson River’s entire watershed spreads over a To join our mailing list contact us 13,400-square-mile geographic area and includes the 153-mile- at [email protected], long, tidal, main stem of the Hudson River, as well as the upper 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New New York harbor, the Hudson’s tributaries and the upland areas Paltz, NY 12561, or (845) 256- of the Hudson Valley.