NEW PALTZ (HVN): Daniel Smiley, naturalist and ecosystem ecologist, resort owner and operator, died May 19 in Kingston Hospital, after along illness. He was 82.
His entire life was spent at the Lake Mohonk resort in New Paltz, where he was born March 25, 1907, the son of Albert K. and Mabel Craven Smiley. He was a grandnephew of Albert K. Smiley, who founded Mohonk Mountain House in 1869. Like others in the Smiley family, Daniel became totally engrossed in the business. As a youth, he was involved in sign painting, insect control, flower garden, and pantry. After graduating from Haverford College (Pa.) in 1930 he was responsible, either successively or concurrently, for the controller's office, engineering and maintenance, farms, food service, forestry, grounds and park, surveying,photography, and recreation.
In 1953 he became a member of Smiley Brothers Partnership, operator of Lake Mohonk Mountain House and the 7,500-acre estate. Later, he and his brother, A. Keith Smiley, Jr., directed the resort operation for about five years. In 1969 the partnership was superseded by Smiley Brothers Inc. Daniel Smiley served on the board of directors from its inception until his death.
In 1963 The Mohonk Trust was established, a charitable trust, to administer 5,000 acres of woodlands, fields, and crags bought gradually from Smiley Brothers, Inc. for purposes of conservation, recreation, scientific study, and inspiration. Since 1980 this organization has been known as Mohonk Preserve. Daniel Smiley was its first administrator. He was a trustee or board member from the beginning until his death.
In 1938 Daniel Smiley accepted the responsibility of recording daily weather observations at the Lake Mohonk Cooperative Weather Station, established by Albert K. Smiley in 1896. In 1970 Daniel Smiley received the John Campanius Holm Award as an outstanding weather observer from the U.S. Department of Commerce. In January 1988 he received the Edward H. Stoll Award of the National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, for his fifty years' service as a Cooperative Weather Observer.
From his youth he acquired an appreciation of the natural world; very early he became an attentive observer of phenomena in nature. Educated as an engineer and a biologist, he began systematically recording his observations of flora and fauna.
He was a great believer in serendipity, understood the process well and was eminently prepared to take advantage of unexpected but fortuitous happenings. His interests and records were built on his insatiable curiosity. Many scientists who knew him marveled at his capacity to undertake new studies and to relate whatever findings resulted to other phenomena wherever appropriate. His subjects of interest were widespread, ranging from the pH of fog and rain of the lakes, streams and springs in the Shawangunk Mountains as they relate to acid rain. He was a pioneer in the collection and analysis of data on acid rain.
One of his special concerns was the limnology of Mohonk Lake and the four other sky lakes of the northern Shawangunks. Daily temperature measurements at various depths of Mohonk Lake were made throughout the year and recorded meticulously so that the thermocline and other physical properties could be followed.
In 1980 Daniel Smiley had built to his specifications a two-story research center to house his lifelong collection of specimens (mammals, birds, herbarium sheets) and his recorded observations of over fifty years. A large section of this facility is given over to books on natural and human history. This facility is now known as the Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains. Two research assistants, supported in part by the Mohonk Preserve, continue the baseline and interpretive studies of this Center.
For sixty years Daniel Smiley had a Federal and New York State license for bird banding and possession of specimens. He made several studies of bird habits and migration. He identified two species of parasitic wasps which were named for him: Homotherus smileyi and Barichneumon danieli.
His writings include articles published in a variety of publications. The subjects embrace, among others, aspects of weather, Ulster County shrews, fleas, salamanders, bats, gypsy moths, and bird observation. He co-authored several books of natural history: "The History of Ulster County 1883-1983" opens with his chapter "The Natural and Human History of the Shawangunks." In recent years he has written or co-authored over 200 Natural Science Notes, several hundred Mohonk Preserve Research Reports (written by him or as a collaborator), a score of Historical/Cultural Notes, and a dozen Mohonk Archives History Notes. The number of scientific reports he has authored is a testament to his inquisitiveness. He never tired of asking questions about nature, including the human species, and worked constantly at understanding how humans fit into a grand scheme. His last publication for Mohonk Mountain House (March 1989) was a self-guiding tour of Mohonk as a National Historic Landmark. Dan's work in land preservation contributed to Mohonk's most unusual designation as a Landmark - including the Mountain House, 7500 acres of property and all buildings constructed before 1930.
