Sara Fern Fitzsimmons, TACF Director of Restoration and Northern Appalachian Regional Science Coordinator
The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once found throughout the forests of the Appalachian Mountains and was a primary component of Pennsylvania’s forests. In the 1800s, plant importation brought with it a devastating fungal disease that all but eliminated the American chestnut from its original range. Researchers at Penn State have been on the forefront to restore this species, exploring the many facets required for the reintroduction of disease-resistant populations.
The Appalachian forest ecosystem is vastly different now than it was over 100 years ago when the American chestnut was often the dominant species of a stand. Invasive and exotic vegetation, introduced diseases and pests, ravenous and excessive deer herds, overdevelopment, and threats of climate change face a species made effectively dormant by introduced disease.
Central New Yorkers in need can get a helping hand this week as we head into the new year.
Dairy Farmers of America and American Dairy Association North East, along with the Officer of Legislator Robert Schrader and the Herkimer County Legislature, are teaming up to provide approximately 1,200 gallons of milk to residents at a year-end milk and food distribution event December 30 in Herkimer County. The Salvation Army will also contribute 1,100 pounds of sausage for the giveaway, and face masks will also be available to those who attend the event.
The distribution event will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Herkimer County Community College at 100 Reservoir Road in Herkimer. The event is drive-up only to ensure the health and safety of residents and volunteers, and anyone in need of food assistance is invited to stop by for sausage, two gallons of milk and face masks, while supplies last.
For Victoria Clark, âThe Nutcrackerâ is as much a holiday tradition as mistletoe, poinsettias and yule logs.
The Northfield resident has been putting on a shortened version of the classic ballet with her New Motion Dance Studio students for nine years, and nothing was going to stop her from doing it for a 10th â not even COVID-19.
âI just knew that we needed to do something, something traditional for them,â said Clark, who also teaches dance at Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point. âI knew it was going to be a challenge. I knew we wouldnât have an auditorium. I knew we wouldnât be able to be on a stage with an audience. We had to come up with new ideas.â
Schedule for 2021 Pa Virtual Farm Show released dailylocal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailylocal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.