The anticipation of adventure is its own special kind of thrill. Every possibility is open! Your imagination can run wild through different fantasy worlds! You can imagine different versions of yourself! Anything can happen.

It was with this great sense of wonder, openness, and possibility that a group of staff and members of the Board of Trustees convened a team to discuss a vision for the public lands CLC stewards. CLC opened the Greenport property in 1994, followed shortly after by Drowned Lands (Ancram) in 1995. In the three decades since, eight more properties throughout the county have followed. During the visioning process, the team considered the properties as a whole and individually.

Facilitator Julia Solomon of Shadbush Consulting helped the group to answer both big theoretical questions like “Why does CLC own and manage public land?” and more specific
ones about how each individual property could best live up to its potential. This work lays the foundation for developing more specific management plans for each property over the course of the next three years.

The visioning process uncovered shared goals for all of the sites.

Public lands are places where habitats are protected.

Trails and built features minimize impact on sensitive ecosystems and resources are managed actively to keep them healthy in the face of a changing climate.

Public lands are sources of inspiration.

People interested in stewarding land better can come to a CLC property and learn about techniques they can apply at home. Visitors leave feeling more deeply connected with nature, and have a desire to care for land.

Public lands are welcoming and accessible.

People know they exist and are welcome to visit. Trails and amenities are accessible. There are a variety of experiences possible all year.

What will this look like at the individual properties? It depends! The team agreed that not every property was suited to the same management techniques.

Gathering spaces: Where we come together to enjoy nature

The places: Greenport (Hudson), Ooms (Chatham), Overmountain (Ancram)

The vibes: These are CLC’s most-visited properties, frequently hosting educational programs, community events, and workshops. You bring your friends to gathering places when they visit and you want to show them why you love living here. They include more built features, like gazebos and picnic tables. Overmountain has a variety of trails – some that are family-friendly and others that are suitable for more rugged hiking.

Future plans: At Greenport, CLC is seeking funds to expand the Access for All Trail along an existing loop, and connect to the City of Hudson. At Ooms, CLC hopes to increase access to pond with a kayak launch and improved seating. Habitat restoration projects and interpretive signage are planned for all three properties.

Balanced spaces: Where we celebrate all the landscape has to offer

The places: Hand Hollow (New Lebanon), High Falls (Philmont), Schor (Red Rock), Siegel-Kline Kill (Ghent)

The vibes: Every balanced space is a little different. With the exception of High Falls, which is CLC’s most-visited property, you may only see a few people when you visit. Each of these sites is home to multiple land uses. Hand Hollow includes fields, forests, and lakes whose levels rise and fall depending on how busy the beavers have been. High Falls once powered the Village of Philmont, and includes sensitive habitats and rare plants. Schor features hunting, a fishing pond, and a community pavilion. The fields at Siegel-Kline Kill are mowed by a local farmer, while the stream is stocked with trout. Trails are well-maintained, but there are fewer amenities than at Gathering Spaces.

Future plans: CLC plans to install an improved overlook and interpretive signage at High Falls that will allow for more people enjoy the view and connect with the site’s history. Forest management projects are underway at Schor, and a possibility at Hand Hollow. Small interpretive trails focused on plant species are planned for each site.

Tranquil oases: Where we seek solitude and connect with the beauty of the land

The places: Borden’s (Chatham), Drowned Lands Swamp (Ancram), Harris (Austerlitz)

The vibes: Head to a tranquil oasis to escape. You may be the only person on the trails, but you’re likely to share these quiet forests with birds, salamanders, and other wildlife.

Fewer people come to these properties than others. Trails, signage, and built features are limited and rustic in order to protect sensitive habitats. Public programs are held here less frequently, and focus on low-impact activities like birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Future plans: CLC plans to install a small wooden bridge at Harris to address issues with mud and protect seasonal streams along the Salamander Loop.