"Entering the Gallery of Giants" by Thomas Annear
Gallery of Giants ~ Old Growth Forest Hike
Saturday, July 14, 2007
9:30 Refreshments
10:00 Slide Show and Presentation (meet at the Springville Center for the Arts)
11:30 - 3:30 Hike (strenuous - hiking and water shoes recommended)
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hike through the forest and into Zoar's canyon gorges to the magnificent Gallery of Giants - riverine terraces of ancient trees, some of the oldest and tallest in the Eastern U.S. We'll be led by Professor Thomas Diggins of Ohio's Youngstown State University and the Eastern Native Tree Society (ENTS). Tom has gained a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable forest ecologists on Eastern old growth forests, and is the undisputed authority on Zoar's unique old growth communities and riverine ecosystems. Over the past several years, YSU's integrated science program has been studying the ecosystems of Zoar Valley and Cattaraugus Creek. With less than 2% of the original forest cover remaining in the East, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the unspoiled and thriving ancient forests of Zoar Valley. Recommended for all hikes: Water shoes, water, lunch/snacks, hat, eco-friendly insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and guidebooks.
"Untitled" by Margaret Witherell
Nature Walk on the North Rim
Sunday, July 15, 2007
12:30 Refreshments and Presentation (meet at the Springville Center for the Arts)
1:30 - 3:30 Walk (easy to moderate)
Enjoy a relaxing nature walk through meadows and forest to wetlands and ponds. We'll identify trees (Zoar Valley has over 45 species!) and explore summer flora, including ferns and wetland species, and look for one of the rare and protected plants in Zoar Valley - the forest dwelling Giant Pine Drops. Local plant expert Mike Siuta of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society will lead us on this informative nature walk. Recommended for all hikes: Water, lunch/snacks, hat, eco-friendly insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and guidebooks.
History of Zoar Valley
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (at the Springville Center for the Arts)
The Gowanda Historical Society and the Zoar Valley Nature Society present an informative discussion on the history of Zoar Valley, from its pre-historic inhabitants through its earliest European settlers and depression-era farmers, to recent events. Slide show, photos, maps, and more. Find out where ancient inhabitants lived in Zoar Valley and why, how Zoar Valley got its name, and how it was all once planned to be under water.
"Sharing Qi" by Robert Holland
Geology of Zoar Valley - South Branch Creek Walk
Saturday, July 21, 2007
9:30 Refreshments (meet at the Springville Center for the Arts)
10:00 Presentation
11:30 - 3:30 Creek Walk (moderate- water shoes recommended)
Local geology experts will guide us in small, hands-on groups through the towering canyon gorges of the South Branch Cattaraugus Creek, where the gorge walls rise up to heights of 400 feet, about the same height as Buffalo's City Hall tower. From glacial debris to Devonian Shale, we'll see the variety of rock found in Zoar Valley. We'll explore waterfalls and a fossil bed as we find out how the gorges were formed beginning 12,000 years ago. Joe Sullivan of the Buffalo Geological Society and Ray Vaughan, U.B. Geology graduate student, will lead the event. Recommended for all hikes: Water shoes, water, lunch/snacks, hat, eco-friendly insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and guidebooks.
William P. White American Chestnut Plantation
Sunday, July 22, 2007
12:30 Refreshments and Presentation (meet at the Springville Center for the Arts)
1:30 Chestnut Plantation Tour (easy)
John Spagnoli of the New York State Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation will teach us about the effort to restore the formerly blighted American Chestnut to Eastern forests. The New York Chapter has taken a unique approach to its research and experimentation, and is nearing success in restoring this once dominant Eastern tree, with its incredibly light and strong wood and its abundant food source for wildlife.
William P. Alexander Preserve Hike
Saturday, July 28, 2007
9:30 Refreshments (meet at the Springville Center for the Arts)
10:00 Presentation
11:00 - 2:00 Hike (moderate to strenuous)
Come explore this beautiful 118-acre preserve maintained by the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York. The Alexander Preserve has some of the most striking landscapes in Zoar Valley - from low flood-plains to striking slopes - with the Cattaraugus Creek sweeping around the preserve in a wide, graceful curve. This long-protected ecosystem has abundant, undisturbed plant life, mature hardwood forests, and one of the highest diversities of breeding birds anywhere in Western New York. Preserve Custodian Boyd Wible will guide us through the preserve. Recommended for all hikes: Water, lunch/snacks, hat, eco-friendly insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and guidebooks.
Exploring Deer Lick Conservation Area
Saturday, August 4, 2007
9:30 Refreshments (meet at the Springville Center for the Arts)
10:00 Slide Show and Presentation
11:30 - 2:30 Hike (moderate)
Volunteer Naturalist David Griffin will lead us as we explore The Nature Conservancy's Deer Lick Preserve, a 398-acre National Natural Landmark located on the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek. This preserve offers five hiking trails, from short easy ventures to more challenging treks. Hikers will enjoy a variety of landscapes, from the quiet splendor of meadows and mature northern forests to striking vistas of waterfalls in deep, rugged gorge canyons. The serenity and beauty of Deer Lick Falls is not to be missed! Recommended for all hikes: Water, lunch/snacks, hat, eco-friendly insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and guidebooks.
For more information please feel free to contact the events coordinator:
Julie Broyles, Director
Zoar Valley Nature Society
P.O. Box 55
Gowanda, NY 14070
(716) 380-1430
www.zoarvalley.org