Over 60 Years of Saving The Land for Life - Timeline of Mohonk Preserve
Mohonk Preserve Board Emerita Sara S. Senior is the recipient of the Preserve’s Long View Conservation Award at the organization’s 27th Anniversary Benefit Auction on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
Sara S. Senior was chosen for this award for her outstanding service as a Director for 55 years from April 1969 to April 2024. One of Sara’s many notable accomplishments was leading The Mohonk Trust through the landmark 1976 court case in which the Town of Gardiner challenged the Trust’s tax-exempt status. Despite initial lost cases, Sara persevered, collaborating with the legal team and Trust supporters, to successfully appeal and win a case that became a key legal basis for New York State’s open space tax-exemption.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve Board Emerita Sara S. Senior Accepting the Long View Conservation Award during the 27th Annual Benefit Auction by Andrea MacScott. Also pictured are Ron Knapp, Mohonk Preserve Board Member, and Laurel Sweeney, Auction Benefit Committee Chair & Board Member.
Through a generous donation, the Preserve partnered with the Student Conservation Association to employ SCA members to support our research, land protection, education and stewardship programs.
The members proposed and were selected as leaders for the SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps’ 2024 Patriot’s Day Service project, bringing together 47 members from the region to rehabilitate the Millbrook Mountain Trail connecting the Preserve and Minnewaska.
Photo: Student Conservation Association Members by Richard Feuer
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, during a celebration at Mohonk Preserve’s Testimonial Gateway Trailhead, Leave No Trace announced the Preserve’s designation as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site. Mohonk Preserve joins an elite group of sites to earn this honor and is the first to achieve the designation in New York State.
Photo: Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site Award Presentation to Mohonk Preserve by Andrea MacScott. L to R: New York State DEC Division 3 Director Kelly Turturro, Dan Torres, Deputy Director for Congressman Pat Ryan, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Mohonk Preserve President & CEO Kevin Case, Mohonk Preserve Director of Visitor Experience Andrew Bajardi, and Leave No Trace Senior Manager of Education Programs Erin Collier.
Mohonk Preserve was honored to receive our second accreditation renewal from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The accreditation renewal process was a team effort. We are committed to upholding Land Trust Standards & Practices as we continue to protect, conserve and welcome others to explore this beautiful place. Click here to learn more about our land protection work and the Land Trust Alliance’s reaccreditation process.
Photo: Shawangunk Ridge with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission seal. Photo by Gerald Berliner.
Led by Associate Director of Visitor Experience Jon Ross, the Preserve created a new gallery space for local artists to display and sell their artwork at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. Monthly exhibits showcase local artists such as Hardie Truesdale, Cathy Copeland, Marlene Weidenbaum, Tomi Nonenmacher-Stern, the Mohonk Preserve Volunteer Photographers, Liza Mills, Doug Ferguson, and participants from the Mohonk Preserve Plein Air Art Walk. The Preserve also hosts a “Meet the Artist Reception” each month.
The Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center Gallery is open year-round, free-of-charge 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Learn more about art shows at Mohonk Preserve here.
Photo: Jon Ross and local artist Tomi Nonenmacher-Stern at her art show opening reception. Photo by Bill Winter.
The Preserve was excited to announce the first successful peregrine fledgling in the Trapps since 2018.
We thank our dedicated Conservation Science staff and Peregrine Watch Volunteers for their diligent observations of the peregrine sites and the climbing community for their patience and support of our efforts to protect these amazing falcons. Learn more about the Peregrine Watch Program here.
Photo: Peregrine falcon by Karen Maloy Brady
The Leave No Trace organization has selected Mohonk Preserve as a 2023 Spotlight site, a new initiative from Leave No Trace which highlights the great steps a community can take to protect an area that they cherish.
The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will work onsite at Mohonk Preserve from Friday, July 28th – Sunday, July 30th with the staff, community and local partners to deliver Leave No Trace education, free public programs and partner on restoration and stewardship projects.
Photo: Leave No Trace Spotlight Workshop in the Gunks by Stephen D. Stewart-Hill
Mohonk Preserve was honored to receive The David R. Brower Conservation Award for commitment to preserving mountain regions from the American Alpine Club at their Annual Benefit Gala.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve Board Chair Russ Clune accepting the David R. Brower Conservation award by Jim Aikman
Originally founded as the Mohonk Preserve Trust in 1963, Mohonk Preserve has been protecting the Shawangunk Mountain region for six decades. Staff and board members gathered to raise a glass at the Visitor Center on Monday, February 27, 2023 in celebration of Mohonk Preserve’s 60th anniversary. Director of Research Emeritus Paul Huth recounted the origin story of the trust and noted the remarkable conservation legacy the Preserve will serve for future generations.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve logo
A new endowment is established in memory and honor of Bob Larsen, Mohonk Preserve’s cultural historian. The Bob Larsen Cultural Heritage Endowment Fund will ensure cultural history preservation and land protection work will continue at Mohonk Preserve. The fund will also support programs to enable the public to learn more about the cultural history of the Preserve.
