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Field Trip Schedule

 

NOTE FROM THE FIELD CHAIR

 
This year the Torrey Botanical Society has scheduled 16 trips for the 2009 field season.  Three of these are Bioblitz events that will involve the greater community.  Of the regular field trips this year, 9 are in New Jersey and 7 in New York.  This year the annual joint meeting of the Torrey Botanical Society, the Philadelphia Botanical Club, and the north east section of the Botanical Society of America will be held at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), located within the 67,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pike Co., PA.

THE FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are one of the most important activities of the society. Some of the trips are for general study and monitoring of the flora and ecology of an area. Other trips are led by individuals who specialize in certain groups of plants and their trips are planned accordingly. The location may be a city park or any place of botanic interest which is usually within 50 miles of New York City. While most trips emphasize plant study, other aspects of natural history are not neglected. Trip participants are always free to ask questions about anything of interest they see. The leader or other members of the group can often supply an answer.

We are not a hiking club and walking distances are usually not great. Frequent attendance on the field trips is one of the best ways to increase one's knowledge of local plants. Those who come on the field trips are urged to participate in the society's other activities as well.

The postal addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses (when available) of each leader are given at the end of each trip description. Trips generally go rain or shine; if in doubt, call the leader. Some trips are reachable only by automobile. Those in need of rides and those who are offering rides should post and check for messages posted on the Torrey Botanical Society group page hosted by Yahoo Groups [http://groups.yahoo.com].  In addition, it would be helpful if those planning to drive who are willing to take extra passengers could let the leader know in advance.  Bus and train schedules listed in trip descriptions are subject to change; those who use public transportation are advised to check updated schedules in advance. Trip participants are urged to confirm attendance with the leader. Interested guests and non-members are always welcome on field trips.

Field trip leaders are asked to send trip reports and notes on any new or unusual plants or vegetation types to the field chair (Steve Glenn, The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225; Email: steveglenn@bbg.org). The information will be included in Torreya. In addition, full vegetation lists are solicited as a permanent record of our local flora. These lists, when submitted, will be made available to all interested persons by contacting the field chair.

 
May

9 May (Saturday). WESTCHESTER WILDERNESS WALK, POUND RIDGE, WESTCHESTER CO., NY. Meet at 10:00 AM at the Westchester Wilderness Walk; this covers over 150 acres of rocky woods, hillside streams, lakes and wetlands in Pound Ridge. It offers over 8 miles of walking and cross-country ski trails. By car only: Take Merritt Parkway to exit 34, Long Ridge Road.  Go north on Long Ridge Road through North Stamford and over the line into New York.  Turn right onto Upper Shad Road and continue for 1/4 of a mile and look for entrance sign on the left: park on the left-hand side of the road. Trip Leader: Carol Levine; 203-322-2051; Email: carolflora@optonline.net.

16 May (Saturday). BIOBLITZ, GREAT SWAMP, MORRIS CO., NJ. Meet at 9:00 AM (Note earlier than usual starting time) at BioBlitz Central. Contact trip leader for specific location to meet.  Lunch will be provided to Bioblitz participants. Bring plenty of beverage, insect repellant, and sturdy footwear. Trip leader: Steve Glenn, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225; 718-623-7314; Email: steveglenn@bbg.org.

June

 
6 June (Saturday).  FAHNESTOCK STATE FOREST, PUTNAM CO., NY.  Meet at 10 AM on the grounds of the Glynwood Center, by the big red barn to begin our hike into adjacent Fahnestock. By car only: the Glynwood Center is located off Rte 301 a few miles north of Rte 9. Head east on 301 from the junction of Rte 9 towards Canopus Lake and turn left onto driveway, approx one mile from Rte 9. There is a small sign on 301 that’s says Glynwood Center. Follow the driveway (dirt road) along the creek and onto Glynwood Property until you see the red barn. Continue on the road and left up the hill for parking. Trip Leader: Uli Lorimer, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225; 917-676-6991; Email:
ulilorimer@bbg.org.

