Grooming and Trail Report 2/7/2018
As of this evening we had ten inches of gorgeous powder.The trails were rolled early this afternoon after four inches had fallen, and again late in the day after anther six inches came down.Conditions should be great for this weekend's snowshoe race and for our Saturday Winterfest Activities!!Get out and enjoy these amazing conditions while we have them.
Winterfest February 10th
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a day of fun activities to celebrate getting outdoors in winter. The events will all take place at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in Wilton. The day will kick-off with the 15th Annual Camp Saratoga 8k Snowshoe Race which is part of the Dion Winter Series. Onsite registration will begin at 9:15 and the race begins at 10:30. For more information on the race, go to www.saratogastryders.com.With the recent snow, the trails will be in great shape and the Preserve & Park will be renting out snowshoes and cross country skis from 10:00 am with the last rentals needing to be returned by 3:00 pm. There are a range of sizes from toddlers through adult, so the whole family can get out together to enjoy some winter fun. Rentals are $5.00 per person or free to members of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.Activities during Winterfest will include a bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores, an animal tracking walk beginning at noon, and a winter tree walk beginning at 1:00. There will be activities in the Winter Lodge beginning at 1:30. These will include an animal track activity, a display on animals of the Preserve & Park, and a trees-in-winter nature craft. There will also be an ice fishing display and information in the Winter Lodge beginning at 1:30. The display will include old ice fishing equipment and modern rigs. There will be information on different kinds of rigs and bait for different kinds of fish. This is perfect for anyone who has questions about ice fishing and is looking to get answers about the hows and whys. The day will finish with a snowman building contest at 2:00 by the Winter Lodge. All of the Snowmen will be judged and the prizes announced at 3:00 at the end of Winterfest.For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at www.wiltonpreserve.org The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
Grooming and Trail Report 2/5/2018
We are very happy to report that yesterday brought us 5 to 6 inches of very lovely snow.We will be getting out to roll the trails this afternoon, so we will update this report once they have been rolled.We are excited that there is more snow in the forecast for Wednesday so the trails should be in great shape for Saturday's Snowshoe Race and for Winterfest!!
Grooming and Trail Report 1/17/18
Snow, snow, beautiful snow!! Light and fluffy and lovely and groomed.The trails at Camp Saratoga were rolled late this afternoon after around six inches of snow had accumulated in the past two days.The trails are in great shape. Please do not walk on the groomed trails in boots - snowshoes and cross country skis only at Camp Saratoga North.You can use the trails on the south side of Scout Road to walk without skis or snowshoes.Our volunteers work hard to keep the trails in great shape and we appreciate your help in keeping them that way.
January 20th Annual Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe- Full!
Based on huge demand, all of the free parking tickets have been claimed.We are sorry that we can't accommodate any more registrations at this time.USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-candlelight-ski-and-snowshoe-tickets-41982717438Join us at the popular and highly anticipated Annual Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road. Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails. Along the way you will find fields and forests, warming bonfires, and plenty of hot chocolate!The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1 mile loop. We will have a bake sale in the I.P Winter Lodge and donations are always appreciated. We have a limited number of snowshoes that will be available on a first-come first-served basis in the I.P. Winter Lodge off of Parking lot #2. The rental fee is $5/ person. We cannot reserve or hold any snowshoes. If you want to be sure to have snowshoes for the event we recommend that you rent them from somewhere like the Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs or at EMS in Wilton.Since parking is limited and we do not want to cause any damage to the trails at the Preserve & Park by having too many people show up, this year we are requiring registration for the event. You will need to print out a ticket and show it to one of the parking attendants to be admitted to the event. We encourage people to carpool and ONLY one ticket is needed per car. Volunteers do not need to register, they will be able to park in the volunteer parking area at the office.Parking will be directed by volunteers so please be patient and polite.This event is weather permitting.Please call or email for more information or if you are interested in volunteering for this event.518-450-0321info@wiltonpreserve.org
January 15th: Join Us for Two Different Outdoor Walks
Wellness Walk at 11:00 am at Camp SaratogaEnjoy nature with others looking to get outside! The walk is geared towards gentle exercise and is for participants at basic fitness levels. It is led by Linda Hovious, fitness instructor at the Saratoga Y. Snowshoes will be available for rental 30 minutes before the program; free for members, $3 for non-members. If there is no snow, the program will take place without snowshoes. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated by emailing info@wiltonpreserve.org or calling 518-450-0321.Winter Exploration Walk at 1:00 pm at Camp SaratogaJoin us for a guided hike all about winter exploration and discovery! Look for animal tracks and learn about different plant and animal adaptations for winter survival. Meet at the kiosk in Parking Lot 1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road and dress for the weather. Snowshoes are available for rental 30 minutes before the program; free for members and $3 for non-members. If there is no snow the program will take place without snowshoes. Call or email to register
Grooming and Trail Report 12/25/2017
We have the most amazing volunteers!!On Christmas Day, Ryan went out and groomed the trails at Camp Saratoga late in the day, so they should be in perfect condition for skiing and snowshoeing on Tuesday!We got about six inches of fresh snow and the conditions are great - packed powder!!As always, please please please do not walk on the groomed trails in boots, we have so many other trails that you can use. We beg you to leave the groomed trails for the use of people on skis or snowshoes - thank you!!
