2009 Outings and Events
Tuesday, 07 April 2009 07:29
Welcome to Rensselaer Land Trust's 2009 Outings and Events!
RLT programs range from indoor presentations to leisurely strolls to more strenuous hikes with a variety of terrain and difficulty levels. Please choose outings based on your and your party's physical ability and comfort. We make every effort to accurately describe the difficulty level of each outing, but it is still a subjective description. We recommend that for outdoor events you dress appropriately for all weather and trail conditions, and wear long pants and hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes. Always carry adequate water and food. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact the listed trip leader.
Sunday, July 26 9 am Snow Hole
The Snow Hole, a favorite destination of hikers along the Taconic Crest Trail, is a deep crevice where snow and ice can be found year-round. We will hike the Taconic Crest Trail from Petersburg Pass to get to the Snow Hole, passing views to the west and white quartz rocks. The hike is 6 miles round trip, but relatively easy walking with little ascent except a very short steep hill right at the start (wear hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes and a hat).
Meet at the parking area at the top of Petersburg Pass on NY Route 2 in Petersburg, east of Route 22 and just before the border with Massachusetts. RLT leader is Sharon Bonk. For further information, contact: July 16 or earlier -- Sharon at (518) 674-0042 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; July 17 or later -- Nick Conrad at (518) 279-1963 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Bring a lunch to eat at the Snow Hole, at least a quart or liter of water, and dress for the weather.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!
Do you know of a scenic or natural spot in Rensselaer County that would make a good location for a hike? Are you interested in helping to plan and lead a hike or other outing? RLT's Outings Committee welcomes all of your ideas for future hikes and outings, and we welcome volunteers to help us plan and lead them. Please contact Nick Conrad at 279-1963.
Earlier 2009 Outings
Sunday, April 26 9:30 am Waterfalls along the Wynantskill
Saturday, May 16 9 am New Trail in the Capital District Wildlife Management Area
Sunday, May 17 7 am - Birding 10 am - Brunch and Presentation on the NYS Breeding Bird Atlas at the Grafton Inn followed by Birding at Dyken Pond
Saturday, May 30 9 am Spring Wildflowers at the Geiser Preserveatest updates to this schedule.
RLT Protects two more properties
Wednesday, 10 June 2009 09:33
Two more properties in southern Rensselaer County are protected. Alice LeBlanc of Manhattan, has placed a conservation easement on her 76 acre parcel off Calvin Cole Rd in Stephentown. This property borders Randall Brook and is surrounded undeveloped land, some of which she hopes to purchase and add to the easement. It has wetland, forest, and open areas, and a historic cemetery. The second property is a 154 acre parcel of Mashodack Rd in Nassau owned by the Simonsons. It consists of rolling fields and pastures, some forested areas, and has a spring fed pond.
President's Message
Friday, 19 June 2009 00:00
Welcome!
The Rensselaer Land Trust is a not-for-profit land trust dedicated to the preservation of open space in Rensselaer County, especially land that acts as a buffer to sources of drinking water, areas that serve as natural habitat for wildlife, and land that has prime agricultural soils. The RLT is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a half-time executive director.
The RLT encourages voluntary land protection on the part of landowners and intelligent land use decisions on the part of communities in Rensselaer County. The RLT helps landowners preserve their property through conservation easements. The RLT also provides information to local governments, organizations and developers about land use issues and natural resources. The Rensselaer Land Trust organizes a variety of programs and produces publications to inform the public about the many great resources inherent to Rensselaer County. Its popular outings program takes the public on hikes, canoe trips, visits to historical locations and other areas of interest. It publishes a guide called Natural Areas of Rensselaer County, New York which highlights many special locations in the county with maps and some historical aspects of the area. These are just a few of the many activities where the RLT is involved. If you would like to be on our email list (or mail-list for that matter) visit www.renstrust.org or call and leave your address on our answering machine (659-LAND). Please contact us if you would like more information about anything mentioned or if you would like to get involved in helping the RLT protect those resources that makes Rensselaer County a great place to live in.
Thank you for your interest in the Rensselaer Land Trust! Hope that you can join us.
Bill Niemi
President