Photo: Bob Larsen by G. Steve Jordan
Mohonk Preserve Director of Research Emeritus Paul Huth is the recipient of the Preserve’s Long View Conservation Award at the organization’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Auction on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.
In addition to the Long View Conservation Award, President and CEO Kevin Case announced the establishment of the Paul Huth Endowment Fund to recognize his contributions to environmental research and education and support the Preserve’s conservation programs and Daniel Smiley Research Center. “We’re very excited to be able to honor Paul in this way and thanks to many generous supporters, build a stronger financial foundation for our conservation science efforts for generations to come,” Kevin noted.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve Director of Research Emeritus Paul Huth Accepting the Long View Conservation Award during the 25th Annual Benefit Auction by Andrea MacScott
Over 400 riders participated in the first Shawangunk Grit, a 50.4 mile or 23.3 mile gravel ride on the Shawangunk Ridge to benefit Mohonk Preserve. The course begins at the Ulster County Fairgrounds and continues through the Testimonial Gateway Trailhead on Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House carriage roads and the River-to-Ridge Trail. The race takes its name from Shawangunk Conglomerate, also known as Shawangunk Grit, which is sedimentary conglomerate and sandstone, with a small amount of shale.
Kate O’Connor joins the Conservation Programs team as our Applied Forest Ecologist – a new position focused on developing and implementing climate-adaptive forest management plans. Working together with Conservation Programs staff, the goal of this position is to create a plan to help declining hemlock stands transition to a healthy and biodiverse future forest that preserves, to the extent possible, the ecosystem services formerly provided by hemlock.
Photo: Community Science Coordinator Penny Adler-Colvin (L) and Applied Forest Ecologist Kate O’Connor (R) setting up a Lindgren funnel traps to catch the Southern pine beetle by Julie Gundersen
This important inholding parcel includes large blocks of intact forest, headwater streams, wetlands, and boulder fields that provide many microhabitats that are important for biodiversity and species’ resilience to climate change.
Photo: Protected Land by Julia Solomon
Significant increases in climbing in recent years have necessitated extra steps for the preservation of climbing areas to avoid environmental damage. With support from the American Alpine Club Cornerstone Conservation Grant and the Waterman Fund Grant, the Preserve is scaling up conservation with low-impact climbing. Through new signage and programming, we are explaining and encouraging the use of low-impact climbing practices, such as our new anchor stations and access routes. Collaborating with the climbing community, we continue to explore new ways to recreate responsibly and deepen our relationship with nature.
Photo: Climber by Stephen D. Stewart-Hill
Mohonk Preserve becomes a proud partner of Leave No Trace. In this partnership, the Preserve will collaborate with Leave No Trace on efforts to help foster sustainable relationships with the land. Using the power of science, education for all, and stewardship to support and protect nature, Leave No Trace is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. Learn more at: www.LNT.org.
Photo: Leave No Trace Proud Partner Logo
Longtime Preserver members James Silbert and Elizabeth Horton made the decision to leave a conservation legacy by donating approximately 24 acres of property near Millbrook Ridge. Working together with committed conservationists like Liz and Jim, the Preserve is able to continue to protect fragile habitats and scenic viewsheds to leave a conservation legacy that will last for generations, fulfilling our promise of saving the land for life.
Photo: Shawangunk Ridge by Michael Neil O’Donnell
Rayna Berge is hired as the Preserve’s first-ever Land & Climate Intern. This internship is supported by a grant from the Land Trust Alliance Land and Climate Program, with the goal of embedding climate considerations into our land protection and land management work, as well as our communications.
Photo: Rayna Berger between two old-growth tulip poplars by Steve Rasovsky
Award recognized over 125 years of continuous weather observations at the Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station.
Photo: Climate Tracker Recording Weather Data at the Lake Mohonk Weather Station by Jolie Parker
The new full-color trail map with enhanced wayfinding features is available for purchase at Preserve trailheads and as a digital download online.
Photo: Conservation staff using the new full-color trail map by Leonardo Vatkin
Kevin Case joins the Preserve as President and CEO with an extensive background in land conservation. For the past 15 years, Kevin worked closely with regional land trusts in the Northeast with the Land Trust Alliance (LTA). During his tenure with LTA, Kevin provided strategic guidance and support for nearly 750 land trusts across a 32-state region, focusing on the role of land conservation in building healthy and vibrant communities.
