Denver Water System Upgrade - Cannabis Farm Coming To Roxbury

By Mary A. Crisafulli

ROXBURY—On May 12, the Roxbury Town Board held a public hearing to secure a bond of up to $500,000 to make repairs to the Denver Water and Sewer District. The hearing was also informational, during which district organizer Mike Harrington and Attorney Kevin Young explained the project and funding opportunities.

The district, formed in the 1900s, was abandoned in the 1980s and left to the town to take control of. Despite the town's role, district users remain sole beneficiaries and are responsible for all costs. In 1992, the roughly 20-year-old plant required substantial repairs, which the district completed.

When the New York City Department of Environmental Protection became more prominent in the area, working to control water quality, they paid for other replacements in the early 2000s. The Safe Drinking Act of 1986 requires the City to filter its water more thoroughly. The City determined it could avoid an $8 billion project and $800 million annual costs by filtering water at the source rather than at the discharge point. This forced stringent regulations on Watershed communities. The agreement was that DEP would pay for repair and operational costs.

Now, both repaired portions of the Denver system need to be replaced. Harrington suggests combining both filtration systems into one. The newly developed technology, constructed in Japan, is called a Membrane Bioreactor for wastewater (MBR).

The project is estimated to cost between 4.5 and 4.7 million dollars. The town will apply for a municipal grant, which provides 50% of the funds for rural communities. The remaining 50% will be split with the city. Young is requesting DEP pay 60% of the remaining cost, leaving roughly $500,000 on users. The user's portion of the payment will be done over the course of 20 years through a low-interest bond. If the project is approved, users should expect an increase of $291 annually.

One district user and former district board president noted that other users were not adequately informed of the potential project. There are roughly 120 district users.

With grant and bond deadlines approaching, the board agreed to move forward. Supervisor Allen Hinkley assured attendees that the project is still in the initial stages and there are many more steps before construction. Hinkley hopes to organize another public hearing in the future.

Cannabis

Catskill Mountain Cannabis will begin operations in the coming months. The company is an indoor cannabis cultivation facility on the outskirts of town. With a Micro Licence in hand, owners would like to expand to retail. If the business were to sell under their current license, the retail facility must be within 25 miles of the cultivation site. They would like the shop, pre-named Smoke Panda, to be located on the same property as the farm. However, Roxbury opted out of permitting any dispensaries. The owners are requesting that the board explore adjusting legislation on dispensaries. The board listened to a presentation by Lisa Wisely, representing the farm. She went over critical developments in State legislation that require safety and security practices for cannabis shops - cameras, security systems, identification protocols, etc.

Hinkley noted that the town initially opted out due to a lack of regulations, with the notion that they could revisit the issue. However, the council did not discuss the matter further.

In other business

Code Enforcement Officer Hiram Davis resigned effective July 31. The town will seek a replacement officer and hope to share the duties with a neighboring town.

Margaret Ellsworth's resignation from the planning board was accepted. Peter Griffin, Allen Regero, and Eric McLaughlin were all appointed to the planning board.

Renate Rennie resigned from the Community Development Block Grant project review committee. Peter Griffin will fill the vacancy.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at town hall on June 4.

The next regularly scheduled town board meeting is on Monday, June 9 at 6 p.m.

 

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Forest Preserve Advocates Applaud Final State Budget

ALBANY —  Over forty organizations and municipalities advocating for New York's Forest Preserves applaud the New York State legislature and Governor Hochul for prioritizing New York's wild lands in the state budget. The final budget includes an historic investment by the governor and legislature to support New York's air, water, forests, and farms with a $425 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Dedicated Stewardship funding for the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve Parks is supported within the EPF with a $10 million investment.

The Forest Preserve Parks—the Catskills and Adirondacks—are a unique and essential component of New York State's natural heritage. They consist of over three million acres of public lands that are protected and managed by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These lands include pristine forests, lakes, and rivers, as well as high peaks that offer some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the Northeast. The Forest Preserve Parks also include over three million acres of private land with communities, towns and villages, and private conservation easement lands, many open for public recreation.

The Forest Preserve Parks are an essential component of New York State's economy, generating $5 billion in annual expenditures and supporting thousands of jobs. They also provide critical ecological services, including watershed protection, carbon sequestration, and habitat for endangered and threatened species. The $10 million allocation in dedicated funding will be used to support a wide range of activities that enhance the Forest Preserve's protection and accessibility, including trail maintenance and construction, and educational outreach. 

