Clockwise from top left: Fly fishing guide pointing out river features; netting a wild trout; nidra yoga on the Stony Clove; harvesting medicinal plants; streamside meditation led by a local monk; freshwater snorkeling. Photographs by Tim Koch and Max Kelly.
Reflecting on the
2024 Ashokan Watershed Conference
From June through October 2024, we hosted 12 live events aimed at building deep bonds between people, Catskills streams, and the natural world. Participants fished for trout from the Esopus, gathered medicinal plants along Rochester Hollow, paddled the Little Beaver Kill, or practiced Qi Gong and river yoga on the Stony Clove, just to name a few.
Conservation through Connection aimed to show that streams are so much more than just water features on the landscape, only worthy of protection because they are natural “resources.” We tried to enable a view of streams as companions, and to provide opportunities for the relationship to be reciprocal – where people benefit from being in nature, and nature benefits from recruiting another ally in conservation.
Resources from the Conference
Continue your practice & learn new ones!
Several program guides provided us with resources so you can continue deepening your connection with nature and Catskill streams. Visit our YouTube page for instructional videos for River Yoga with Sara Beck (70,000+ views already), Streamside Mindfulness Meditation with Zen Mountain Monastery, and Streamside Qi Gong with Carol Chappell.
For anyone interested in the current science investigating the physical and emotional health benefits of spending time in nature, or the history and practice of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), check out the reading list compiled by AWSMP with help from Dr. Don Rakow and Jane Dobson of Mind the Forest.
Thank you to our collaborators!
These people and organizations helped to make this summer such a success:
Morton Memorial Library, Pine Hill
Phoenicia Playhouse
Jane Dobson, Mind the Forest
Dr. Don Rakow
Harold Poppy Jones
Sara Beck, Catskill Yoga House
Dan Plummer, Catskill Yoga Studio
J. Rocco’s Steakhouse
Carol Chappell
Emerson Resort & Spa
Zen Mountain Monastery
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground
Todd Spire, Esopus Creel
We hope to see you at an upcoming AWSMP event!
The 2024 AWC Program Schedule
Riparian Forest Bathing
Saturday, June 1st – Rochester Hollow
Jane Dobson, founder of Mind the Forest, will guide participants in Forest Bathing programs along the Rochester Hollow trail. Forest Bathing is more a saunter than hiking or exercise. Inspired by the Japanese practice Shinrin Yoku, this guided experience leads us through a series of sensory experiences opening ourselves to the present moment and wonders of the natural world. This wellness practice continues to grow across the globe as science demonstrates the health benefits of spending even small amounts of time in the outdoors in a mindful way.
Jane founded Mind the Forest to bring to others her passion and belief that connection to nature is essential for wellbeing. At a time when the average American is estimated to spend 93% of their time indoors or in automobiles, mindful time in natural can help counterbalance the stresses of modern life. Jane is certified by both the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and the Kripalu School of Outdoor Mindful Leadership, as well as a New York State Licensed Outdoor Guide, and Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT 200). Jane combines Forest Bathing and Mindfulness to guide outdoor experiences that expand our present-moment awareness to open us to nature’s healing properties.
Conference Kick Off Gathering
Saturday, June 1st – Phoenicia Playhouse
Join Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program and Morton Memorial Library in Pine Hill at the Phoenicia Playhouse for Blue Spaces, Healing Spaces, a deep dive into the benefits of spending time near waterways featuring a talk by Dr. Don Rakow. Attendees can contribute to a mixed media art project by recording water memories, and mingle with neighbors during “connection hour” with light refreshments. Those who pre-register will be automatically entered into a raffle to win book bundles about the Catskills courtesy of Morton Memorial Library Pine Hill.
Medicinal Plant Walk
Thursday, June 27th – Rochester Hollow
This half-day guided plant walk will involve identifying various medicinal plants, trees, and ferns as they are found along the trail. Participants will be invited to discuss what plants could benefit their personal health, or the health of family and friends. Herbs or roots will be harvested for a cup of tea. This will be a hands-on experience meant to connect people with the living landscape.