Photo: President & CEO Kevin Case at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center by Bryan Coppede
In 2020, the Preserve’s Conservation Science and Land Protection programs joined to become the Conservation Programs department, under the leadership of Director of Conservation Programs Julia Solomon. This integration enhances both our climate and natural history research, including community science programs, and our land protection and management work, including ongoing work with landowners to protect high priority properties. Working together, the conservation professionals in these programs take a comprehensive approach to deepening our connections and commitments to nature and our communities.
Photo: Conservation Programs staff on the trail by Leo Vatkin
The Visitor Experience team is committed to maintaining the critical balance between recreation and conservation, while promoting low-impact, Leave No Trace principles for all visitors.
Photo: Patrol Ranger Alan Kline greeting visitors at a trailhead booth by Andrew Bajardi
The grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services will fund digitization of over 14,000 note cards and 3,700 specimens from the DSRC collection.
Photo: Butterfly from the Digitization Project by Natalie Feldsine
The 58-acre parcel contains a chestnut oak forest, wetland sedge meadow, cattail marsh, and the headwaters of the Mara Kill Stream.
Photo: Land Protection staff monitoring boundary markers by Julia Solomon
The first new trailhead in 25 years will feature safe, managed parking, EV charging stations, accessible restrooms, a green design visitor contact station and wayfinding signage.
Photo: Testimonial Gateway Tower by Kate Schoonmaker
A renowned rock climber, Russ began climbing in the Gunks in 1977 and established over 100 climbing routes. He joined the Preserve Board in 1997.
Photo: Russ Clune Rock Climbing at Mohonk Preserve from the Mohonk Preserve archives
The newly completed Trapps Bridge replaces a former 1930 repurposed railroad bridge with an American-made steel pedestrian bridge with wooden decking, providing a critical link from Mohonk Preserve to Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the rest of the Shawangunk Ridge.
Photo: Grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for the Trapps Bridge by John Mizel
Selected DSRC historic Research Reports were made available publically to researchers, scientists, community naturalists, and others interested in natural history via social media along with Species Spotlights and historic Ridgelines articles.
Photo: 1969 Herbarium Specimen of Early Mountain Azalea from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives
StreamWatch is a research and community science-driven planning and data collection process which will evaluate water quality, identify vulnerable species, assess invasive threats, determine the need for riparian buffers or changes to existing agricultural practices, and inform future Preserve projects as part of an overall conservation plan for these watersheds.
Photo: Streamwatch volunteers conduct a field study survey by Tom Weiner
Donated by legacy Gunks climber Peter Vlachos, this parcel features small cliff exposures and hemlock, hardwood and pine forests.
Photo: Vlachos Parcel by Emily Hague
Part of the New York State Early Warning Weather Detection System, New York State Mesonet is a network of 125 automated weather stations across the state measuring temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, pressure, radiation, and soil information as they happen on the ridge.
Photo: Director of Research Emeritus Paul Huth and the Mesonet weather station by Mohonk Preserve staff
The Youth Nature Ambassador program is a volunteer opportunity for teens, ages 14 and up, to gain work skills and community service credit, building skills and knowledge in education and environmental science as well as customer service and public speaking.
Photo: Youth Nature Ambassadors on a hike at Bonticou Crag by Stephen D. Stewart-Hill
Located in the upper part of the Coxing Kill watershed, this is an area of high conservation significance that includes an important 45-acre Hemlock-northern hardwood forest and 4.4-acre Chestnut Oak forest, along with a spring, seeps, the Coxing Kill stream and a tributary.
Photo: Ramey Parcel from the Mohonk Preserve archives
On the first day of 2016, the Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station began its 120th year of continuous operation. In terms of days, that’s more than 43,800 days of volunteer observers personally recording the weather for the National Weather Service as a public service.
Photo: Director of Research Emeritus Paul Huth leads a presentation on the Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station by John Mizel
This program is designed to help underserved girls experience outdoor education through guided Field Studies and STEM programs.
Photo: Students from Nora Cronin Presentation Academy of Newburgh on a field study trip by Karen Maloy Brady
With our committed Board of Directors and support from land conservation partners and generous donors, Mohonk Preserve bought the entire Mohonk Preserve Foothills tract, an 857-acre property strategically located between the Village of New Paltz and the protected areas of the Shawangunk Mountains. The Foothills landscape was identified by the community as the “number one cherished landscape” according to the Town of New Paltz Open Space Plan and includes the local historic landmark Testimonial Gateway gatehouse structure (c.1908); the Humpo Marsh, a critical wildlife and migratory bird area; and the historic Brook, Pine, and Kleinekill Farms, which continue the property’s heritage agricultural operations.