Also included in the state budget was a $1 million investment in Adirondack and Catskill Visitor and Interpretive Centers, including the Catskills Visitor Center, Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center, the SUNY ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center, and Adirondack Mountain Club’s Visitor Centers—the High Peaks Information Center and the Cascade Welcome Center. Continued funding was also provided for Camp Santanoni, and for the Parks and Trails New York EPF Stewardship program which funds parks and trails projects across the state.

The Adirondack and Catskill groups also applaud $600,000 for science and monitoring facilities including Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute, and the Atmospheric Science Research Center’s Whiteface Mountain Field Station. Continued funding for the Timbuctoo Pipeline Summer Climate and Careers Institute, the consortium-based Survey of Climate Change and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems (SCALE), as well as to manage invasive species including Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, and funding to study the carrying capacity of Adirondack lakes and rivers are also budget highlights that will ensure continued efforts to protect the Forest Preserve now and for the next generation.

Support for communities of the Catskills and Adirondacks was also included in the final budget through state-wide funding for Clean Water Infrastructure, Climate Smart Communities, Smart Growth, and Connect Kids grants. The advocates are also very pleased to see continued  investment in diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility programs in the Forest Preserve to ensure we work together so that outdoor spaces are places where all feel welcome, safe, and that they belong. 

“This historic investment in the Forest Preserve is a win for both our environment and our community. Here in the town of Hunter, we see firsthand how stewardship helps protect the Catskills’ natural beauty while supporting local jobs and sustainable tourism. We’re grateful to the Governor and Legislature for recognizing the importance of these public lands to our future.” said Sean Mahoney, Hunter Town Supervisor.

“Funding that enhances the Catskill Park and the Adirondack Park serves all New Yorkers while strengthening our environment and our local economies,” said Ramsay Adams, Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Executive Director. “These are forward looking investments that we can all celebrate as we continue protecting and enhancing these regions for generations to come.”

“The Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserves are foundational to New York’s natural heritage—vital to preserving our unique landscapes and supporting recreation, clean water, biodiversity, and climate resilience,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “We’re grateful that Governor Hochul, the Senate, and the Assembly have demonstrated their commitment by investing at the highest level yet in the Environmental Protection Fund. This increased funding ensures that critical stewardship, visitor services, and scientific research in the Catskills can continue to grow in impact, reaffirming the value of these vital landscapes to both residents and visitors alike.”

“We thank Governor Hochul and the NYS Senate and Assembly for continued support of our communities of the Catskills and Adirondacks,” said David Kukle, President Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway. “The Dedicated Stewardship funding for the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve Parks, and support for Adirondack and Catskill Visitor and Interpretive Centers, including the Catskills Visitor Center, will reap many returns as our Parks are an essential component of New York State's economy, generating $5 billion in annual tourism expenditures and supporting thousands of jobs. Our Parks are a unique and essential component of New York State's natural heritage consisting of over six million acres of public lands and private lands with communities, towns and villages. These lands include pristine forests, lakes, and rivers, as well as high peaks that offer some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the Northeast.”    

“In a time of uncertainty it is encouraging to witness environmental leadership take real steps forward. This increase of the Environmental Protection fund enables critical work and critical protections to take place in New York. It also helps to ensure we have an environment and outdoor spaces to enjoy for the next generation of New Yorkers,” said Andy Mossey, Executive Director, Woodstock Land Conservancy.

 

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Friday Night Music Coming To Fleischmanns - Who Owns The Bridge? Village Officials Argue: Not Them

By Mary A. Crisafulli

FLEISCHMANNS—The Organizers of Music on the Belle, a free concert series at Belleayre Mountain, proposed moving the events to Fleischmanns Park this year. The Fleischmanns village board was presented with the idea on May 12 at a regular meeting.

The series would feature a new band every Friday night from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Organizers, Loranda and Joe DeVitto, owners of the Print House, say the first year at Belleayre brought in roughly 300 people and was up to 1,500 in its final year. After taking on the Mountain Jam Festival scheduled for June 20 to 22, Belleayre does not wish to continue the free concerts. Instead of canceling such a popular event, Loranda said, it would be best to relocate it. "We want to try to get as many local businesses involved as possible," she added, noting that Union Grove distillery has been very successful at past events.

Organizers assured the village board that bands are calm, family-friendly music.