Enjoy this great snow!!!
Grooming and Trail Report 12/22/2017
Today we got eight inches of lovely fluffy snow!!This evening, the trails at Camp Saratoga North were rolled in anticipation of tomorrow's warm up and rain.There may be some more snow in the forecast for Christmas Day - not a bad start since winter officially began on Thursday!!Once we have groomed the trails at Camp Saratoga North, we ask people to please respect the work of our volunteer trail groomers and DO NOT WALK ON THE GROOMED TRAILS WITHOUT SKIS OR SNOWSHOES!! Putting deep footprints in the groomed trails spoils them for everyone. There are lots of great trail on the south side of Scout Road that are not groomed and you can walk on them.Thanks!!
Please Consider a Gift to Our Annual Appeal
Our 2017 Annual Appeal Is UnderwayWe hope that you will consider a generous, end-of-year contribution to support our work in conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park relies on our volunteers for their time and energy and on our members and donors for their financial support.Be assured that your support truly makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!Donate HereThanks so much!
Annual Meeting, Holiday Reception, & Opening of our 6th Annual Photography Show
Monday, December 4Annual Meeting 6:00-7:00 pmReception & Photography Show 7:00-8:00 pmPlease join us for our Annual Meeting, Holiday Reception, and the Opening of our 6th Annual Photography ShowWilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Officeat 80 Scout Roadwww.wiltonpreserve.org518-450-0321
Volunteer Meeting; Monday, November 20th at 7:00
Our Volunteer Meeting is at 7:00 on Monday, November 20thWe will talk about upcoming volunteer opportunities and update people on the latest news from the Preserve & ParkWe are celebrating Thanksgiving a little early this year since we are so thankful for our wonderful volunteers!!We will have special Thanksgiving refreshments starting at 6:45. Hope you can join us!!
Join Us at Wild About Blue - Sunday, November 12th
Our Annual Fall Fundraiser is Wild About Blue.This year’s Wild About Blue will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Saratoga National Golf Course with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and bountiful food stations. This beautiful venue allows us to create a special evening, with people who, like you, care deeply about the environment and the success of the Preserve & Park.Purchase your ticket by clicking hereFunds raised by the event support our many successful undertakings, including habitat work for the Karner blue butterfly, year-round environmental education programs for all ages and interests, the creation and maintenance of almost 20 miles of recreational trails, and free public events like our Earth Day Celebration, Wildlife Festival, Winterfest, and Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe. Wonderful donors and volunteers through the years have helped to create this lasting preserve for nature and this park enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts from far and near.Wild About Blue, inspired by our work with the endangered Karner blue butterfly, also gives us the opportunity to recognize someone who has created transformative change in our community through the annual Metamorphosis Award. This year we are honoring Mike Huchro, Nancy Ferguson, and Barbara Messier for their work in initiating and running Lake Avenue Elementary School’s Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Experience.This program through its three-day wilderness outing at Camp Wakpominee has helped more than 1,000 students build confidence, friendships, a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation of the natural world. Supported by the PTA and run by school staff and parent volunteers, this program is a model for other elementary schools in the region, state, and further afield. These three individuals have created positive and dramatic changes in the lives of their school community and we are proud to have them as our honorees this year!Past recipients are Larry Gordon, Heather Mabee, Kathy O’Brien, Jane Adams Wait, and Joe Bruchac.
Monthly Wellness Walk in October at Neilmann Trail
Mondays – Once a Month at 11:00 amOctober 16 at the Neilmann Trail Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside every month! The walk is geared towards gentle exercise and is for participants at basic fitness levels.The walk is led by our wonderful volunteer, Linda Hovious who is also a fitness instructor at the Saratoga Y.Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot south of King Road on Ruggles Road. Pre-registration is always appreciated by calling 518-450-0321 or emailing info@wiltonpreserve.orgThis monthly walk will also take place on November 20th, leaving from the Opdahl Farm trailhead on Ballard Road.
Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower Open Hours in October
October 14, 15, 28 and 29from 10:00 am – 3:00 pmThe Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower and replica Fire Ranger observer’s cabin will be open for those who want to get a birds-eye view of the park while learning about the life of a fire tower monitor.Access is from Parking Lot 3 on Scout Road.Since the fire tower can not be open during inclement weather, to confirm that it is open, contact Larry Gordon at 469-0918.
Monarch Butterfly Walks
Saturdays, September 9 and 2311:00 am at Camp SaratogaJoin us for a nature walk to learn about the amazing life cycle of the Monarch butterflies. The walk covers about a mile of gently rolling terrain. We will be looking for the butterflies during their peak season just before they start to migrate to Mexico for the winter. The monarch butterflies love the Preserve & Park for its many nectar species and its open pine/oak savannah.Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 518-450-0321 or emailing info@wiltonpreserve.orgThe walk will not take place if there is rain. This is a Hudson River Ramble Event.
Summer Fun - Nature Arts and Pond Exploration!
Open Pond Hours at Delegan Pond Thursdays July 6, 13, 20, 27 and August 3 and 10From 10:00-12:00 pmDrop in anytime between 10:00 and noon to discover the aquatic wildlife found at Delegan Pond! Use our dip nets to search for critters including frogs, salamanders, tadpoles, crayfish, and insects. Please park in Parking Lot # 1 located on Scout Road, directly across from the pond.Nature Arts Hour at Camp Saratoga Wednesdays July 12, 19, and 26 and August 2 and 9From 10:00-11:00 amJuly 12: Nature WeavingJuly 19: Nature Paper PrintingJuly 26: Spray Bottle Nature ArtAugust 2: Natural Musical InstrumentsAugust 9: Nature Clay Printing Join us under the pavilion for an hour of musical instrument making, water color painting, poetry writing, and many other arts related activities. Elementary and middle schoolers encouraged. Please use Parking Lot #1 located on Scout Road directly across from Delegan Pond. Preregistration is strongly encouraged so we can prepare.Call 450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register or for more information.
Begining July 5th - Weekly Karner Blue Butterfly Walks
Grant Received from the NYS Conservation Partnership Program!
This is our fourth grant from this grant program! We asked for funds to help support our Environmental Education and Conservation Internship program.It is a huge boost to our ability to continue presenting the quality and quantity of programs that reach such a large number of people in the community.For Release: Wednesday, April 26, 2017
DEC Announces $1.8 Million in Land Trust Grants to Safeguard Water Quality, Boost Tourism, Farmland Protection and Public Access
Conservation Partnership Grants Awarded to 58 Land Trusts across New York State
Grants to Land Trusts Leverage Additional $1.5 Million in Community Contributions and Private Support
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced $1.8 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants for 58 nonprofit land trusts across the state. The grants, funded through New York's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), will leverage an additional $1.5 million in private and local funding to support projects that will protect farmland, wildlife habitat, and water quality, enhance public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve priority open space areas critical for community health, tourism and regional economic development."Through partnerships with local land trusts, the Environmental Protection Fund provides critical support for open space programs across the state," said Commissioner Seggos. "These grants help local land trusts support our work to protect New York's peerless waters, lands, and habitats and preserve our state's natural resources, while leveraging even more resources communities can put to good use protecting these irreplaceable assets."In recognition of Earth Week, a weeklong celebration of New York's commitment and accomplishments to protect our environment, DEC and the Land Trust Alliance unveiled the grantees at an event at Winter Hill in Garrison in Putnam County.The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with DEC. The 14th round of Conservation Partnership Program grants will help local land trusts sustain and expand community and landowner outreach initiatives and develop an array of land conservation, stewardship, and education programs.The grants will further regional economic development goals by strengthening partnerships with local and state governments and advancing locally supported efforts to protect working farms, enhance public access and recreation opportunities, and conserve private lands prioritized in New York State's Open Space Conservation Plan and state wildlife action plan. Land trusts will also apply grant funds to prepare for national accreditation, supporting New York land trust commitments to rigorous national standards for nonprofit governance and organizational excellence."Coming at a time when every effort makes a difference, this initiative enables land trusts, local communities and private landowners to better protect New York's most important water resources, farmlands, wildlife habitats and urban green spaces," said Andrew Bowman, president of the Land Trust Alliance. "New York's clear commitment to its Environmental Protection Fund sets a standard that can inspire other states to protect water quality, promote healthy communities and address our changing climate. These are smart investments in our collective future. On behalf of the Land Trust Alliance and our supporters, we thank