Photo: Lenape Lane in the Mohonk Preserve Foothills near the historic Brook, Pine, and Kleinekill Farms by Gerald Liddelow
Through funding from The North Face Explore Fund, and the Bourne and Norcross Wildlife Foundations, and with the generous support of Preserve donors, we launched a year-long program of outdoor field studies with urban students from the San Miguel Academy of Newburgh. They learned critical STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills through orienteering and map reading, fire ecology, winter survival and more.
Photo: Students from the San Miguel Academy of Newburgh conduct outdoor field studies at Mohonk Preserve by Jay Diggs
Mohonk Preserve prevailed in litigation to protect Bonticou Crag lands from an attempt by a private landholders to claim ownership of 45 acres when the State of New York Supreme Court Appellate Division unanimously upheld a decision affirming the Preserve’s ownership.
Photo: View from Bonticou Crag by Michael Neil O’Donnell
Mohonk Preserve launched our Junior Ranger program, providing an opportunity for teens ages 13-16 to learn the skills and gain the knowledge needed to pursue a career as a ranger or naturalist. Participants develop skills in rock climbing and backcountry navigation, as well as in teambuilding and leadership. The program culminates in the Adirondacks, where the rangers-to-be apply their newly acquired skills.
Photo: Anna Harrod, Mohonk Preserve Education Coordinator for Public & Youth Programs, teaches the Junior Rangers wayfinding skills. Photo by Gerald Liddelow
Mohonk Preserve held its first-ever New York City Gala at Three Sixty°–Tribeca in Manhattan. The inaugural Gala, hosted by Honorary Chair Robert De Niro, celebrated the Preserve’s 50th Anniversary and successful capital campaign – Conservation for the Next Century, and honored the Preserve’s leading corporate sponsor, M&T Bank.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve Executive Director with Honorary Chair Robert De Niro at the first-ever New York City Gala.
Mohonk Preserve’s Community Naturalist Program invites members of the community to engage in scientific research and long-term ecological monitoring through direct participation in natural history observation, data collection and analysis
Photo: Through the Mohonk Preserve Foothills Phenology project, volunteer observers document the appearance and duration of key stages in the life cycles of select plants, including the first ripe blueberry, pollen releases in red cedar, and fall color in sugar maples.
James L. Hoover was elected president of the Mohonk Preserve Board of Directors, succeeding Ronald G. Knapp. Hoover retired from Columbia School of Law in 2002 after 24 years of and having served as vice dean for administration. Hoover joined the Preserve board in 2001 and served as vice president from 2011-2014.
Photo: Jim Hoover by Lee Courtney
Mohonk Preserve is awarded accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Preserve is one of only 230 land trusts from across the country awarded accreditation since the fall of 2008, and the first to be accredited in Ulster County. To achieve accreditation, Mohonk Preserve underwent a rigorous review to ensure that their operations are efficient and strategic, and that their conservation work is permanent.
Photo: Land Trust Accreditation Commission seal
Rock The Ridge participants run, walk, or hike a 50-mile course in 24 hours across carriage roads and trails along the Shawangunk Ridge. The 50-mile format of Rock The Ridge is based on the “Kennedy Challenge” issued in 1962 when President Kennedy challenged the U.S. Marines to cover 50 miles in 20 hours. Launched in connection with the Preserve’s 50th anniversary, Rock The Ridge participants raise funds to support the Preserve’s mission of preserving the land and inspiring people to experience nature.
Photo: Runners at the starting line of the Rock The Ridge Endurance Challenge by John Hayes
Mohonk Preserve kicks off a yearlong 50th anniversary celebration with a day of fun and activities at the grand reopening of the newly renovated Visitor Center campus. Visitors experience new, state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, orientation theater, renovated Kids Corner and Children’s Forest, and expanded trails including the accessible J&S Grafton Sensory Trail.
Photo: Educator and Wildlife Lecturer Bill Robinson presenting a Live Birds of Prey and Reptile Show at the Visitor Center Grand Reopening by Vasudha Donnelly
For three decades, Glenn has been a leading voice for conservation in the Hudson Valley, working on both sides of the river to protect some of the region’s most precious natural resources.
Photo: Glenn Hoagland from the Mohonk Preserve archives
This parcel, now known as the Mohonk Preserve Foothills, includes the Testimonial Gateway tower, circa 1907, which served as the entrance to Mohonk Mountain House until 1945; Humpo Marsh, an important wildlife viewing and migratory bird area; and the historic Kleinekill Farm.
Photo: Testimonial Gateway by Michael Neil O’Donnell
The Bridge 2 Bridge 5-mile run is held each spring at Spring Farm and helps the Preserve’s mission to protect the Shawangunk Mountains and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world.
