In a twist of irony, Hurricane Sandy was not kind to the trees at the former home of the founder and first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot. At Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, high winds took out more than 100 trees, mostly white pines and hemlocks on the west and north side of the mansion. No trees damaged the mansion or outbuildings, but more than 1,000 feet of protective deer fencing was demolished by the falling trees.

A number of large trees were uprooted in the Laurel Hill Cemetery located on the grounds. Approximately $8,000 was spent just to gain emergency access and the U.S. Forest Service is requesting emergency funds to help with additional cleanup. For safety, caution tape has been installed around areas of trees that still need to be cut up and removed, such as the Forestry Trail, and visitors are asked to stay out of these areas. For more pictures visit the Grey Towers National Historic Site Facebook page. For additional information call 570/296-9630.