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Black Rock Forest

@blackrockforest.bsky.social
45 followers 28 following 131 posts

Our mission is to advance scientific understanding of the natural world through #research, #education, and #conservation & maintain our 3920-acre #Forest. www.blackrockforest.org

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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
🍂7th Annual Friends of the Forest Hike!🌲 Donors of $25+, join us Sat, Oct 24 for an exclusive morning on the trails! Enjoy Jones Farm donuts & coffee, a self-guided walk to meet scientists studying the forest! 🔬🦊 ⏰ Starts: 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM Register online: www.blackrockforest.org/events
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
What a whirlwind season for our Education team! 🌲 We hosted 1,187 summer student visits with 4 amazing local partners and joined the annual OBFS fall conference at Schoodic Institute in Acadia Nat. Park. Huge thanks to our partners, educators, and supporters for making outdoor learning happen! 💚🍂
Community Matters 2 students explore Upper ReservoirNewburgh Armory casting workshop with local artist Corinne BeardsleyBRF staff lead a tree ID lesson at the OBFS meetingCamp Chadwick students conduct a native pollinator survey in our garden
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Job alert! We need a PhD-level person to improve our data management (& GIS), foster research output, and aid our forest & wildlife data collection programs. Full-time, 9-months, benefits, and salary equivalent to $70,000 annually. Details and application here: www.blackrockforest.org/work-with-us
blackrockforest.org
Work with Us - Black Rock Forest
Click Here For Black Rock Forest 2027 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Information JOIN BLACK ROCK FOREST! Black Rock Forest (BRF) is a growing environmental non-profit organization with programs in en...
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
We were joined by @amnh.org SRMP students to collect dragonfly larvae for the #DragonflyMercuryProject, a research project led by the USGS and National Park Service. Students learn env. science by doing real field research right here in the Forest! 🔬🪰🌲 To learn more: www.nps.gov/articles/000...
AMNH students sampling in Upper Reservoir Individual dragonfly larvae separated in traysGroup photo with BRF staff and AMNH SRMPBRF staff train AMNH SRMP students how to dip net for macroinvertebrates
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A massive shoutout to our incredible summer research interns, Avery and Hazel! 🌿🔬 From forest monitoring and restoration to braving pouring rain, heatwaves, and wildfire smoke, they brought enthusiasm and curiosity. 🌲 Thank you both for all your hard work at Black Rock Forest! 💚
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
ebird.org/news/threat-...
ebird.org
From Truth to Fake: The Threat of AI to Media Archives - eBird
As AI becomes commonplace, what you see in a photograph may no longer represent reality. Learn about how this impacts eBird and what you can do to help.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
🏺 Dig into history at Black Rock Forest! 🌲 Join us Fri, Aug 21 (9 AM–12 PM) for a FREE Archaeology Workday with Dana Linck and Forest Historian John Brady. Help dig test pits, clean artifacts, and catalog findings! Tools provided. 🔎 Register & details: www.blackrockforest.org/event/volunt...
blackrockforest.org
Volunteer Archeology Workday - Black Rock Forest
Description: Black Rock Forest is thrilled to welcome back Dana Linck for an archaeology workday alongside Forest Historian John Brady at the “Bearmore Site”. Volunteers will continue digging test pit...
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Outdoor Ed Programs Canceled for Tens of Thousands of Students After Federal Cuts www.the74million.org/article/outd...
the74million.org
Outdoor Ed Programs Canceled for Tens of Thousands of Students After Federal Cuts
Advocates worry an entire generation is losing access to nature after cuts to federal grants leads to cancellation of programs.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Our favorite bird pic of the year: a Green Heron (Butorides virescens) stopping by Upper Reservoir this summer! 📸🌿 Photos by Flannery James. @cornellbirds.bsky.social #BirdPhotographyWeek2026 #GreenHeron #Birding #BlackRockForest #NaturePhotography
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
📢 Calling K-college teachers! Join us for our 4th Educator Open House! 🗓️ Fri, Sept 4, 10 AM–2 PM 💵 FREE (registration required) 🥪 Lunch included + a guided hike! Connect with our staff to learn about school visits, field trips, and teacher resources. Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/1987855944...
