At ground zero, you will see a black locust tree. Look around the tree above eye view until you see a medium sized reddish-brown shelf fungus. This is an “Artist’s conk,” which grows mostly on dead trees, and occasionally on living trees (this tree is alive). The woody fungus may contain compounds with anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-fibrotic properties.
Now, look down towards the ground. Try to find invasive privet – a small shrub. This species is a major threat to our forest. Privet seeds are produced in great abundance, spread by birds, and then grow very quickly and successfully. They end up outcompeting native plants, ultimately destroying our natural habitats. Learn to identify privet, and you will begin seeing it all over our Westchester County forests. Privet continues to be sold and used as a hedge plant, but please don’t buy or plant it! You can find native landscaping plants that help our local environment at https://www.mtpleasantny.com/home/news/native-plant-research-guide.
Join our volunteer stewardship crew to learn more about invasive and native species and do something about the threats to our forests and habitats! Email Julia at Julia.jardine@parks.ny.gov to get involved.
Just a reminder: At Rockefeller State Park Preserve, you are not allowed to take anything out of the Preserve that you did not bring in. Likewise, you are not allowed to eat anything from the Preserve. Especially mushrooms. Picking and eating wild mushrooms can kill you!
Watch out for poison ivy nearby this geocache site!
Dogs are allowed on leash.
There is a $6 daily parking fee, unless you have a New York State Empire Pass, A Golden Park Pass, or a Group/Individual Access Pass.
Additional Information: Thank you West End 2 for placing and maintaining all caches in this series.