HIke Brochure (final_pdf_r12.pdf) The Nature Conservancy in New York Press Releases Search All Press Releases Marie Jones Phone: (914)244-3271 ext.22 Email: mjones@tnc.org

The Nature Conservancy’s Eastern New York Chapter to Showcase Natural Gems of Southeastern New York’s Preserves 

Conservancy Conservation Experts to Lead Unique Outdoor Hiking and Paddling Adventures

Mount Kisco, NY — March 18, 2008 — The Eastern New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is offering an up close and personal opportunity to enjoy the hidden natural treasures of the preserves of Southeastern New York.  The 2008 hike calendar, beginning in Mid-May and continuing through October, includes a series of day trips led by Conservancy experts. Hikers, paddlers, botanists and outdoor lovers will delight in the region’s splendor as they paddle along the Delaware River Basin, learn about the state-threatened Blanding Turtle at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, hike the Catskill Mountains, discover the globally rare Albany Pine Bush ecosystem, and more.

“Our trips are one of the best ways we have to showcase the beauty of our region, “ says The Nature Conservancy’s Eastern New York Director, Katie Dolan. “We really want to provide people with the opportunity to discover the ecological gems found in our landscape.  Having these trips led by conservation experts adds to the participants’ overall experience.  In fact, we find that many people return for subsequent trips because their feelings are so very positive.”

Following is a snapshot of the 2008 season’s trips. Download the entire schedule here. 

Hikes are open to the public and free of charge, but pre-registration is required.  Interested participants can register by contacting Marie Jones at mjones@tnc.org or (914) 244-3271 ext. 22.

• Roger Perry Memorial Preserve, Leader: Chris Zimmerman, Ecological Management Coordinator,   Saturday, May 17, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
• Limestone Rise, Leader: Matt Levy, Stewardship Coordinator, Sunday, May 18, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
• Christman Sanctuary, Leader: Mark King, Director of Land Protection, Thursday, May 22, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• The Delaware River Basin, Leader: George Schuler, Program Director, Saturday, June 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
• The Great Swamp, Leader: Matt Levy, Stewardship Coordinator, Saturday, June 14, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Southern Lake Champlain Valley, Leader: Troy Weldy, Director of Ecological Management, Saturday, Junes 21 (rain date Sunday, June 22), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Shawangunk Ridge Program, Celebrate Mountain Laurel Day! Leader: Cara Lee, Program Director, Saturday, June 21, All Day
• Zipfelberg Bog, Leader: Troy Weldy, Director of Ecological Management, Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Berkshire Taconic Landscape, Leader: Jess Toro, Saturday, July 19, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Leader: Sarah Clarkin, Program Director, Saturday, July 19, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
• Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Leader: Chris Hawver, Executive Director, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, Saturday, August 2, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• Catskill Mountain Program, Leader: Alan White, Program Director, Saturday, October 4, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Hudson River Estuary Program, Leader: David VanLuven, Program Director, Sunday, October 5, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Eastern New York Chapter owns and manages 43 nature preserves, encompassing over 15,000 acres. The chapter works across eight landscape-scale sites from the Catskills to the Berkshires and from the Hudson River to the shores of Lake Champlain. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/eny.