Trails Update: 1/31/14
We made it through the week with the trails in OK condition. While the coverage is thin, there are no bare spots. With the forecast for warmer temperatures and maybe some rain or snow over the weekend, this may change. We will update over the weekend once we have a better idea of what falls from the sky and how much!
Trails Update 1/27/2014
We got a little snow over the past two days, about two to three inches all together. While it has improved the conditions a little, there is still ice under the thin cover of snow, so caution is advised.There is not enough snow depth to do any grooming at this time.
Trails Update 1/14/14
Due to the thin snow cover, wet and icy conditions, all trail grooming has been suspended until we get another snow storm.Please use the trails with caution as there is ice out there!
Pilates For A Purpose - March 8th
We are excited that Reform Pilates Studio has chosen us to be one of their non-profit partners for the Pilates for a Purpose program.Mark your calendars for March 8th!All donations for the class that day will go to support our programs at the Preserve & Park!http://www.reformyourbody.com/specials/pilates-for-a-purpose/
1/10/2014 weekend update
Due to the expected rainfall trails will not be groomed. The red-blue meadow loop was dragged yesterday however. The earliest the trails can be groomed again may be Monday, but this is all dependent on the weather we receive. Let's hope for snow instead of rain!Additionally, there are NO guided programs this weekend. (It would be a slushy time through all of the wet snow anyways.) Please be sure to keep us in mind for the Nature in Winter snowshoe hike on Saturday 1/25/2014 at 11am! Call the office or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register if you're interested.Have a great weekend!
Snowshoe Rentals
We have snowshoe rentals available through our office at 80 Scout Road. Rentals are $5.00 and are free for WWPP members.Please call ahead since we are sometimes out on the trails, doing programs, or at meetings!We don't have weekend rental times scheduled but you can make arrangements to pick them up on Friday to return on Monday for a weekend rate of $10 a pair.Call us at 450-0321 for more information. We have lots of kid sizes, so you can go as a family!
Trails Update 1/4/14
Today all of the trails were rolled in anticipation of the warm-up and rain that is forecast for tomorrow. No more grooming will be done until after the rain. Enjoy the soft snow while you can!
Trails Update 1/3/14
Snow! Lots of beautiful, fluffy snow! With the frigid temperatures, the trails will not be rolled or groomed until tomorrow at the earliest.
Trails Update 12/23/2013
With the 30+ temperatures we've had and the extended forecast staying like that for a while the trails will likely not be groomed until after January 1, 2014. The snow is very wet and heavy.Coverage is thin-to-bare in some places. That being said, please continue to wear snowshoes or cross-country skis when on the trails; boots can still damage the snow base that is present.Additionally, if you see snowshoe tracks headed off the trail please resist the urge to follow them! Those are from our snow pack monitors going out to check the snow gauges we have placed in the habitat. The less traffic over the habitat the better.The office will re-open after the New Year. We wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!
Trail Update: 12/18/2013
With yesterday's snow, another 2 1/2 to 3 inches of snow fell at the Preserve & Park. All of the trails at Camp Saratoga North were groomed today in anticipation of the rising temperatures. No track was set. As long as temperatures are above freezing in the coming week, no grooming will take place. The trails are in excellent condition for skiing and snowshowing.There is a section of trail at Camp Saratoga South accessible from parking lot #3 that has been run over with the ATV tracks for people to walk their dogs.PLEASE - no walking with boots on the groomed trails at Camp Saratoga North!!We are still looking for volunteers to help with our trail grooming program, please call the office at 450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org if you would like more information.
Annual Meeting and Holiday Reception
Tuesday, December 10
Annual Meeting
6:00 pm
Photography Show Opening and Reception
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Homemade Goodies and Holiday Cheer
At the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Office
80 Scout Road
Gansevoort, NY 12831
518-450-0321
We Won!! $10,000 from Tom's of Maine!!
