<p>Did you know the Catskill region was once tropical—and south of the equator?! In this episode, Brett Barry visits the <a href="https://www.gilboafossils.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Gilboa Museum and Juried History Center</a> to explore one of the oldest fossilized forests on Earth. Education Chair Kristen Wyckoff shares her decades-long passion for paleobotany, the story behind Gilboa’s world-famous Devonian tree stumps, and discoveries unearthed during the Schoharie Reservoir construction, dam restoration, and creek bed fossil hunts.</p><p>From lungfish and sea scorpions to the mysterious “snake tree,” we dig into the prehistoric past of upstate New York and learn how mud, minerals, and mural magic preserve a forest that predates the Catskills themselves.</p><p>🪨 Highlights</p><ul><li><p>🌴 Gilboa’s tropical past—when the region was south of the equator</p></li><li><p>🦴 Fossil discoveries during Schoharie Reservoir construction</p></li><li><p>🎨 Kristen’s murals and museum exhibits</p></li><li><p>📚 A children’s book adventure through the Devonian</p></li><li><p>🐟 Sea creatures, spore trees, and sedimentary surprises</p></li><li><p>🏛️ How a generous hometown alum helped build a fossil-focused museum complex</p></li></ul><p>🔗 Resources</p><ul><li><p>Visit the museum: <a href="https://www.gilboafossils.org">⁠gilboafossils.org⁠</a></p></li><li><p>Kristen Wyckoff’s children’s book: <a href="https://www.gilboafossils.org/products/denniss-devonian-adventure/">⁠<em>Dennis’s Devonian Adventure</em>⁠</a></p></li><li><p>Learn more: <a href="https://www.gilboafossils.org/products/the-catskillforest/">⁠<em>The Catskill Fossil Forest</em>⁠</a> by Stein, Hernick, and Mannolini</p></li></ul><p>📍 Broadcast Info</p><p>Kaatscast is now broadcasting a public radio edition! Saturdays at 11 AM on <a href="https://wjffradio.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">WJFF Radio Catskill</a> (90.5 FM). Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaatscast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Instagram</a> @kaatscast.</p>