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An epic mountain bike race
Proposed event may attract hundreds to the Catskills
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| By ALAN WECHSLER, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Sunday, February 22, 2009 Albany Times Union Link to complete article is here: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=772698&category=SPORTS |
| A group of mountain bike enthusiasts want to create a four-day race in the Catskill Mountains this summer, making use of some of the most challenging rides in the region.The 150-mile stage race would be called the Wildcat Epic.
Routes would include Minnewaska State Park, Mohonk Preserve and the Hunter Mountain and Cortina ski areas. One day of riding would ascend 2,900 feet to the top of Overlook Mountain near Woodstock. Organizers are also planning a one-day race for adults and kids who aren’t up to a four-day epic ride. “It’s going to be one of the biggest mountain biking events of the Northeast,” said Gunter Stilhaus, one of the co-organizers. Owner of a local outdoor Web site called Adventure Junction, Stilhaus, a South Africa native who now lives in Ulster County, is a professional race organizer. He’s joined forces with a company from Connecticut called Genesis Adventures, which produces triathlons and other endurances races. Similar stage adventure races are growing in popularity around the world. A seven-day bike race in South Africa called the Cape Epic attracts 1,500 racers, organizers said. A local doctor, who took part in a stage race in British Columbia last summer, knows that the difficulty of such races are not to be underestimated. Jessica Fleishman, an ophthalmologist who practices at Lasik Plus in Albany, started training for the BC Bike Race seven months early. Before the race in late June, she rode up to 15 hours a week. It wasn’t enough. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she said. The seven-day race involves 500 kilometers of riding, climbing thousands of feet every day. Fleishman and her partner rode for eight hours a day. The race leaders rode for half that time. “That race improved my riding 500 percent,” she said. “It was like mountain biking boot camp.” Such races are rare in the East, where large patches of wild space that allow mountain biking are hard to find. But the Catskills is beginning to earn a name for itself for cycling events. The region is also home to the East Coast National Mountain Bike Race, held at Windham Mountain ski area in July, and the Tour of the Catskills Pro/Am Bike Race, a road race held in September. “It’s all something we welcome with open arms,” said Daniela Marino, director of tourism for Greene County Tourism. The Wildcat race would begin June 18. Entry costs start at $600, and would include some meals and transportation. All riders must have partners, who must stay together during the race. The race will also be videotaped. Competitors can watch race highlights at dinner each night. Officials are estimating from 200 to 600 racers will attend. Race organizers expect the event will also help promote Ulster and Greene counties. “They’ll have small towns begging to be included, just like the Tour de France,” said Pete Zimmer, a local mountain biker who is working with the organizers. Zimmer is a member of the mountain bike club Fats in the Cats. Club members have built dozens of miles of mountain bike singletrack in the past few years. Some of their work will be featured in the race. “We’ve got some world-class resources here,” Zimmer said. Alan Wechsler can be reached at 454 5469 or by e-mail at awechsler@timesunion.com. Upcoming events Here’s a list of some of the major bicycling events planned for the Catskills this season: Race: Wildcat Epic. Bike: mountain Venue: numerous trails in the Catskills Dates: June 18-21 Race: East Coast Nationals Bike: mountain Venue: Windham Mountain Resort Date: mid-July Race: Tour of the Catskills Pro/Am Bike: road Venue: roads around the Catskills Dates: Sept. 19-20 |
February 25, 2009
An epic mountain bike race Proposed event may attract hundreds to the Catskills
February 6, 2009
Life Scout to restore Layman’s Monument on South Mountain
The Daily Mail
link to full article is here:
http://www.thedailymail.net/articles/2009/02/01/news/news02.txt
By Jim Planck
HAINES FALLS — While much of the land in and around Kaaterskill Clove is New York State Forest Preserve — and as such the property of the people of the State of New York and managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation — there is actually a tiny, square parcel of land on the western shoulder of South Mountain that is not.
That’s because it is the site of Layman’s Monument, a tribute to an early 20th century fallen firefighter, and is owned by the Town of Hunter — just to make sure there’s no conflict with the Forest Preserve’s “forever wild” mandate.