 
13 June (Saturday).  BIOBLITZ, BRYANT PARK, SUMMIT, UNION CO., NJ.  Meet at 9:00 AM (Note earlier than usual starting time) at BioBlitz Central. Contact trip leader for specific location to meet.  Lunch will be provided to Bioblitz participants. Bring plenty of beverage, insect repellant, and sturdy footwear. Trip leader: Steve Glenn, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225; 718-623-7314; Email: steveglenn@bbg.org.


20 June (Saturday) SUSSEX  BRANCH  TRAIL, ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, SUSSEX CO., NJ.   Meet at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of the Twin Lakes Boat Launch.  By car only.  From Route 80, take Exit 25 to Route 206 north toward Newton.  After passing through Andover Borough (about 7.5 miles) look for Goodale Road on your right.  Follow Goodale Road for about half a mile.  Twin Lakes Boat Launch is on the left.  This short section of the Sussex Branch Trail passes through or near a variety of habitats from limestone outcrops and woodlands to ponds and wetlands.  It is especially well-known as a great spot to find rare and uncommon ferns, including Diplazium pycnocarpon, Dryopteris goldiana. Dryopteris clintoniana, and Marsilea quadrifolia.  Other species we will look for include Adlumisa fungosa, Melanthium latifolium, and Ranunculus fiabellaris.  Bring lunch, beverage, and insect repellant.  The trail offers easy walking conditions, but for the many opportunities of explore off-trail areas, sturdy footwear is recommended.  Trip leader: David Austin, Email: davidaustin@verizon.net.

21-25 June (Sunday to Thursday). JOINT FIELD MEETING OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL SOCIETY, THE PHILADELPHIA BOTANICAL CLUB, AND THE NORTHEAST SECTION OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA.  DINGMANS FERRY, PIKE CO., PA.   The 2009 Joint Field Meeting will meet at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), a private, non-profit education facility located within the 67,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The program will include three full days of field trips to nearby river shores, hemlock ravines, waterfalls, limestone outcrops, wetlands, and forests.   Beginning on Sunday, there will be programs each evening, dealing with topics of botanical and ecological interest.  Most housing will be in duplex (two-unit) cabins, with six bunk beds and one bathroom per unit.   The price for the field meeting will be about $280.00 per person.  This includes housing for four nights, local van transportation, the evening programs, and meals from Sunday dinner to Thursday breakfast, including our traditional Wednesday night banquet at a nearby restaurant.    The commuter rate, for field trips and programs but no housing or meals, will be about $80.00.  For additional information and a registration form please contact William Olson, Chairperson, at 732-961-1946, or email  wolson3@optonline.net, or Karl Anderson, Treasurer, at  856-845-7075, or email karlanderson6@aol.com


27 June (Saturday). BIOBLITZ, SCHIFF NATURE PRESERVE, MENDHAM, MORRIS CO., NJ.  Meet at 9:00 AM (Note earlier than usual starting time) at BioBlitz Central at the Schiff Nature Preserve, 339 Pleasant Valley Rd.  The preserve consists of 340+ acres of highland forests, meadows, wetlands, and streams and is the largest non-profit nature preserve in Morris County  (
www.schiffnaturepreserve.org/  973-543-6004).   By car: Drive to the village of Mendham, Morris Co., NJ. At the center of town (at Hilltop Rd/Mountain Rd/Main St.) drive south along Hilltop Rd for 1.5 miles and turn west-southwest  (right) on Pleasant Valley Rd.  Proceed on Pleasant Valley Rd. for about 1.4 miles and turn north (right) into the Schiff entrance.  OR Proceed west-southwest along highway 510 (Washington Turnpike) 1.3 miles and turn south (left) on to Roxiticus Rd. Proceed 1.2 miles on Roxciticus Rd. and turn south (left) on to Union School House Rd. Proceed 0.7 miles on Union School House Rd and turn east (left) onto Pleasant Valley Rd.  Proceed on Pleasant Valley Rd. for 0.1 mi and turn north (left) into the Schiff entrance.  Lunch will be provided to Bioblitz participants. Bring plenty of beverage, insect repellant, and sturdy footwear.  Trip leader: Steve Glenn, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225; 718-623-7314; Email: steveglenn@bbg.org.