Approximately sixteen research associates, most of whom are connected with educational institutions, have made use of Daniel Smiley's data, knowledge, and guidance in furthering their own studies of the ecosystem. Several of these associates have received advanced degrees as a result; many have published scientific papers using Dan Smiley's ideas and baseline information. With his encouragement, many scientific studies have been carried out in a cooperative manner with specialists of many disciplines, and from a number of organizations, including State agencies.
In addition to the awards named above, Mr. Smiley received the American Motors Conservation Award (1964), the Margaret Douglas Award for Achievement in Conservation Education by the Garden Club of America (1977), and a Life Achievement Award of the Hudson River Environmental Society (1988). In 1974 the Eastern New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy bestowed upon him and his deceased wife, Virginia Viney Smiley, the Oak Leaf Award for exceptional activity toward the preservation of the environment.
Daniel Smiley was an active member of some thirty life science oriented professional societies and organizations, including American Ornithologists Union, American Society of Mammalogists, National Parks and Conservation Association, Torrey Botanical Club, Society of American Foresters, Sierra Club, American Association for the Advancement of Science, John Burroughs Natural History Society, John Burroughs Association, Environmental Law Foundation, and Development, and The Nature Conservancy at the national and regional levels.
In addition to his interests in Nature and all natural phenomena, Dan, who was an engineer by training, participated in a host of projects for the Mohonk Mountain House. These projects ranged from the flow pattern of Mossy Brook spring, a major water source of the resort, to the recycling of kitchen wastes, the production of food in the large gardens of the resort, the establishment of an outstanding barn museum, tracking the metes and bounds of the thousands of acres acquired by his great-uncle and his grandfather, and the division of land which occurred in 1963 when The Mohonk Trust was established.
Central to all his interests was the concept of stewardship of the earth. His questions, observations, and writings all focus on the notion of understanding more, in a holistic sense, about the earth on which we live, in order that we may be better stewards of a place entrusted to us by our ancestors for passage to our descendants.
Dan Smiley was a member of the Haverford Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
He is survived by his first wife, Alice Plumlee Smiley, of New York City; a son, Daniel C. Smiley of Columbia Falls, Montana; two daughters, Pril Smiley of New Paltz, and Anna S. Perry of Tenafly, New Jersey, by his widow, Jane Rittenhouse Smiley of Lake Mohonk. He also leaves a brother, A. Keith Smiley of Lake Mohonk, and a sister, Anna C. Richardson, of Palo Alto, California, seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY 12561 designated for The Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Burial private. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 2 at 3 p.m. in the Parlor at Mohonk Mountain House.
New Paltz News May 24, 1989
His entire life was spent at the Lake Mohonk resort in New Paltz, where he was born March 25, 1907, the son of Albert K. and Mabel Craven Smiley. He was a grandnephew of Albert K. Smiley, who founded Mohonk Mountain House in 1869. Like others in the Smiley family, Daniel became totally engrossed in the business. As a youth, he was involved in sign painting, insect control, flower garden, and pantry. After graduating from Haverford College (Pa.) in 1930 he was responsible, either successively or concurrently, for the controller's office, engineering and maintenance, farms, food service, forestry, grounds and park, surveying,photography, and recreation.
In 1953 he became a member of Smiley Brothers Partnership, operator of Lake Mohonk Mountain House and the 7,500-acre estate. Later, he and his brother, A. Keith Smiley, Jr., directed the resort operation for about five years. In 1969 the partnership was superseded by Smiley Brothers Inc. Daniel Smiley served on the board of directors from its inception until his death.
