The Black Dirt region of New York State, also known as the Drowned Lands, consists of the remains of a shallow lake that formed 12,000 years ago during the glacial period. The ebony soil is so rich and unique as to be an anomaly. In some areas the soil is comprised of up to 90 percent organic matter and can go as deep as 30 feet. The glacial lake and repeated flooding of the Wallkill River has created what some consider to be "one great compost heap." Though only just a bit m