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.
Earth Day Celebration - April 22
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Earth Day Celebration8:00 am to Noon on Saturday, April 22nd
8:00 am: At the Pavilion at Camp Saratoga SouthCheck out our table top displays and register for the 5k Stryders run/walk.8:30 am:Saratoga Stryders Saturday Morning 5k Fun Fitness Run/WalkLonger run or walk geared for all ages.9:00 am:Family One-Mile Walk Fitness Walk at Camp Saratoga NorthThis is a shorter walk, geared towards families with younger children. It will be led by Linda Hovious, fitness instructor at the Saratoga YMCA.10:00 am:Volunteer Habitat Conservation Project at Camp SaratogaHelp the Endangered Karner blue butterflies on Earth Day! Help to make the habitat better for the wild blue lupine, the plant that the endangered butterflies depends on for its survival. Geared towards all ages.10:00 am – noonPond Life Exploration; nature craft; nature displays, Fire Tower Open11:00 am:Nature Scavenger Hunt at Camp Saratoga NorthAre you a good and observant nature detective? See how well you can do on a spring scavenger hunt!11:00 am:Wellness Walk at Camp Saratoga SouthThis is a longer walk is geared toward people with a moderate fitness level. It will be led by Linda Hovious, fitness instructor at the Saratoga YMCA.We are finishing up at noon so that people can leave in time to attend the Earth Day March for Science in Albany.
Astronomy Party Rescheduled to April 29th due to Bad Weather
It is hard to be an astronomer!So often there is disappointment when long awaited events are blocked by clouds.The Hubble telescope marked the first time in human history when weather would not get in the way of astronomers looking to view the sky.So we need to be stoic and think about all of the astronomers who have come before us, who missed seeing the comet, the eclipse, the meteor shower, etc., etc.Thank you for your interest in the Astronomy Party that was scheduled for March 31 with a rain date of April 1, we have rescheduled it to Saturday, April 29th. Please call 450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register.
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Rental this weekend - March 18 and 19!
When life gives you an amazing March snowstorm, you get out and enjoy it!We will be renting snowshoes on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10:00 am in the cabin by Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road.Rentals are $5.00 each or free if you are a member of the Preserve & Park.
3/15/2017 Trail Update and Grooming Report
Thank you winter storm Stella! We have well over a foot of lovely soft powder snow here at the Preserve & Park.The trails at Camp Saratoga are being rolled today, this will be the final grooming of the season based on our stewardship agreement with NYS DEC.With colder temperatures forecast through the weekend and even the chance for a little more snow on Saturday, don't miss the chance to get out and enjoy the winter a little longer!
Frog Watch Training on Monday, March 13th
FrogWatch USA Volunteer Training Session to be held at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & ParkOn Monday March 13th Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding a training session for people who are interested in becoming FrogWatch USA™ Volunteers. FrogWatch USA™ is a frog and toad volunteer monitoring program with over ten years of data collection on record. It is a great opportunity for volunteers get involved in their community to collect and report information about wetlands and frog and toad populations in the United States and to be a part of a nationwide program where participants learn and practice science and develop a closer relationship with the natural environment. Frogs and toads are important - and are in trouble!Frogs and toads are both predators in prey in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. They directly benefit humans by eating insects that can be pests and transmit diseases and are sensitive to changes in their environment and are indicators of problems that can affect human health.Many previously abundant populations have experienced dramatic population declines - inthe United States and around the world. It is essential that we understand the scope, scale,and cause of these declines. Anyone can volunteer and you do not have to be a frog or toad expert to make an important contribution. All you need an interest in learning about frogs and toads, the commitment to learn and identify their distinct calls, and the ability to make several evening visits to a local wetland.The training session will take place starting at 6:00 pm and run until 8:00 pm at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Office at 80 Scout Road in Gansevoort. Registration is required so that there are materials for the registrants. For more information or to register for the program, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. If you are unable to attend the training but would still like to participate please call or email for information on doing a self-training program. 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.
2/22/2017 Trail Report
While the warm weather makes it nice to be outside, it has done a number on the trails.In the open areas, like in the meadows, the trails are down to bare ground.Expect spring conditions.
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Rentals - Cancelled until we get more snow!!
We will no longer be renting out cross country skis and snowshoes from 10 am – 3:00 pm at Parking Lot #1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road.Trails are bare and muddy in spots and with the forecast rain, we expect that they will continue to deteriorate.