Accordingly, the town, mostly through volunteers or donated highway crew time, tries to attend to housekeeping at the memorial about every decade or so, which is not as easy as it sounds, since the site is literally on the side of the mountain and not really a short walk from anywhere, although a hiking trail does run past it.
Town board members were thus enthused and appreciative at their January meeting when BSA Life Scout Daniel Coughlin III informed them that he would like their permission to do some restoration work at the site.
Coughlin, a resident of Palenville and a member of Troop 131, Saugerties, is working on his promotion to Eagle Scout, and said he selected restoring Layman’s Monument as his community service project to attain that rank.
Coughlin said that growing up in Palenville, he is an avid hiker, and as such familiar with the monument, and having enjoyed the woods through the years he wishes to give something back to the area.
He said he has been in communication with a mason regarding the site’s needs, and that he will also install water bars for erosion control, as well as cut back brush in the immediate area so that the site is not overgrown.
Coughlin said that he had already spoken to DEC about the project, and that they had informed him he needed the town’s approval since Hunter owns the site.
Hunter Councilman Daryl Legg told Coughlin that his great-grandmother once owned Molly Smith’s, a former souvenir shop and restaurant on an overlook where the DEC parking lot now is in the Clove, and that one of the viewings that used to be able to be seen in the old quarter-deposit, binocular tourist scopes was Layman’s Monument.
Legg said that his father, as a youth, used to have to thus go up once a year and clear away the brush so folks could see it.
Legg accordingly offered the motion approving Coughlin’s request, which was seconded by Councilman Paul Dibbell, and passed unanimously by the board, all of whom expressed strong appreciation and support for Coughlin’s forthcoming efforts.
This is not the first time that Layman’s Monument has come before the public in recent times, however.
Back in 2000, former Tannersville postmaster and Haines Falls resident Dee Thorpe conducted a special postal cancellation commemorating the fallen firefighter and his monument, and, as chairwoman of the local not-for-profit The People of Haines Falls, also spearheaded an effort that led to the placement of a directional plaque at the Molly Smith’s parking lot pointing to the site and explaining it.
But just what is the monument’s origin? It is the tragic story of a young man trapped by a forest fire that, along with his fellow community members, he responded to in an effort to save local structures.
The structures were saved, but he lost his life in the effort.
His full name was Frank D. Layman, and he died on Friday, Aug. 10, 1900. He was only 25.
The monument stands essentially on or near where they found him afterwards. The monument may be somewhat southerly of the actual site so that it can be viewed from portions of Twilight Park, the residential enclave across the clove from South Mountain.
Hunter Town Historian Justine Hommel notes that Layman had been a Twilight Park employee, and it was the Twilight Park Association who originally funded the memorial and caused it to be created.
Layman was from Tannersville, and was the son of a Charles Layman — of which there were a couple by that name, explains Hommel — with his father apparently being the Charles Layman that owned a boarding house there, appropriately enough called the Layman House.
As recorded in The Daily Mail of that time, the summer of 1900 was a hot and dry one, with fire a constant hazard and presence throughout that August.
“The drought is causing the boarding house keepers on the mountains a great deal of worriment, and a large amount of work as well,” it states.
“Nearly all the wells are dry and water has to be drawn from a distance.”
“Wm. [William] Freeze states that it is the driest on the mountains this year that he can remember in his 33 years of mountain experience.”
“There is but 18 inches of water in South Lake and it has become necessary for the Catskill Mountain House to shut off the water at the barns in order to supply the house, and draw water for the latter place by wagon.”
“At nearly all the large houses the conditions are the same,” it states, “and everyone is wondering how much longer it will last.”
The actual coverage of the South Mountain fire and the concern that Layman was feared lost appeared the day after his death, in the Saturday, Aug. 11, 1900 issue of the Daily Mail, with the headline, “A Terrible Forest Fire,” subheaded, “The Laurel House and Hotel Kaaterskill in Danger,” with an additional subhead, “One Man Thought to be Burned to Death.”
