15,000 Years of Hemlock History with Dr. Mike Kudish at the Mountain Top Arboretum

Dr. Michael Kudish will delve into the intriguing postglacial history of the hemlock tree in his upcoming presentation. He will explore the hemlock's emergence in the fossil record, tracing its origins in bog peat and examining the bogs that lost their hemlocks several millennia ago. Additionally, Dr. Kudish will shed light on the current state of hemlock stands, emphasizing the impact of historical practices such as tanning, which significantly influenced the composition of hemlock groves 150-200 years ago.

As an esteemed author, railroad historian, forest historian, and botanist, Dr. Kudish brings a wealth of expertise to his discussion. He earned his Ph.D. in botany from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse in 1971, focusing his research on the history of Catskill forests. This seminal work later evolved into his renowned book, "The Catskill Forest: A History." Since then, Dr. Kudish has dedicated himself to the comprehensive study of Catskills forests, sharing his insights with students, fellow researchers, and the public through classroom teachings, fieldwork, and numerous publications.

With a distinguished career spanning 34 years at Paul Smith's College, where he is now Professor Emeritus, Dr. Kudish has left an indelible mark on the field of forest ecology. His contributions have been recognized by the Catskill Center, which named him one of the "50 Stewards of the Catskills." Join Dr. Kudish as he illuminates the fascinating journey of the hemlock tree and its profound significance within the ecological landscape of the Catskills.

Saturday May 11th @ 10 AM at the Education Center
Admission is $10 suggested donation for non-members; free for members. Registration is required.

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