News and Views from the Empire State
This episode of Kaatscast features 85-year-old Nick Lyons, writer and publisher on fly fishing.
This episode was recorded at the Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection in Phoenicia, NY, as part of the “Sporting Legends of The Catskills” series. [Read more…] about Catskills Sporting Legend Nick Lyon (Podcast)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents in the around New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
This past week, leading up to and including the 4th of July holiday weekend, Forest Rangers were busy. What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of those recent missions. [Read more…] about Rangers Rescue Many Injured, Lost, Ill Hikers Over Holiday Week
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the acquisition of 241 acres in the Catskills, including 208 acres adjoining existing Forest Preserve lands in the Bluestone Wild Forest that is expected to preserve open space and expand recreational opportunities.
The purchases of the two properties were made possible through a partnership with the Open Space Institute (OSI) and $758,000 from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). [Read more…] about 241 Acres, New Trail Added to Catskill Forest Preserve
It has often been said that the first play Danny Kaye ever saw, he was in.
That would have been in June 1929, at the White Roe Lake House in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, NY, where the soon-to-be legendary performer got his professional start, and refined his trademark comedy routine. [Read more…] about Danny Kaye In The Catskills
The Time and the Valleys Museum have announced a virtual program, “In Further Retrospect,” with author and Sullivan County Historian, John Conway, set for Sunday, May 17th. [Read more…] about Catskills Historian John Conway Virtual Talk May 17th
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the temporary closure of Kaaterskill Falls, the viewing platform, and connecting trails. The Kaaterskill Wild Forest will remain open to the public. [Read more…] about State Closes Kaaterskill Falls Access
This episode of the Kaatscast podcast features a tour of the “the loop” of Routes 25 and 23c that connects Haines Falls to Tannersville, via the mountaintop.
Cyndi LaPierre and Dede Thorpe talk about area historic homes and the origins of Onteora Park; famed residents like Maude Adams (Peter Pan); visiting the Mountain Top Arboretum; and a church that served as a quarantine during the 1914 influenza epidemic. [Read more…] about Kaatscast: A Greene County Mountain Route (Podcast)
In the 1930s and 40s, New York City came to the Catskills and took land they needed to build reservoirs for their expanding water supply system. Thousands of people’s lives changed forever, as they were forced to move away from family and friends and the homes they loved. [Read more…] about 1930s Historic Catskill Farm Expansion Planned
In this episode of Kaatscast, hear from Jon Ham and Bob Gildersleeve about the grand hotels that attracted visitors to the Catskills at the turn of the century, and the trains that got them there. Also… “mutton?!” How one hotel’s refusal to serve chicken led to the construction of a famous competitor. [Read more…] about Catskill’s Grand Hotels and Railroad Travel (Podcast)
In the days before mechanical refrigeration, ice harvesting was an essential wintertime activity. The ice harvested in the winter would be used to keep food and agricultural products cold in the warmer months.
Hanford Mills Museum in the Catskills’ East Meredith will hold the 31st annual Ice Harvest Festival on Saturday, February 1st. [Read more…] about Ice Harvest Festival at Hanford Mills Museum