Program Description
Ernest H. Williams, Jr. will present a walk-and-talk at the Rome Sand Plains in Rome, NY. Attendees will experience this DEC-designated Unique Area and learn about its evolution in the post-glacial period, as well as the unique issues faced by those who are stewards of this habitat. An extant feature of Glacial Lake Iroquois, the Rome Sand Plains are home to wild lupine and the threatened frosted elfin butterfly. Join Ernest for an exploration of the area’s glacial beginnings, its history prior to the opening of the Erie Canal, its unique ecological setting, successes and failures in lupine planting, and the challenges of combating succession in maintaining the lupine and frosted elfin habitat.
Learning objectives
Understand the interaction of geology and ecology
Understand the challenges of maintaining essential habitat
Evaluate the successes and failures of planting approaches intended to improve essential habitat
Examine the reliance of habitat conservation on people
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Ernest H. Williams, Jr.
William R. Kenan Professor of Biology Emeritus, Hamilton College
Through fieldwork in New York, Wyoming and Mexico, and in collaboration with Hamilton students, Ernest H. Williams, Jr. studies the population biology, chemical ecology, and conservation of butterflies. Often quoted in national media outlets, most recently on the topic of monarch population decline, he is author of The Nature Handbook: A Guide to Observing the Great Outdoors (2005) and co-author of The Stokes Butterfly Book (1991). His articles have appeared in the Journal of Insect Conservation, the Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society, the Journal of Animal Ecology, Restoration Ecology, The Journal of Biogeography and American Butterflies. Williams, who serves on the board of the Monarch Butterfly Fund, is involved with habitat restoration and management in the Rome Sand Plains of Central New York. He earned his undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Connecticut and his master’s degree and doctorate from Princeton University.
Event Location & Directions
4650 Hogsback Rd., Rome, NY 13440
The Rome Sand Plains are located approximately five miles west of the city center of Rome, NY.
The walk-and-talk will take place rain or shine, so please plan accordingly and dress for the weather.
Parking
Attendees may park at the DEC Parking Area on Hogsback Road, at the north end of the Wood Creek Trail (look for a pull-off surrounded by landscape boulders). The parking area can accommodate up to 10 vehicles, but parking is available along the edge of Hogsback Road.
Directions
From Points West: Take the NY State Thruway to Exit 33 (Route 365; Verona, Rome), merge onto NY-365 E toward Verona/Rome. Turn left onto Blackmans Corners Rd. Turn left onto Verona Mills Rd, then right onto Senn Rd. Turn right into County Rd 50, then continue onto New London Rd. Turn right onto NY-46 N. Turn left onto NY-49 W. Turn right onto Lauther Rd. Turn right onto Hogsback Rd. Continue east on Hogsback Rd. to DEC Parking Area, which will be on the right-hand side.
From Points East: Take the NY State Thruway to Exit 31 (I-790, Rt. 8, Rt. 12; Utica), merge onto I-790. Follow signs for Rome, keep left to continue on NY-49 W. Take the NY-26 N/NY-49 W/NY-69 W exit toward Downtown Rome. Continue on Erie Blvd /NY-46. Turn left onto Rome-New London Rd/NY-49. Turn right onto Oswego Rd. Turn left onto Hogsback Rd. Continue west on Hogsback Rd. to DEC Parking Area, which will be on the left-hand side.
ADDITIONAL EVENT NOTES
LUNCH OPTIONS
We invite you to join us for picnic lunch the event. Add a sandwich order with your registration (additional cost) or bring your own. Sandwiches will be provided from Teddy’s. We look forward to enjoying a meal and socializing following the walk-and-talk.
WEATHER
The event will be held rain or shine, please dress appropriately. If severe weather is forecasted the event may be canceled.
COVID-19 & Attendee Health
The health and safety of our attendees is of the utmost importance to NY Upstate ASLA. Attendees are required to follow COVID-19 safety precautions, which include wearing a mask and social distancing. If you are feeling unwell please do not attend, we will issue a refund for your registration.
The Mohawk Valley & the Utica-Rome Area
After lunch, you are invited to enjoy your time in the Utica-Rome area; why not make a day of it? Please ask Bill Elliot, NY Upstate ASLA Central Section Chair, for recommendations on local dining and cultural attractions.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unique-ecology-and-stewardship-of-the-rome-sand-plains-tickets-153290035623