Mayor Samuel Gil noted that the event would be for people who want to walk in the park, have food, and listen to music. It's more social than a concert, he added.

The organizers will not use sports fields for band or food truck set up.

The Bridge

The culvert or bridge across from Goatie Whites' restaurant on the other side of Route 28 needs repair. The structure is on Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) property. However, the village has a right-of-way over the bridge, allowing traffic flow onto Fleischmanns Heights Road.

The village, with a limited budget, sought assistance from Middletown, DURR, and Delaware County. The county suggested the village take the lead on the project. They further offered Soil and Water to help apply for a grant that would pay for up to 75% of the project. The remaining 25% could be paid for through in-kind services by the county and Middletown. Any remaining funds would be the village's responsibility. The project is estimated to cost between $300,000 and $400,000.

Village board members and Clerk Diane Rossman are hesitant to sign any agreement. They believe legally, the culvert is owned by DURR and thus their responsibility.

DURR representatives have informed the village that they will not be repairing the bridge as they have limited funding.

Rossman said the situation is unjust. "It is not our responsibility as far as I am concerned," she said, later noting, "We have the smallest number of people. Once we sign something, there are a lot of people who can't afford that."

The village will continue to seek legal guidance and plan to have an answer by the next regular meeting on June 9. The grant application is due at the end of June.

In other business

The Memorial Day Street Fair is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. Gil asked the organizers if the village could be compensated for the event in a small way in the future.

John Blish volunteered to replace the posts stopping vehicles from crossing the pedestrian bridge on Bridge Street with removable ones. The removable ones will permit access for small emergency vehicles when necessary.

Gil announced that the Wall of Peace, a community art piece, is almost completed. The wall is on display along Bridge Street.

The village is moving forward with selling the Maxbilt Theater, which was built in 1929 and is located at 1421 Bridge Street. The abandoned structure seats 600 and is a designated New York historic property.

Trustees hope to sell the property for the right price, but will consider lower bids if plans for the structure benefit the village, which could include knocking the building down.

Trustee Miguel Martinez-Riddle noted that many people in the village have expressed a desire to have the theater operating again. However, he said this could take a group of people to work together to accomplish. "It's a little pie in the sky," he said.

 

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Pine Hill Community Center to Hold Spring Clothing and Plant Sales Events

PINE HILL — Spring is finally in full swing, and that means it’s time for the Pine Hill Community Center’s two biggest fundraising events of the year. 

First up is the PHCC Thrift’s 10th Annual Spring Clothing Event which will be held May 17th and 18th from 11a-4p at the Pine Hill Community Center. This year’s sale will include over 1,000 pieces of Eileen Fisher from summer tops and skirts, to dresses, pants and jackets. Also, hundreds of new swimsuits for women, men and kids will be available for $5 and $10 along with endless racks of summer apparel. 

The PHCC Thrift was created ten years ago by Pine Hill resident Berns Rothchild and has grown to be the largest source of revenue for the Center. The Thrift is completely volunteer run and receives clothing donations from members of the community as well as brand partnerships. ‘A big draw for customers is our great selection of Eileen Fisher,’ says Thrift volunteer Christein Aromando. ‘We offer their clothing at about a tenth of the cost you would pay in the store. And the quality and fabrics are top of the line.’ The annual event brings shoppers from near and far to take advantage of the incredible deals. Organizers recommend that you come early and bring a bag.

The following weekend on May 24th from 11a-3p is the annual Plant Sale and Spring Bazaar. Plants are generously donated from Adams Fairacre Farms, Sam’s Club and Herzog’s Home Center in Kingston, Freshtown in Margaretville, along with local community members. Anyone can drop off plant donations on Friday, May 23rd to be included in the sale.

Simultaneously, the Spring Bazaar will include 18 local artists offering handmade items such as upcycled jewelry, natural made skin care products, small furniture, baked goods and more. The Food Dude food truck will be on site offering a variety of delicious options from burgers to cheesesteaks and sausage and peppers.

All proceeds from these events benefit the PHCC and allow the Center to continue to bring music, arts, wellness, community and youth programming to all.

Pine Hill Community Center is located at 287 Main Street, Pine Hill, NY, 12465. 

Pine Hill Community Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of the people in the Central Catskills Region by providing community-building activities that nurture creativity and lifelong growth. Information about these and all upcoming events can be found at pinehillcommunitycenter.org.

