Clearpool Model Forest - Green Chimneys

Green Chimneys names Bob Vetere as new board president

Green Chimneys Names APPA CEO Bob Vetere as New Board President

October 11, 2018

Clearpool Model Forest

Green Chimneys’ Clearpool Campus is an established location for the study of best practices in forest management and water conservation. A partnership with the Watershed Agricultural Council sets aside 264 acres of the privately-owned forestland to support environmental education and forest stewardship within New York State’s Putnam County and the New York City Watershed, the largest surface water supply system in the world.

Welcome to the Clearpool Model Forest

In October 2011, Green Chimneys and the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) announced the designation of the Clearpool Model Forest as the fourth, and second largest, Model Forest established in and around the New York City Watershed region. The foundation of the Model Forest outdoor education experience incorporates water quality, biodiversity, forest ecosystems and human interaction with the natural landscape.

The Clearpool Model Forest Steering Committee is comprised of key Green Chimneys staff and Clearpool, Town of Kent officials, Putnam County Cornell Cooperative Extension, local environmentalists, foresters and educators, Quality Deer Management Association representatives, and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). With WAC as a primary advisor, the Committee develops ongoing forest management plans, educational workshops, and projects to improve and cultivate the forest site for optimal use.

Gyrfalcon

This 19-year-old gyrfalcon trained and hunted as a falconry bird for most of his life until his eyesight started to fail and he began missing perches and prey. His handler decided that he would retire to Green Chimneys and live out his days in comfort. He has been a valuable addition to the wildlife education program as he is accustomed to being around people and being handled. The Gyrfalcon is the largest true falcon in the world, and its plumage can range in color from a dappled white to almost pure black.