New York Forest Owners Association invite you to join them for a fall hike on Saturday, September 28th in Olean, NY. This free event is an opportunity to visit a unique woodlot containing over 60 wild American Chestnut trees. In September 2023, during a Master Forest Owner (MFO) visit, a second chestnut tree was identified on the property. Since then, owner Jim Brady has identified 65 wild American Chestnut trees. The walk will pass 45 of these trees ranging in size from .85” DBH, 8ft tall to 9.4” DBH, 50 ft tall. The owner will share his experiences over the last year as well as his passion for Chestnut trees. Several experienced members of The American Chestnut Foundation are also expected to be in attendance (Jim has recently become a member) providing a broad base of experience for answering questions and discussing expectations.
The woodlot is 100 acres and the walk will be on two of the three stands on the property where you’ll see other tree species such as Red Oak, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Birch, and Beech. You may see signs of bear, fox, bobcat, deer, and turkey. Recently planted Chestnut seedlings in a cleared area will also be seen. The first stand is about 30 acres, last harvested about 25 years ago. The second stand is about 50 acres, high graded by the previous owner about 6 years ago. The elimination of the canopy on this stand resulted in full sun, allowing young Chestnuts to thrive.
Date
September 28, 2024 (Saturday) The program will proceed rain or shine, unless there is a severe weather warning issued. Please dress for the weather.
Location
0 Indiana Ave, Olean, NY 14760
Registration
9:00 – 9:30AM
GPS Coordinates
42.050660; -78.423761
Meeting Place/Parking
Park along the sides of the road or across from the gate in the grass. Space for approximately 30 vehicles.
Terrain
The elevation change is about 250 ft and the walk will be about 2 miles with a shorter one-mile option.
Additional Directions
From I-86 take Exit 26 NY 16. Turn right onto Rt.16 (Union St.) going south for 2 miles, driving straight thru all traffic circles. Turn left onto York St. Drive .5 miles. Turn right onto Indiana Ave. This changes from paved to a dirt road. Drive 1.25 miles on Indiana Ave to the property gate on the right.