In 1963 The Mohonk Trust was established, a charitable trust, to administer 5,000 acres of woodlands, fields, and crags bought gradually from Smiley Brothers, Inc. for purposes of conservation, recreation, scientific study, and inspiration. Since 1980 this organization has been known as Mohonk Preserve. Daniel Smiley was its first administrator. He was a trustee or board member from the beginning until his death.
In 1938 Daniel Smiley accepted the responsibility of recording daily weather observations at the Lake Mohonk Cooperative Weather Station, established by Albert K. Smiley in 1896. In 1970 Daniel Smiley received the John Campanius Holm Award as an outstanding weather observer from the U.S. Department of Commerce. In January 1988 he received the Edward H. Stoll Award of the National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, for his fifty years' service as a Cooperative Weather Observer.
From his youth he acquired an appreciation of the natural world; very early he became an attentive observer of phenomena in nature. Educated as an engineer and a biologist, he began systematically recording his observations of flora and fauna.
He was a great believer in serendipity, understood the process well and was eminently prepared to take advantage of unexpected but fortuitous happenings. His interests and records were built on his insatiable curiosity. Many scientists who knew him marveled at his capacity to undertake new studies and to relate whatever findings resulted to other phenomena wherever appropriate. His subjects of interest were widespread, ranging from the pH of fog and rain of the lakes, streams and springs in the Shawangunk Mountains as they relate to acid rain. He was a pioneer in the collection and analysis of data on acid rain.
One of his special concerns was the limnology of Mohonk Lake and the four other sky lakes of the northern Shawangunks. Daily temperature measurements at various depths of Mohonk Lake were made throughout the year and recorded meticulously so that the thermocline and other physical properties could be followed.
In 1980 Daniel Smiley had built to his specifications a two-story research center to house his lifelong collection of specimens (mammals, birds, herbarium sheets) and his recorded observations of over fifty years. A large section of this facility is given over to books on natural and human history. This facility is now known as the Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains. Two research assistants, supported in part by the Mohonk Preserve, continue the baseline and interpretive studies of this Center.
For sixty years Daniel Smiley had a Federal and New York State license for bird banding and possession of specimens. He made several studies of bird habits and migration. He identified two species of parasitic wasps which were named for him: Homotherus smileyi and Barichneumon danieli.
His writings include articles published in a variety of publications. The subjects embrace, among others, aspects of weather, Ulster County shrews, fleas, salamanders, bats, gypsy moths, and bird observation. He co-authored several books of natural history: "The History of Ulster County 1883-1983" opens with his chapter "The Natural and Human History of the Shawangunks." In recent years he has written or co-authored over 200 Natural Science Notes, several hundred Mohonk Preserve Research Reports (written by him or as a collaborator), a score of Historical/Cultural Notes, and a dozen Mohonk Archives History Notes. The number of scientific reports he has authored is a testament to his inquisitiveness. He never tired of asking questions about nature, including the human species, and worked constantly at understanding how humans fit into a grand scheme. His last publication for Mohonk Mountain House (March 1989) was a self-guiding tour of Mohonk as a National Historic Landmark. Dan's work in land preservation contributed to Mohonk's most unusual designation as a Landmark - including the Mountain House, 7500 acres of property and all buildings constructed before 1930.
Approximately sixteen research associates, most of whom are connected with educational institutions, have made use of Daniel Smiley's data, knowledge, and guidance in furthering their own studies of the ecosystem. Several of these associates have received advanced degrees as a result; many have published scientific papers using Dan Smiley's ideas and baseline information. With his encouragement, many scientific studies have been carried out in a cooperative manner with specialists of many disciplines, and from a number of organizations, including State agencies.
In addition to the awards named above, Mr. Smiley received the American Motors Conservation Award (1964), the Margaret Douglas Award for Achievement in Conservation Education by the Garden Club of America (1977), and a Life Achievement Award of the Hudson River Environmental Society (1988). In 1974 the Eastern New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy bestowed upon him and his deceased wife, Virginia Viney Smiley, the Oak Leaf Award for exceptional activity toward the preservation of the environment.
