From The Forest

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Jason Egan from Egan Performance Saws. He custom builds parts & accessories in Idaho--with his wife Kara-- to make your
saw awesome.

Every 3rd Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the American persimmon tree.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

Spring is in full swing now, and it's time to reflect on all that firewood we burned this winter. We'll get Mike Porter's thoughts about all that and more.

Mike is a retired teacher from Margaretville Central School. He taught Earth Science, Environmental Science, Science Research in the High School, Driver Education and several elementary and junior high courses over his 33-year career. In 1988 he was selected as the New York State Conservation Teacher of the Year by the New York State Board of Soil and Water Districts. A life-long resident of Delaware County, Mike is an...

On this week's show, we'll be going through the process of grafting mainly "wild" or volunteer apple trees. CFA's grafting season normally runs from mid-April into May.

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. This week Zane, Jen, Giovanna, and Erik will dive into what they've been up to and what their plans are for Spring.

CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager
Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester
Jen Betz, Forest Process Efficiency Coordinator
Erik Heidenfelder, Forest Technician

On this week's show, we'll be discussing how Giovanna inoculates mushrooms--mainly shiitake and now oyster--through CFA's FOREST FARMING PROGRAM. Giovanna is also looking into growing other mushrooms for members. Giovanna was hired full-time as CFA’s Education Forester in December 2024. She earned her Associates of Applied Science from The New York State Ranger School of SUNY ESF in May 2024. She leads the Forest Farming Program and assists in the development, implementation, and marketing of CFA’s programs and events. She additionally creates written content for the CFA newsletter and weekly email blast. She strives to foster reconnection with our lands thro...

Every 3rd Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing Gary's recent trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

On this week's show we'll be discussing Apple Tree Pruning, especially those overgrown ones.

On this week's show, we'll discuss with Joel Riotto & Carl Grocholl the benefits of food plots to deer and other wildlife.

About Joel Riotto
Joel Riotto resides in New Jersey and the Catskill Mountains of New York State. He is also an author of many archery and bow-hunting publications such as:

Joel is also a Senior Member of the Pope & Young Club; Life Member #9 of the Professional Bowhunters Society; Life Member #95 of the NY Bowhunters; Life Member of the NJ Fo...

The 2026 maple sugaring season has begun. On this week's show we'll discuss some of those stories and topics that often come up while sitting around the maple boiler. 

Every 3rd Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. Last month it was pear; This month we'll be the peach tree.

Gary is the former owner of Fruitful Furnishings Sawmill & current owner of Gary Mead Gallery in Margaretville, Delaware County. He was born & raised on a dairy farm in New Kingston, Town of Middletown, Delaware County.

On this week's show, we'll be discussing the importance of prescribed fire on deer habitat with Oklahoma State University's Mark Turner.  Mark Turner is an Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. His research and Extension programming focuses on applied habitat management practices including prescribed fire, forest stand improvement, and nonnative species management. Research Interests: Prescribed fire; Forest stand improvement; Nonnative plant control; White-tailed deer; & Wild turkey.

On this week's show, we'll be talking to John Musacchia about his experiences with burning his land in the Catskill Mountains. John used to live down south where burning is far more common. He is an avid hunter & former owner of Muzzy Broadhead.

On this week's show, we'll be talk about how humans can co-exist better with beavers--and some of the cool things about this busy animal-- with Aaron Hall. Aaron is the Program Director for The Beaver Institute. The Institute's Mission is "to be a catalyst for advancing beaver management and watershed restoration, training mitigation professionals, supporting scientific research, and increasing the public’s appreciation of the beaver’s critical role in creating climate resilient ecosystems."

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the pear tree.

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also introduce CFA's new Forest Technician--Erik Heidenfelder.  
  CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager
Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester
Jen Betz, Forest Process Efficiency Coordinator
Erik Heidenfelder, Forest Technician

On this week's From the Forest radio show, we'll be discussing the "sustainability" of managing vegetation, the tools or methods used (i.e. livestock, chemicals, and mechanical), as well as future options like fire. 

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. This week Zane, Jen, and Giovanna will dive into what they've been up to and what their plans are for Winter.

CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager
Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester
Jen Betz, Forest Technician

On this week's show we'll have 4th generation deer hunter--Jen Betz--on to discuss this important forest heritage in the Catskill Mountains. Jen was hired at the Catskill Forest Association (CFA) in August of 2025 and oversees their Legacy Tree Program and helps support their IT & business systems. Prior to this she served a short stint on the CFA Board of Directors, before taking a leave of absence to work as a contractor, then transitioned to staff. She has an A.A.S degree in Park and Recreation Management from SUNY Delhi and a bachelor’s in business administration, as well as Gr...

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Todd Heyn from the New York Farm Bureau about how they advocate for and promote farming & forestry in New York State. The mission of New York Farm Bureau is "Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education." 

Todd lives in East Meredith and has 120 acres that he manages himself. His background is an AAS degree in Pre-Professional Forestry from Paul Smith’s College ('89) and a BS degree in Environmental and Forest Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science...

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing birch trees.

On this week's show we'll be talking to Allyson Levy of Hortus Arboretum about all the plants they grow and educate others about near Stone Ridge, Ulster County. Allyson & Scott Serrano are co-Founders of Hortus Arboretum, which traces back to 2001. They are also co-Authors of their book, "Cold Hardy Fruits & Nuts." Mission

"Located in the Mid-Hudson Valley countryside of Stone Ridge, New York, Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a family-run arboretum and botanic garden whose mission is to sustain the native, unusual, and historic plant life of our area and serve as a vital educational resource for the...

