Conserving Land • Protecting Resources
Since 1987
 

On January 1, 2024, the Rensselaer Land Trust merged with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. The merged organization is now Hudson Taconic Lands. For all questions regarding donations, events, land, or other matters, please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org or call 518-712-9211. In spring 2025, we will launch a new website for Hudson Taconic Lands.

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2020 Newsletter/2019 Annual Report

Message from the President

bob CrowleyI’ve had the pleasure of serving as RLT President for almost a year and I must say, it has been quite an education in everything from Acquisition of land to running Zoom meetings. While that’s all been interesting, the most remarkable part of representing RLT is continuing to encounter a wider range of people committed to promoting conservation than I had ever imagined existed. Here are some examples of who I’m talking about: the Johnson family who graciously donated our Featherweald Nature Preserve; the Hudson Valley Greenway which RLT aided in developing the Albany Hudson Electric Trail; volunteers who devote every Wednesday to improving trails throughout the county; donors who entrust RLT with their thousands of dollars of financial support; community members who generously donate their weekends for everything from building bridges to painting houses to expanding parking lots; local government officials who see the value in RLT’s work; neighbors who (usually) enjoy and thank us for open spaces we maintain; donors who entrust RLT with fifty dollars of financial support; members of the former Schodack Area Land Trust who have joined forces with RLT and the list could go on and on…but I think you see my point.

Read more: 2020 Newsletter/2019 Annual Report

Rensselaer Land Trust Acquires Palmer Road Preserve from Schodack Area Land Trust

The Rensselaer Land Trust is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Palmer Road Preserve in Schodack, New York from the Schodack Area Land Trust. The 57-acre property was transferred to Rensselaer Land Trust upon the voluntary dissolution of the Schodack Area Land Trust.

Located in a residential community near Miller Road in Schodack, the property features an extensive walking trail system that the Schodack Area Land Trust maintained over many years. The wooded parcel is one of the sources of the Mordener Kill and is home to a diverse collection of plants and animals.

The Palmer Road Preserve will add to RLT’s growing network of neighborhood nature preserves in Rensselaer County. RLT’s goal is to create a diverse collection of publicly accessible properties within a ten-minute drive of everyone in a municipality. These properties will complement existing parks and protected areas and provide places for local residents and visitors to enjoy nature and hopefully inspire them to protect it.

Read more: Rensselaer Land Trust Acquires Palmer Road Preserve from Schodack Area Land Trust

Commitment to Land Conservation During Unprecedented Times

 
Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) Awarded Re-Accreditation Renewal

YOUR LAND TRUST has been awarded re-accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission! With the support of our members, RLT has been able to continue to meet the highest national standards for excellence. In 2008 RLT participated in the Land Trust National Accreditation pilot program and was one of the first thirty-eight land trusts out of over 1,700 in the nation to receive National Accreditation status. This year marks our our third accreditation renewal period – an accomplishment you can be proud of during these challenging times –– Thank you for being our partner in land protection!

The accreditation seal represents RLT's commitment to our community and the land by maintaining fiscal accountability, ethical business practices, strong organizational leadership, and lasting stewardship of the lands we have conserved.

With 33 years of land conservation in Rensselaer County –– we are committed to continuing stewardship of our conservation easements, managing our nature preserves, and safeguarding the natural resources and beauty of Rensselaer County for you and future generations.
 

Public Nature Preserve Updates

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Kinderhook Creek Preserve Parking Updates
In early May 2020 Kinderhook Creek Preserve's parking lot was expanded to accomodate the needs of our community. With the new expanded parking lot we can accomodate approx 15 parking spaces. We remind you that parking along Martha Hicks Road is prohibited. We need to leave adequate room for emergency vehicles to pass by. If you cannot find a parking space, please come back another time – or visit another nature preserve nearby. Our Robert Ingalls Preserve is just 3 1/2 miles away on Garfield Nassau Road. See link below for more information.

Please adhering to the following guidelines while visiting our nature preserves:

  • Maintain a safe social distance during the pandemic.
  • Park only in the designated parking lot. 
  • Observe all no parking signs.
  • When the the parking lot is full, please do not park along the road.
  • If you cannot find a parking space, please come back another time – or visit another nature preserve nearby.
  • Check out other natural areas in the county (see list below)

 

Rensselaer Land Trust Preserves Open to the Public

Geiser Preserve, Sand Lake
Hoosic River Property Canoe and Kayak Launch, Hoosic
John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve, South Troy
Kinderhook Creek Preserve, East Nassau
Robert Ingalls Preserve, Stephentown
Featherweald Nature Preserve, Cambridge, NY

Other Trails to Explore in Rensselaer County

Mud Pond Preserve, Nassau
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton
Poestenkill Community Forest, Poestenkill
Albert Family Community Forest, East Nassau
Chestnut Hill Preserve, Averill Park
Grafton Forest, Grafton
Taconic Ridge State Forest and Taconic Crest Trail
Burden Pond Preserve, Troy
Troy Narrows
Rensselaer Tech Park
Stewart Preserve
Capital District Wildlife Management Area
Tibbetts State Forest
Schodack Island State Park
Papscanee Island Preserve
Peebles Island State Park

 

 Past COVID Communications to the Community

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