Walk guide Poppy Jones (Narragansett Nation) is grateful for his forest life. He grew up in the (Onteoras) Catskill mountains, fishing, hunting, and growing gardens, leading a life close to nature. Jones has over 15 years of experience in plant medicine and foraging. Jones connects with the forest by quietly listening to subtle communication through flora, fungi, trees, and ferns. Jones now teaches and mentors students, friends, and family in herbal medicine at resorts, camps, spiritual centers, foraging walks, reservations, and universities.
River Yoga
Session #1: Monday, July 8th, 10:00 am – Chichester
Session #2: Saturday, July 13th, 4:00 pm – Chichester
River Yoga classes – taught by Sara Beck, former owner of Catskills Yoga House – offer opportunities for stillness, dynamic movement, and deep relaxation. Great for beginners and more established yoga practitioners alike, these classes weave together elements of vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga and contemplative yoga nidra. Inspired by the nearby Stony Clove Creek, River Yoga sessions will weave in the element of water through focus on physical postures, breath awareness, and meditation/visualization that relate to the water elements of the body. The class will take place both indoors and outside. In addition to the movement practice, participants will be able to spend time reflecting and connecting on the banks of the Stony Clove.
Sara Beck is a certified yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, life coach, writer, and mother. Drawing on 25 years of deep study and practice in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar yoga as well as Buddhist and Tantric meditation, Sara teaches with a steady warmth and a welcoming manner. Her classes are rooted in conscious breathing and sequenced thoughtfully to support the body in gently opening and moving in a way that settles the nervous system, enlivens creativity, and ignites insight. It is her great desire to help her students turn inward, to unhook from outer distractions and stress and to tune into the unique wisdom within their own body/heart/mind. Sara has a MFA from The New School and has published essays and poetry in several literary magazines as well as the New York Times. She also publishes a weekly substack called Notes from the Heartland.
Stream Snorkeling for Youth & Families
Friday, July 12th (rain date: Friday, July 19th) – J. Rocco’s, Shandaken
This immersive activity is all about getting beneath the surface of our usual view of a river. Prepare to wade into the Esopus Creek and peak beneath the surface to learn more about aquatic life and river processes. Snorkels, masks, and training in how to use them will be provided. Experienced stream educators and a lifeguard will be on hand to guide the experience.
Matt Savatgy is the Youth Education Leader with the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. He has been introducing youth and families to the wonders of our environment for several decades. Matt began our snorkeling program in 2018 in order to fully immerse our event participants in the underwater world of streams.
Max Kelly is a watershed educator with the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. He is broadly interested in the stream ecology and believes the best way to learn about organisms is to see them in their natural environment. Snorkeling is one of the best ways to do that. Max has conducted snorkeling surveys of threatened and endangered fish in Georgia’s Conasauga River.
Streamside Qi Gong
Friday, July 26th (rain date: Friday, August 9th) – Catskill Yoga Studio, Chichester
Over an hour we’ll explore the ancient and current practice of Qi Gong (“Qi” is subtle breath or vital energy, and “Gong” cultivation through practice), which has the potential to improve physical and mental health and cultivate the spirit. A series of gentle movements, breath and sound that are practiced standing, help to balance the body’s vital energy and functions. The practice is appropriate for people of all ages and has been used in China for over four thousand years to promote health and longevity. In this session, we’ll embrace the element of water and learn to be flexible and resilient, like the flow of a stream itself.
Qi Gong instructor Carol Chappell, a Woodstock local, began studies of Massage, Tai Qi, and Qi Gong as well as West African Dance in 1976 and continues these fields of practice. Carol currently studies Qi Gong under 103-year-old Master Kwan Sai Hung and assists him in teaching a class in Woodstock. Carol writes, “All Qi Gong exercises relate to the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.”