“A fierce fire was raging in the forest on the mountain in the vicinity of the Laurel House and Hotel Kaaterskill last night,” the story states.
“It started in the clove below Kaaterskill Falls about a quarter of a mile from the Laurel House.”
“A large party of men are fighting the flames, but whether their efforts would be successful could not be determined last night.”
“Oscar Ford and Frank Layman, two of the fire fighters, were caught in the ravine below the falls while working to stop the progress of the fire,” it states.
“Ford, after falling from a ledge, succeeded in getting out, suffering with some severe burns.”
“Layman, who was following him, fell back and had not been seen up to the time this report reached us. It is feared he has been burned to death.”
“The wind last night,” it continues, “was favorable to the safety of the big hotels, but should it change they would be in grave danger.”
“At least 200 men are fighting the fire in the woods around the Laurel House,” it states.
In the next issue, Monday, Aug. 13 — there being no Sunday issue at that time — Layman’s fate was recorded within a story titled, “The Forest Fires,” subtitled, “Still Burning Fiercely But are Practically Under Control.”
“The big forest fire around the Laurel House and Hotel Kaaterskill was still burning fiercely yesterday,” it states, “but is now practically under control and gradually working away from the Laurel House, which was in the greatest danger.”
“Fully 200 men, however, are still fighting the fire and doing all that is possible to extinguish the flames.”
“Saturday morning word was sent to this village [Catskill] for men, $5 a day being offered them to help fight the fire.”
“But few cared to go however, and take the chances of losing their lives even for this sum.”
“About half of the boarders have left the Laurel House and many from the Hotel Kaaterskill, from the latter place more on account of the dense smoke than from any danger from the fire, which is about a half mile distant from the hotel.”
“The body of Frank Layman, who was thought to have perished in the flames Friday afternoon, was found Saturday morning only a short distance from the ledge over which his companion jumped and escaped, burned into such a charred mass as to make recognition impossible.”
“He was identified by means of the watch he carried.”
“He was a son of Charles Layman, of Tannersville, 25 years of age and unmarried.”
“Some idea of the fierceness of the fire can be conceived when it is learned that the flames where Layman was fighting the fire leaped fully one hundred and fifty yards, starting another fire which quickly formed a semi-circle hemming in the men on one side, while at the other, a ledge fully twenty feet high with jagged rocks below stared them in the face if they would escape; and this dangerous leap they took and succeeded in escaping, but Layman, not so fortunate, was overtaken by the flames before he could reach the ledge, and perished.”
The story then goes on to report about two other forest fires that were also raging, one in Round Top and one near Palenville, ending with, “Many rumors were rife upon the street [in Catskill] all day yesterday alleging the burning of the Laurel House or its out-buildings, but the last authentic information showed that the buildings were yet safe.”
And so it remained, for Layman’s sacrifice was not in vain, and both hotels went on to provide hospitality and pleasant memories for visitors for a number of years afterwards.
Many of these undoubtedly were able to walk the pathway to his monument and reflect upon the fire that once raged where they now stood among forest greenery, and of the man who lost his life battling it.
Today, Layman’s Monument is shown on all major trail books and maps of the area, and one in particular offers a meaningful observation concerning it.
Local author Robert A. Gildersleeve notes in his “Catskill Mountain House Trail Guide” (Black Dome Press, 2005), “Turn right on the trail, which will lead through flat open woods, then downhill towards Layman’s Monument.”
“Layman’s Monument was not on any of the original [19th century] trails of the area,” explains Gildersleeve.
“The monument was constructed to honor Frank D. Layman, who lost his life fighting a forest fire here on August 10, 1900.”
“This is an appropriate spot,” he notes, “to remember that local residents are often put in danger attempting to aid hikers, campers, and climbers.”
“Your caution in a wilderness area not only protects your safety,” he says, “but also avoids putting others into unnecessary danger.”
He also makes note of its scenic location, stating, “Layman’s Monument commands a view of the upper clove, Haines Falls [the falls, not the hamlet], and the parking area on Route 23A.”