Daniel Smiley was an active member of some thirty life science oriented professional societies and organizations, including American Ornithologists Union, American Society of Mammalogists, National Parks and Conservation Association, Torrey Botanical Club, Society of American Foresters, Sierra Club, American Association for the Advancement of Science, John Burroughs Natural History Society, John Burroughs Association, Environmental Law Foundation, and Development, and The Nature Conservancy at the national and regional levels.
In addition to his interests in Nature and all natural phenomena, Dan, who was an engineer by training, participated in a host of projects for the Mohonk Mountain House. These projects ranged from the flow pattern of Mossy Brook spring, a major water source of the resort, to the recycling of kitchen wastes, the production of food in the large gardens of the resort, the establishment of an outstanding barn museum, tracking the metes and bounds of the thousands of acres acquired by his great-uncle and his grandfather, and the division of land which occurred in 1963 when The Mohonk Trust was established.
Central to all his interests was the concept of stewardship of the earth. His questions, observations, and writings all focus on the notion of understanding more, in a holistic sense, about the earth on which we live, in order that we may be better stewards of a place entrusted to us by our ancestors for passage to our descendants.
Dan Smiley was a member of the Haverford Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
He is survived by his first wife, Alice Plumlee Smiley, of New York City; a son, Daniel C. Smiley of Columbia Falls, Montana; two daughters, Pril Smiley of New Paltz, and Anna S. Perry of Tenafly, New Jersey, by his widow, Jane Rittenhouse Smiley of Lake Mohonk. He also leaves a brother, A. Keith Smiley of Lake Mohonk, and a sister, Anna C. Richardson, of Palo Alto, California, seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY 12561 designated for The Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Burial private. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 2 at 3 p.m. in the Parlor at Mohonk Mountain House.
New Paltz News May 24, 1989
NEW PALTZ (HVN): Daniel Smiley, naturalist and ecosystem ecologist, resort owner and operator, died May 19 in Kingston Hospital, after along illness. He was 82.
His entire life was spent at the Lake Mohonk resort in New Paltz, where he was born March 25, 1907, the son of Albert K. and Mabel Craven Smiley. He was a grandnephew of Albert K. Smiley, who founded Mohonk Mountain House in 1869. Like others in the Smiley family, Daniel became totally engrossed in the business. As a youth, he was involved in sign painting, insect control, flower garden, and pantry. After graduating from Haverford College (Pa.) in 1930 he was responsible, either successively or concurrently, for the controller's office, engineering and maintenance, farms, food service, forestry, grounds and park, surveying,photography, and recreation.
In 1953 he became a member of Smiley Brothers Partnership, operator of Lake Mohonk Mountain House and the 7,500-acre estate. Later, he and his brother, A. Keith Smiley, Jr., directed the resort operation for about five years. In 1969 the partnership was superseded by Smiley Brothers Inc. Daniel Smiley served on the board of directors from its inception until his death.
In 1963 The Mohonk Trust was established, a charitable trust, to administer 5,000 acres of woodlands, fields, and crags bought gradually from Smiley Brothers, Inc. for purposes of conservation, recreation, scientific study, and inspiration. Since 1980 this organization has been known as Mohonk Preserve. Daniel Smiley was its first administrator. He was a trustee or board member from the beginning until his death.
In 1938 Daniel Smiley accepted the responsibility of recording daily weather observations at the Lake Mohonk Cooperative Weather Station, established by Albert K. Smiley in 1896. In 1970 Daniel Smiley received the John Campanius Holm Award as an outstanding weather observer from the U.S. Department of Commerce. In January 1988 he received the Edward H. Stoll Award of the National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, for his fifty years' service as a Cooperative Weather Observer.
From his youth he acquired an appreciation of the natural world; very early he became an attentive observer of phenomena in nature. Educated as an engineer and a biologist, he began systematically recording his observations of flora and fauna.
