Rensselaer Land Trust's (RLT) Executive Director, John Middlebrooks has retired after four years of spearheading the organization. John had many accomplishments while working for RLT including doubling the amount of protected land holdings, both owned outright and those on which conservation easements are held; leading the organization through national accreditation; negotiating public fishing access and construction of a boat launch and parking area with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for a RLT property along the Hoosic River in Eagle Bridge, New York; working together with Garry Brown of Brown's Brewing to promote RLT's Tomhannock Reservoir conservation efforts through the development of Brown's Tomhannock Pilsner; assisting in an office move, name change and new logo.  Prior to joining RLT, John worked for thirty years for the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation.  He was RLT's first Executive Director and was pivotal in transforming RLT from a small all-volunteer organization to a staffed nationally accredited land trust.  John will continue to work with RLT as an advisor.  Rensselaer Land Trust thanks him for his efforts and wishes him well in the future.

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.

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.