In 2002 the RLT (then the R-TLC), along with the Environmental Clearing House of Schenectady, published Natural Areas of Rensselaer County New York edited by Glen Martin and written by Claire Schmitt, an R-TLC member, with assistance from R-TLC directors Norton Miller, Jack Keenan, Bill Niemi, and Warren Broderick.

This book describes 35 Natural Areas of Rensselaer County most of which are open to the public for hiking and other recreational activities. Each of these areas includes a description, a computer-generated map, and often a brief history, as well as ownership information and cautions. The book contains numerous historical photographs related to these areas and includes a first-ever Natural History of the County. It also includes a chapter on back roads suitable for leisurely walking.

Here are the areas described in the book:

• Lock 4 Canal Park
• River Road (Schaghticoke)
• Uncle Sam Bikeway
• Oakwood Cemetery
• Prospect Park
• Poestenkill Gorge
• Belden Pond
• Burden Pond Environmental Park
• Hudson Valley Community College Ecology Trail
• Rensselaer Technology Park nature trails
• Papscanee Island Nature Preserve
• East Greenbush Town Park
• Schermerhorn Park
• Castleton [now Schodack] Island State Park
• The Lair Arboretum
• Stewart Preserve
• Cherry Plain State Park
• Berlin State Forest
• Taconic Crest Trail
• Geiser Preserve
• Barberville Falls
• Camp Rotary Scout Reservation
• Tamarac School Wetlands
• Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
• Grafton Elementary School Nature Trail
• Grafton Lakes State Park
• Pittstown State Forest
• Tibbitts State Forest
• Battlefield State Historical Site

You can purchase the Natural Areas book at Market Block Books, 290 River St, Troy NY 12180.

The following pages are sample areas listed in the first edition of Natural Areas of Rensselaer County New York. These areas and new areas as well will be included in the revised edition.