Recently, a reader of CFA's column--From the Forest--in the Shawangunk Journal asked what the forest would look like if humans didn't exist. We'll talk about what that forest might look like, the possible advantages and disadvantages too.

On this week's show, we'll be talking about the State of the Catskill Mountain's hiking trails and outdoor recreation with Peter Manning, Executive Director of the Catskill Mountain Club.

The Catskill Mountain Club is a member-directed, not-for-profit organization formed to promote sustainable and safe outdoor recreation within the Catskill Park and on public lands throughout the Catskill Mountain Region. Peter has been visiting the Catskills since the 1960s and lives in Bovina with his wife and two sons. He has 25 years’ experience in municipal planning and land use training at the local, county, regional, and statewide levels. He’s wo...

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Jerry Michael--a prior member of NYFOA's Board of Directors--about "front-burner" and "back-burner" issues surrounding forest ownership and management.

"The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State. NYFOA fulfills this critical mission by being the leading organization to provide education, peer-to-peer networking, and advocacy for the woodlot owners of NY."

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the black cherry tree.

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also introduce CFA's new Forest Technician--Jen Betz.  
  CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager
Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester
Jen Betz, Forest Technician

On this weeks' show, we'll have "mushroom guy" & Owner of Catskill Fungi--John Michelotti along with CFA's Education Forester, Giovanna D'Angelo. We'll get into what being a beginning 'mushroomer' is like, what we've been seeing out in the woods fungi-wise, cultivation, fungi firsts, and more. Catskill Fungi is founded and cultivated by mycologist John Michelotti and friends. As former President of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association (MHMA), John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project as well as the Gary Lincoff Memorial Scholarship. He serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association. He i...

On this week's show we'll be talking about "Oath Soil Life with Arborist Andrew Freeman. Oath Soil Life is "a product designed to restore and enhance the soil microbiome, which is crucial for healthy plant growth. It focuses on replenishing the microbial communities in degraded soils, thereby improving soil health and plant vitality." Owner and Operator Andrew Freeman has over 30 years of experience in Landscape Contracting and Arboriculture. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) through the International Society of Arboriculture. Andrew has a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Landscape Contracting and...

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the linden or basswood tree.

On this week's show, we'll be talking to Paul Steely from Parks & Trails New York. We'll see how New York State's vast network of parks and trails are doing.

Former Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, an organization that became a model for effective public interest advocacy.

Paul has a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and master’s degree in environmental studies fr...

It's been 5 years since we last talked to Mike Porter about what's on his mind pertaining to forest issues. We'll see what Mike has been up to: From firewood, birding, preparing for maple sugaring, outdoor education, changes in the forest & people's perspectives, and more. 

Mike is a retired teacher from Margaretville Central School. He taught Earth Science, Environmental Science, Science Research in the High School, Driver Education and several elementary and junior high courses over his 33-year career. In 1988 he was selected as the New York State Conservation Teacher of the Year by the New York State Board of So...

On this week's show we'll be talking to Taylor Moyer from the LandTrust Recreation Access Network. LandTrust is a 2-Way marketplace for "Connecting farmers, ranchers, and landowners to people that want to recreate in the outdoors." Choose an activity: Hunting, fishing, bird-watching, mushroom picking, camping, etc. LandTrust can then find a willing landowner throughout the US. Sounds like a great way to keep rural land viable, while filling a demand for outdoor activity.

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the sycamore tree.

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also go into Ryan's recent 3-Day trip in the woods over the 4th of July weekend.   CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager

On this week's show, we're grabbing a seat with Katie Grove, full-time artist, wild basket maker and soon-to-be author. We'll get into the unique challenges and delights the wild weaving process presents and discuss how active forest management intersects with the legacy craft that is basketry. How does a tree go from forest to basket? What kinds of plants can be utilized? Can basketry be another outlet for managing invasives?

Katie Grove is an artist and educator whose passion is to inspire both viewers of her art and students in her classes to build a relationship with...

On this week's show we'll be discussing the role and responsibility of active forest management with Ethan Tapper - an internationally recognized forester, bestselling author, and content creator from Vermont.  Join us as we get into his book and all that active land management entails - reimagining what acts of compassion in the woods can look like, choosing imperfect action over the comfort of doing nothing, and so much more. Ethan started writing How to Love a Forest in 2016, after realizing that there was no book that captured his understanding of what forests are, how they work, and what it mea...

Every Third Wednesday we have Wood Artist, Gary Mead on the show to discuss a native tree, or something else forest-related. This month we'll be discussing the hickory tree.

Description

Occasionally, we like to "talk shop" with field staff of Catskill Forest Association on what's going on in the forest. We'll also go into Ryan's recent 3-Day trip in the woods over the 4th of July weekend.   CFA Field Staff
Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services
Zane Lawyer, Forest Program Manager
Giovanna D'Angelo, Education Forester
John Unverzagt, Education Arborist

On this week's show we'll be discussing American chestnut with Vasiliy Lakoba from the national organization--The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF). As many of you know, American chestnut has been made "functionally extinct" from the devastating chestnut blight brought in from Asia in the last century. We'll discuss how TACF plans to bring back the tree as well as their recent parting with SUNY College of Enviornmental Science & Forestry's transgenic chestnut project as well. 

Vasiliy Lakoba is Director of Research and Restoration with The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF). TACF's mission of restoring the American chestnut tree has been d...