School Vacation Programs: February 20th - 24th
Looking for something to do during Winter Vacation? Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers “naturally” fun programs with a full week of outdoor programs scheduled. Animal Tracking Hike Monday, February 20, from 11:00am-12:30 pmParticipants will meet at the Saratoga Springs Public Library to learn about animal footprints and get snowshoes. We will walk to Congress Park and look for animal tracks. Registration is limited to 20 families, so register early! Preregistration is required by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. Marshmallow GlaciersTuesday, February 21 from 2:00pm- 3:00 pmParticipants will meet at the Saratoga Springs Public Library to learn the natural history of the Saratoga Sandplains ecosystem, going all the way back to the last ice age! This program will wrap up with a tasty marshmallow model of a real-life glacier. Preregistration is required by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. Skull ScienceWednesday, February 22 from 1:00-2:00 pmat the Park Office at 80 Scout RoadUse animal skulls and furs to discover how different animals have adapted to survive in their habitats. We will be examining animal artifacts during this interactive lesson. This program is best for children ages 8 and up. Preregistration required by February 20th. Owl ProwlsWednesday, February 22 at 6:00 pmat the Park Office at 80 Scout RoadStarting with an indoor presentation, participants will learn about which owls are found in our area. Then we will head outdoors to listen and look for wild owls! Group size is limited and is for ages 5 and up. Preregistration is required by February 20th by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. This program will be offered again at the same time on March 3rd, 8th, and 17th. Winter Nature Scavenger HuntThursday, February 23, from 1:00pm-2:00pmAt Camp Saratoga NorthChildren will learn to use their senses to explore the outdoors during winter by working to complete a nature scavenger hunt. The program is designed for children ages 5 and up. 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. Preregistration required by February 22nd. Natural Picture Frame MakingFriday, February 24, from 2:00 pm-3:00 pmJoin us at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park for a great nature craft that can be done during any season! We will use twigs, pine cones, and other materials found in nature to create our picture frames. This program is for children ages 5 and up. Preregistration required by February 23rd.Preregistration is required at least one business day in advance of the program. 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.
2/17/2017 Trail and Grooming Report
With the warming temperatures over the weekend we should have some really nice spring conditions on the trails!Grooming is tricky when the temperatures are above freezing. We will get out and roll the trails as we can as the temperature and conditions allow.We will be renting out cross country skis and snowshoes everyday from Saturday February 18th through Sunday the 26th from 10:00 - 3:00 at Parking Lot #1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road.Get out and enjoy the snow while we still have it!!
2/14/2017 Grooming and Trail Report
It is so nice to have snow!! The trails were rolled today at noontime.We have at least three different user groups for the groomed trails so please be considerate of the other users!Snowshoers - please stay to the middle and left of the trails, try not to walk through and flatten the classic cross country ski tracks on the right side of the trail.Classic skiers - try to stay to the right in the classic tracks.Skate skiers - we try to groom as wide as we are allowed, please have patience with the other trail users.
Grooming and Trail Report: 2/10/2017
The Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe is still cancelled for Saturday night. Based on the conditions and the forecast on Tuesday we had to make a decision based on those conditions. These surprise storms were not in the forecast at all at that time. We are as disappointed as the rest of you are.All of the trails were rolled this morning. The snow is very fluffy and dry with a one inch base on the trails in most areas. There is still ice in some areas under the snow so please continue to use caution.We are expecting a little snow overnight and more significant snow on Sunday.
CANCELLED - No Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe this year
UPDATE Feb 9: : Still cancelled. Storm totals for Gansevoort are predicted to be 1 -2 inches, Saratoga 3 - 6, and Albany 6 - 12. This storm is bigger the further south you are.Enjoy the snow, but we will not be having the event this year.Feb 7: We were really hoping that this storm would be the one!We were hoping that instead of rain and sleet and ice, we would get enough snow to hold our Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe.Unfortunately, the trails are not in any shape to hold this event.There is not enough snow and too much ice, especially after things freeze up later in the week.Here's hoping for some more snow so that other upcoming events can take place.Please check our calendar page for all the other great events that are scheduled for the next months. http://www.wiltonpreserve.org/calendar
Trail Report 2/2/2017
So we were hoping for better winter weather than last year, but so far the snow fairies are not coming our way.As you might expect there are places where the trails are very icy, there are places where there is bare ground, and there are places were there is decent coverage. A real mixed bag!We are encouraging people to wear some kind of traction device like microspikes.We will make a decision about the Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe early next week.
Scouts hold Klondike Derby February 4 and 5
If you come to visit Camp Saratoga this weekend you may be surprised to find it filled with Boy Scouts!! The Twin Rivers Council is holding a Klondike Derby and Wilton Troop 4024 is the host troop. Scouts will be camping out overnight and participating in lots of fun challenges.The trails at Camp Saratoga will be open to the public and parking will be available at Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road. While there will be Road Closed barriers set up on Scout Road, that is just to limit the through traffic on Scout Road. Park users will still be allowed through to go to Parking Lot #1Please be aware that the trail conditions are still icy and we recommend using some kind of traction, like microspikes.
No Weekend Snowshoe or Ski Rentals
With the poor weather and trail conditions, we will be suspending winter rentals until the conditions improve.
1/11/2017 Grooming and Trail Report
Ice Ice Baby!Crazy warm temperatures are melting snow and slicking up the ice on the trails. We will have freezing of all that mess overnight on Thursday.Temperatures are too warm to groom. Things are very very icy. Rain is forecast for Thursday then freezing again overnight and into Friday.Please use caution. Snowshoes or microspikes are highly recommended on the trails.