October Dedication Recap
October was a great month at the Old-Growth Forest Network with two spectacular dedications: Doc Kudish Natural Forest at Paul Smith’s College in New York and our first Rhode Island forest, Oakland Forest. This month is a spectacular month to dedicate forests to the Network because of the cool, crisp autumn air and the stunning fall colors. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage and come along as we recap, and most importantly, celebrate these two special forests.
Doc Kudish Natural Forest at Paul Smith’s College
Paul Smith’s College has been a prominent forestry school in New York for decades, which makes this forest especially unique. This 75-acre tract of hemlock, yellow birch, and sugar maple is located 3 miles away from campus and has prime examples of first growth trees. The forest was named after Dr. Michael Kudish (or more commonly “Doc Kudish”), a retired professor emeritus of the Department of Forestry at Paul Smith’s College, railroad historian, author, botanist, and forest historian who has devoted his life to the study of the Catskills forests. Dr. Kudish attended the October 23rd Dedication, as well as OGFN’s Executive Director, Joan Maloof, and many other members of the Paul Smith’s College community. The Doc Kudish Natural Forest represents a major commitment by the college to preserve and protect this historic section of trees, so that people can, according to Dr. Kudish himself, “see today what our forests looked like before 1850”. We greatly appreciate our partners in higher education, such as Paul Smith’s College, who value the importance of old-growth forests!
Oakland Forest- Rhode Island
Welcome to the Network, Rhode Island! Though it’s the smallest state in the United States, we would never forget about Rhode Island and are happy to announce that Oakland Forest is now in the Network. This distinctive property is owned and protected by the Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) and contains a unique old-growth American beech forest with 200-300-year-old specimens. Oakland Forest was under threat of development in the 2000s, but thankfully, ALT and other concerned community members slowed down the development project enough for the Land Trust to purchase the property.
When speaking about Oakland Forest, you may have heard locals talk about Matt (Twig) Largess. Matt was the original forester brought on to cut down Oakland Forest 20+ years ago, but when he saw how old and exceptional it was, he sounded the alarms and got ALT involved. Matt attended the Dedication and provided all in attendance with an experience of a lifetime. A self-proclaimed “changed man and spokesman for saving old trees”, Matt Largess provided attendees with the chance to connect with Oakland Forest on a spiritual level and finished his guided hike with a poem by Joyce Kilmer. A truly special dedication indeed!
The forest sits on a 30-acre parcel outside of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, bordered on the western edge by Saint Mary’s Pond. In addition to the stunning American beech trees, you can also find other species such as white oak and red maple. A row of mature rhododendron trees (100+ years old!) run in a row across the property, as well as a beautiful 10-acre meadow. Be sure you bring your guidebooks and binoculars because you are sure to see lots of wildlife. When you visit, try hiking the relaxed Meadow Trail, a gentle 0.6-mile loop that takes you through the very best that Oakland Forest has to offer.
Special thanks to our Northwest Regional Manager, Sarah RobbGrieco, our passionate County Coordinators, Rachel Briggs and Nathan Cornell, Aquidneck Land Trust, and Matt Largess!
“I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.”
Additional Resources
https://www.mknhp.org
https://ailt.org/trails-maps/oakland-forest-meadow/
