RLT will be hosting a Summer Blueberry Dessert Social for anyone who has donated land or an easement. The event serves as a "thank you" and as an effort to maintain our relationship with these key supporters. The event will take place on August 27.

If you are interested in donating land or an easement to RLT you may contact our office at 518-659-5263.

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.

RLT has a new office! We have moved to 415 River St in Troy 12180 (next to Browns Brewing Company). This location provides greater public exposure and closer to other organizations (and people) that RLT interacts with. We hope to have regular office hours some of which will be manned by volunteers. We are looking for  people who have organizational skills and enjoy doing office work for a few hours per week.

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.