Governor Cuomo, Commissioner Seggos and the New York State Legislature for supporting these efforts.""The Conservation Partnership Program has demonstrated impressive statewide success by supporting land trusts in our local communities," said Andy Zepp, chair of the Land Trust Alliance's New York Advisory Board and executive director for Finger Lakes Land Trust. "Together with state funding for land conservation and farmland protection, this program helps to protect and care for New York's precious water resources, natural heritage and working lands, and to create trails, preserves and community gardens. It directly benefits our economy, from tourism and outdoor recreation to farming and forestry. The program leverages additional resources to advance New York's Open Space Conservation Plan, enhancing services and support for local municipalities, and enabling private landowners and land trusts to achieve their stewardship goals," he added.Grant awards ranged from $4,700 to $75,000. Among the 58 different land trusts awarded grants were several local organizations based in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region. In all, 18 grants totaling $444,700 were awarded to organizations in the Mid-Hudson Valley region.Michelle Smith, Executive Director of Hudson Highlands Land Trust, said, "We are delighted to be hosting this year's Conservation Partnership Program awards announcement at our offices at Winter Hill. This program has been critical to the development of our land trust, helping us build capacity and expand our impact. A perfect example is the 350-acre Granite Mountain project for which we are being awarded a Transaction Grant this year. This funding will enable Hudson Highlands Land Trust to create public access and permanently protect lands that provide clean drinking water to the City of Peekskill and Town of Cortlandt."The EPF-funded grants also support green infrastructure, urban trails and community garden programs administered by Grassroots Gardens of Western New York, Green Guerrillas and Brooklyn-Queens Land Trust in New York City, and Capital Roots (formerly Capital District Community Gardens) in Albany/Troy.Additionally, the grants will assist organizations that are committing to the accreditation process over the next three years, contributing to the Alliance's goal of reaching 40 nationally accredited land trusts in New York by 2020. This year's grantees include 29 accredited land trusts: Agricultural Stewardship Association, Champlain Area Trails, Columbia Land Conservancy, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Finger Lakes Land Trust, Genesee Land Trust, Genesee Valley Conservancy, Hudson Highlands Land Trust and Indian River Lakes Conservancy. Lake George Land Conservancy, Mianus River Gorge, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Mohonk Preserve, North Shore Land Alliance, Open Space Institute, Orange County Land Trust, Otsego Land Trust, Rensselaer Land Trust, Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy, Saratoga P.L.A.N., Scenic Hudson, The Nature Conservancy, Thousand Islands Land Trust, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, Wallkill Valley Land Trust, Westchester Land Trust, Western New York Land Conservancy, and Winnakee Land Trust.For a summary of this round of grant awards and awardee directory, please visit the New York State Conservation Partnership Program web page on DEC's website.The $1.8 million was awarded by region as follows:
- Western New York /Finger Lakes/Southern Tier: 13 awards totaling $365,900
- Central New York/Mohawk Valley: 6 awards totaling $145,440
- North Country: 12 awards totaling $219,950
- Capital District: 14 awards totaling $448,600
- Mid-Hudson: 18 awards totaling $444,700
- New York City: 4 awards totaling $117,300
- Long Island: 2 awards totaling $68,000
Since the program's inception in 2002, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded over 750 grants totaling $14.9 million in EPF funds to 87 different land trust organizations across the state. The state's investment has leveraged over $17 million in additional funding from local communities and private donors.The 2017-18 State Budget includes $300 million for the EPF, sustaining the increase from last year that elevated EPF funding to the highest level ever. The funding will support state land stewardship, agriculture programs, invasive species prevention and eradication, water quality improvement, municipal recycling and an aggressive environmental justice agenda. Further, this funding level will establish new programs to help communities adapt to climate change through resiliency planning and capital projects, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions outside of the power sector. Additional resources to support land acquisition to safeguard water quality were included in the landmark $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act in the 2017-18 Budget, as well.Recent research underscores how New York's investment in land conservation and open space boosts property values, supports local businesses, saves taxpayer dollars and protects public health. A study by the Trust for Public Land found that every dollar of investment from New York's Environmental Protection Fund generates $7 in total economic benefits from tourism, reduced government costs and public health.The EPF grants announced today will support local efforts that contribute substantially to the Mid-Hudson Valley region's agricultural sector and tourism economy by helping to preserve and expand public access to trails and other popular recreation areas. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in New York directly supports 305,000 jobs across the state, generating $15 billion in wages and tax revenue.