Tom's of Maine Announces Nonprofit Winners In Its Annual 50 States For Good Community Giving Program
$150,000 to Be Shared Among 15 Inspiring Nonprofits to Expand Grassroots Goodness in Communities Nationwide
KENNEBUNK, Maine, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspiration across the nation! From Washington to West Virginia, 15 nonprofit organizations with a passion for human, healthy and environmental goodness are winners in the fifth annual Tom's ofMaine 50 States for Good program. With more than 58,000 votes cast online, the 15 nonprofits with the most votes will share$150,000 in funding to put towards preserving land, promoting community gardens, empowering children, helping people with disabilities and looking out for seniors. To date, the 50 States for Good community giving program has benefited 5.5 million people and dozens of communities.(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110602/NY13344LOGO-b)Each 50 States for Good winner will receive $10,000 to support their community project. The dedicated group of winning nonprofits follows, in alphabetical order, along with details on how they'll put the funding to use.
- Cape Ann Farmers Market Backyard Growers Program (Gloucester, MA) – Backyard Growers will enhance and expand the school garden program, which provides elementary school students with opportunities to grow, harvest and eat fresh vegetables.
- Connecticut Radio Information System (Windsor, CT) – Ten schools will receive a one-year subscription of CRISKids™ for Schools, audio recordings of print materials for children who are blind or print-challenged, including those with learning, physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.
- Gilda's Club Quad Cities (Davenport, IA) – A new program called G.R.O.W. (Giving Resources Organically Within) will plant an organic community garden and provide workshops on sustainability for members who have all been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
- Kompost Kids (Milwaukee, WI) – A large scale food waste collection and processing pilot will be executed in theMilwaukee area in order to divert from the landfill and create compost to sustain urban agriculture projects.
- Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Foundation (Saco, ME) – The Foundation's efforts to advance brain safety and awareness in Maine will be expanded and serve as a model program for other states.
- MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS (Plano, TX) – 5,000 existing and 1,000 new program participants will be empowered to make a social impact on their communities, enacting service-oriented "top secret missions" to change the world and impact thousands in need.
- Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway, WV) – The Mobile Pantry Program will provide healthy, nutritious foods to people in need in rural or underserved areas of West Virginia.
- Neighbor Ride (Columbia, MD) – The expansion of Neighbor Ride's volunteer program will aid in continuing to serve the growing number of seniors who rely on the Neighbor Ride transportation service to remain healthy, independent and connected to the community.
- One Simple Wish (Trenton, NJ) – More than 100 simple, special wishes will be granted to children in foster care.
- Operation BBQ Relief (Pleasant Hill, MO) – Funding will purchase the perishable supplies necessary to feed approximately 10,000 meals during the organization's next disaster deployment.
- Play-Place for Autistic Children (Sterling Heights, MI) – Building a new playscape will help to advance the coordination, climbing, balance and motor-planning skills of children affected by autism.
- Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (Mount Vernon, WA) – InFARMation radio programs will provide information to area highway travelers about seasonal happenings in Skagit agriculture and help grow community support for the organization's mission.
- The Poverello Center (Missoula, MT) – Completing the construction of a new emergency housing facility will aid in feeding and sheltering thousands of area neighbors living in poverty each year.
- Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (Warren, OH) – Up to 100 free-standing flower boxes, soil and plants will be made available to residents of the Garden District to help the neighborhood earn its name.
- Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park (Gansevoort, NY) – Funding will support the start of the organization's accessible trail project.
