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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE98-41

September 17, 1998

Contact: Geoffrey Ryan, NYCDEP (718/595-5371)

Autumn Hike on Dry Brook Ridge Trail

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development (CCCD) are cosponsoring an autumn hike on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail in the Catskill Park, near Margaretville, Delaware County, on Saturday, September 26th. Highlights of the hike will include exploration of the vegetation and natural history of several unique high elevation wetland communities.

Staff members of DEP and CCCD will team up with Dan Spada, a wetland scientist with the Adirondack Park Agency, to conduct the tour. The sites to be visited were included in Mr. Spada's 1985 study, "A Characterization of the High Elevation Wetlands of the Catskill Mountains," an inventory of 34 wetlands located over 2,000 feet above sea level.

"People tend to associate wetlands with low lying areas," said Mr. Spada, "but the Catskills and the Adirondacks have many fascinating, higher elevation wetlands."

The Dry Brook Ridge is the natural divide between Huckleberry Brook and Dry Brook, which are tributaries of the East Branch of the Delaware River that, in turn, feeds directly into the Pepacton Reservoir below Margaretville. Several small depressions in the flat bedrock on top of the ridge have accumulated precipitation and ultimately formed shallow soils that support many plant species usually found in northern bogs. In contrast, mineral rich springs and groundwater flows contribute to the diverse vegetation, including Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma) and 13 species of ferns, found in the "Monarda Swale," an area just below the ridge crest.

The moderate four-mile hike is open and free to the public. Hikers should wear long pants, comfortable hiking boots and a jacket. Hikers should also bring water and pack a lunch.

Hikers will meet at the Catskill Center, next to the Arkville Fire Hall on Route 28, about 45 miles west of Kingston. Date: Saturday, September 26th. Time: 9:30 a.m.; rain or shine. For more information, call Beth Gelber at DEP's Stream Management Program 914/657-6172.

 

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