Photo: Runners on course at the 2012 Bridge 2 Bridge 5-mile run by Michael Neil O’Donnell
With this purchase, the Preserve expands into the northernmost Shawangunks.
Photo: Giant’s Ledges by Renée Zernitsky
This storm exacts a heavy toll on the Preserve’s over 7,000 acres. Carriage roads and trails are impacted by flooding, washouts, fallen trees, and debris. Rangers, staff, and volunteers mobilize quickly to support recovery efforts.
Photo: Flooding on Undercliff Carriage Road by John Mizel
The Preserve launched our annual Healthy Ulster program offering a free, multiweek membership for our Ulster County neighbors. As of 2023, the Preserve has distributed over 50,000 passes.
Photo: Healthy Ulster sign up by Susan Lehrer
Preserve Stewardship staff and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation complete a state-of-the-art plan and guidance manual for the restoration of the carriage road network in the Shawangunks.
Photo: Shawangunk carriage road by John Mizel
The Preserve joins forces with the Resource Center for Accessible Living to present the Hudson Valley Accessible Parks and Nature Centers Workshop, providing accessibility training and planning to 25 regional agencies and organizations.
Photo: Director of Education Kathy Ambrosini leading a workshop presentation by Kim Tischler
The William R. Ginsberg Conservation Fund for land acquisition and protection is established in honor of leading environmental attorney and Preserve Counsel Bill Ginsberg who was instrumental in the landmark Court of Appeals ruling granting tax exempt status for the Trust.
Photo: William R. Ginsberg, Esq. by Marlis Momber
Preserve rangers establish the “How Did the Rope Get Up There?” public education program to introduce visitors to the rich tradition of climbing in the Gunks.
Photo: Ranger Frank Tkac leading an interpretive climbing program at the Trapps from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Volunteer Educators assist Staff Educators in leading school field study programs outdoors
in the Spring and Fall. Since the Preserve’s beginnings, tens-of-thousands of school children have participated in hands-on, inquiry-based lessons at the ponds, fields, forests, streams, and ridge-tops of the Mohonk Preserve.
Photo: Volunteer Roland Ellis leading an outdoor education program by David Ramage
Ronald G. Knapp, professor emeritus of SUNY New Paltz, was named president of Mohonk Preserve’s Board of Directors, succeeding Sara S. Senior, who served for 30 years. Ron had been a board member for 18 years and is internationally renowned for his achievements in the study of cultural and historical geography.
Photo: Ron Knapp by John Mizel
The Daniel Smiley Research Center provides daily weather data to the National Weather Service, collecting such information as temperature, precipitation, snowfall, snow on the ground, fog, ice pellets, glaze, hail, and damaging winds.
Photo: Director of Research Paul Huth collecting rain samples at the Daniel Smiley Research Center by John Mizel
As a leading member of SRBP, the Preserve strives to build greater community awareness about the shared natural, recreational, scenic, and cultural resources of the area. The SRBP, founded in 1994, is composed of non-profit and public agencies dedicated to protecting sensitive habitat and other natural resources of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Photo: View of the Shawangunk Ridge from Butterville Road, New Paltz, NY
Kathy is one of 43 education leaders from around the world selected for this award by the World Wildlife Fund and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Photo: Director of Education Kathy Ambrosini (front row, 6th from left) receiving her award at Disney World. Photo provided by Kathy Ambrosini
This award, one of seven given nationwide, is for the construction and design of the East Trapps Connector Trail.
Photo: Bernard Kirchner (left) and Peter Jansen (right) of Open Space Management, fitting stones together for the construction of the East Trapps Connector Trail. Photo by Ed Reppert.
Through land management planning, staff and volunteers work together to achieve balance in accommodating visitors while protecting the resources of the Preserve.
Photo: Land Management Plan cover
This cabin is one of the few remaining homes of the nearly vanished Trapps Mountain Hamlet, a subsistence hamlet listed on both the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Van Leuven Cabin in the Trapps Mountain Hamlet by Bob Fisher
This regional award spotlights Bonticou Crag as an outstanding hiking destination with stunning views. The Preserve has since won several awards from the publication.
Photo: Hikers on the summit of Bonticou Crag by Michael Neil O’Donnell
Dr. Ed Reppert, Preserve Board Member and Coordinator of Volunteer Trailkeepers, provides the initial funding to establish this internship “to teach young land stewards to consider all parts of nature as a part of the total ecosystem, how all are related to and dependent on one another, and how each relates to humankind.”
Photo: First Scheuer Land Stewardship Intern Ariel Dekovic by Hank Alicandri
This limited-edition calendar features stunning photos by renowned nature photographer, G. Steve Jordan with proceeds benefitting the Preserve.
