Woodland Talks & Walks offered at Lennox Forest

[Delaware County Cooperative Extension]

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County and the Watershed
Agricultural Council Forestry Program will be offering five programs
this fall, designed to help families enjoy and sustain their forests
and woodlands. Set for Fridays, beginning October 23 and ending
November 20, these afternoon programs will run 1-4 p.m., beginning
with the “talk” at Ford Hall, 4-H Camp Shankitunk, in Delhi. Forestry
and wildlife specialists will give the talks and then take
participants on a walk through portions of nearby Lennox Memorial
Forest.

The Lennox Memorial Forest became the first operational forest in the
New York City Watershed Model Forest Program in 2000. Located near 4-
H Camp Shankitunk, people can hike the trails to learn about forest
management or simply to enjoy the beauty of this natural site.

Tree and woodland plant identification is set for October 23rd. On
October 30, “Wonderful Woodland Wildlife” will cover bear, deer,
turkey, grouse and forest-interior birds. “Wildlife in Woodland
Waters” on November 6 will focus on amphibians and reptile
identification and habitat needs. On November 13, “OreinTREEing” will
teach how to use a compass, use a map and find your way through your
woods. “Shiver Me Timbers” on November 20th will help participants
learn the basics of timber stand improvement.

The fee for each program is $5 per person. Make check payable to
“Cornell Cooperative Extension” and indicate which programs you plan
to attend. For more information, call 607-865-6531 for a program
brochure. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be
requested by calling Extension by October 16. Please register by
October 16 for all programs. Be sure to dress for the weather – in
case of bad weather the walks portion of the program may be cancelled.

Speakers include Robert Beyfus, a retired Extension Educator with
great expertise in forest plants, Larry Bifaro, Region 4 NYS DEC
wildlife biologist, Andy Mason of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society,
Ryan Trapani of the Catskill Forest Association, the Watershed
Agricultural Council’s foresters, and Mike Zagata of the Ruffed Grouse
Society.

This program is being funded by the Watershed Agricultural Council
whose mission is to support the economic viability of agricultural and
forestry through the protection of water quality and promotion of land
conservation in the New York City Watershed Region. The WAC is
supported by the U.S. forest Service, the New York City Department of
Environmental Protection and other private public and foundation
sources.