He was a great believer in serendipity, understood the process well and was eminently prepared to take advantage of unexpected but fortuitous happenings. His interests and records were built on his insatiable curiosity. Many scientists who knew him marveled at his capacity to undertake new studies and to relate whatever findings resulted to other phenomena wherever appropriate. His subjects of interest were widespread, ranging from the pH of fog and rain of the lakes, streams and springs in the Shawangunk Mountains as they relate to acid rain. He was a pioneer in the collection and analysis of data on acid rain.
One of his special concerns was the limnology of Mohonk Lake and the four other sky lakes of the northern Shawangunks. Daily temperature measurements at various depths of Mohonk Lake were made throughout the year and recorded meticulously so that the thermocline and other physical properties could be followed.
In 1980 Daniel Smiley had built to his specifications a two-story research center to house his lifelong collection of specimens (mammals, birds, herbarium sheets) and his recorded observations of over fifty years. A large section of this facility is given over to books on natural and human history. This facility is now known as the Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains. Two research assistants, supported in part by the Mohonk Preserve, continue the baseline and interpretive studies of this Center.
For sixty years Daniel Smiley had a Federal and New York State license for bird banding and possession of specimens. He made several studies of bird habits and migration. He identified two species of parasitic wasps which were named for him: Homotherus smileyi and Barichneumon danieli.
His writings include articles published in a variety of publications. The subjects embrace, among others, aspects of weather, Ulster County shrews, fleas, salamanders, bats, gypsy moths, and bird observation. He co-authored several books of natural history: "The History of Ulster County 1883-1983" opens with his chapter "The Natural and Human History of the Shawangunks." In recent years he has written or co-authored over 200 Natural Science Notes, several hundred Mohonk Preserve Research Reports (written by him or as a collaborator), a score of Historical/Cultural Notes, and a dozen Mohonk Archives History Notes. The number of scientific reports he has authored is a testament to his inquisitiveness. He never tired of asking questions about nature, including the human species, and worked constantly at understanding how humans fit into a grand scheme. His last publication for Mohonk Mountain House (March 1989) was a self-guiding tour of Mohonk as a National Historic Landmark. Dan's work in land preservation contributed to Mohonk's most unusual designation as a Landmark - including the Mountain House, 7500 acres of property and all buildings constructed before 1930.
Approximately sixteen research associates, most of whom are connected with educational institutions, have made use of Daniel Smiley's data, knowledge, and guidance in furthering their own studies of the ecosystem. Several of these associates have received advanced degrees as a result; many have published scientific papers using Dan Smiley's ideas and baseline information. With his encouragement, many scientific studies have been carried out in a cooperative manner with specialists of many disciplines, and from a number of organizations, including State agencies.
In addition to the awards named above, Mr. Smiley received the American Motors Conservation Award (1964), the Margaret Douglas Award for Achievement in Conservation Education by the Garden Club of America (1977), and a Life Achievement Award of the Hudson River Environmental Society (1988). In 1974 the Eastern New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy bestowed upon him and his deceased wife, Virginia Viney Smiley, the Oak Leaf Award for exceptional activity toward the preservation of the environment.
Daniel Smiley was an active member of some thirty life science oriented professional societies and organizations, including American Ornithologists Union, American Society of Mammalogists, National Parks and Conservation Association, Torrey Botanical Club, Society of American Foresters, Sierra Club, American Association for the Advancement of Science, John Burroughs Natural History Society, John Burroughs Association, Environmental Law Foundation, and Development, and The Nature Conservancy at the national and regional levels.
In addition to his interests in Nature and all natural phenomena, Dan, who was an engineer by training, participated in a host of projects for the Mohonk Mountain House. These projects ranged from the flow pattern of Mossy Brook spring, a major water source of the resort, to the recycling of kitchen wastes, the production of food in the large gardens of the resort, the establishment of an outstanding barn museum, tracking the metes and bounds of the thousands of acres acquired by his great-uncle and his grandfather, and the division of land which occurred in 1963 when The Mohonk Trust was established.
