Saturday, May 13th 10am-12 noon
Roger Perry Memorial Preserve
Dover, Dutchess County
Chris Zimmerman, Ecological Management Coordinator
Find out how The Nature Conservancy is using goats (yes goats!) to control invasive species. Meander through this most unusual site –home to state-rare plants such as Torrey’s mountain mint and Bicknell’s sedge, several reptile and amphibian species and seven species of dragonflies. Learn about the work we and our partners are doing to maintain the rare high quality fen habitat found here.
Distance: 1-mile loop. Terrain: Easy/moderate.
Saturday, May 13th 10am–2pm
Overlook Wetland Preserve Canoe and Hike
LaGrange, Dutchess County
Matt Levy, Stewardship Coordinator and
Krista Munger, Wildlife Biologist
Take this unique opportunity to visit a wildlife sanctuary that is home to one of New York State’s rarest reptiles, the Blanding’s turtle. We will travel by land and canoe to learn about natural history and see these charismatic, but little-known creatures up close.
Recommended for children over 6. Distance: Less than 1/2 mile. Terrain: Easy.
Saturday, June 3rd 10:30am-3pm
Shawangunk Ridge Program
Cragsmoor, Ulster County
Cara Lee, Program Director
High Point! Come for a hike to the highest point in the Shawangunks, at Sam’s Point Preserve. Meet at the Conservation Center at 10:30 for a quick tour of our energy-efficient building before setting out on a hike past the historic berrypicker shacks, Lake Maratanza and on to High Point. On a clear day, expect to see six states, the Catskills and the sweep of the extensive, globally rare dwarf pitch pine barrens of Sam’s Point. Bring lunch and binoculars, as we will spend timing picnicking at the Point. Distance: 5 miles.
Terrain: Moderate. Recommended for children over 12.
Sunday, June 4th 10am–1pm
Berkshire Taconic Landscape
Jason Miner, Program Director
South Taconic trail: Meet at the convergence of NY, MA and CT for an energetic hike along the South Taconic trail to the summit of Brace Mountain. Experience views of the mountain ranges in the distance — the Shawangunks across the valley, the larger Catskills rising over the Shawangunks and to the north Mt. Greylock, MA’s highest peak. This hike travels along a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Come see why this region is a favorite hiking destination for thousands of people each year!
Distance: 4 miles. Terrain: Moderately strenuous. Recommended for children over 10.
Saturday, June 10th 10-11:30am
Saratoga Sandplains/ Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Wilton, Saratoga County
Sarah Clarkin, Program Director
The Karner blue butterfly & the Saratoga Sandplains: Learn about the state and federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and some of the other interesting species that depend upon this unique geological area. Participants will take a short walk and spend time in a habitat restoration area looking for this special butterfly. While in the field we will talk about the butterfly’s habitat, life cycle, the threats confronting its survival, and the actions underway to save it.
Distance: 1/2 mile. Terrain: Rolling. A family-friendly hike!
Saturday, June 10th 10am–12 noon
Delaware River Basin Program
Cuddebackville, Orange County
George Schuler, Program Director
Exploring the hidden Basha Kill wetlands: The area’s 3,000 acres of wetlands and uplands are home to dozens of unique and globally rare plant and animal species, from bald eagles and osprey to long-tailed salamanders and spatterdock darners, to the prehistoric fish the bowfin. With some help from local naturalists, hikers will get a first hand look at some of this hidden valley’s denizens, taking a walk back through time to a more undisturbed era. Be prepared to get muddy & wet.
Distance: 4 miles. Terrain: Easy.
Saturday, June 17th 10am–2pm
Great Swamp Canoe Trip
Patterson, Putnam County
Matt Levy, Stewardship Coordinator
Paddle the Great Swamp: Explore the hidden waterways in one of NY’s largest wetland systems and discover this exceptional natural resource teeming with unique plants and wildlife. There will be a few canoes available for participants, but if you have your own canoe or kayak, you are welcome to bring it. The waterway is calm and suitable for novices. Families should use their own discretion as to whether to bring young children.
Saturday, July 8th 10am–1pm
Zipfelburg Bog Botany Excursion
LaGrange, Dutchess County
Matt Levy, Stewardship Coordinator
Carnivorous pitcher plants, sundews, fringed orchid, grass of Parnassus, leather leaf, sheep laurel, and more botanical oddities await at this most interesting preserve, generally off-limits to the public. Wander around the mossy, moist terrain and learn about the natural features that led to the creation of New York’s southern-most acidic sphagnum bog and the fascinating plant community that it supports. Be prepared to get muddy & wet.
Distance: A very short walk with some bushwhacking. Terrain: Easy.
Saturday, August 5th 10am-11:30am
Glacial Lake Albany/Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Albany, Albany County
Chris Hawver, Executive Director
Rebirth of the Barrens: Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the globally rare Albany Pine Bush ecosystem. Join as we hike pine-clad dunes, visit endangered species habitat and experience a charred landscape, the site of a prescribed fire. Discover for yourself the results of cutting-edge ecological management practices, including prescribed burns and complete habitat restoration and see first hand the rebirth of an imperiled ecosystem that depends on disturbance for its survival.
Distance: 1.5 - 2 miles. Terrain: Moderate.
Saturday, August 12th 10am-2pm
Southern Lake Champlain Valley Program
Mary Droege, Director of Science and Stewardship
A beautiful trail starts in the lowland fields of the lower Lake Champlain and Poultney River Valley and climbs up the southeast slopes of Austin Hill. Enjoy magnificent views of South Bay and the Lower Poultney River.
Distance: 2.8 miles. Terrain: Moderately difficult.
Saturday, August 19th 10am–2pm
Catskill Mountain Program
Greene County
Alan White, Program Director
Huckleberry Point: A spectacular hike through the Catskill Forest Preserve. Hikers will pass through extensive stands of mountain laurel and a unique stand of pitch pines. From the summit of Huckleberry Point hikers will enjoy views of the Hudson River Valley, Overlook Mountain and the Plattekill Clove. Eat lunch at the summit while watching the vultures and ravens ride the thermal currents below.
Distance: 4.8 miles. Terrain: Moderate. Recommended for children over 12.
Saturday, September 9th 10am-1pm
Christman Sanctuary Hike
Duanesburg, Schenectady County
Henri Plant, Preserve Steward
Take a tour through the shady woodlands along the pristine Bozenkill Creek with its numerous waterfalls, and among tall pines planted by the preserve’s founder, Will Christman. The spirit of Mr. Christman, a farmer, nature writer, and poet is alive and well in this tranquil setting. Inspiration (and some perspiration) is guaranteed. Bring a journal if you are so inclined.
Distance: 3 miles. Terrain: Rolling.
Sunday, October 15th 12 noon-3pm
Hudson River Estuary Landscape
David VanLuven, Program Director
Schodack Island; Meet at the pavilion in Schodack Island State Park just south of Albany, then enjoy the colors of autumn on one of the Hudson River Estuary’s largest islands. The hike will traverse well maintained, rolling trails through forests, floodplains, and wetlands with views of the Hudson. In addition to exploring the island’s wildlife (including bald eagles), rare plants, and ecosystems, we’ll delve into the island’s connection to the river and how it has changed through time.
Distance: 4 miles. Terrain: Easy. Recommended for all ages.
The Nature Conservancy
Eastern New York Chapter
265 Chestnut Ridge Road
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
914-244-3271