In late May, when the laurel, pinxter, and moccasin flower are in bloom, it is a pleasant, if energetic, walk, from the outlook at the top of Kaaterskill Falls, and the clove still holds the beauty it did 100 years ago. Frank Layman would like it.
To reach reporter Jim Planck, call 518-943-2100, ext. 3324, or e-mail
December 13, 2008
I’m Hiking with Stupid – A Buddy Story
Backpacker Magazine – November 2008
The last time our author took his buddy camping, they stopped speaking for a year. A decade later, they still haven’t hit the trail together. Which means there’s only one thing to do: Try again.
Yogi laughed at me when I strapped the giant French press coffee maker onto my bulging pack.
He’d also snickered when I crammed the three-legged aluminum Backpacker’s Stool inside my extra-long inflatable air mattress, which was nestled just above the secret stash of Frosted Blueberry Pop-Tarts.
“But who’s laughing now?” I demanded. “Huh, Yogi, who’s laughing now?”
Yogi is what I call my friend, because he tends in certain areas of his life toward sloth, lumbers when he’s grouchy, and possesses a prodigious appetite. (The night before our trip, he actually said “Let’s have another dinner” before we tucked into a gigantic pizza at 11 p.m., then followed it with a double order of chocolate mousse with whipped cream.) Yogi, like a Kodiak bear who gorges on moose meat to the point of grunting, insensate immobility, is a creature who inclines toward immediate and often debilitating gratification. So, honesty compels me to mention, am I.
Yogi said nothing, but glared at me through slitted eyes. He slumped on the ground, in a damp bed of leaves he had scraped together. For some reason, he seemed resentful. I lounged on my Backpacker’s Stool, holding my French press in one hand while with the other I nudged a pot of water that was boiling on my shiny new camp stove. It was early morning, and we were beneath a tarp I had rigged the night before while Yogi had hunkered next to the fire, shoveling smoked duck breast and barbecue potato chips into his gaping maw. But I wasn’t complaining. We were friends, had been for 30 years–except for a 10-month period of hostile silence 12 years earlier, brought on by the one and only other time we had ever tried camping together. “That time you tried to kill me,” is how Yogi still described the event. Yogi’s gross misinterpretation of that summer weekend of 1996 had motivated me to plan the trip that had landed us here, under the tarp. This outing was going to provide us the opportunity to put that terrible expedition from long ago to rest forever–and to bond as guy friends seldom do.
And what an opportunity for guy bonding this was! It was early morning in the wilderness, in a clearing in the woods, on a towering ledge in New York’s Catskills State Park. We were miles and hours from deadlines and obligations, traffic and mortgages and rent and all the other superficially pressing but ultimately meaningless nuisances that will sap the joy from a guy’s life and force him into unwise choices, like working for a living.
Yogi and I had started our careers together as cub reporters. I had been best man at Yogi’s wedding, and at my sister’s wedding reception Yogi had helped cook burgers. And now here we were in the great outdoors, together again, putting the Colorado catastrophe behind us. We were healing. It was like a really cool beer commercial.
Except for the swarms of black flies, and the massing black clouds, and the not-so-distant rumble of thunder, and the fact that the night before I had pitched our tent right on top of a very pointy tree root, and except for Yogi’s snoring, and his complaints that I had the “good side” (his side sloped a little), I thought things were going well. I had already poured us granola with powdered milk, which we would tuck into once I had our coffee ready, which would be soon. To my eye, from my vantage point on my Backpacker’s Stool, life looked very sweet indeed. This is what I was trying to convey to my friend when I said, in the playfully joshing manner that man friends tend to use with one another, “You mocked the French press and the Backpacker’s Stool, and now you’re stuck in a wet pile of leaves, jonesing for some java. How’s that for irony?”
Yogi continued to look at me through slitted eyes. Was he meditating on smoked duck breast? Did he resent the nickname? (His real name is Jeff.) Was he inwardly gloating over the fact that since our last trip he had lost 40 pounds, while I had gained 30? Was he still holding on to that time 12 years ago, in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, when, after he had puked the first night and twisted his ankle the second, I had gently suggested that he should “man up and keep walking”? Why did he insist on holding on to the past? I had let go. Why couldn’t he?
