Explore and Core Bog #426 With Michael Kudish

Michael Kudish, Forest Historian

Saturday, September 6th 10:30am – 4:00pm

Join Dr. Michael Kudish for an exploration of Bog #426. Why Bog #426? This year one of the NYFA Catskills expeditions will visit Bog #426 near Platte Clove – a large bog whose eastern part has already been explored, cored, and dated. The unexplored western portion, from aerial photos, appears also to have expansive open areas that could be dominated by Eriophorum virginicum; cotton grass sedge is quite rare in the Catskills. The eastern portion is quite shallow to till; the western portion may have a thicker peat accumulation.  We plan on coring the western portion and botanizing throughout.

Mike Kudish received his PhD under Dr. Ed Ketchledge at SUNY ESF (then the NYS College of Forestry).  He taught for over 30 years at Paul Smith’s College.  While at PSC he studied the flora of the Adirondacks as well as the railroad system and its effects on contemporary forest composition.  His desire to learn more about the evolution of our forests has led him to relocate to the Catskills after retirement and focus his efforts on carbon-14 dating of peatland organic deposits.

Bring lunch and water. Usually by September, most biting insects are gone, but bring repellent if you feel the need. You will sink into the bog up to your ankles, so wear either old sneakers or rubber waterproof boots.

More details about the trip and the meeting place will be sent after completing registration. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at bog426@nyflora.org.

All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.

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