Research at Frost Valley is a collaborative effort among federal, state, university and regional non-profit partners. The Environmental Science Department operates from The Luke Roehm Technology Center, based in the solar-powered Quirk Lodge. The staff oversees all scientific research conducted on Frost Valley property and serves as liaison to scientists and assists in data collection. Data is archived in the Roehm Center's computer lab; selected data are stored on this web-site under the Environmental Monitoring tab.
Two research stations of the US Geological Survey are located at Frost Valley YMCA: the Stream Station and the Watershed Processes Station. Stream data for Frost Valley is available from the USGS. Frost Valley staff also provides weekly water samples to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. These are processed at the Illinois Water Survey under NADP quality assurance measures and are valid for research uses.
Frost Valley YMCA Research Partners
Cornell University
Studying effects of coarse woody debris on Catskill streams.
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Studying nutrient control and atmospheric deposition (acid rain)
SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry
Monitoring of watershed protection during sustainable timber harvests; studies on sugar maples and orchids.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Studying mercury content in songbirds and raptors.
USDA Forest Service
Forest health monitoring; forest inventory and analysis; study on sugar maple decline.
U.S. Geological Survey
Monitoring of forest nutrients; public education and outreach.
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
Watershed Agricultural Council
Frost Valley Model Forest; public education and outreach.