December 3, 2008
November 24 2008, Chronogram: Its All Downhill From Here- Skiing in the Catskills
Skiing Greene County
link to full article is here:
http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2008/12/Greene+County/It-s-All-Downhill-from-Here?print=1
December: the time of year when the quiet white mist takes over the mountains, and the winter ready cars head up winding roads to the Greene County ski resorts. Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain are two of the highest mountains in New York, and both bring something new and fresh to the scene. Both mountains contain exciting new events throughout the winter season, and extensive and upgraded trails and pipes have been cut and carved for this year. Hunter Mountain will never be lacking in the snow department, thanks to their first-in-the-world 100 percent snowmaking coverage. Windham Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop in the Catskills at 1,600 feet. These two mountains make it possible to have a world-class vacation, or at least an exciting day on the slopes.
Daniela Marino, director of marketing at Greene County Tourism, emphasizes the mountaintops’ proximity to major cities. “With one tank of gas, you can get a whole vacation coming from the metro areas. While [the loss of] disposable income will not make it a record season, if nature smiles and snows upon us, we will have a very satisfying season,” states Marino. What really makes the ski trips worthwhile is the number of elegant and unique accommodations in Greene County.
Hunter Mountain, at 4,040 feet, is the highest mountain in Greene County––and with 240 skiable acres, including 54 trails and 11 lifts, Hunter Mountain has even been dubbed “the snowmaking capital of the world.” Hunter Mountain was the first in the state to install snowmaking and first in the world with top-to-bottom snowmaking. According to Jessica Pezak, marketing director of Hunter Mountain, a gladed section was added on the east side of the mountain last year, where the trees have been thinned out so that intermediate skiers may experience more thrilling ski conditions. Forty-five new snow guns have been installed, along with a new compressor, which allows for even faster recovery times. Twenty one of the new snow guns were installed in Hunter’s second terrain park, Park Avenue, which is specifically for skiers and snowboarders who want to experiment and perform tricks. With the encouragement of the weather forecasts, Pezak expects a great season and has great faith in Hunter’s snowmakers. The Hunter Mountain Expedition and Sports Center features apparel, equipment, and gear. The Board Room snowboard shop is the stop to make for last-minute purchases. The Board Room features brands from Gyro and k2 to Skullcandy and Spacecraft. The Tuning and Repair Shop is a must-see at the mountain, whether you want to view the carving of a new board, or get a board shaped.
Hunter Mountain is also home to many events and festivals. On December 20, the mountain will host the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge, a casual competition for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. New Year’s Eve festivities include a torchlight parade followed by a fireworks display.
October 27, 2008
Travel Story From India on How Great Catskill Hikes Are
On flaming horseback
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We camped in a clearing just off the trail the first night, and finished on the second day by passing Witternberg and Cornell mountains, all in all about 16 km of trekking — more of a leisurely walk in the woods. The ridge-like trail between Slide and Wittenberg offered yet more views, and as we stopped to take water and gobble GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts, of course!) the hues of the trees made our heavy packs utterly forgettable.
October 4, 2008
Adirondack Mountain Club Announces Hikes Including Catskills
Mountain Club announces outings
The Adirondack Mountain Club, Susquehanna Chapter, recently announced its schedule for October. Visit www.susqadk.org for additional information.
Tuesday outings are rated C or C+. For Tuesday hike meeting times and places, call the leader or Bev Hensle at 286-9126. For weekend hikes, call Ernie Mahlke at 432-2583. Participants are asked to always all the leaders of the hikes for details before taking part. Outing leaders’ names and phone numbers are included with listing details.
Participants must have a level of fitness appropriate for the type of activity and must bring proper clothing and gear, including enough water to stay hydrated. Car pool participants are asked to contribute toward gas costs. Hike and bike classifications are subjective and chosen by the leader. Those who are uncertain if they are up to the hike should consult the leader.