Photo: courtesy of G. Steve Jordan
This award, given in memory of Thom Scheuer, honors outstanding volunteer efforts in support of stewardship at the Preserve.
Photo: Board Member and Research Associate Joe Bridges conducting a post-nest survey of a peregrine falcon eyrie. Photo by Richard Goldstone.
With its spectacular Catskill Mountain views, this open-air pavilion at Spring Farm is a special venue for Preserve programs and events as well as weddings and other community gatherings.
Photo: Board Member Freddie Slingerland cutting the ribbon to officially open the Slingerland Pavilion by Bob Babb
The Visitor Center on Route 44/55 in Gardiner, NY, features exhibits, nature trails, a butterfly garden, and an award-winning, green design including a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Photo: Executive Director Glenn Hoagland cutting the ribbon to officially open the Visitor Center by Scott Wynn
The Annual Benefit Auction is launched under the leadership of Preserve Board member Jane Taylor to help support all of the Preserve’s programs and activities. The event was first held at Preserve Life Member Anne Bienstock’s barn, then moved to the Slingerland Pavilion, and is now held at the Mohonk Mountain House Pavilion.
Photo: Preserve Life Member Anne Bienstock’s barn in New Paltz, NY, site of the first annual Preserve auction by Bob Babb
The Pfalz Point Trail Challenge is a 10-mile trail run held each September at Spring Farm and helps support all operations of the Preserve, from maintaining trails, to educating underserved children.
Photo: Runners at the starting line of the 1997 Pfalz Point race by Mary Burns
The Preserve recognizes the need for a well-trained cliff rescue team and implements a one-day-a-week training for rangers from April through September annually. The Preserve now has one of the premier vertical rescue teams in the country.
Photo: Rangers conducting a cliff rescue training by Thom Scheuer
Weather readings began at Mohonk in the mid-1880s and are now continued by Preserve research staff. Researchers need access to reliable data covering the longest period possible to identify the extent of global climate change. The Preserve’s weather data is dependable because the station has been in the same, comparatively stable location for over a century and the same protocol has been followed by the people involved in collecting the data.
Photo: Rain gauge at the Mohonk Mountain House boat wharf, circa 1909-1920. Photo from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives.
The volunteer program continues to grow and presently has nearly 400 participants who perform a wide variety of services and contribute over 13,000 hours of their energy and skills annually.
Photo: First Director of Volunteers John Macek (third from right) participating in a volunteer trailkeeper training at the Preserve Visitor Center on Mountain Rest Road. Photo from the Mohonk Preserve archives.
This conference brings together naturalists, educators, land managers, politicians, economists, and others to discuss the role of Environmental Values Education within school curricula and outdoor environmental education programs.
Photo: Conference attendees participating in a Native American presentation from the Mohonk Preserve archives
This program promotes the inclusion of school children with disabilities in outdoor field studies. Its success leads to inclusive summer camps, public programs, nature walks, and accessible services for visitors of all abilities.
Photo: Student with special needs participating in a Preserve outdoor Field Study by Bob Babb
Hans and Fritz, preeminent rock climbers and world renowned mountaineers, are pioneers of climbing in the Gunks. Fritz is credited with putting in the first known climbing route in the Gunks at Millbrook Mountain. At the dedication, Hans remarks that he and Fritz climbed together as friends for the sheer joy of the physical accomplishments and to be as one with their surroundings.
Photo: Hans Kraus from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Glenn Hoagland joins the Preserve as executive director with an extensive background in administrative and field experience in land trust and acquisition in the Hudson Valley. Glenn’s title would ultimately be President and CEO when he left the Preserve in 2019 after leading the organization for over 26 years.
Photo: Executive Director Glenn Hoagland circa 1993 by Jim Bogner
Vincent J. Schaefer, a renowned atmospheric scientist, and his wife, Lois P. Schaefer, set up a fund to provide a 10-week internship at the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center.
Photo: First Schaefer Research Intern Anne G. Rhoads from the Mohonk Preserve archives.
This parking area eliminates the need for on-road parking at the Trapps, the most frequently used Preserve trailhead. The parking site chosen is an abandoned stretch of the Old Wawarsing Turnpike providing reasonably level terrain with no loss of mature trees. Before work is begun, much of the shrubbery is temporarily relocated for future plantings around the perimeter.
Photo: Dedication ceremony for the West Trapps Parking area from the Mohonk Preserve archives
The Lenape Longhouse serves as a focal point for education programs about Native Americans in the region. In 2006, the Longhouse is reconstructed using more durable materials.
Photo: Lenape Longhouse by Kathy Ambrosini
Over 400 climbers attend and Mohonk Preserve and Access Fund board members discuss mutual concerns about climbing practices and policies. In 1989, the Preserve Board adopted a Statement of Policy about climbing addressing issues of access, facilities, and environmental protection.
