"Future of the Forest: Managing Change at Rockefeller Preserve and in Westchester County"

The towering hardwood forests of Rockefeller Preserve and Westchester County are valued for their beauty and recognized for their diverse native plants and animals. Today, tree disease, insect pests, invasive plants, and white-tailed deer are drastically changing the forests’ landscapes. Land management decisions made now will shape the forest for future generations.

The public is invited to a free symposium, featuring five of the leading forest experts in New York State. Speakers will discuss Rockefeller Preserve's conservation goals, ecological threats, and land management considerations.

AGENDA

8:30 AM
Welcome - Registration and Coffee

9 AM - 12:30 PM
Overview of Rockefeller Preserve's Forest Condition and Conservation Goals - Susan Antenen (Manager of Rockefeller Preserve for NYS OPRHP)

Forest Pests and Pathogens - Jerry Carlson (Forest Health Biologist for NYSDEC)

Ecosystem Impacts of Invasive Plants - Linda Rohleder (PRISM Coordinator and Stewardship Director of NY-NJ Trail Conference)

Deer as Ecosystem Engineers - Susan Booth-Binczik (Ph.D., Wildlife Biologist for NYSDEC)

Independent Effects of Invasive Shrubs and Deer Herbivory on Plant Community Dynamics and Forest Management Implications - Jeffrey Ward (Forest Researcher for CT Cooperative Extension)

Moving forward in the Preserve: The Preserve's Conservation and Land Stewardship Strategies - Susan Antenen (Manager of Rockefeller Preserve for NYS OPRHP)

Discover what is being done and what can be done to make our public lands as enjoyable for future generations as they are today.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE MADE THROUGH EVENTBRITE: Please visit the Rockefeller State Park Facebook page for ticket information.