Flora of the Shawangunk Ridge

Brandon Cohen, Naturalist

Sunday, June 2nd | 10 am – 4 pm

On this ~6 mile walk in Minnewaska State Park we’ll be heading out to explore the flora of the sandstone cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge. We’ll discuss the ecology and natural history of the ridge, document as many species as we can on our route, and we’ll observe the only non-coastal population of Broom Crowberry, Corema conradii that exists in the world. The Shawangunk Ridge is notable for the area in that it contains ecological aspects of a coastal affinity, and differs largely from the habitats of the surrounding valleys and Catskills mountains that sit just to the north. Because of the extremely resistant sandstone/conglomerate that the ridge is composed of, soils tend to be very thin, sandy, and fast-draining, which create conditions that select for plants that can withstand the limitations/extremes that these elements create. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) is a keystone species in this ecosystem, and we’ll observe several cases of the dwarfing that occurs in this species on the ridge. A habitat known as a “dwarf pine ridge” is a globally rare ecosystem restricted to the Shawangunks located in Sam’s Point Preserve, just south of Minnewaska State Park where we’ll be. We will see components of this unique ecosystem on our walk, and will discuss the role fire has in maintaining it.

Be prepared for a long day of hiking, though the section of the trail we’ll be doing is relatively flat. The terrain can be technical along the cliffs so wear proper footwear, and bring lunch! There will be a $10 parking fee where we will meet.

If you have any questions about the trip before registering,  please email gunks@nyflora.org.

All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.

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