Join the Catskill Center and Cary Institute Forest Ecologist and Remote Sensing Scientist Dr. Ian McGregor for a fall foliage walk at Platte Clove Preserve. This program is presented in collaboration with the Catskill Science Collaborative, which works to support and connect scientific research, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management throughout the Catskill region.
Date: October 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Location: Platte Clove Preserve
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
Take in autumn’s palette on an interpretive walk with Dr. Ian McGregor, a forest ecologist and remote sensing scientist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Ian will lead participants on an approximately 1-mile walk through the fall foliage to explore why leaves change color in the fall, how tree species differ in the timing and intensity of their fall colors, and why predicting peak foliage can be so difficult.
Along the way, we’ll also learn how fall color can offer clues about environmental conditions and how remote sensing is helping scientists better understand the phenology, or seasonal timing, of fall foliage. Following the walk, Ian will demonstrate how he uses drones in his research to study forests from above.
Advance registration is required, this is a free event with a suggested donation of $10.
Please Note: Pets are not permitted at Catskill Center programs and events with the exception of trained service animals assisting their handlers.
If you have any questions please email Diana, our Communications and Programming Coordinator, at drichards@catskillcenter.org
About Ian McGregor
Dr. Ian McGregor is a Forest Ecologist and Remote Sensing Scientist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. His research combines forest ecology with technologies such as drones and satellite imagery to study changes in forests. At Cary Institute, his current work includes using drone imagery to detect changes in tropical forest canopies and better understand tree mortality. He earned his PhD in Geospatial Analytics from North Carolina State University, where his research focused on using remote sensing to improve near real-time deforestation monitoring.
Please wear sturdy footwear, bring water and weather-appropriate clothing, and use tick protection.
About the Catskill Science Collaborative
Coordinated by Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the Catskill Science Collaborative (CSC) connects scientists, natural resource managers, and communities to strengthen environmental research and monitoring throughout the Catskill region. The Collaborative supports research on issues important to natural resource management, encourages the exchange of information between scientists and land managers, and creates opportunities for Catskill residents and visitors to learn about research and environmental issues affecting the region.