Classifications are as follows:
A: Strenuous, long distances over rugged terrain with lots of climbing. More than 35 miles on a bike; B: Moderate, shorter distances with less climbing. Moderate hikes may have some steep climbing and/or rugged terrain, but are less demanding than strenuous hikes, 10 to 30 miles on a bike; C: Easy, short distance over rolling or flat terrain at a leisurely pace, 10 miles or less by bike. Suitable for beginners.
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday: Ernie or Heide Mahlke, 432-2583, will lead an outing to the Balsam Lake Mountain Tower hike in the Catskills with a round-trip distance of nearly 6 miles. Leaders described the outing as “relatively easy.” The rain date will be Sunday.
Tuesday: Kay and Ted Kantorowski, 547-5528, will lead a hike in the Clarks Tower area.
Oct. 14: Rod and Sally Hebbard, 829-5811, will lead a hike in Franklin.
Oct. 15: The chapter will have its monthly meeting at the Elm Park United Methodist Church at 401 Chestnut St. in Oneonta. The meeting will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a program at 7. Connie Reed will show slides of her six-day, 100-mile, 7,000-feet altitude-gain hike through the Kachkar Mountains and on to the Black Sea in Turkey. The meeting is open to the public.
Oct. 18: The Wiggins or the Oakleys will lead a Cherry Valley bike trip after breakfast at the Westville Airport on state Highway 166, north of Milford. The breakfast, a fundraiser for the Middlefield Fire Department, will cost $6.50. Participants should plan to arrive between 8 and 8:30 a.m. to leave around 9:30. Various routes will be available on the ride.
Oct. 21: Scott and Doug Fielder, 638-5436, will lead a hike on Schenevus South Hill.
Oct. 28: Julie Smith, 432-8642, will lead an outing to be announced.
October 3, 2008
Record Number Of Youth Attend DEC Environmental Camps In 2008
News From New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
For more information contact: Lori O’Connell, 518-402-8000
Record Number Of Youth Attend DEC Environmental Camps In 2008
Attendance Highest in 61 Years of Offering Outdoors Camping Experience
ALBANY, NY (10/02/2008; 1503)(readMedia)– New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that a record-breaking 1,541 young people attended DEC’s 2008 Summer Environmental Education Camps. This is the highest attendance in the camp program’s 61 years of operation.
The total number of campers is a 29 percent increase over last year’s attendance of 1,198. In addition, there was a 68.6 percent increase in campers from underserved communities, with 290 diversity campers participating in 2008.
“At a time when it seems our youngsters are spending more and more time indoors in front of computers, video games and television, disconnected from the natural world, we are ecstatic about this year’s record-breaking attendance,” Commissioner Grannis said. “Truly meeting the need to connect children with nature, DEC’s camps offer young people a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of New York’s natural resources, learn about environmental issues, and develop outdoor skills that can last a lifetime. It’s encouraging that so many families took advantage of our camps this year.”
In 2008, the DEC Summer Camp Program completed its 61st year of operation, offering week-long adventures in conservation education to state residents ages 12-17. DEC operates three residential camps for children ages 12-14: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake (Franklin County), Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor (Sullivan County) and Camp Rushford in Caneadea (Allegany County). A fourth residential camp, Pack Forest in Warrensburg (Warren County), features the Teenage Ecology Workshop, a special program of environmental study available to campers 15-17 for five weeks and three weeks for those 12-14 years old.
Guided by experienced DEC education camp staff, campers learn by exploring fields, forests, streams and ponds, discovering first-hand the natural world. Activities such as sampling streams for macro-invertebrates and measuring trees using forestry instruments, teaches campers conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals. In mock town meetings, campers discuss and debate environmental issues, learning valuable lessons about protecting resources as part of economic development. Campers also have the opportunity to practice skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities including fishing, bird-watching, fly-tying, canoeing, hiking, camping, and hunter safety education.
Lessons learned at camp help form tomorrow’s environmental stewards. One camper stated: “The thing I will remember most about camp is how important it is to conserve our natural resources. I learned how important it is to reduce, reuse and recycle and that’ll be hard for me to forget.”