 

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Shandaken Board Approves Mountain Jam Permit - Defers Town Hall, EV Charger Decisions

Staff Report

SHANDAKEN — The Shandaken Town Board approved an assembly permit last Monday for the upcoming Mountain Jam music festival, but deferred decisions on installing new electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the potential sale of the current Town Hall, opting instead to hold a special workshop to discuss the municipal building's future.

The board’s May 5 meeting also featured a detailed presentation from the Onteora School District on its proposed 2025-2026 budget and a significant capital improvement plan.

The permit for the Mountain Jam festival, scheduled for June 20-22 at Belleayre Mountain, was granted following a public hearing where promoters detailed changes including a reduction from 600 to 400 camping tents and a new RV camping location in Big Indian. The town will receive a $2,500 fee, and organizers will post a $10,000 cash escrow. The resolution passed as written before the meeting, with the understanding it could be amended or revoked at a special meeting on May 12 if legal clarifications regarding security and medical services, which arose from a last-minute attorney email during last Monday's meeting, are not resolved.

Consideration of installing three EV chargers – one potentially at the Town Hall – was tabled. The decision was linked to the tabling of another resolution to seek an appraisal for the Town Hall property through a flood buyout program. Council members cited the imprudence of installing new infrastructure at a property the town might soon vacate.

Onteora School District Superintendent Victoria McLaren presented a proposed $63.56 million budget for 2025-2026, a 2% increase over the current year, with a corresponding 2% tax levy increase, which is below the state-mandated cap. A major $70.5 million tax-neutral capital improvement project aimed at creating a central campus with extensive upgrades to existing schools was also detailed. The school budget vote is scheduled for May 20.

In other matters, the board approved terminating its agreement with the SHARP committee as administrators of CDBG funds, with a 45-day transition period for the Supervisor to manage outstanding loans and bank access. A new non-profit is reportedly being formed by the Housing Smart Committee to fulfill similar functions.

Supervisor Peter DiSclafani presented a plaque to Ernie Longyear Sr., recognizing his 32 years of service to the town upon his retirement. The Supervisor also reported that an environmental assessment of the Patini fuel depot property in Pine Hill showed it free of contaminants, and the town is working to acquire it for parking and stormwater drainage. The town’s website was also officially updated to shandaken.gov.

The board approved routine payment of bills and advertising for summer recreation camp staff. An amended drug and alcohol-free workplace policy for the town employee handbook was also adopted.

Public comments included inquiries about the SHARP committee transition and the EV charger locations. The Conservation Advisory Council announced a "Shandaken Prepares" public meeting on June 16 concerning flood mitigation and emergency preparedness.

The meeting was adjourned in memory of David Anderson.

 

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Filmed Locally - Wendigo

By Bradley Towle

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS — The mythological Wendigo, derived from Algonquin folklore, has often been depicted as a deer-like humanoid with antlers. It is always ravenous, never full, and is frequently associated with cannibalism, famine, and greed in various versions of the folk legend. Metaphorically, the Wendigo's traits of avarice are understood within some Native American tribes as destructive characteristics that can disrupt balance if not addressed. The Wendigo made the leap from indigenous folklore into a more diffuse form in the American consciousness in the early 20th century as it began appearing in literature, film, art, and eventually video games, and even as a Marvel character. In 2001, actor/writer/director Larry Fessenden threw his hat into the Wendigo ring with his independent film Wendigo. Shot in Phoenicia and areas in Ulster County, the film centers around a family experiencing dark forces while staying at an Upstate New York cabin. 

Jake Weber plays George, an overworked photographer desperate to escape Manhattan for some relaxation, who takes his family on a winter getaway to the Catskills. Patricia Clarkson plays Kim, his wife, and Erik Per Sullivan plays their 10-year-old son Miles. I hesitate to identify any currently working actors as having a "heyday," but Clarkson and Per Sullivan were certainly experiencing high-profile moments at the time of the film. Per Sullivan was on the wildly popular show Malcolm in the Middle from 2000 to 2006 as Dewey, the youngest sibling in the dysfunctional television family. Clarkson, for her part, had hit a stride, and by the early aughts, she seemed to have been in every other independent movie to hit the big screen in films like The Pledge, Welcome to Collinwood, and The Station Agent. 