Central to all his interests was the concept of stewardship of the earth. His questions, observations, and writings all focus on the notion of understanding more, in a holistic sense, about the earth on which we live, in order that we may be better stewards of a place entrusted to us by our ancestors for passage to our descendants.
Dan Smiley was a member of the Haverford Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
He is survived by his first wife, Alice Plumlee Smiley, of New York City; a son, Daniel C. Smiley of Columbia Falls, Montana; two daughters, Pril Smiley of New Paltz, and Anna S. Perry of Tenafly, New Jersey, by his widow, Jane Rittenhouse Smiley of Lake Mohonk. He also leaves a brother, A. Keith Smiley of Lake Mohonk, and a sister, Anna C. Richardson, of Palo Alto, California, seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY 12561 designated for The Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Burial private. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 2 at 3 p.m. in the Parlor at Mohonk Mountain House.
New Paltz News May 24, 1989
His entire life was spent at the Lake Mohonk resort in New Paltz, where he was born March 25, 1907, the son of Albert K. and Mabel Craven Smiley. He was a grandnephew of Albert K. Smiley, who founded Mohonk Mountain House in 1869. Like others in the Smiley family, Daniel became totally engrossed in the business. As a youth, he was involved in sign painting, insect control, flower garden, and pantry. After graduating from Haverford College (Pa.) in 1930 he was responsible, either successively or concurrently, for the controller's office, engineering and maintenance, farms, food service, forestry, grounds and park, surveying,photography, and recreation.
In 1953 he became a member of Smiley Brothers Partnership, operator of Lake Mohonk Mountain House and the 7,500-acre estate. Later, he and his brother, A. Keith Smiley, Jr., directed the resort operation for about five years. In 1969 the partnership was superseded by Smiley Brothers Inc. Daniel Smiley served on the board of directors from its inception until his death.
In 1963 The Mohonk Trust was established, a charitable trust, to administer 5,000 acres of woodlands, fields, and crags bought gradually from Smiley Brothers, Inc. for purposes of conservation, recreation, scientific study, and inspiration. Since 1980 this organization has been known as Mohonk Preserve. Daniel Smiley was its first administrator. He was a trustee or board member from the beginning until his death.
In 1938 Daniel Smiley accepted the responsibility of recording daily weather observations at the Lake Mohonk Cooperative Weather Station, established by Albert K. Smiley in 1896. In 1970 Daniel Smiley received the John Campanius Holm Award as an outstanding weather observer from the U.S. Department of Commerce. In January 1988 he received the Edward H. Stoll Award of the National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, for his fifty years' service as a Cooperative Weather Observer.
From his youth he acquired an appreciation of the natural world; very early he became an attentive observer of phenomena in nature. Educated as an engineer and a biologist, he began systematically recording his observations of flora and fauna.
He was a great believer in serendipity, understood the process well and was eminently prepared to take advantage of unexpected but fortuitous happenings. His interests and records were built on his insatiable curiosity. Many scientists who knew him marveled at his capacity to undertake new studies and to relate whatever findings resulted to other phenomena wherever appropriate. His subjects of interest were widespread, ranging from the pH of fog and rain of the lakes, streams and springs in the Shawangunk Mountains as they relate to acid rain. He was a pioneer in the collection and analysis of data on acid rain.
One of his special concerns was the limnology of Mohonk Lake and the four other sky lakes of the northern Shawangunks. Daily temperature measurements at various depths of Mohonk Lake were made throughout the year and recorded meticulously so that the thermocline and other physical properties could be followed.
In 1980 Daniel Smiley had built to his specifications a two-story research center to house his lifelong collection of specimens (mammals, birds, herbarium sheets) and his recorded observations of over fifty years. A large section of this facility is given over to books on natural and human history. This facility is now known as the Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains. Two research assistants, supported in part by the Mohonk Preserve, continue the baseline and interpretive studies of this Center.