"The ingenuity of this year's winners to help their neighbors and the environment is incredibly inspiring," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "These community projects are an important reminder that we can accomplish so much more when we work together. Community support, passionate volunteers and creative thinking can bring lasting goodness to our communities in a way that matters every day."During the public vote, volunteer and nonprofit nominators were showcased as part of an interactive voting hub that highlighted inspiring stories across the country. From a pool of more than 1,000 nominations, 51 finalists were chosen by a judging panel of passionate leaders in the nonprofit community including Sam Davidson, president of Cool People Care, nonprofit strategist and Huffington Post columnist Lisa M. Dietlin, Matt Petronzio, assistant features editor covering social good for Mashable.com, and star of "The Vampire Diaries" and nonprofit founder Ian Somerhalder.Since it was founded in 1970, Tom's of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. To learn more about this year's winners, visitwww.50StatesforGood.com.About Tom's of MaineTom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, TOMs has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. TOMs employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or athttp://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.SOURCE Tom's of MaineRELATED LINKShttp://www.tomsofmaine.com
Wild About Blue - October 20th
The invitations are out for our annual fundraiser.Take a peek and let us know if you would like to join us!
Help Us Win $10,000!
Vote For Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Use this link to vote: https://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine/app_446606322126060
Top 15 Nonprofits to Share $150,000 for Projects That Help Neighbors and the Environment
Program Judge Ian Somerhalder to Chat About His Passion for Good at Sept. 17 Twitter Party
KENNEBUNK, Maine, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Want to make a positive impact in your community? Starting today, a simple vote could bring funding to small nonprofits with big ideas. This year 51 nonprofits – one in every state and Washington D.C. - are asking for your votes in the fifth annual Tom's of Maine "50 States for Good" community giving program. The 15 nonprofits with the most votes will each receive $10,000 to develop and grow important community projects and services. The public can show support and vote daily at 50StatesforGood.com through October 15.(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110602/NY13344LOGO-b)For the first time, volunteers and nonprofit employees will also be showcased as part of an interactive voting platform that includes information about why the public's support will make a difference. This national community giving program allows the public to direct where all of the funding goes."A desire to do more for a favorite nonprofit can often be hindered by a lack of time to volunteer or financial means to make a donation," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "50 States for Good makes it easy for anyone to have an impact and directly help organizations that are bringing goodness to communities in a variety of creative and inspiring ways."From a pool of nearly 1,000 nominations, finalists were chosen by a judging panel of passionate leaders in the nonprofit community including Sam Davidson, president of Cool People Care, nonprofit strategist and Huffington Post columnist, Lisa M. Dietlin, Matt Petronzio, assistant features editor covering social good for Mashable.com, and star of "The Vampire Diaries" and nonprofit founder Ian Somerhalder."At the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, we are inspired every day by how much we can accomplish if we work together," said program judge Ian Somerhalder. "I encourage everyone to check out the great work each '50 States for Good' finalist is doing and cast your votes for the ones that share your values and goals."Somerhalder, a strong advocate for social good, will join Tom's of Maine on September 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. EDT for a Twitter party. He will take live questions and share his thoughts on giving back to the community. Participants should use the hashtag #50StatesforGood to follow along, ask questions and join the conversation.Listed alphabetically by state, this year's "50 States for Good" finalists are:
To date, the 50 States for Good community giving program has benefited 5.5 million people and dozens of communities through projects as diverse as tree planting, sustainable hiking trails, a community orchard and meals for neighbors in need.For several decades, Tom's of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. For more information, visit tomsofmaine.com.About Tom's of MaineTom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, TOMs has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. TOMs employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or athttp://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.SOURCE Tom's of MaineRELATED LINKShttp://www.tomsofmaine.com/
Skidmore Students Volunteer at the Preserve & Park
http://www.skidmore.edu/news/2013/0913-sscc.php
Dirty work
September 13, 2013Skidmore’s Student Conservation Corps gets down and dirty in and out of the classroom.It’s a hot, sticky day in August and 13 students have just emerged from a thickly wooded trail. They are tired, sweaty, and hungry, and they are going back for more. They are the members of the Skidmore Student Conservation Corps (SSCC)—small in number, but mighty.
