Downloads
Because of limited cell service in parts of the Catskills, please download the entire tour from your favorite podcast app before you begin (available in early November- until then please listen here). Printing a map or using the “offline” feature on your favorite map app is also recommended.
The tour can be heard and sites visited in any order; although we recommend you start with the Introduction and the A Difficult History segments.
We will upload new episodes weekly throughout Fall 2021. The series will be available on your favorite podcast app in late October!
Download all audio files (Coming soon!)
Download a tour map and directions (Coming soon!)
Download a tour transcript (Coming soon!)
Listen to the soundtrack (Coming soon!)
1. Start Here
Play anywhere
Featuring Lize Mogel, your tour guide (2:51)
Important information about how to use this podcast tour; a land acknowledgement; and a couple of things to notice along the way.
2. Introduction
Play anywhere
Featuring Lize Mogel, your tour guide (6:29)
An introduction to the geography, issues, and backstory of the New York City water system in the Catskills.
3. A Difficult History
Ashokan Reservoir Promenade, East Parking Lot
Featuring historian Diane Galusha (11:55)
The construction of the Catskills System– the Ashokan and Schoharie reservoirs and the Catskill Aqueduct— displaced thousands of people through eminent domain.
This site is wheelchair accessible.
4. A Miracle of Modern Engineering
Ashokan Reservoir Promenade, East Parking Lot
Featuring Adam Bosch, Director of Public Affairs for the DEP (6:56)
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection manages the water supply, with a little help from their friend, gravity.
This site is wheelchair accessible.
5. Hurricane Irene
Devasego Park, Prattsville
Featuring Journalists Lissa Harris and Tim Knight (15:28)
Hurricane Irene devastated the Catskills in 2011, but yet, the Catskills persisted.
6. Managing Storms
Devasego Park, Prattsville
Featuring Adam Bosch, Director of Public Affairs for the DEP (4:02)
Hurricane Irene raised concerns about the Gilboa Dam. How the DEP is preparing for the impacts of climate change in our future.
7. Trout and Tourism
Ashokan Rail Trail, Boiceville
Featuring Todd Spire, angler (9:21)
NYC's water infrastructure has a surprising effect on fishing in the Catskills.
This site is wheelchair accessible.
8. Upgrading Infrastructure
Shandaken Portal
Featuring Adam Bosch, Director of Public Affairs for the DEP (5:10)
The Delaware Aqueduct is the longest continuous tunnel in the world...what happens when it springs a leak?
9. The Great Compromise
Catskills Watershed Corporation Building
Featuring former DEP Commissioner Marilyn Gelber and former Catskills Watershed Corporation Executive Director Alan Rosa (26:18)
A DEP Commissioner, a Catskillian, and a bunch of lawyers walk into a bar...
This site is wheelchair accessible.
10. Farmers Fight Back
Hubbell Farms historic marker, Route 30
Featuring Fred Huneke, retired dairy farmer (10:03)
Keeping cows out of the creek takes cooperation and a lot of money.
11. Islands in the Stream
Simpson Mini-Park at Stony Clove Creek, Phoenicia
12. Tough Choices
Vacant Lot, Boiceville
Featuring Aaron Bennett, environmental planner (8:01)
Sometimes there aren't any good solutions to dealing with flooding.
13. Gone but not Forgotten
Pepacton Cemetery
Featuring grave restorer and historian Marianne Greenfield (8:51)
Tracing Catskills history and stories of displacement, among the gravestones.
14. Advocating for Access
Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch and Shavertown Trail
Featuring trail builder Ann Roberti (#:##)
Coming soon!
15. The Delaware System
Shavertown Bridge Boat Launch
Featuring Diane Galusha, Marianne Greenfield, and Adam Bosch (#:##)
Coming soon!