Parents also expressed their appreciation for the experiences their child had at camp. One mother from Long Island said: “I would like to thank the NYSDEC for offering this excellent summer program for the kids of New York. Your counselors, staff and volunteers are a great team! Keep up the good work and pass on the spirit of Camp DeBruce!”
Another parent from the Rochester area wrote: “I am writing to express my thanks and appreciation for my son’s wonderful summer camp experience at the Rushford Environmental Education Camp. It has reinforced my son’s love of nature and his commitment to conservation.”
Through its Diversity Program, DEC has increased the number of opportunities for children from urban areas and underserved communities to attend camp. Environmental educators in New York City, the Capital Region and Buffalo worked with community groups and organizations to provide free, one-week scholarships, called “camperships,” for youngsters who expressed an interest in attending camp and learning new outdoor skills.
Each area in the Diversity Program organizes pre-camp and post-camp activities for potential campers. For example, DEC educators and fisheries staff conducted fishing clinics at four schools in the Albany area. The kids learned the basics of fishing and were able to test their skills in a near-by pond. In New York City, prospective campers learned all about birds through a program offered by the Urban Park Rangers and also camped out in city parks. Through an in-school visit by a DEC educator, students in a western New York elementary school were intrigued to learn about bogs and carnivorous plants, which are found at Camp Rushford.
In addition to learning outdoor skills, campers in the Diversity Program also participate in stewardship projects. Often, older teenagers act as mentors for the new recruits during these activities. Each Earth Day, campers help clean up Tivoli Lake, an urban park in Albany. For Arbor Day, children from the Northwest Buffalo Community Center planted trees at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew. On Staten Island, youngsters also planted trees and learned about native and invasive species.
DEC camp sessions for 2009 begin on June 28. The cost per camper for a one-week stay is $275. Information and applications can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html , by contacting in writing at: DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500, or by telephone at 518-402-8014.
Photos of campers and the variety of programs offered at the DEC camps this season can be viewed and download at ftp://ftp.dec.state.ny.us/dpae/press/EdCamps/.
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October 2, 2008
Church’s paintings are museum favorites
September 28, 2008
Church’s paintings are museum favorites
“Scene on the Catskill Creek, New York” will be in the exhibition “One Hundred Stories: Highlights” from the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, opening Saturday, Oct. 4. (Submitted photo/)<!–
Purchase a reprint of this photo –>
“Scene on the Catskill Creek, New York” radiates an ideal evening calm. A man in a canoe on the left and the slight ripples of the creek in the foreground suggest the only movement in this quiet wilderness.
A favorite at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, this landscape was one of many that Frederic Edwin Church painted in the 1840s and 1850s to celebrate the beauty of the northeastern American wilderness. His patrons especially liked the touch of sunset and the assurance that the land was untouched.
Ironically, in 1847, the land north and east of New York City was anything but untouched. As early as the 1820s, tourists had begun heading up the Hudson River and into the Catskills and the White Mountains for getaways to mountain hotels. Church and other landscapists followed, making sketches of visitors’ favorite sites and taking the drawings back to their New York studios to turn into paintings. For “Scene on the Catskill Creek,” Church might have done what many artists did: ignore the settlements and tourist trails in their sketches to create idyllic scenes.
The most admired of the Hudson River School landscapists of his generation, Church became a household name with his painting, “Niagara Falls, 1857″ (Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D.C.) Enthusiastic critics urged viewers to bring opera glasses to see his paintings so that they would not miss the tiny details. While American artists turned their attention to the West for wilderness landscapes, the always adventurous Church chose to go south and then north. He visited the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador in South America where he created dramatic canvases of volcanoes and tropical forests. Then he traveled to Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to satisfy his curiosity about the Arctic regions.
After the American Civil War, he traveled overseas to Greece, North Africa and the Near East.
“Scene on the Catskill Creek, New York” will be in the exhibition “One Hundred Stories: Highlights” from the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, opening Saturday, Oct. 4.
Elizabeth Johns is a guest curator with the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. She is curating the museum’s “One Hundred Stories” this fall.