As George drives his family to the cabin, he hits a deer, upsetting a local hunter named Otis who had been tracking the animal. The incident leaves the family shaken, and their cabin makes them feel more ill at ease than relaxed. A shopkeeper tells Miles about the legend of the Wendigo and provides him with a figurine of the mythical being. Events then unfold that blur the line between reality and mythology, as we see events through the eyes of Miles, who has now become anxiously consumed by the lore of the Wendigo, which he believes he saw in the woods during an inciting incident in which his father collapsed, and becomes convinced is the reason for dark forces around the cabin. 

The film had an underwhelming, albeit limited, box office release, earning a meager $1,107 on its opening weekend. Despite the poor box office showing, Fessenden's horror film did garner some positive reactions from critics. David Kehr of the New York Times praised the director for blurring "the line between psychology and the supernatural, suggesting that each is strongly implicated in the other." Roger Ebert gave the film two and a half stars and took particular issue with the ending. "Wendigo is a good movie with an ending that doesn't work," wrote the late critic. "While it was not working, I felt a keen disappointment, because the rest of the movie works so well." 

Is there a more challenging genre than horror when it comes to nailing an ending? While not a household name, Fessenden has been credited as an inspiration for a generation of independent horror filmmakers, particularly the influx of indie horror offerings in the 2010s and the folk horror explosion of the 2020s. Wendigo was his second feature film. Note: There are several films titled Wendigo and The Wendigo. The 2001 (sometimes listed as 2002) version is the one discussed here and shot in and around Phoenicia. 

 

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Margaretville Recognizes 150th Anniversary

Former Margaretville Mayor Glen Reither, who last served in 1991, attends the village board meeting honoring the 150th incorporation anniversary. Photos Contributed by Iris Mead

Staff from Margaretville Hospital and others joined the festivities on Margaretville's 150th birthday at the village hall.

Margaretville Planning Board Member Phil O'Beirne and Historical Society of Middletown Board Member Joseph Schoell enjoyed drinks to honor Margaretville's incorporation in 1875.

The Village of Margaretville's 150th birthday cake made by Café Marguerite.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MARGARETVILLE—Margaretville board members David Budin, Jeff Warren, Iris Mead, Sarah Hubbell, and Mayor John Hubbell honored the village's 150th anniversary of incorporation on May 8. The village was officially born in 1875. In honor of the singing, trustees moved the regular meeting to the exact anniversary date, where they invited the community to celebrate and enjoy cake from Café Marguerite before meeting business.

After cake and laughs, the brief meeting mainly focused on the Sesquicentennial. The village, with Mead at its head, is collaborating with the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society of Middletown to host additional celebratory events - a block dance on July 26 and a history presentation on July 13. The presentation, starting at 2 p.m., will explore the impact of railroads, wars, floods, and technology on Margaretville and its people. Main Street will close down for the dance from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with music from Sue's Garage. Folks are invited to participate in a community portrait during the event, mimicking ones taken in 1979 and 2000. The last photo featured roughly 300 individuals.

"We want to beat that number," said Mead.

One local entrepreneur questioned the plans, hoping business owners could be more included. Diane Galusha, historical society president, clarified that they, too, would love businesses to be involved.

"We would love to hear your ideas," said Mead.

Ideas included a raffle item from each shop. Individuals could pick up tickets by visiting stores before the event. Another project involved displaying historical information on each building with an old photo. Another individual suggested developing some children's activities.

The planning committee will invite business owners to the next meeting on June 2 or earlier.

More information on the celebrations can be found at villageofmargaretville.com or mtownhistory.org. To participate in the organization, call Mead at 845-586-4689 or Carol O'Beirne with the chamber at 845-586-3300.

In other business, trustees approved $1,426 in unpaid water fees to be added to the general fund.

The Catskill Water Discovery Center was approved to host its annual Camp H2O at the Margaretville Park Pavilion on May 20.

Following an executive session, trustees unanimously agreed to repurchase two double cemetery plots at the price the owner initially paid.

 

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A Conversation about ...dandelions

By Jean Thomas

I have never seen so many dandelions on my lawn. This year there is an eruption of golden blossoms across the front yard. Last fall seemed to have an unusual number of dandelion fuzzies landing everywhere, but other circumstances conspired to make sure they all germinated. 

Of itself, it's not a big deal because the first mowing usually knocks the rascals back  before they can go to seed. At my house, the situation was not good. More rain kept the lawn too boggy to mow and the mower was in the shop, anyway.

My busy little brain cells start to spin with questions as I enjoy the view and a coffee.    