 

July

 
11 July (Saturday). OCEAN BREEZE PARK, STATEN ISLAND, NY.  Meet at 10 AM at the intersection of Quintard St. and Olympia Blvd (plenty of street parking available).  By car: From the Staten Island Expressway (north or south) Clove Rd exit to Richmond Rd South/South east to Old Town Rd.  Make  a left (south) on Old town.  Old town Rd becomes Quintard St. after Hylan Blvd (For more specific directions, please contact trip leaders).  Come explore this interesting urban park (coastal shrubland and freshwater wetlands).  Come prepared.  Trip leaders: Tim Chambers and Heather Liljengren, Greenbelt Native Plant Center, 3808 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY.  718 370 9044; Email:
Timothy.chambers@parks.nyc.gov and Heather.liljengren@parks.nyc.gov.


18 July (Saturday). MERESTEAD, MOUNT KISCO, WESTCHESTER CO., NY. Meet at 10 AM at Merestead, a 130 acre former country estate overlooking the Byram Lake Reservoir.  The property has been developed for use as a Westchester County historic site.  The 2.3 mile trail system passes through woodlands, open fields and gardens. Some of the trails follow old farm roads and pass over 100 year old farm bridges. The trails lead upward to lovely vistas of the Hudson Highlands. By car only:  Merestead is located at 455 Byram Lake Road, Mt. Kisco. It can be reached via I-684, exit 4 (Mount Kisco-Route 172).  Head west on 172 for 1-1/2 miles, turn left onto Sarles and follow to Byram Lake Road.  Follow for 4/10th of a mile and turn right at 456 Byram Lake Road into the parking lot (across the street from the main house.) Trip Leader: Carol Levine; 203-322-2051; Email: carolflora@optonline.net.


25 July (Saturday).  LIBERTY STATE PARK, HUDSON CO., NJ. Meet at 10:00 AM at the parking area opposite the Nature Interpretive Center at Freedom Drive.  By car: Liberty State Park is at the New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14b, follow the signs to the park and turn left on Freedom Way, the Center is about 0.5 on the right, the parking area is opposite.  By public transportation: the NJ Light Rail has a station "Liberty State Park" (if you choose to come that way call me before, so I can arrange pickup). We will explore a true "urban wilderness", the normally off-limits, intensively studied 102 ha interior, a former rail yard that underwent natural succession for more than 40 years.  Expect to see species rich, unique plant communities formed by the fusion of non-native and native species.  We will also try to relocate formerly reported rarities (e.g. Carex torreyi).  If time permits, we will visit a recent up-land restorations site that had in summer 2008 more than 100 species within a 20x50m plot.  We need not to enter swampy areas (but can) but expect to encounter some very heavy vegetation (it's a jungle out there!) and some ticks (no deer ticks though). Bring plenty of beverage, lunch, insect repellant, and sturdy footwear.  Trip leader: Claus Holzapfel, Rutgers University Biology, 195 University Ave, Newark. NJ 07102-1811; 732-501-9235; Email:
holzapfe@andromeda.rutgers.edu.

