by John Wolcott This year is the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the chartering of the community of Albany as the village of Beverwyck. With this in mind, let us quote a reference to the Pine Bush from the records of Beverwyck, January 7, 1753: “The Honorable Abraham Staets having requested that the description … Early Reference to the Pine Bush Discovered in the Dutch Records of Beverwyck
Published in the Altamont Enterprise, 3/2/23 To the Editor: I greatly appreciate your full-page commentary in the Feb. 16 issue about Ward Stone [“From the editor: A scientist who strove to make a healthier Earth”]. I knew Ward for 40 years. Ward was a rare public servant: competent, articulate, hardworking, fearless. He insisted he had … Ward Stone was employed by the state but he worked for the people, animals, and environment
Editor’s Note: Ward Stone died on February 8, 2023 at the age of 84. Ward Stone was a friend of Save the Pine Bush and often spoke at SPB vegetarian lasagna dinners. Here are two letters which describe Ward. The first letter was written by long-time friend, Lewis Oliver and sent to many media outlets, … Ward Stone — NYS Wildlife Pathologist Worked for the People
By Ted Remsnyder | February 9, 2023 TROY — Ward Stone, who served as the state’s wildlife pathologist for over four decades, died Wednesday morning at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson after a long illness. Stone, who held his post with the Department of Environmental Conservation from 1969 until his retirement in 2010, left behind … Ward Stone, longtime DEC wildlife pathologist, dies at 84
Longtime state wildlife pathologist fought many battles against pollution — and his bosses at the Department of Environmental Conservation https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/environmental-crusader-former-radio-host-ward-17776032.php Updated: Feb. 10, 2023 11:22 a.m. HUDSON —Ward Stone, the longtime state wildlife pathologist whose name became synonymous with environmental activism as he helped uncover and publicize the threat of PCBs, died Wednesday in Columbia … Environmental crusader Ward Stone is dead at 84
Whereas, the applications and permitting to construct and operate an expansion of the City’s existing landfill located on Rapp Road in the City of Albany, together with mitigation related to the expansion, referred to as Eastern Expansion, is before the Common Council for deliberation; and Whereas, since 1990 there have been multiple expansions of the … Town of Colonie Planning Board
Reprinted from The Guardian; Dominick Calsolaro notes that this article supports his call for a Resource Recovery Center – June/July 2021 Save the Pine Bush Newsletter Disc drives, circuit boards, fluorescent lamps and batteries for electric vehicles could be among affected products Rare elements such as indium, yttrium, neodymium, cobalt and lithium are vital for … Experts call for mandatory recycling of products containing rare metals, from The Guardian
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: “I would not be standing here without the work Save the Pine Bush has done to hold people accountable,” said Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC or commission) Director Neil Gifford, as he began his presentation at the May 18 SPB dinner. Neil spoke at length about the Karner Blue … Neil Gifford – Good News about the Pine Bush
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: Neil Gifford, conservation director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, spoke at the Save the Pine Bush Earth Day dinner on April 22. He brought good news. Neil began by describing “young forest management.” Young forests are dominated by shrubs and saplings, and are often found where old farm … Neil Gifford Brings Good News
ALBANY, NY: At our February Save the Pine Bush dinner, two speakers, Keith Schue and Ward Stone, spoke about how toxic pollutants continue to impact the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood in Albany and how it might get even worse. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) had planned to install a new Gas … Keith Schue and Ward Stone fire up “Save the Pine Bush” about the Proposed Gas Turbines and the ongoing toxin issues at Sheridan Hollow
Devil Eats Developer – Massive Coverup Alleged Devil Eats Developer Massive Coverup Alleged By Daniel Van Riper The endangered Albany Pine Bush Devil, making it’s first reported appearance since last April Fools, has attacked and eaten developer Charlie Touhey, thus dramatically ending his stubborn and irrational plans to destroy Pine Bush acreage at 300 Washington … Devil Eats Developer – Massive Coverup Alleged
Ward Stone and the West Nile Virus Ward Stone and the West Nile Virus Albany, NY &emdash; Ward Stone, State Wildlife Pathologist, spoke at the August SPB lasagna dinner at the First Presbyterian Church. He began by describing the virus’ one-year journey from Westchester to the Capital District. In July, 1999, crows seemed to be … Ward Stone and the West Nile Virus