 The dandelion's formal name is “Taraxacum officianalis”. Taraxacum from the Arabic phrase for “bitter herb”, and “officinalis” means medicinal. The informal name of dandelion is said to come from the appearance of the leaves, which resembled, to some French-speaker, “dent de lion,” or a lion's tooth. Other common names, according to Wikipedia, are puff ball, blowball, face clock and pee-the-bed (because it's used as a diuretic.)

Dandelions have a deep connection with humans. There are abundant myths and legends, often referring to the sun (the golden flower), the moon (the perfect silvery orb), and the stars (the tassels of the seed parachutes). Many cultures value the dandelion as a food and as a medicine.

The dandelion is NOT one of those plants you either love or hate. We usually have a mixture of feelings, many dating back to childhood. We've picked the flowers in our grubby, sticky little hands to bring to our mothers, little girls still make crowns with the stems, and we've blown the fluff away and made a wish. Like:“Dandelion into the wind you blow, take my wish and make it so.”

Those of us with European roots of our own may have helped a grandparent collect the plants for a tonic or a family recipe. The hatred part comes in when we begin to nurture our own lawns. Sadly, the dandelion is a greedy thing. It makes big rosettes that choke out the adjacent grass  and will keep on trying to bloom all summer even from low mowed stubs. As we become more aware of ecology, most of us can accept a few dandelions in our yard.  We have begun to avoid poisoning our land to create a monoculture of a grass that isn't even native and adds nothing to the environment.

So, let's think about the charms of the plant. We are often happy when we spot a random lone dandelion in the late fall or even midwinter, a hopeful sign. When we think no one's looking, we pick a globe of feathery seeds and puff a breath to set the tiny parachutes adrift. As one of the earliest  flowers, the dandelion is vital to early insects. They don't rely on the insects for their own pollination, but seem happy to share their pollen and nectar. They are hermaphroditic and don't need to cross pollinate. Each bloom makes its own seeds and each seed has a parachute. Because it looks like a small beard, one of these parachutes is called a “pappus”, from the Latin for a grandpa.

I've only touched the surface. There is a wealth of information available on this amazing plant, whether as a weed or a valuable forage plant. Wikipedia has an excellent page, and You Tube also has some great time-lapse episodes. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're amazing.

 

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THE CATKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - The Willows III – The Flows of the Hudson; The Flows of a Brush

We continue our explorations at the Willows, that late 18th century farmhouse south of Athens. Last week, we examined several dry stream channels that are found there. This week let’s continue our walk down the Red Trail and approach the shore of the Hudson River. When we were there and approached the river, we couldn’t help but notice that the slope seemed to steepen toward the river. That’s the sort of thing that would be so easy to miss, but we have been in the business a long time and we took note of it. There was a story here – actually two of them. We pondered that slope and soon were taking a journey into its ice age past.

                                                                                                                            

We found ourselves right there on April 17th, 9,975 BC. We expected to be looking east across the waters of Glacial Lake Albany. But no, the lake had recently drained away. We turned west and looked toward the distant uphill lands. There was still a lot of ice up there, but it was melting and melting rapidly. This was a fast-action global warming and an equally fast deglaciation. Massive amounts of meltwater were pouring into a swollen Hudson River and flowing downstream right in front of us. There should have been a thunderous roar to all of this, but it was strangely silent. We thought we sensed an aura of electricity coming from within the powerful torrent. The water was a very dark gray color, and we looked north and south. We saw the strong, agitated flows cutting into the earthen bank before us. The sediments of Lake Albany were being eroded away. Now we knew the origins of that steepness we had seen. Now we saw a striking image of the geological history of that slope.

Then, suddenly and so very quickly, we traveled forward through time. It was the early summer of 1852, and Henry Ary was walking along the very same path that we had taken. Ary was a resident of the City of Hudson. Encouraged by the renowned artist Thomas Cole, he had become a recognized landscape painter, and, on this day, he was looking for an image, a scenic view that would make a fine painting. Our modern trek had taken us into a forest but in 1852 all the land here had been cleared.  Henry did not descend as far as we did. He veered off to the north a very short distance and stood at the top of that slope. His view there was unobstructed by trees, and he sketched it. Take a look at our second illustration. That painting was the product of Henry Ary’s visit. We are not artists, but we can stand where he once stood and see what he saw. As geologists, however, we had viewed what he could not. We wish that he too could have seen our ice age scene – and painted it.

                                                                                                                                

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net. Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

 

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