 

August

8 August (Saturday). Manumuskin River, Manantico Creek, Muskee Creek watersheds, cumberland co., NJ.  JOINT TRIP WITH THE PHILADELPHIA BOTANICAL CLUB. By car only: Meet at 10 AM at Cumberland Pond near the intersection of Rt. 49 and Union Rd (County Rt. 671) in eastern Millville. Habitats to be visited in these three watersheds will include Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) swamps and bogs, intermittent ponds, freshwater tidal marshes, and abandoned furnace sites. Rare species we have a chance to see include sensitive joint vetch (Aeschynomene virginica),Elliott’s beardgrass (Andropogon gyrans),  bur marigold (Biden bidentoides), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), rose coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea), elliptical rushfoil (Croton willdenowii), smooth tick trefoil (Desmodium laevigatum), pineland trefoil (Desmodium strictum), velvety-leaved trefoil (Desmodium viridiflorum), American waterwort (Elatine americana), Parker’s pipewort (Eriocaulon parkeri; see cover), resinous boneset (Eupatorium resinosum), Virginia hedge-hyssop (Gratiola virginiana), bearded skeleton grass (Gymnopogon ambiguus), riverbank quillwort (Isoëtes riparia), tall bush clover (lespedeza stuevei), Canby’s lobelia (Lobelia canbyi), Wright’s panic grass (Panicum wrightianum), inundated beaked-rush (Rhynchospora inundata), late goldenrod (Solidago tarda), and poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens). We may also be able to see in bloom the showy non-native standing cypress (Ipomopsis rubra) at a station near the railroad that has been known for over 120 years. Prepare for extensive walking, some of it exceptionally wet and muddy. Trip Leaders: Gerry Moore, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11225; 718-623-7332 (work), 609-432-8012 (cell); Email: gerrymoore@bbg.org.  Renee Brecht, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, PO Box 474, Millville, New Jersey 08332; Email:


15 August (Saturday).  SANDY HOOK NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, MONMOUTH CO., NJ.  Meet at 10:00 am at the Visitor Center parking lot.  Car and public transit directions are available at 
http://www.nps.gov/gate/.  We will botanize along the dune trails, the margins of a salt marsh, and a mature maritime holly forest.  Be prepared for wet walking, insects, and poison ivy.  Bring your own beverage and lunch.  Those arriving by car can have the usual parking fee waived by bringing a letter indicating participation with the Torrey trip.   Contact Matt Palmer to get a copy of this letter.  Trip leaders: Matt Palmer, Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027; 212-854-4767; Email: mp2434@columbia.edu; and Wayne Ferren, Email:  wferren@maserconsulting.com.  


22 August (Saturday).  MORRIS CANAL PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, CLIFTON, PASSAIC CO., N.J.   Meet at 10:00 AM at the end of the park entrance driveway.  The park is located along Broad Street near the intersection with Allwood Road and is indentified by multiple brown and white signs: “Morris Canal Park and Nature Preserve”.  By car:  via Rts. 80, 46, 3, and the Garden State Parkway., use exits for “Broad St. Clifton”.  Park in either the adjacent office building parking lot (best) or the limited small preserve parking lot. By bus: Take NJ Transit 192 bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal in N.Y.C.  Get off of the bus at the corner of Broad Street and Allwood Road and walk two blocks north (right) to the park entrance on the right side of the road.  Please check most current bus schedule with NJ Transit in advance of the trip.  TBS last visited this small historical/botanical park in early June 2003 but our goal for this trip is to inventory the late summer/early fall aspect flora to add to the existing plant list.  If time permits, we can also visit the nearby Alonzo Bonsal Wildlife Preserve in Montclair.  Trip Leader:  Joseph A. Labriola, 863 Allwood Road, Apt. D-1, Clifton, N.J. 07012; 973-472-8451; Email: jlabriola49@optimum.net.



29 August (Saturday).  FLOYD BENNETT FIELD, KINGS CO., NY, JOINT TRIP WITH THE LONG ISLAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY.  Meet at 10:00 AM at the parking lot on the right, immediately past the entrance booth. By car:  from the Belt Parkway, take Flatbush Avenue south.  Turn left to enter at the traffic light which is just in front of the bridge toll booths.  This site has a wide variety of interesting escaped weed species, combined with local native coastal species.  A hat, water, suntan lotion, and insect repellent are all recommended.  We will never be very far from the cars, so you will not need to carry your lunch.  Trip Leader: Rich Kelly; 516-509-1094;
vze2dxmi1@verizon.net.

