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Ancient Secrets Revealed: World’s Oldest Surviving Forest Found Near NYC
Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a surprising revelation, scientists have confirmed the existence of the world’s oldest surviving forest, tucked away just a short drive from the bustling streets of New York City, as was reported by the New York Post. Discovered at the bottom of an abandoned quarry near the town of Cairo in the Catskill Mountains in 2009, this ancient forest has become a focal point for British and American scientists eager to uncover its prehistoric mysteries. The site, boasting rocks up to 385 million years old, holds a wealth of fossilized secrets that offer a glimpse into Earth’s ancient past.
First identified a little over a decade ago, the forest’s location in the Catskill Mountains near Cairo has sparked immense interest among scientists. According to the New York Post report, researchers from SUNY Binghamton and the University of Cardiff in Wales have been meticulously studying the area to determine the exact ages of the plants and trees thriving amidst the ancient rocks. The significance of the discovery lies in the evidence of extremely early plants, some of which may have been witnessed by dinosaurs, according to reports by the BBC.
The forest, which once spanned approximately 250 miles, is believed to have flourished over 385 million years ago. Despite the vastness of its historical expanse, scientists have focused their efforts on a specific area, roughly half the size of a football field, within the abandoned quarry near Cairo.
The Post report said that Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, described the Cairo site as “very special,” emphasizing the immersive experience of walking through the roots of ancient trees and reconstructing the living forest in one’s imagination.
“You are walking through the roots of ancient trees. Standing on the quarry surface we can reconstruct the living forest around us in our imagination,” Berry told the Post.
The New York site joins more far-flung locales such as the Amazon rainforest and Japan’s Yakushima Forest in an elite group of O.G.’s.
Although the discovery has generated public interest, the exact location of the ancient forest remains off-limits to the public for the time being. As was noted in the Post report, the quarry, owned by the Town of Cairo, is strictly reserved for scientific study to ensure the preservation of this remarkable site. The need to safeguard the area for ongoing research highlights the delicate balance between sharing historical wonders and preserving them for future generations.
While the Cairo site is currently inaccessible to the public, the surrounding area offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. Located just over two hours’ drive from New York City’s George Washington Bridge, the region features skiing at Windham Mountain, trendy shops, and restaurants in the city of Hudson, and hiking trails in Catskill Park, providing a rich blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, according to the Post report.
The confirmation of the world’s oldest surviving forest near New York City underscores the unexpected treasures hidden within the Earth’s geological history. As scientists continue their research in the Cairo quarry, the ancient secrets preserved in the fossilized remains of this forest contribute to our understanding of the planet’s evolution and offer a unique window into the distant past.