For sixty years Daniel Smiley had a Federal and New York State license for bird banding and possession of specimens. He made several studies of bird habits and migration. He identified two species of parasitic wasps which were named for him: Homotherus smileyi and Barichneumon danieli.
His writings include articles published in a variety of publications. The subjects embrace, among others, aspects of weather, Ulster County shrews, fleas, salamanders, bats, gypsy moths, and bird observation. He co-authored several books of natural history: "The History of Ulster County 1883-1983" opens with his chapter "The Natural and Human History of the Shawangunks." In recent years he has written or co-authored over 200 Natural Science Notes, several hundred Mohonk Preserve Research Reports (written by him or as a collaborator), a score of Historical/Cultural Notes, and a dozen Mohonk Archives History Notes. The number of scientific reports he has authored is a testament to his inquisitiveness. He never tired of asking questions about nature, including the human species, and worked constantly at understanding how humans fit into a grand scheme. His last publication for Mohonk Mountain House (March 1989) was a self-guiding tour of Mohonk as a National Historic Landmark. Dan's work in land preservation contributed to Mohonk's most unusual designation as a Landmark - including the Mountain House, 7500 acres of property and all buildings constructed before 1930.
Approximately sixteen research associates, most of whom are connected with educational institutions, have made use of Daniel Smiley's data, knowledge, and guidance in furthering their own studies of the ecosystem. Several of these associates have received advanced degrees as a result; many have published scientific papers using Dan Smiley's ideas and baseline information. With his encouragement, many scientific studies have been carried out in a cooperative manner with specialists of many disciplines, and from a number of organizations, including State agencies.
In addition to the awards named above, Mr. Smiley received the American Motors Conservation Award (1964), the Margaret Douglas Award for Achievement in Conservation Education by the Garden Club of America (1977), and a Life Achievement Award of the Hudson River Environmental Society (1988). In 1974 the Eastern New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy bestowed upon him and his deceased wife, Virginia Viney Smiley, the Oak Leaf Award for exceptional activity toward the preservation of the environment.
Daniel Smiley was an active member of some thirty life science oriented professional societies and organizations, including American Ornithologists Union, American Society of Mammalogists, National Parks and Conservation Association, Torrey Botanical Club, Society of American Foresters, Sierra Club, American Association for the Advancement of Science, John Burroughs Natural History Society, John Burroughs Association, Environmental Law Foundation, and Development, and The Nature Conservancy at the national and regional levels.
In addition to his interests in Nature and all natural phenomena, Dan, who was an engineer by training, participated in a host of projects for the Mohonk Mountain House. These projects ranged from the flow pattern of Mossy Brook spring, a major water source of the resort, to the recycling of kitchen wastes, the production of food in the large gardens of the resort, the establishment of an outstanding barn museum, tracking the metes and bounds of the thousands of acres acquired by his great-uncle and his grandfather, and the division of land which occurred in 1963 when The Mohonk Trust was established.
Central to all his interests was the concept of stewardship of the earth. His questions, observations, and writings all focus on the notion of understanding more, in a holistic sense, about the earth on which we live, in order that we may be better stewards of a place entrusted to us by our ancestors for passage to our descendants.
Dan Smiley was a member of the Haverford Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
He is survived by his first wife, Alice Plumlee Smiley, of New York City; a son, Daniel C. Smiley of Columbia Falls, Montana; two daughters, Pril Smiley of New Paltz, and Anna S. Perry of Tenafly, New Jersey, by his widow, Jane Rittenhouse Smiley of Lake Mohonk. He also leaves a brother, A. Keith Smiley of Lake Mohonk, and a sister, Anna C. Richardson, of Palo Alto, California, seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY 12561 designated for The Daniel Smiley Research Center for the Study of Natural and Human History of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Burial private. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 2 at 3 p.m. in the Parlor at Mohonk Mountain House.
New Paltz News May 24, 1989
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