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
✨ Tickets are on sale for Into the Woods: Dinner Under the Stars! 🍽️🌲⭐ Join us Sat, Sept 19 for a farm-to-table dinner, live folk music, storytelling w/ Jonathan Kruk, & a cosy campfire. 🎟️ Sells out fast! Get tickets: www.blackrockforest.org/into-the-woo... #BlackRockForest #HudsonValley
blackrockforest.org
An Enchanting Evening at Black Rock Forest! - Black Rock Forest
Celebrate a late summer evening surrounded by the natural beauty of Black Rock Forest. Enjoy scenic views of Arthur’s Pond from the historic Stone House while savoring a delicious farm-to-table […]
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
📰 Our Summer 2026 Newsletter is out! 🌲✨ Highlights inside: 🔬 Bronx students + AMNH BioBlitz 📜 Hessian artifacts & Revolutionary War history 🌉 Resilient new trail bridges 📈 100 years of forest monitoring Read the full issue: www.blackrockforest.org/newsletter #BlackRockForest #HudsonValley
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
🚌 FREE field trip to the Forest! A guided nature adventure w/ a free bus picking up & dropping off at the Newburgh Armory. 🌲 Perfect for families and kids ages 9+. 🗓️ Friday 7/31 | Departure 9am ⚠️ Registration is required to secure your spot on the bus. 📲 Scan the QR code to register now!
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Science in action! 🐾 Dr. Jennifer Wall shared her #bobcat research at the American Society of Mammalogists. She found suburban bobcats are minimally impacted by trapping/collaring, though recovery times vary. DM @scottlapoint.bsky.social for Q&A Check out her poster here: jlwallphd.com/ASM_2026
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Air quality alert: PM2.5 at Black Rock Forest has spiked into the unhealthy range over the past 24 hrs. These particles penetrate deep into lungs/bloodstream — extra risk for kids, older adults, pregnant folks & those with asthma/heart/lung conditions. Consider postponing your hike!
This week's PM2.5 levels compared to the same period last year.View from Sibyl’s Path on 7/15/2026
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
📸 Share your best Black Rock Forest photo for our 2027 Calendar Contest! 🌲 We want high-res, landscape shots (all seasons!). Winners get a BRF water bottle and a printed calendar. 🗓️ Submit by Oct 1 (max 3): www.blackrockforest.org/blog/calling...
Photo by Dan Olsen
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
🚌 FREE field trip to the Forest! A guided nature adventure w/ a free bus picking up & dropping off at the Newburgh Armory. 🌲 Perfect for families and kids ages 9+. 🗓️ 7/23 or 7/31 | Departure 9am ⚠️ Registration is required to secure your spot on the bus! 📲 Scan the QR code to register now!
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Quiz: Wait, Is That Poison Ivy? www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Quiz: Wait, Is That Poison Ivy?
Test your ability to spot poison ivy and oak before they give you a rash.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Bugs, turtles, and rocks at the board meeting! 🪲🐢🪨 The Black Rock Forest Board gathered at @amnh.org and toured the stunning Gilder Center. We’re so grateful for 30+ years of partnership in science and education with the Museum. Thank you to our hosts! #BlackRockForest #AMNH #Science
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
🚌 FREE field trip to the Forest! A guided nature adventure w/ a free bus picking up & dropping off at the Newburgh Armory. 🌲 Perfect for families and kids ages 7+. 🗓️ 7/23 or 7/31 | Departure 9am ⚠️ Registration is required to secure your spot on the bus! 📲 Scan the QR code to register now!