Streamside Mindfulness Meditation
Session #1: Thursday, August 15th, 9:00 am – Mt. Tremper
Session #2: Friday, August 16th, 9:00 am – Mt. Tremper
“Although we say that mountains belong to the country, actually they belong to those who love them.“
~ 13th century Zen Master Eihei Dogen
This will be an informal streamside meditation, talk and discussion offered by teachers from Zen Mountain Monastery, a Buddhist community in Mount Tremper. It is appropriate for anyone who feels – or would like to feel – a closer connection to the exquisite waters and land that is our Hudson Valley. When the mind finds its natural stillness, our experience of the everyday world around us becomes more intimate and alive. Simple instruction in meditation will be offered, as well as time for questions and discussion.
Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order and Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery. Shugen entered full-time residential training in 1986 after studying mathematics and receiving a degree in classical music. He received dharma transmission from John Daido Loori, Roshi in 1997. His teachings on Zen, social justice and environmental stewardship have appeared in various Buddhist journals.
Danica Shoan Ankele is a Priest and Senior Monastic in the Mountains and Rivers Order. She has been in full time residential training since 2007, and is the Monastery’s Creative Director and Training Coordinator. Before coming to the Monastery, Shoan taught in an interdisciplinary arts program for high school seniors in Ulster County.
Bear Gokan Bonebakker is a senior monastic and a Dharma Holder. He first came to the Monastery in 1994, and has been in residence since 2007. Gokan is the Operations Director, helps coordinate the National Buddhist Prison Sangha, and enjoys working in the Monastery’s burgeoning orchard. He worked as a high school English teacher and carpenter before his life as a monk.
Little Beaver Kill Paddle & Portage
August or September, 2024 (Check back soon for exact date, time and place)
Join us for a peaceful flat-water paddle along a more natural stretch of the Little Beaver Kill in Mount Tremper as we learn about the Ashokan Watershed and the ecology of the stream from the vantage point of a canoe or kayak. Special emphasis will be placed on the animal for which the stream is named, the American Beaver. Participants will see the handy work of nature’s engineers up close by observing their dams, canals, and lodges. We will also portage/carry around a beaver dam to explore a wilder stretch of the stream.
Matt Savatgy is the Youth Education Leader with the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. He has been introducing youth and families to the wonders of our environment for several decades. Matt began our paddling program in 2019 as a way for event participants to learn about our watershed and streams from beyond the shoreline.
Max Kelly is a watershed educator with the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. He is broadly interested in the stream ecology and believes the best way to learn about organisms is to see them in their natural environment. In College, Max completed an 8-day backcountry canoe trip in Canada’s Algonquin Park.
Guided Flyfishing Experiences
Session #1: Wednesday, October 2nd (rain date: Thursday, October 3rd) – Mt. Tremper
Session #2: Saturday, October 5th (rain date: Saturday, October 12th) – Mt. Tremper
Spend half a day on the Esopus Creek learning the science, art, and spirituality of fly fishing from licensed guides and lifelong anglers. In the words of the lead guide, Todd Spire, “To the souls who will commune with me on the river…we will share in a ceremony. Of the art. Of admiration. Of being both small and mighty in the face of nature. We will share awe. Please join me for fly fishing in the Catskills. You will see, or hear, or learn, or touch something amazing. Probably all of those things…and likely a wild rainbow trout will make the list.”
Todd Spire is a lifelong fisherman who has been fly fishing on the Esopus Creek since 2008. In 2017 he founded Esopus Creel, a guiding company where he offers fly fishing instruction for beginners as well as advanced casting techniques to experienced anglers. He is a board member and former Secretary of the Ashokan-Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Todd’s photography and writing have been featured in Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine, the Orvis Fly Fishing Photo Contest, and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Esopus Creel has been featured in The New York Times.
Read about past Ashokan Watershed Conferences, streams and stream management plans for the Ashokan Reservoir watershed.