2021 – Page 3 – Fruition

November 2, 2021Nick Hamilton-Honey

Citizen Science, Helping to SPOT Invasive Species

It is likely you have recently heard about the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. Whether it is a 4-H entomology project in Kansas or in the local paper, this invasive insect is bad news.

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a planthopper originally from Asia. It is a very effective hitchhiker and likely caught a ride on a shipment of stone from Asia to Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. SLF is an effective invasive and it has been spreading into other counties within PA and to other states. New York had its first spotting of adults and one breeding population in 2020. As of September 2021, there are 13 counties that have documented populations of SLF.

Why should you care? Penn State’s Extension notes, “SLF is a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors. The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow, and other trees. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death. As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below SLF feeding.”

To read more from the Penn State Extension, visit here. Or watch a short video about SLF from Penn State Extension. Penn State continues to do SLF research and released an article evaluating the risks spotted lanternfly may pose to a variety of agriculture crops. Read more Citizen Science, Helping to SPOT Invasive Species

October 26, 2021Erica LaFountain

Trip to the Baker Woods Preserve and the Peacock and Pony Farm

In early October, Linda and Matt Carney hosted their fellow Master Gardener Volunteers at the Baker Woods Preserve, where they are caretakers, and at their own neighboring hobby farm, the Peacock and Pony, both in Natural Bridge NY.

Matt Carney at the entrance to the Baker Woods Preserve, which he stewards with his family

The leaves were in their prime as we took in the peaceful woods on a short loop walk and learned about the land-use history and the diverse ecosystems of the preserve.

Part of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy, the 354-acre Baker Wood Preserve is named for the former owners, Doris and Norman Baker, a New York City couple who summered in the North Country until they passed away. Their gift of this wild land, and the dedicated stewardship of it by the Carney family has made the preserve a beautiful public resource. Read more Trip to the Baker Woods Preserve and the Peacock and Pony Farm

October 24, 2021Lauren Olson

Cranberry Harvest at Deer River

You may not think of cranberries as a North Country crop, but we have one commercial bog producing over 80 acres of this autumn fruit. Deer River Cranberries was established in Brasher Falls over 20 years ago and the Local Foods team at Extension caught up with the managers to learn about and photograph the entire harvest.

So how do cranberries get from the bog to your table?

Each ‘bog’ is like a garden bed that’s sunk a foot or two deep and is 5 acres in size. With 15 bogs currently in production, Deer River produces 1 million pounds of berries in an average year (though this year’s crop was earlier and smaller than usual due to cranberry tipworm).