The Skidmore Student ConservationCorps at Wilton Wildlife Park& Preserve.The SSCC was established in 2012 jointly by Michael Marx, director of the Environmental Studies Program and associate professor of English, and former coordinator of Sustainable Skidmore, Riley Neugebauer. The first corps had just five students. This semester, Marx shares the leadership duties with Rachel Willis, Sustainable Skidmore fellow and Anne Ernst, Environmental Studies program coordinator. Funded by a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, the corps grew out students’ desire to get “down and dirty,” says Marx.And they are definitely getting dirty. In their August project at the Wilton Wildlife Park and Preserve just a few miles from campus, they're trimming trees, clearing trails, and building fences. The goal is to maintain habitat for the Karner Blue Butterfly, an endangered species that has a wingspan of about one inch and lives only in dry, open areas with lupine, a tall blue wildflower. Although the tiny butterfly can be found in other states, the only place it is found in New York is along the 55-mile stretch from Glens Falls to Albany, with Saratoga right in the middle.“Having a nice, big work crew of willing, young, strong people has been great,” says Kathy O’Brien, wildlife biologist for the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. “We cleared the areas so the mower can come in and get to work maintaining habitat for the Karner Blue.” The students helped clear trails for humans as well, giving better visibility and ensuring safety for preserve visitors.“I definitely hope to do conservation work after I graduate,” says Charlie Lovejoy ’16. “Maybe not specifically clearing trails, but something like this. I don’t think I would have even known about this opportunity if it weren’t for the Student Conservation Corps.”Marx explains that one of the group’s many benefits is the way it blends the physical with the intellectual, providing each member with one academic credit hour as well as hands-on experience. “If you look back at the history of Skidmore when Lucy Skidmore Scribner founded the College, there was this sense of ‘mind and hand.’ That’s what conservation work is all about, giving the students a chance to exercise their hands with physical work alongside their minds with intellectual work,” he says.Other corps activities include cleanup days in Skidmore’s own North Woods, faculty lectures, and even a spoon-carving workshop, where students craft their own spoons from branches. In the classroom (and during the winter), corps students read articles about conservation work that relate to their academic interests. Marx says the topics ranged from the expected environmental studies to connections to business and management.The SCCC meets biweekly during the semester to discuss their work and readings, and to plan future projects. This year’s agenda includes a return to Wilton Wildlife Park and Preserve, helping out Saratoga P.L.A.N., and working with North Woods stewards to build a boardwalk for the woodland’s red trail.For Cate Jestin Taylor ’14, hands-on science has made all the difference. “When it came to picking colleges, it was between a liberal arts school and an art school. I really wanted to go an art school, but the main reason I chose Skidmore is because I could do both science and art.” She entered as an environmental studies major, intending to switch down the road, but never did. “I’ve been happy every semester.”Photos by Joe Levy.
Trail and Habitat Work at the Old Gick Farm
Please be advised that during the weeks of August 19th and 26th, there will be habitat work and some trail work taking place at the Old Gick Farm. At times during these two weeks, portions of the trails, in particular, the yellow trail may be closed. To view a map of the Old Gick Farm, use the link below:http://www.wiltonpreserve.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/OldGick_Fox_0308.pdfCall the office at 450-0321 for additional information. None of the other trails at the Preserve & Park will be affected.
Friday August 9th Drop-in Craft - location change
Drop-In Craft for Friday, August 9 is fish printing. The location will be at the office at 80 Scout Road due to the rainy forecast instead of at Camp Saratoga.Stop in any time from 10:00 - 11:00 am to use our rubbery fish molds to paint and then print onto paper to take home.If we were in Japan, we would call it gyotaku and we might use real fish to print from!
2nd Brood of Karner Blue Butterflies Emerge
They're back!The second brood of the Karner blue butterflies have emerged and can be seen flying around and feeding on nectar plants like the vivid, orange butterfly milkweed.The best places to see them are on the trails at Camp Saratoga North off of Scout Road and the Old Gick Farm and Fox Trails off of Route 50.On July 11 and 18th at 10:00 am, there will be guided butterfly walks leaving from the Old Gick Farm parking lot on Route 50. Please call 450-0321 to pre-register.