August Newsletter 2020
Exploring the region: Long Trail, beaver pond, Stamford VT. Pic by M Waldman
Thousands of Acres Preserved on the Taconic Ridge
New York State has just preserved 5789 additional acres along the Taconic Ridge. The acquisition includes 2446 acres adjoining the Taconic Ridge State Forest (Petersburgh and Stephentown) and 3343 acres adjacent to the Berlin State Forest (Berlin). These acquisitions double the size of the Taconic Ridge State Forest and the Berlin State Forest.
The purchases were made in partnership with The Conservation Fund and used $4.85 million from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.
The added parcels provide more recreational opportunities and potential for new access to the Taconic Crest Trail. It will help protect the water quality of tributaries to the Little Hoosic River, a wild trout stream and source of clean drinking water. The large forest blocks of both the Taconic Ridge as well as the Rensselaer Plateau are core wildlife corridors and, according to the Natural Heritage Program, provide potential refuge for wildlife moving from southern sections or lower elevations in response to climate change.
To read the complete NYS DEC press release click here
Ultra-Runners Enjoy the TCT
Four ultra-runners enjoyed a successful run on the 37+ mile Taconic Crest Trail on a hot day in June. They planned ahead and cached water a few places along the trail before the run. For more of a challenge, they chose to run from north to south, with an elevation of about 9222 feet rather than the more modest 7000+ feet if going in the opposite direction. Starting at 7:30 in the morning, they completed the run in 11.5 hours, with actual running time about 9 hours 49 minutes.
Bill, the contact for the group told me the trail was “awesome”. He posted a complete article about their run on the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC) website. The HMRRC is the Albany areas largest running organization. He highly recommends the trail for running.
Our congratulations to the four runners!
Fall Gathering being planned
Save the date! The THC is planning to hold its first ever Fall Gathering at Grafton Lakes State Park on Saturday September 28, rain date Sunday September 29. The event will be in lieu of a banquet or picnic. We will be meeting near the beach mid-morning, where we will hold a brief, socially distanced, outdoor business meeting. Afterwards, we will break into small groups and enjoy some hiking or paddling. Bring your own water and snacks or lunch.
Final plans, meeting time and registration information will be posted in the September newsletter and posted on the outings page of the website. We expect to offer a few different hike options, such as to the fire tower, around Shaver Pond, etc. You can also bring a kayak and enjoy a paddle or just take a stroll along the lake shore. We are not planning to meet back up as a group after the various length hikes are completed; the Park is not renting pavilions currently.
Guilder Pond, along trail to Mt Everett. pic by S Bonk
View across Hudson to Catskills from Olana, after walking across the bridge. Pic by S Bonk
Fern lined trail at Albert Family Community Forest. pic by M Waldman
OUTINGS and COVID PROTOCOLS:
Yes, we are slowly starting to lead outings again. We will be following social distance protocols. All participants must bring a face covering and agree to use it when closer than 6 feet to another hiker, also bring their own hand sanitizer. We will not be facilitating carpooling, participants are expected to drive themselves to the trail head, except for carpooling by members of a household. Our group size will be smaller than usual to help maintain social distancing. Sharing of food, water or equipment is discouraged. The protocols are posted on the documents page of the website.
OUTINGS
Refer to the THC website outings page for details about the outings and how to register. We will be scheduling on a short-term basis rather than seasonally, so check the website periodically.
Monday, August 3: Margaret Lindley Park and Trails, Williamstown (MA) C
Friday, August 7: Second Pond at Grafton State Park, Paddle: C
Wednesday, August 19: Taconic Crest / Sarah Tenney Loop: B
Wednesday, August 26: Moreau Lake State Park: B
Friday, August 28: Hand Hollow, New Lebanon: C
Sunday Aug 30: Biking – Brookfield Trail System: B
Mt Everett State Forest, MA. pic by P Grogan