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Mohonk Preserve

P.O. Box 715
New Paltz, N.Y. 12561
(845) 255-0919

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Research

[ Research Associates | Weather Data | Research Studies ]

The Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center is a field research station that engages Research Associates from across the region and nation in studies that document and explain long-term environmental change on the Ridge.

Established in 1980, the Research Center was named for the late Daniel Smiley

--prominent natural scientist and co-founder of the Mohonk Preserve--who carried on a research tradition begun over a century ago by members of his family, founders of the neighboring Mohonk Mountain House resort.

A century of ecosystem data

The Preserve continues to add to what is now over 80 years of natural and cultural history records and more than 110 years of weather data, which together make up the oldest and most extensive natural history record in the Hudson Valley region. This provides the public, policymakers, and other scientists with a uniquely reliable set of data and facilitates understanding of changes in plant and animal species both regionally and nationally.

Research Associates' studies complement long-term field studies conducted by staff and volunteers, such as:

Patterns of amphibian breeding.
pH readings from lakes, streams, and precipitation.
Peregrine falcon nesting.
An annual Christmas bird count, hawk watch, and breeding bird survey.
The health and size of deer herds through a deer management program.
Insect infestations and loss of hemlock trees.

Informing research to protect the Earth

The Preserve’s research data is continuously being put into databases so that it is accessible to national organizations and state and federal agencies.

As a key research site for the Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership, the Preserve is increasing the accessibility of its data by GIS-mapping (1.9MB) on the nature and species of the region. Partners use these findings to collaboratively manage more than 40,000 protected acres of the Shawangunk Mountains and in their work with local communities to protect open space and wildlife.

You can support research on the Ridge

Become a member today and help us understand the natural world.
Support our research program or the Schaefer Research Internship for freshman and sophomore college science students.
Volunteer. If you have a natural science background or related experience, you can help with bird observation, weather trends, and other projects.

For more information, contact Paul Huth, Director of Research, at (845) 255-5969.