RLT board members recently shared photographic evidence of wildlife in Rensselaer County. The bear tracks were found in the oh-so-persistent snow of the Rensselaer Plateau, the scavenging bald eagle was spotted near Cropseyville, and the barred owl, maybe one of Athena's, was a visitor to the Russell Sage campus in downtown Troy.

Your support helps us preserve habitat for wonderful animals like these. If you, too, are lucky enough to see them, please remember to observe them from a safe distance, for their safety and yours.

One of our board members jokingly credited his luck in wildlife sightings to his involvement with RLT. See our outings and events pages for many enjoyable ways to test his theory!

John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve Established

On Friday, December 23, the Staalesen family donated 23.6 acres in Troy's Vanderheyden neighborhood in honor and memory of the late John B. Staalesen. The Wynantskill Creek flows through the property and it is one of the few natural areas remaining in the City of Troy. We are thrilled to own this new preserve and will be preparing it for the public in 2012! Read more about the John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve that your support has helped make possible.