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Real learning happens in the field—even when the thermometer climbs! 🌡️🍃 A huge thank you to the incredible educators who joined us for our 3rd #Newburgh #Teacher Center course. Educators from all disciplines explored ways to integrate environmental experiences into their curriculum. #TeacherPD
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The Saw Mill River Audubon is hosting our @scottlapoint.bsky.social for a webinar at 7PM on June 25th on #wildlife movement behaviors and our efforts to better understand and conserve them. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/zoom-progr...
eventbrite.com
Zoom Program: Roads Run Through It: Impacts of Roads on Wildlife
Dr. Scott LaPoint from Black Rock Forest will present his research efforts about the impact of roads on local wildlife
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
When Humans Went Away, the Wildlife Strayed www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/s... If you haven't read yet, check out this article about wildlife research that included @scottlapoint.bsky.social's data!
nytimes.com
When Humans Went Away, the Wildlife Strayed
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
We’re so grateful to the College Biology students from Newburgh Free Academy, led by Ms. Benson and Mr. Mayer, for helping us plant native silky dogwood saplings near the Upper Reservoir! These saplings were provided by the @dec.ny.gov's School Seedling Program. #NativePlants #Conservation
BRF staff Aaron teaches students how to plant the potted saplingsJack-in-the-pulpit is a member of the Arisaema triphyllum complex, a group of four or five closely related taxa in eastern North America.A student-planted silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) sapling!
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Join us at the Forest Lodge for an evening with author Trent Preszler! He will be discussing his book, "Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America," about the cultural and ecological impact of these trees. 📍 Black Rock Forest 📅 Wed, June 24, 6:30–7:30 PM Info: www.blackrockforest.org/blog/evergre...
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Wildlife doesn’t just respond to habitat loss — it responds to *US*! New Smithsonian Zoo and @ucsantabarbara.bsky.social research tracked 37 species & 11.8M GPS points across the U.S. Gray wolves expanded their range to avoid people but bobcats reduced their space use to avoid people. ½
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Tomorrow is #HudsonValleyGives! Maximize your impact by donating during our matched giving hours: * 12:00 PM * 3:00 PM * 5:00 PM * 11:00 PM Every $ supports our conservation & education mission. Let’s show the power of our community—give where you live! 🔗 Donate: www.hvgives.org/organization...
Volunteers help with setting up the bridge along Reservoir Road after the July 9, 2023 storm washed away the previous Boy Scout bridge.Postdoc Jennifer Wall assists the research team in GPS tagging a male bobcat for release to understand movement in our landscape.Summer science students from Town of Newburgh Recreation exploring the green frog pool
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Hudson Valley Gives is here! 🌿 Help support conservation and education at Black Rock Forest. The big day is May 20, but early giving is open NOW. Give where you live: 🔗 www.hvgives.org/organization... #HVGives #BlackRockForest #Conservation #HudsonValley #GiveWhereYouLive
Student using a hand lens to more closely observe nature.Students starting their hike on Mailley’s Mill BridgeStudent using the PocketLab Air multi-sensor to record atmospheric data.Students with travel binoculars to learn about and observe migratory birds breeding in the Forest.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
What do stoneflies and mayflies tell us? 🔍 This spring, students found an abundance of these "Group One Taxa" in our streams. Because they are pollution-sensitive, their presence is a great sign of high-quality water in the forest! 🐛💧 #BlackRockForest #WaterQuality #CitizenScience #STEM
Mayflies are a good group to find!Free-living caddisfly larvae are usually more common a find, especially as they don’t have camouflage armor!Northern red salamander in the juvenile stage was bycatch. Students (and we) were impressed!Case-building caddisflies were found multiple times this season. Not too shabby!
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Final Call for Tickets for our Spring Benefit. 🐦🧠 Discover how the chickadee’s caching behavior and unique neuroanatomy offer incredible insights for neuroscience! 📅 Wed, May 13 | 12–2 PM 📍 Tavern on the Green, NYC 🎟 www.blackrockforest.org/benefit2026
blackrockforest.org
Black Rock Forest 2026 Benefit Luncheon - Black Rock Forest
Drs. Catherine and Michael Diefenbach, Co-ChairsAnd the Benefit Committee invite you to join them for   A BENEFIT LUNCHEON FOR BLACK ROCK FOREST Small Birds,Extraordinary Memory KEYNOTE PRESENTATION B...