On Saturday, September 21, Andy Arthur, Hugh Johnson, Chris Kielb and two others joined experienced birder Neil Reilly for a fall birding excursion near the Pine Bush Discovery Center. In early fall, as they migrate south for the winter, many different species of warblers mingle with chickadees and other non-migrating birds to feed on the … Migratory Bird Watch Hike
Name of the project: Rapp Road Residential/Western Avenue Mixed Use Redevelopment Projects Email comments to: Kenneth Kovalchik, Town Planner, Kovalchikk@togny.org The Town of Guilderland Planning Board should reject the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed development by Pyramid (Crossgates) to build massive apartment complexes, office space and expansive retail on Rapp Road, the … Write to the Town of Guilderland Planning Board
by Sandy Sheridan What are we going to do about these butterflies? What the US Fish and Wildlife Service thinks should be done has been specifically outlined in the “Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan” (October 2001). This 239-page plan comprehensively describes the Karner Blue, its plight and the plan of action to perpetuate its populations … The Federal Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan
For his keen detective work on the causes of death to New York’s wildlife, state wildlife pathologist Ward Stone has received a special award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs commended the seasoned scientist for the quality of his research, which has led to restrictions being placed on diazinon … Ward Stone Receives EPA Award
On Saturday, September 29, I participated in Save the Pine Bush’s first ever bicycle ride to the Pine Bush, led expertly by Steve Redler. The two of us rode on this glorious morning to the Pine Bush. It took us about an hour to leisurely pedal to the Discovery Center on back roads. I was … The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
By Lynne Jackson ALBANY: The Pine Bush Discovery will have its grand opening on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and June 17 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After what seems like an eternity of planning, design and construction, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is pleased to invite the public to the grand opening. … Why Does the Discovery Center Look Like a Bank?
Over $25,000 in grants support public education and outreach and Federal and private funding allows dramatic increase in habitat restoration. Contractors removed invasive black locust trees from 25 acres and 21 acres were planted with native grasses and wildflowers including wild blue lupine. The project was assisted by the Commission’s new John Deere tractor and … Ward Stone Speaks about the Most Important Environmental Problems of Our Time
ALBANY, NY: The August Save the Pine Bush vegetarian/vegan lasagna dinner was the setting for Mike Venuti, the new director of the Pine Bush Discovery Center, to describe what the Pine Bush Discovery Center will be and the progress on the Discovery Center. Mr. Venuti began by briefly describing his background. He has worked with … Discovery Center
by Sandy Sheridan Birk Try your hand at our first Save the Pine Bush Crossword puzzle! Click here for answer key. Across 1. The Karner Blue Butterfly is currently listed as ____________. 5. Butterfly’s young 8. How many generations of Karner Blue Butterflies are hatched each year in the Pine Bush? 9. These insects often … Crossword Puzzle
After my planned Pine Bush hike got rained out in May, it looked as if Mother Nature, combined with the “Hughie” curse, was going to throw me another bone for my June Hike. However, as it turned out, the rain held off just long enough to allow we five hikers to complete our 3.5 mile … Our June 23rd Hike in the Pine Bush
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Saying “I am very happy to be here,” Ward Stone launched into a very interesting and wide-ranging lecture at the December 16th SPB dinner. Using deadpan humor, he said, “I spent a very environmental evening” last night watching the Republican presidential candidates. Later he said “These Republican candidates are not good for the … Ward Stone Speaks
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: Neil Gifford, conservation director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, spoke at the Save the Pine Bush Earth Day dinner on April 22. He brought good news. Neil began by describing “young forest management.” Young forests are dominated by shrubs and saplings, and are often found where old farm … Neil Gifford Brings Good News
Reprinted from Metroland —by Ann Morrow on September 18, 2014 · “The most important thing now is to excavate it,” said John Wolcott, pointing to a map projected on the wall behind him. The longtime historical researcher, archeologist, and cartographer was referring to Fort Nassau, the 1614 fur trading post built by Dutch mariners near … History Uncovered
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: In late February, the NYS Inspector General released a 40+ page report trashing Ward Stone, accusing him of bullying his subordinates, intimidating his supervisors, misusing state funds, and being some sort of a monster. The report drew considerable news coverage including a February 28 article in the New York … Ward Stone is a Hero
