Trails remain open, visitors should be aware
High Falls is getting a glow up! CLC is excited to share two projects that are underway at the Philmont property to enhance the site’s habitats and the visitor experience.
CLC has recently completed a timber harvest at the site as part of an ecological restoration project to create a healthier forest. Local loggers harvested black locust and other invasive trees and shrubs along the Locust Lane trail as the first step of the project. The black locust is being milled on site with most of the material being used to create a viewing platform at High Falls. Additional useful material will be given a second life as infrastructure like kiosks and benches at CLC properties. Black locust is a naturally rot-resistant material that has a longer life than pressure-treated material, without making use of harmful chemicals.
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!
The area overlooking High Falls is getting a makeover this spring and summer. CLC is working with builder/designer Lukas Schwartz, Shanti Nagel of Design Wild, and Build Hudson to re-imagine the viewpoint. We have local architect Brian Shea to thank for some early designs and inspirations.
The team will improve the overlook to add additional seating, extend a platform for viewing the falls, and add native trees and shrubs. Once completed, the area will be known as the Levy Lookout in honor of current long-time 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.”
