Picture a hot, tropical landscape near the equator full of shallow seas, devoid of birds and invertebrates. This was New York state during the Devonian period, around 400 million years ago, when forests first emerged on Earth, reshaping the planet’s climate.
The town of Gilboa, New York, gained worldwide fame in the 19th and 20th centuries for its rare fossil forests, recognized as the oldest in the world at approximately 380 million years old. However, in 2018, a quarry in nearby Cairo revealed a 385-million-year-old forest, making it even older. In January 2024, the site received funding to protect and eventually turn it into an educational and scientific preserve.
With approximately 10% of New York containing Devonian rocks, the Catskills and surrounding counties are a treasure trove for hikers and rock enthusiasts. Dr. Charles Ver Straeten, a Devonian geologist, believes there are thousands of fossil forests waiting to be discovered in the region, hidden under modern forests and soils.
The Cairo quarry discovery unveiled 11 large root systems of ancient trees, some six to eight inches across, offering insights into the world’s oldest forest ecology. The forests in Cairo and Gilboa experienced different environments, with Gilboa facing catastrophic floods and Cairo witnessing a quieter setting with wet and dry periods.
The ancient Gilboa fossil forests, dominated by Eospermatopteris trees, are now showcased at the Gilboa Museum, where visitors can marvel at the remnants of these ancient ecosystems. The museum displays casts of fossils, including tree stumps and rocks with striations, providing a glimpse into the region’s tropical past.
While the tropical climate of the Devonian era has long disappeared, remnants of the ancient forests can still be found in Central New York and the Catskills. The region’s forests today may look different, but fossils and remnants from the Devonian period can still be discovered by those with a keen eye.
The upcoming fossil walks and explorations at the Gilboa Museum will offer participants a chance to learn about the ancient geology of the area and identify fossils. Additionally, New York State is working on establishing a New York Geological Trail that will include sites like Cairo and Gilboa.
Hiking through areas like Kaaterskill Clove and North South Lake in the Catskills will reveal dense forests of tall, woody trees, remnants from the Devonian period. These trees, now seed-bearing, form an ecosystem that supports various wildlife, providing food and shelter. Despite the changes over millions of years, a visit to these areas can transport you back to Devonian New York with a bit of imagination.
