Take a tree identification walk on Walnut Mountain

Did you know that there are more than 100 native tree species growing in New York State?

Sullivan Renaissance along with special guest presenters, Lisa Lyons of Morgan Outdoors and Kate O’Connor, conservation manager at The Beaverkill Valley Land Trust, will lead a tree walk at Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty, N.Y., at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7. They will lead participants along the wide carriage trails that wind through a varied canopy.

Learn some of the key native tree species in our area, their ecology, and characteristics for identifying them throughout the year. Hear about invasive pests and pathogens that are affecting our forests, and become acquainted with the park’s carriage roads and single-track trails that you can return to for future walks, hikes, snowshoes, and cross-country ski adventures.

“Lisa brings an adventurer’s view of the nature trails in the Catskills, while Kate O’Connor brings a specialist’s eye to the presentation,” said Cory Dame, Sullivan Renaissance marketing and communication manager. “The combination of these two women will make for an amusing exchange of knowledge about our native trees.”

Wear hike appropriate footwear and pack rain gear in case of showers. If severe weather emerges, the walk will be rescheduled for the same time on the following Wednesday.

Park at the trailhead near the pavilion on Town of Liberty Park Road, off Route 55, Liberty. Light snacks will be provided. The first 20 people to register and attend will receive a gift for use on future explorations.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation with support from Bold Gold Media Group, The River Reporter, The Sullivan County Democrat, and WJFF Radio Catskills.

Register at SullivanRenaissance.org or call 845-295-2445.