None The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania Press Releases Search All Press Releases Patrick von Keyserling Phone: 717-232-6001 ext. 101 E-mail: pvonkeyserling@tnc.org

Nature Conservancy Talks Trees at Cook Forest Big Tree Extravaganza 

CLARION, PA — April 18, 2007 — Scientists are heading for the woods this weekend hoping to share conservation science and find new allies in the protection of old-growth forests.

Saturday, April 21 is the Cook Forest Big Tree Extravaganza that draws some of the state’s top forest ecologists, including The Nature Conservancy’s Dr. Scott Bearer, to view the tallest known Eastern hemlock in the Northeastern United States and to discuss the state of old-growth forests.

Cook Forest State Park, in conjunction with the Eastern Native Tree Society (ENTS), will host a series of free events open to the public that focus on old-growth forests of Cook Forest and the Eastern United States.

The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania will present some of its ongoing biodiversity conservation work during the Cook Forest Big Tree Extravaganza from 6:55-7:45 p.m. at the Sawmill Theatre at Cook Forest State Park. 

Dr. Bearer, forest ecologist for The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, will discuss the significance of old-growth forest communities for biodiversity conservation and how collaboration with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry has opened new doors in this exciting area of forest research. 

In addition to describing the current state of old-growth research in Pennsylvania, Dr. Bearer will illustrate how The Nature Conservancy’s collaborative efforts with the Bureau of Forestry, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Allegheny National Forest, and other agencies and interest groups are helping to develop an old-growth management strategy for landowners and land-managers who wish to see more old-growth related species and forest characteristics in their woodlands. 

“The Big Tree Extravaganza is an exciting opportunity for the industry and lay people to learn about some of the latest trends in forest management and restoration work,” said Dr. Bearer. “It’s also a wonderful event to see firsthand how scientists conduct their research, hike through a healthy old-growth forest, and – if you’re lucky – see a few scientists shinnying up Pennsylvania’s largest hemlock.”

In addition to the presentations by leading forest scientists, the community is invited to watch a team of scientists climb to the top of the tallest known Eastern hemlock in the Northeastern U.S., the Seneca Hemlock (146.5ft), to confirm its height and trunk dimensions.

The day’s events will explore the park's biodiversity, aesthetics, natural and human history, and importance as a National Natural Landmark. Programs will include an advanced tree measuring workshop, guided interpretive hikes into one of the finest old growth forests in the Northeastern U.S., afternoon tree climb, and evening lecture series to be held at the Sawmill Theater.


Editor’s Note: The Nature Conservancy’s Forest Ecologist Scott Bearer, Ph.D., is available for telephone interviews Friday, April 20. Please contact the Nature Conservancy at 717-232-6001, ext. 101 to schedule an interview with Dr. Bearer.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.