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Highlights of our #Spring 2026 #Newsletter 🌿: ✍️ Landscape as narrative w/ @columbiauniversity.bsky.social MFA writing class 💧 100 years of water history 🦟 Dragonfly reproduction research @amnh.org Plus: Benefit Luncheon news, #EarthDay recaps! Read online: www.blackrockforest.org/blog/spring-...
blackrockforest.org
Spring 2026 - Black Rock Forest
Seeing the Forest for the Stories:A Field Visit from Columbia University’s MFA Program In mid-February, a class of graduate students from my FIELD seminar in the MFA Writing Program at […]
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
🐺 New paper out in @natureportfolio.nature.com Scientific Reports! We participated in one of the largest #carnivore behavior experiments ever to study how #coyotes respond to novelty in #urban vs. rural environments.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Huge thanks to the 24 volunteers who joined us yesterday! 🌲 We cleared invasive barberry, multiflora rose, etc. along Reservoir Road and planted native white spruce and white pine. Stewardship in action! 🌎 #BlackRockForest #EarthDay #Conservation #Stewardship
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Happy Earth Day! 🌎 Support #conservation by joining our 2026 Benefit Luncheon on May 13 at Tavern on the Green, NYC. 🌲 Honoring Ellen V. Futter and featuring a talk on the extraordinary memory of chickadees. 🐦 Tickets support our mission! 🔗 www.blackrockforest.org/benefit2026
Ellen V. Futter
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
🌎 Join us for Earth Day 2026! Help us plant native trees and remove invasive species on Wednesday, April 22 (3–5 PM). All ages and students are welcome to get hands-on and help restore the forest. 🌱 Sign up: www.blackrockforest.org/event/earth-... #EarthDay #BlackRockForest #Stewardship
High school students from Burma planting native shrubs within our wildlife brush pile
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
🌲 Science funding news! We awarded $26,850 to 3 research teams working on the forest to study: 🐟 Fish diversity via eDNA, 🐍 Timber Rattlesnake health & genomics @markdavis79.bsky.social & 🌱 Forest soil microbial biodiversity. Since 2019, 37 grants & $197K+ awarded! www.blackrockforest.org/news
2025 Redden winner Kate Montana with AMNH studying dragonflies
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Annual NY Burn Ban: March 16 – May 14 🚫🔥 Debris burning is the leading cause of spring wildfires in NY. Remember public campfires are never permitted in Black Rock Forest. Help us keep the Forest safe—report any signs of fire immediately. Learn more: dec.ny.gov/environmenta...
Photo by BRF staff: Pecks Road brush fire in 2023
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Happy Spring Equinox! 🌸 Tickets are ON SALE for our Spring Benefit. 🐦🧠 Discover how the chickadee’s caching behavior and unique neuroanatomy offer incredible insights for neuroscience! 📅 Wed, May 13 | 12–2 PM 📍 Tavern on the Green, NYC 🎟 www.blackrockforest.org/benefit2026
blackrockforest.org
Black Rock Forest 2026 Benefit Luncheon - Black Rock Forest
Drs. Catherine and Michael Diefenbach, Co-ChairsAnd the Benefit Committee invite you to join them for   A BENEFIT LUNCHEON FOR BLACK ROCK FOREST Small Birds,Extraordinary Memory KEYNOTE PRESENTATION B...
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Reposted by Black Rock Forest
Scott LaPoint @scottlapoint.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Haven't posted in a while, but wanted to introduce LYRU 8 to the community. He's our first adult male #bobcat with an eobs GPS collar! Looking forward to seeing how he navigates our region. Volume up! #movement #ecology @blackrockforest.bsky.social
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
What’s next for our beech trees? 🌳📉 Join Dr. Andrew Reinmann ( @asrc-gc.bsky.social ) on 4/14 (7 PM) for a virtual talk on the rapid spread of Beech Leaf Disease & its impact on future forests. 💻 Register: www.blackrockforest.org/event/black-... #Forestry #Science #Conservation #BlackRockForest
blackrockforest.org
Black Rock Forest Science Lecture: Beech Leaf Disease: Where is it going and how will it affect our future forests? - Black Rock Forest
Given by Andrew Reinmann, Ph.D. Associate Professor, CUNY Date: Tuesday, April 14 Time: 7 – 8pm Virtual Science Lecture Free, but advance registration required Please register by April 10, 2026 […]
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Isabel and Jessica visited Urban Assembly AMS Bronx on Monday! 🏫🌲 We shared forest camera trap footage with students across all grades and brainstormed upcoming field trips with the science team. Can’t wait to see these Bronx students out on the trails! 🦊📸 #BlackRockForest #STEM #OutdoorEducation
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
📸 Calling All Photographers! 🌱 Help capture the shift from winter to spring at Black Rock Forest. Submit your best high-res photos from Black Rock Forest for our 2027 Calendar Competition. Deadline: October 1st. Details & link to submit: www.blackrockforest.org/blog/calling...
