Conserving Land • Protecting Resources
Since 1987
 

As of January 1, 2024, the Rensselaer Land Trust has merged with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. For all questions regarding donations, events, land, or other matters, please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org or call 518-712-9211. For questions about the merger, use extension 101 to speak with Jim Bonesteel. You can expect a new name and logo for our merged organization by Spring / Summer 2024 and a new website by the end of the year!

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Ingalls ribbon cutting-
Senator Kathleen Marchione and County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino join Rensselaer Land Trust and supporters at the Robert Ingalls Preserve in Stephentown for the ribbon cutting ceremony in memory of Robert Ingalls.

On Saturday, July 20, 2013 more than 30 community members gathered at Rensselaer Land Trust's Robert Ingalls Preserve in Stephentown for an official ribbon cutting ceremony in memory of Robert Ingalls.

During the ceremony, Christine Young, Rensselaer Land Trust's Executive Director, reflected on Robert Ingalls' years of dedication to the land trust as Vice-President and a long-time board member who served on multiple committees to aid in the land trust's success. "He touched the lives of many us through his generous and humble spirit and extensive knowledge of plants and the land of the region "he is greatly missed," said Ms. Young.

Nick Conrad, Rensselaer Land Trust's President, spoke about the Robert Ingalls Preserve's history and plans for the future. Ingalls Preserve is a permanently protected 30-acre property, which was donated to Rensselaer Land Trust in November 2009 by New York City resident Mrs. Barbara Goldberg. The land came to the land trust littered with heaps of trash, tires, and couches. It took several work days and many hands of dedicated volunteers to get the land cleaned-up. Each year there will be an annual clean-up workday to keep the preserve pristine for the natural habitat and visitors. Recently there was a one-mile loop trail cleared and marked, with plans to expand the trail system in the future. Last fall a small parking area was installed and this past spring an informational kiosk was built by dedicated volunteers. The preserve is now open to the public for hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and birding. Conrad explained that Black Brook, a native brook trout spawning stream, flows through the preserve's scenic ravine, which is located on the Rensselaer Plateau, one of Rensselaer Land Trust's priority areas for land conservation in Rensselaer County.

Senator Kathleen Marchione and County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino attended the heartfelt ceremony in support of Rensselaer Land Trust's work to conserve open space and natural habitat in Rensselaer County. Each addressed the crowd sharing their enthusiasm for preserving green space in Rensselaer County. County Executive Jimino commented on the importance of and need for green space that is open to the public in Rensselaer County and she is thankful that Rensselaer Land Trust is making this possible through their work.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rensselaer Land Trust presented Naomi Ingalls, Robert Ingall's wife, with a small token of one of the Preserve's survey markers mounted on beautiful slab of wood that was cut into the shape of Rensselaer County. Sally Ingalls, Robert Ingall's mother, did the honors and cut the ribbon, inviting attendees down the trail to the serene Black Brook, where a bench inscribed "Look Deep into Nature" has been installed. The bench, made of recycled soda bottles, is a generous gift of Jean and Bob Poppei, long-time friends of the Ingalls family, and is an ideal way to remember Robert Ingalls.

Rensselaer Land Trust encourages the public to get out and enjoy this beautiful piece of Rensselaer County, located at the intersection of Horse Heaven and Garfield Nassau Road.