 

September

19 September (Saturday). CAMP SMITH TRAIL, WESTCHESTER CO., NY. Meet at 10:00 AM at the old toll house parking lot off Hwy 202/Hwy 6 on east side, north of Camp Smith entrance. By car only: Take Hwy 202/Hwy 6 west/north from Annsville Creek traffic circle just north of Peekskill. After passing the Camp Smith entrance, stop at old toll house parking area on right side. This is a moderately rigorous but short hike; the extra effort will be well rewarded with wonderful views of the Hudson River along with possible hawk, eagle, and snake spotting. Bring plenty of beverage, lunch, insect repellant, binoculars, and sturdy footwear.  Trip leader: Steve Glenn, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225-1008; 718-623-7314; Email: steveglenn@bbg.org.


26 September (Saturday). RAMAPO MOUNTAINS, BERGEN CO., NJ. Meet at 10:00 AM. By car only: contact the leader to register for the field trip and receive meeting place information. This is a repeat of the trip held in July, 2008. Botanize some of the most remote areas in northeastern New Jersey in the Ramapo Mountains. Numerous habitats will be visited, including some unusual forested wetland communities. We should be able to see excellent populations of the rare and unusual lesser floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata). Be prepared for extensive walking, some of it on steep terrain. Bring plenty of beverage, lunch, insect repellant, and sturdy footwear.  Trip leader: Gerry Moore, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225-1008; 718-623-7332 (work), 609-432-8012 (cell); Email: gerrymoore@bbg.org.

 

October


24 October (Saturday). WC BRYANT PRESERVE, ROSLYN, NASSAU CO., NY. JOINT TRIP WITH THE LONG ISLAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY.  Meet at 10 AM on the steps of the Frick mansion. Come explore late season flora as well as escaping conifers.  Bring lunch, liquid, hiking boots, conifer guide, and dress for the weather, etc. Trip Leader: Andy Greller; 516-721-4447, 516-364-9377; Email: agreller2@optonline.net.

 
TRIP LOCALITIES

 
New Jersey

BRYANT PARK, UNION CO., NJ. (13 June).

GREAT SWAMP, MORRIS CO., NJ. (16 May).

LIBERTY STATE PARK, HUDSON CO., NJ. (25 July).

Manumuskin River, Manantico Creek, Muskee Creek watersheds, cumberland co., NJ. JOINT TRIP WITH THE PHILADELPHIA BOTANICAL CLUB.  (8 August).

MORRIS CANAL PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, CLIFTON, PASSAIC CO., NJ. (22 August).

RAMAPO MOUNTAINS, BERGEN COUNTY, NJ. (26 September).

SANDY HOOK NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, MONMOUTH CO., NJ. (15 August).

SCHIFF NATURE PRESERVE, MORRIS CO., NJ (27 JUNE)

SUSSEX  BRANCH  TRAIL, ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, SUSSEX CO., NJ. (20 June).


New York

CAMP SMITH TRAIL, WESTCHESTER CO., NY. (19 September).


FLOYD BENNETT FIELD, KINGS CO., NY, JOINT TRIP WITH THE LONG ISLAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY. (29 August).

FAHNESTOCK STATE FOREST, PUTNAM CO., NY. (6 June).

MERESTEAD, MOUNT KISCO, WESTCHESTER CO., NY. (18 July).

OCEAN BREEZE PARK, STATEN ISLAND, NY. (11 July).

WC BRYANT PRESERVE, ROSLYN, NASSAU CO., NY. JOINT TRIP WITH THE LONG ISLAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY. (24 October).

WESTCHESTER WILDERNESS WALK, POUND RIDGE, WESTCHESTER CO., NY. (9 May).
 

Pennsylvania

JOINT FIELD MEETING OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL SOCIETY, THE PHILADELPHIA BOTANICAL CLUB, AND THE NORTHEAST SECTION OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA.  DINGMANS FERRY, PIKE CO., PA.

(21-25 June).