Photo: Visitor climbing at the Trapps, circa early 1990s from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Nearly 1,000 visitors arrive throughout the day to enjoy ongoing activities including guided walks, live reptile and amphibian presentations, art projects for kids, composting demonstrations, and a peregrine falcon flying demonstration by Dr. Heinz Meng.
Photo: Research Associate Roland Bahret presenting a live reptile program at the 1990 Earth Day celebration from the Mohonk Preserve archives
The first summer program serves 30 third, fourth, and fifth graders, eventually growing to serve 85 seven to thirteen-year-olds as Camp Peregrine and Mountainside Adventures.
Photo: Nature Guide Diana Wilson leading the Junior Naturalists in an outdoor activity from the Mohonk Preserve archives.
The Preserve commemorates its 25th anniversary with the publication of “The Northern Shawangunks: An Ecological Survey,” by Erik Kiviat, with illustrations by Karl Beard and photos by Hardie Truesdale.
Photo: “The Northern Shawangunks” cover
Dan Smiley writes a letter to the Department of Environmental Conservation expressing concern about the woodrat’s disappearance from the Shawangunks. As a result, New York State declares the Eastern woodrat an endangered species and begins a breeding program.
Photo: DEC staff releasing Woodrats on the Preserve as part of a Woodrat study from the Mohonk Preserve Archives
Landmark designation by the U.S. Department of the Interior is awarded to a building, site, or structure that is officially recognized by the United States government for its national historical significance. The award is designed to recognize and honor the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.
Photo: Aerial view of Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House lands by John Hayes
Seward Weber joined the Preserve as executive director in March of 1985, succeeding Bradley Weber. Previously Seward had been the director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council. He served until his retirement in 1993.
Photo: Seward Weber at Bonticou Lodge Headquarters, circa 1993. Provided by Director of Research Emeritus Paul Huth.
This sequential education program is recognized by the New York State Education Department as conforming to the core science curriculum requirements for grades kindergarten through six.
Photo: Educator Ann Guenther working with a student on a Field Study visit by Scott Wynn
Hawk Watch participants count a total of 1,145 Broadwings with 451 passing overhead in a single peak hour, setting the record up to this date. The standing record for the Hawk Watch is set five years later on September 16, 1989 with a count of 5,361 Broadwings. The Hawk Watch, officially established in 1974 by Research Associate Dr. Heinz Meng and Dan Smiley, is a vital program for observing the migration of birds over the Shawangunks and collecting important research data.
Photo:Red-tailed Hawk in flight by David Johnson
The Preserve looks back on its 20th anniversary with a special newsletter publication.
Photo: The Mohonk Preserve Newsletter No. 61, Summer 1984
This parcel, eventually known as the Spring Farm Trailhead, is home to the Slingerland Pavilion and Lenape Longhouse and is often used for education programs and special events.
Photo: View of the Catskill Mountains from Spring Farm fields by David Ramage
The arrival of the black vulture makes the Preserve its most northerly known location in the United States. Preserve Research Associate Joe Bridges is the first to document the bird’s breeding in 1997, and continues to study how this generally southern resident is able to expand its range, complete its breeding cycle, and feed, forage, and carry out other activities.
Photo: Black vulture with chicks by Bob Elsinger
When The Mohonk Trust was reorganized into Mohonk Preserve, Inc., a nonprofit corporation in 1981, Sara S. Senior was named that organizations first President. Bradley J. Snyder was named Executive Director. The Preserve’s stated mission at that time was “to protect important natural lands in the Shawangunks Mountains, and to advance the cause of peace based on an understanding of the interdependence of mankind, nations, and the natural environment.”
Photo: Previous Mohonk Preserve logo from the Mohonk Preserve archives
The Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center houses over a century of unparalleled research, collections, and natural and cultural history data.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center by Justin Key
The Appeals ruling becomes a landmark case in New York conservation and property tax law.
Photo: Mohonk Preserve lands by Dafna Tal
With the recovery of hemlock-northern hardwood forests and a burgeoning Porcupine population, Dan Smiley collaborates with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to reintroduce Fishers to Preserve lands. The first Fisher, a young male weighing 7.7 pounds with card tag number one, is released in the Rhododendron Swamp area.
Photo: Fisher by Clay Spencer
Neighbors are invited to join Trust staff for a walk and talk on the property. Carrying on this tradition, the Preserve offers free or low cost public programs throughout the year, including our Healthy Ulster program.
Photo: Trust Founder and Co-Administrator Dan Smiley leading a nature walk on Trust property from the Daniel Smiley Research Center archives
With the extinction of peregrine falcons throughout the Northeast due to the effect of the pesticide DDT on their reproductive systems, efforts are made to reintroduce peregrines using captive-bred chicks from Cornell University.