by Grace Nichols ALBANY, NY – Neil Gifford, Conservation Director at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, has been working in the Pine Bush since the early 1990s. He describes the mission of the Albany Pine Bush Commission, a body representing the many different governmental interests in the Pine Bush land, as “to preserve the pitch … Habitat Restoration and Mitigation Project: How it Fits in to the Preserve Goals for Restoration” Neil Gifford Gives Save the Pine Bush Dinner Talk in March, 2011
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: Ward Stone, NYS Wildlife Pathologist and environmental hero, spoke at the May Save the Pine Bush vegetarian/vegan lasagna dinner at the First Presbyterian Church. Ward began by describing how he met Rezsin Adams on the very first Earth Day in April, 1970, at the University at Albany. That day, Ward gave … Ward Stone, Environmental Hero, Speaks
Spadefoot Toads and Hognose Snakes – Neil Gifford Has Great Pictures Spadefoot Toads and Hognose Snakes Neil Gifford Has Great Pictures by Lynne Jackson At Save the Pine Bush’s October dinner at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany, Neil Gifford, Preserve Ecologist of the Albany Pine Bush Management Commission, gave an excellent presentation with … Spadefoot Toads and Hognose Snakes – Neil Gifford Has Great Pictures
ALBANY – On a warm, moonlit night in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a group of biologists listened at the foot of a grassy dune for the lilting, three-note song of a once-common nightbird that has now become rare. “We were pretty excited to hear the whippoorwill here again,” said Neil Gifford, conservation director of … Surveys seek to define status of night birds
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: At times speaking poetically, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (commission) Conservation Director Neil Gifford spoke at length about the Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) at the March 21 SPB dinner. He began with a friendly joke that “It’s Lynne and Rezsin’s fault I am here tonight,” a reference to the commission … Neil Gifford Presents A Pine Bush Update
By Tom Ellis COHOES: Lights Out Norlite, NATURE Lab, Saratoga Sites Against Norlite Emissions, and the Hudson Mohawk Environmental Action Network held a virtual Hazardous Waste School on December 16 at which four hazardous waste experts discussed various aspects of the issue. The program concerned the Norlite hazardous waste incinerator in Cohoes. Bruce Buckheit worked … Battling Hazardous Waste Incineration
Search Newsletter Archives: What is Full Protection, Partial Protection and who is the Pine Bush? – By Lynne Jackson – June / July 2022 Newsletter A Tribute To Lew Oliver, our wonderful lawyer The Pine Bush’s Most Famous Resident – The Karner Blue Butterfly Save the Pine Bush Victories and Fights The Thruway Authority Comes … Newsletters Articles Ordered by Subject
written by Lynne Jackson << Previous Begin Next>> Karner Blue Habitat First, the Common Council should not accept this DEIS until the Common Council determines what the City of Albany’s policy is on extinction of species. The City of Albany should clearly outline its policy on extinction of species, including whether or not it values … Save the Pine Bush Comments on Proposed Hotel
written by Lynne Jackson << Previous Begin Next>> Creation of a Viable Preserve The Applicant in the DEIS, goes to great lengths to show that a 2,000 acre fire-manageable Preserve has been attained. However, since the court cases listed by the Applicant, scientific research has shown that a viable preserve must be much larger than … Save the Pine Bush Comments on Proposed Hotel
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY, NY: Save the Pine Bush volunteers discovered yesterday that the City of Albany bulldozed several roads through the Pine Bush Preserve last week. Dedicated to the Pine Bush Preserve by the Albany Common Council in 1991, this Preserve land is located west of the City landfill . Click here to see … City of Albany Illegally Bulldozes Albany Pine Bush Preserve
STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ALBANY SUPREME COURT _________________________________________________ In the Matter of the Application of SAVE THE PINE BUSH, INC., REZSIN ADAMS, SANDRA CAMP, SHARON CASTERLIN, LUCY CLARK, LYNNE JACKSON, MARTHA MASTERS JOHN WOLCOTT, PETER VAN NOSTRAND and RUSSELL ZIEMBA, Case No. 1 VERIFIED PETITION … Verified Petition, Januar 17, 2006
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: The City of Albany has applied for a permit to expand the landfill in the Pine Bush. The battle has begun! On Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00 PM at the Polish Community Center (255 Washington Avenue Extension, corner of Rapp Road), the NYS Department of Environmental Conversation will hold a Public … Expansion of the Landfill in the Pine Bush – The Battle Begins!
