There’s been a Brady working in Black Rock Forest for nearly 40 years, but a change in rank won’t keep the family from sticking together. Last month, John Brady stepped down as forest manager to take on the new title of historian. His son, Matt, took over as head.
“It’s going to be pretty difficult,” Matt said of following in his father’s footsteps. “There’s plenty I don’t know. There’s a lot to learn and get good at quickly.”
Should Matt have any questions, his father won’t be too far away to provide answers. The elder Brady will be putting together a manual outlining the forest’s vast history.
“I’ve been fortunate that the locals have worked here for many generations,” John said. “I was able to be the recipient of their stories and knowledge. I’ve retained a lot of that.”
How long John takes to complete the manual is unknown; it all depends on how diligent he is with the writing. A lot of what has previously been written originally appeared as research bulletins. The information is out there, John said, but it’s never been put into context so someone can pick it up and read it.
John graduated from SUNY Morrisville in 1979 with an associate’s degree in forestry and wildlife. In October, of that year, he landed a job in Black Rock Forest. He was initially hired as the assistant to the manager and was promoted 10 years later. His wife, Barbara, has been secretary for 25 years. Their sons, Matt and Ben, were practically raised in the forest.
John said it was easier to bring them up with some friends, so a group named “Coyote Callers” was formed in 1992 and ran for 10 years. The kids took in lessons about nature, and went on hikes. Each season, the kids and their parents would camp out, in the stone house, for a weekend.
After each graduated from Washingtonville High School, Matt studied at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for wood products engineering, but the degree provided more of a forestry and civil culture background. He also went to Syracuse University for a business management minor.
Ben received his education by working with a local carpenter for 10 years, but he’s also been working in the forest for nearly 20 years.
Both brothers have been involved with forest crew work – maintaining Black Rock’s 24 miles of trails and 16 miles of dirt roads. A lot of their work is dictated by the weather, especially if heavy rain washes out a road or trail.
Ben will continue as equipment operator and builder, but Matt will be responsible for dealing with the public, conducting research and studies in the forest, as well as making sure visitors can access areas to conduct their studies.
Some might question a family’s ability to get along, but for the Bradys work comes first. Sometimes it can get to be a bit much running into the same people every day, but it’s easy to wander off alone in the woods. When a job needs to get done, there may be some disagreements, but father and sons know what they have to do to complete a task.
While John isn’t exactly saying goodbye to the forest he’s called home for decades, there is one aspect of his job he’ll miss – working with the elementary students in the after school program.
