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The Hart's Tongue fern is one of only a handful of native New York plant species protected under the Endangered Species Act. It can be found in two local state parks -- Chittenango Falls and Clark Reservation.
(Gloria Wright / The Post-Standard, 2012)
To the Editor:
Everyone knows that New York's parks are great places to relax and have fun. We travel to see waterfalls or strange rock formations, go hiking or camping with our friends and family, or just go for a day trip to visit a place unscathed by the pace of our everyday lives.
But how many people are aware that these parks are home to hundreds of plant and animal species or realize that they may be walking among rare species that only exist within the safety of the state park boundaries?
In 2012, using state data, Dr. George Robinson, a professor of biology at the University at Albany, found that New York averages 3.57 rare species per park, and 2.65 significant ecological communities. Robinson argues that these results offer clear proof that state parks are "major stewards of biodiversity."
Locally, the Hart's-Tongue Fern resides in both Chittenango Falls and Clark Reservation State Parks. Greatly impacted by mining operations, the Hart's Tongue Fern is threatened on a federal level. This large dark green plant can be found in shady and moist forests and the state parks offer protection to this species.
Robinson's study makes a strong case for celebrating the state parks system for maintaining a wealth of biological heritage but also investing in our state parks to ensure the long-term viability of these biological resources. By protecting our state parks we are helping to protect the existence of important species and communities that live within their boundaries.
Robin Dropkin
Executive director
Parks & Trails New York
Albany