Episode 199: Habitats in Columbia County (Part 2)

This episode covers the second part of our interview with the four authors of the field guide “From the Hudson to the Taconics”, which is an ecological and cultural field guide to the habitats of Columbia County. The authors of this in-depth study of thirty two habitats are Conrad Vispo, Claudia Knab-Vispo, Anna Duhon and Gretchen Stevens.

Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty both remark on the quality of the preface of the book, saying it reads like a novel because it incorporates the culture and ecology missions so clearly. Each author has deep personal connections to the county, developed over decades of studying its flora and fauna, and want to share their appreciation for the habitats. Conrad calls it “hallowed ground” made so by personal connections to a site. When pressed, each author described their own favorite among the habitats listed in the guide, with the caveat that favorite status may change from day to day.

They mentioned the “Ancient Forest”, a concept different from the more familiar phrase “Old Forest”. The ancient forest is an area that has somehow escaped being entirely decimated, retaining an uninterrupted native community. Swamp Forest. Bog Lakes and Exposed Rock Outcrops are also favorites among the writers. The description of Rock Outcrop habitat inspired a side trip to marvel at the behaviors of butterflies and the practice of some varieties to congregate in “hill topping.”

The conversation then returned to various habitats, especially the “bonus” habitat of the Hudson River. It is a counterpoint to the terrestrial habitats, and unique even among rivers in its freshwater/saltwater habitats. This section is a reminder that everything we do on land affects and is affected by the river that flanks one entire side of the county. Most of the county, in fact, is a watershed into the Hudson, which has had a huge impact on the county historically as a commercial highway.

There are other “bonus” habitats in the volume. “Ghost Habitats” take a keen eye. One is the remnant of the chestnut forest that once dominated the landscape, and another is traces of sand barrens, similar to the more familiar Pine Bush of Albany County. These ghost habitats can be thought provoking as we consider what we have now that might become ghost habitats and how we might need to react to threats.

The conversation swings back to the larger picture of the goal of the guide. The goal of reaching the maximum number of users is facilitated by having multiple “entry points” for various audiences, hopefully becoming a tool for those using and stewarding the land, with a deeper sense of connection. Availability is widespread. Most libraries through the Hudson Valley already carry copies, and it can be easily purchased through the publisher, Black Dome Press, as well as Barnes & Noble and any Independent booksellers. The episode concludes with our traditional “Hope” question, and the responses are all upbeat, culminating with the observation that there seems to be an increased interest among the younger generations.

Last updated November 13, 2025