Most people are aware of the Chestnut Blight and Dutch Elm Disease of the early 20th century. These invasive fungi forever altered the ecology of eastern forests and the aesthetic of American streets. Introduced pests and pathogens continue to affect our forests, from beech scale and oak wilt to Asian jumping worms and spotted lanternfly. […]
Category Archives: Stewardship & Land Management
MRG Scientists Share Their Knowledge
Our science staff and many of our students participated in three scientific and stewardship-related conferences since our last update. Director of Land Management, Budd Veverka was invited to and attended the New York State Invasive Species Summit in Albany (November 16-17, 2021) where he was involved in a number of collaborative discussions on managing invasive […]
Spotlight on Research and Education, Winter 2022
Winter 2022 MRG publishes paper on deer management and forest regeneration One of the most pressing issues for land managers in the Northeast is addressing the impacts of super-abundant white-tailed deer. The suburbs and exurbs offer an almost-ideal habitat for deer – with patches of forest to offer food and refuge, large yards and gardens […]
Winter Trail Rest Dec. 1 to Apr. 1
Trails at Mianus River Gorge and Taylor Preserve Are Closed for their Winter Rest December 1 to April 1 Thank you for visiting our Preserves! We have again had heavy visitation this year and the trails in the Preserves need their rest more than ever. Why does Mianus River Gorge close its trails during the […]
GIVING TUESDAY
As we near the end of the year, we reflect on how much your support means to the Mianus River Gorge today and every day. And we know we’ve asked you for a lot in 2021 … if you’ve already given to help with the recent land purchase, we thank you and ask if you […]
Outdoor Observer
Change is sometimes good… or at least not all bad By Rod Christie, Mianus River Gorge Executive Director October 6, 2021 The Eastern Forest of North America has undergone great change since 45% of the US was covered in old-growth forest. The Eastern Forest of North America has undergone great change since 45% of the […]
Planting in the Preserve
MRG’s restoration garden was a success right from the start. Starting in 2016, Rod Christie spent many hours collecting seeds from local wildflower stock and planting them in raised beds with covers to protect plants from chipmunks and other predators. Once mature, these plants were then used as seed and plant sources for a wide […]
Trail Maintenance, Restoration, & Stewardship
On arguably the hottest day this summer, Director of Land Management Budd Veverka, Preserve Steward Jean-Luc Plante, and Summer Intern Leah Cass set out to do a major trail maintenance project. Their task was to build new steps on a steep part of the trail, just south of the Overlook, to improve footing and minimize […]
Saving the Jim Todd Land
For 68 years Mianus River Gorge has been protecting land, keeping it forever wild, and working to conserve healthy ecosystems that contribute to the clean air and water we all enjoy. The land under MRG’s protection and stewardship has grown from 60 acres to over 1,100 acres since our founding in 1953. Now, Mianus River […]
Volunteers Making a Difference
It takes a great deal of effort to maintain the Mianus River Gorge and Taylor Preserves and their trails for visitors. MRG staff does what it can, but the stewardship staff is small. That’s why it is so important to have volunteers to help, particularly early in the season when we are cleaning up from […]