Forestry and planting work continue
High Falls has gotten a glow up! CLC is excited to share progress on two projects underway at the Philmont property to enhance the site’s habitats and the visitor experience.
The construction of a new deck at the area overlooking High Falls is now complete! The Levy Lookout overlook deck was created by builder/designer Lukas Schwartz and his team, with support from Build Hudson. Shanti Nagel of Design Wild has designed seating and landscaping to expand the Levy Lookout space and remedy the hillside erosion. We have local architect Brian Shea to thank for some early designs and inspirations.
Much of the overlook was constructed using black locust harvested on site during an ecological restoration project to create a healthier forest. Black locust is a naturally rot-resistant material that has a longer life than pressure-treated material.
The Levy Lookout is named in honor of current member of CLC’s Board of Trustees Mark Levy. Mark is a long-time resident of Hillsdale and served as CLC’s Board Chair from 2014-2021. Mark is committed to creating access to nature for everyone in Columbia County and High Falls is one of his favorite places to take family and friends.
“CLC is so grateful for Mark’s years of dedication and vision, and is excited to honor him in this way,” says Troy Weldy, President. “The Levy Lookout is a testament to Mark’s impact on conservation in Columbia County.”
CLC completed a timber harvest earlier this year as part of an ecological restoration project to create a healthier forest. Local loggers harvested black locust and other invasive plants were removed along the Locust Lane trail as the first step of the project. The project’s next steps include planting about 8,000 trees and shrubs and creating a structure to keep the local deer population from eating all of the new vegetation. More information, including opportunities to volunteer for the project will be available soon!
