Exciting Events are in Store for Spring!
Spring is the time for new possibilities and a fresh start for all. That’s especially true for the team at the Old-Growth Forest Network! After a long and cold winter for some, it’s time to start looking forward to warmer temperatures, the emergence of tender, green leaves, and a whole slew of forest dedications. Not only are we hard at work finalizing the details for dozens of forest dedications, OGFN Executive Director and Founder Joan Maloof will also be busy giving in-person talks and presenting webinars. Keep reading to find an event in your area!
Old-Growth Forests with Joan Maloof- Lyme, CT:
April 10th, 2022: 12:00-1:30pm
Join the Town of Lyme, CT for a presentation about the Old-Growth Forest Network by Dr. Joan Maloof, writer, ecologist, conservationist and founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network.
This program is of particular importance to regional residents as the Town of Lyme now plays an important role in the United States’ biospheric health as a holder of one of three such designated forests in the state of Connecticut. The Town of Lyme’s Johnston Preserve was designated a future Old-Growth Forest in 2021.
To register for this event email Education@lymelandtrust.org Subject: “Old Growth Forest”.
Made possible by a generous co-sponsoring project between Estuary Magazine, Friends of the Lyme Public Library, and the Lyme Land Trust in collaboration with the Town of Lyme.
Dedication of Otter Creek Nature Preserve- York County, PA
April 26, 2022
Join us as we celebrate Pennsylvania’s 21st forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network! Otter Creek Nature Preserve consists of 292 acres on both sides of Otter Creek, which meanders for 3 miles through the Preserve. This is a mature forest of hemlock and mixed-hardwoods including remnants of the American chestnut that once dominated Pennsylvania forests, nearly wiped out from the invasive Asian chestnut blight.
Dedication of Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area- Dauphin County, PA
April 26th, 2022
This old-growth forest at the foot of Blue Mountain is located along the Creek Trail loop that starts on higher elevation above the biggest ravine/valley in the 1,025 acres of the Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area. The old-growth area is in a small valley on the western boundary, estimated at 75-100 acres. It has at least ten tree species -- red and white oaks, tulip trees, beech, hickory, and maple, plus understory trees: hemlock (small but old), sassafras, mountain maple, striped maple, birch, and witch hazel. The estimated age of some of the older oaks is that they sprouted circa 1900.
Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Director of the Old-Growth Forest Network, will present a plaque to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Dunn; Deputy Secretary John Norbeck; John Hallas, Bureau of State Parks Director; and Courtney Troutman, State Park Manager.
Also in attendance will be Christina Novak, DCNR Communications Director; Al Germann, DCNR Deputy Digital Director; Wesley Robinson, DCNR Press Secretary; Tara Ramsey, DCNR Information Specialist Supervisor and Josh Swartley, Bureau of State Parks Assistant Regional Manager
Dedication of Rockefeller State Park Preserve- Westchester County, NY
April 29th, 2022
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is primarily hardwood forest dominated by huge oak, tulip poplar, maple, and beech trees. The forests, fields, streams, and wetlands support a high diversity of native species of resident and migratory birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish and aquatic species, some of which are in decline and now uncommon in Westchester County. With 202 recorded species of birds and its Important Bird Area designation by the National Audubon Society, the Preserve is a must-visit area for birders. Over 100 species of native wild bees frequent spring and summer wildflowers. In the fall, Monarch butterflies stop to feed and lay eggs during their southward migration. An on-going environmental stewardship is underway to favor native biological diversity.
Dedication of James River Face Belfast Trail- Rockbridge County, VA
May 3rd, 2022
The Belfast Trail in the James River Face Wilderness area will be our 155th forest dedicated to the Network and our 11th Virginia forest. Not to mention we haven’t dedicated a forest in Virginia since 2019! The upper drier slopes are composed of mainly Chestnut oak. The coves especially along the Belfast Trail include cove hardwoods such as Northern red oak, White oak, yellow poplar, and hickory. The canopy along the Belfast Trail is composed of tall straight cove hardwoods. The drier slopes offer a contrast of gnarly Chestnut oak.
From the Global to the Local: Our tree canopy from Baltimore City and Beyond
May 19th, 2022: 8:00-9:30pm
Invited by the Bolton Hill Garden Club, Dr. Joan Maloof will discuss the condition of the tree canopy across the globe, and across the nation. Conservationist Sarah Lord, and historian Jill Jonnes, author of Urban Forests, will discuss specific initiatives in Baltimore to preserve, restore and expand the urban tree cover. They will also give a brief view of tree happenings relevant to Bolton Hill and the Gwynns Falls Leakin Park’s campaign to join the Old-Growth Forest Network.
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Title image by Robert Llewellyn.