Photo: Research Associate Dr. Heinz Meng (right) of SUNY New Paltz and a colleague banding a peregrine falcon for release. Photo from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives.
In 1969, Sara S. Senior was appointed a Trustee of The Mohonk Trust. She had been a frequent visitor to the Mountain House, where her husband, Dr, John Senior, served as House Physician during August for many years. In 1975, she was named Chairman of the Board, succeeding Rev. Winslow D. Shaw, who remained a Trustee.
Photo: Sara Senior from the Mohonk Preserve archives
The Mohonk Trust founders pledge to “reemphasize the humanitarian concern for life and to promote the integration of spiritual values with physical needs and mental activities both in man’s relationship to his physical environment and the interrelationship of humans.”
Photo: The Mohonk Trust Newsletter No. 20, Spring 1974
Duck Pond is a haven for wildlife and a study site for groups and summer camps.
Photo of Duck Pond by Susan Lehrer
The study of water chemistry – in lakes, streams, and springs, as well as rain and snow – establishes the topic of acid rain as a major research interest.
Photo: Trust Founder and Co-Administrator Dan Smiley taking samples at the acid rain collector. Photo from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives
Bradley Snyder was hired as assistant administrator for The Mohonk Trust in 1973 and served as co-administration with Dan Smiley for many years. In 1981 when The Mohonk Trust was reorganized as Mohonk Preserve, Inc., Brad became executive director, serving until 1985.
Photo: Cover of The Shawangunk Mountains: A History of Nature and Man by Bradley Snyder and Karl Beard. Published by Mohonk Preserve in 1981.
The Trust sponsors seminars at Lake Mohonk to promote cultural understanding and environmental awareness.
Photo: From left to right – Rev. Winslow Shaw, Chairman of the Board of The Mohonk Trust; U Thant, UN Secretary General, A. Keith Smiley, Jr., Trustee of The Mohonk Trust, and Major General Indar Jit Rikhy, President of the International Peace Academy at a Trust conference. Photo from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives.
Thom Scheuer is hired as the first full-time ranger and holds this position until his death in 1999. Previously, the Trust’s work was accomplished by trustees, volunteers, and hourly employees.
Photo: Head Ranger Thom Scheuer from the Mohonk Preserve archives
The Trust participates with New York State and The Nature Conservancy in planning for the neighboring Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Photo: Waterfall on the Peterskill stream at Minnewaska State Park Preserve by John Mizel
Bonticou Crag is a popular hiking destination with a rock scramble and stunning vistas.
Photo: Bonticou Crag by Michael Neil O’Donnell
Rev. Winslow Shaw was a signatory to The Mohonk Trust agreement in 1963 and served as Chairman of the Board from 1970-1974. He retired from the board of Mohonk Preserve in 1984.
Photo: Rev. Winslow Shaw from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives
This parcel includes Split Rock, which is an ideal spot for cooling off by the Coxing Kill stream or for quiet reflection.
Photo: Split Rock on the Coxing Kill stream by John Hayes
This parcel is the first of 5,000 acres to be purchased from the Lake Mohonk Corporation over a 15-year period.
Photo: Looking out toward Sky Top from the Millbrook parcel by Michael Neil O’Donnell
This publication interprets the importance of Trust land to visitors.
Photo: Pamphlet cover from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Oakwood Drive is one of many carriage roads enjoyed by visitors for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Photo: Visitor biking on Oakwood Drive by John Mizel
The evolving accommodation of the forest to the Spongy moth without pesticides draws many scientists to the area. Currently, the Preserve has an active invasive species monitoring program with volunteer opportunities.
Photo: Spongy moth from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives.
Mohonk Preserve offers a multi-faceted opportunity for college faculty and students to engage in a broad spectrum of scientific, educational, cultural, and socio-economic studies. Study at Mohonk Preserve can transform the lives of students of all ages and serve as a training ground for the next generation of scientific leaders.
Photo: Trust Founder and Co-Administrator Dan Smiley and Research Associate Carl George leading an outdoor educational program for a group of students from Union College. Photo from the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center archives.
With the acquisition of this parcel, The Mohonk Trust becomes the steward of the most important climbing area in the eastern United States and a valued contributor to the development of American mountaineering.
Photo: Trapps Cliff by Frank Tkac
The Mohonk Trust is officially established with the signing of the Trust Agreement by the original group of trustees and the receipt of the first donation of $100 from Mabel Craven Smiley.
Photo: Boundary sign with the TMT logo from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Photo: Dan Smiley and A. Keith Smiley from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Banner photo by Karen Maloy Brady