by Lynne Jackson March 4, 2006 The Honorable Michael O’Brien, chair of the General Services Committee of the Albany Common Council, organized two tours of the Albany Landfill, for both the Common Council members and the public. Of course, I to attend. So, after getting up, and running two miles in Lincoln Park, I put … Lynne Visits the Albany Landfill
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Pitch Pine trees, even small ones, recover quickly from fire, but bear burn marks on their trunks for decades. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts Volunteer Nights Articles in Date … After “Development”
After "Development" Aftermath of Fire Note how the ground is exposed in the burn area, while in the unburned area the ground is covered with organic trash. Photo by John Wolcott Back to Exhibit Index Vegetarian Lasagna Dinner Pine Bush Hike Current Newsletter About Save the Pine Bush Virtual Photo Exhibit Action Alerts Volunteer Nights … After “Development”
Editor’s Note: John Wolcott died on August 17, 2023. Among his many accomplishments, he was a founder of Save the Pine Bush and led monthly hikes for over 35 years. He will be much missed. The following was a press release sent announcing his passing. ALBANY, NY: It is with great sadness that Save the … John Wolcott — Historian, Founder of Save the Pine Bush, Dies
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 • 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM Push NYS’s Packaging Reduction Act and Bigger Better Bottle Bill Over the Finish Line! Please join the New York is NOT Disposable Coalition to meet with your state representatives in Albany to help get two critical bills — the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act … New York is Not Disposable • In-Person Rally & Advocacy Day
Please join Save the Pine Bush in advocating with the New York is NOT Disposable Coalition to meet with your state representatives in Albany to help get two critical bills — the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S4246-b/A5322-b) and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (S237-b/A6353) — to reduce single-use plastics and increase reuse, refill … Join Save the Pine Bush in the Fight to End Plastic Pollution – Tuesday May 14th – NYS Capitol
STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ALBANY SUPREME COURT _________________________________________________ In the Matter of the Application of SAVE THE PINE BUSH, INC., REZSIN ADAMS, SANDRA CAMP, SHARON CASTERLIN, LUCY CLARK, LYNNE JACKSON, MARTHA MASTERS JOHN WOLCOTT, PETER VAN NOSTRAND and RUSSELL ZIEMBA, Case No. 1 AFFIRMATION Petitioners, … Verified Petition, Januar 17, 2006
STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ALBANY SUPREME COURT _________________________________________________ In the Matter of the Application of SAVE THE PINE BUSH, INC., REZSIN ADAMS, SANDRA CAMP, SHARON CASTERLIN, LUCY CLARK, LYNNE JACKSON, MARTHA MASTERS JOHN WOLCOTT, PETER VAN NOSTRAND and RUSSELL ZIEMBA, Case No. 1 Petitioners, … Memorandum of Law, January 17, 2006
Recent Court Cases State Employees Federal Credit Union Save the Pine Bush Wins – SEFCU To Move Away, Feb/Mar 02 Avila House Senior Housing, located behind Teresian House on Washington Avenue Extension Save the Pine Bush Sues Over Senior Housing in the Pine Bush – Proposed Project to be built behind Teresian House, Dec 01/Jan … Save the Pine Bush Court Cases & Proposed Developments Index
A Brief Historical Note on the Six Mile Waterworks (Rensselaer Lake), July/Aug 96 New Light on an Old Road – Part I, Mar/Apr 98 New Light on an Old Road – Part II, June/July 98 Pushing and Pulling West – Pending Extensions of the Boundaries of the Pine Bush Preserve, Oct/Nov 99 State Recognizes The … Save the Pine Bush History Index
Garbage in the Pine Bush Garbage in the Pine Bush If you had to pick the ideal place to put a landfill, would you choose sand dunes over an aquifer on the site of the breeding ground of an endangered species? I don’t think you would, but the that’s where the City of Albany choose­p;the … Garbage in the Pine Bush
TOWN OF GUILDERLAND PLANNING BOARD DRAFT SCOPE RECOMMENDATION MARCH _____, 2002 FOR PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT APPLICATION OF WOODFIELD SUBDIVISION Name of Project: Woodfield Subdivision Project Location: Lydius Street Town of Guilderland Albany County, New York SEQRA Classification: Type I Action Lead Agency: Town of Guilderland Planning Board Town Hall … Save the Pine Bush