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Society Needs A Doctor’s Prescription For Nature www.noemamag.com/society-need...
noemamag.com
Society Needs A Doctor’s Prescription For Nature | NOEMA
Long treated as a backdrop to human life, the trees, babbling streams and rolling hills of the natural world could actually help repair society’s fraying social fabric.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Celebrate Earth Day @ Black Rock Forest! 🌳✨ 📅 Wed, April 22 | 3-5 PM Help restore the woods by removing invasive species and planting native trees. All ages and students welcome! Register: www.blackrockforest.org/event/earth-... #EarthDay #BlackRockForest #Stewardship #Conservation
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Winter is beautiful, but snow makes roads tricky. ❄️ We use sand instead of salt to protect our ecosystem. Rising salt use has spiked environmental salinity ➡️ groundwater, rivers, lakes. Reminder: Avoid parking in the Public Lot during/after storms so we can plow. #BlackRockForest #Conservation
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Society Needs A Doctor’s Prescription For Nature www.noemamag.com/society-need...
noemamag.com
Society Needs A Doctor’s Prescription For Nature | NOEMA
Long treated as a backdrop to human life, the trees, babbling streams and rolling hills of the natural world could actually help repair society’s fraying social fabric.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Celebrate the Spring Equinox at Black Rock Forest! 🌲 Join us for a Silent Walk led by Jackie Skrzynski—a chance to slow down and connect with the forest during the twilight hours. 📅 Friday, March 20 🕖 7:00 PM EST 📍 Details: www.blackrockforest.org/event/decemb...
blackrockforest.org
Silent Walk with Jackie Skrzynski at Black Rock Forest on Spring Equinox - Black Rock Forest
Date: Friday, March 20thth Time: 6:45 to 9:00 PM Hike Leader: Jackie Skrzynski Description: Join Jackie Skrzynski for a holiday pause on this December Silent Walk at BRF. Silent Walks […]
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Today is the 1st day of the #GBBC! What birds are you seeing this weekend during the 29th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count? Watch and listen for birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over four days (February 13–16, 2026). #gbbc2026 www.birdcount.org
A Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) and a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) share a feeder.American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis), Purple Finches (Haemorhous purpureus), a Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), and a White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) compete over spots at a BRF feeder.A male Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) on a tree by the Forest Lodge.
A Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) takes off from a branch during Project FeederWatch.
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Save the Date 05.13.26 Join us at Tavern on the Green for our annual Benefit Luncheon! 🌳 Honoring Ellen V. Futter & featuring keynote Dmitriy Aronov, PhD @zuckermanbrain.bsky.social on the extraordinary memory of chickadees. 🐦🧠 Details: www.blackrockforest.org/benefit2026 #SaveTheDate #NYC #Science
blackrockforest.org
Black Rock Forest Benefit Luncheon - Black Rock Forest
Tavern on the Green, NYC Wednesday, May 13th, 202612 – 2 PM Honoring: Ellen V. Futter with the William T. Golden Award for Innovative Leadership in Science and Education Keynote […]
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Black Rock Forest @blackrockforest.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
White-tailed Deer can affect heavy browse pressure on tree seedlings. Protecting seedlings with fencing can go a long way in encouraging tree regeneration. 🦌 We installed “deer exclosure fences” in some areas of the forest to limit deer browse and give native seedlings a chance.
Fenced deer exclosure in Black Rock Forest
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