Events

June 7 or 8, Fri or Sat 8am, Game of Logging

New York Forest Owners Association [NYFOA]-Capital District Chapter is sponsoring a hands-on “Game of Logging” [GOL], Level I Certificate training course starting with chain saw safety, leading to saw operation, and ending with proper procedures for directional felling of trees. The same course will be offered on either of two days, June 7 and June 8. The cost is $125. You must sign-up on-line in advance and pre-pay. Registration is handled through the cooperation of the Agricultural Stewardship Association. There is a limit of 10 participants each day. This course is a good investment for anybody from novice to expert. Younger participants are welcome so long as they can pull on the starter rope for a saw. The course runs rain or shine, come prepared to be outdoors for a full day. Bring food and lunch, chain saw, chaps, helmet, eye protection. A limited amount of key items may be available to loan, call ahead to discuss if you need these. For more information or question contact Dick Gibbs at 518-225-7371.

More information about the instructor and the Level I GOL training can be found at: http://www.farmingmagazine.com/article-4338.aspx

Course Locations are:

Friday, June 7. Farm of Bob and Renee Phaneuf, 40 Birds Hill Rd., Averill Park, NY 12018.

Saturday, Jun 8. Home of John Leahy and his mother Kay Frey, 131 Shaver Rd. Grafton, NY 12082.

Course starts at 8:00 AM each day. NYFOA-CDC will provide coffee and bagels to start the day. To go directly to the registration locations click on:

Friday, June 7th:

Saturday June 8th

These courses are likely to fill quickly so register soon to get in and get on the day you want. If they do fill up note that the ASA will be offering two GOL courses on October 19th. The first is a level I for women only and the second, held on the same day, is a Level II GOL course.

Fridays all summer long, 5:30pm Friday Field Group

Join a group of botany and ecology experts including our very own Dr. David Hunt each Friday evening at 5:30. Not every trip is on the plateau but those that are will be visiting some very special places this year. View the Schedule.

Sunday, May 19, 1 - 4pm - Grand Opening of the Rensselaer Plateau Reference Library

The Sand Lake Town Library will be hosting a reception on Sunday, May 19 from 1-4pm to introduce its newest collection, a compilation of reference materials relevant to the Rensselaer Plateau assembled by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA). The works deal with the natural history of the area, the social history of the towns on the Plateau, and the conservation and protection of the Plateau’s natural features. At 2pm, Jim Bonesteel, President of the RPA, will speak about the history of the Plateau and the efforts of the Alliance to conserve it. Alice Howard, RPA’s Librarian, will be on hand throughout the afternoon to answer questions about the collection and to demonstrate its database.

Refreshments will be served. The Sand Lake Town Library, located on route 66, just north of the intersection of routes 43 and 66, is handicapped-accessible. For further information, please contact any of the following:

Melinda Fowler, Sand Lake Town Library Director- director@sandlaketownlibrary.org

Jim Bonesteel, RPA President - jim@rensselaerplateau.com

Alice Howard, RPA Librarian – agwhoward@aol.com

Sunday, May 19, 9am - Woodswalk at Pineridge

This property has a diverse forest mix and open areas creating good wildlife habitat. The understory exhibits severe deer browse damage where measure have not been taken to avoid it. Examples of beech control are present among a forest high graded 8 years ago. Good stands of young black cherry are regenerating in some areas. Contact Walter Kersch at (518) 283-5509. Directions to Pineridge

Past Events: