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!
Recent News
Recent News
On December 18, 2012, the Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) received 54 acres of significant wetlands in the Town of Nassau from the National Audubon Society. Part of Pine Swamp, an extensive marsh and swamp complex adjacent to Smith Pond, the property contains wildlife habitat and supports unusual plant species for Rensselaer County. Located off of Lyons Lake Road, the property will remain a nature preserve, with public access for environmental studies and natural history outings.
"After a full evaluation, RLT's Board of Directors determined that this untouched property fell within our mission of watershed protection and conservation of ecologically important natural areas," said RLT Executive Director Christine Young.
These were the opening words of Sean Rowe as he led twenty-five people on a foraging outing at the East Greenbush Town Park on Saturday May 10. The first activity of the morning was to a taste a wild mustard pesto made with butternuts-Yum! Using a traditional digging stick, Sean explained what parts of various plants were edible, when the best time of year to harvest them is, and key identifying characteristics. Just as importantly, he pointed out what not to pick and why. In a free-ranging discussion that included forays into the philosophy of foraging, traditional uses for various plants, whether the "float test" for the goodness of nuts was valid, and the logistics and methods of turning red oak acorns into gluten-free flour, the afternoon adventure was a source of inspiration and laughter. As Sean noted, while knowing some botany is very helpful, the main difference between botanists and foragers is that "foragers have more fun."
For those of you who missed this workshop, Sean has agreed to an encore performance. By being on this e-Blast list, you will be the first to find out when!
On Silvernail Farm
The light, shadows soften
In the trees, purple gray cast
To the clouds. Lawn and fields,
Flowers and gardens, barn and
Tractor, it's a lovely place to be.
Years ago: a clear sky
Gusts of wind taking up limbs
Of trees tossing, bouncing
Leaves awry dropping them, still,
Quiet, in twilight now small birds sing.
How the night comes on, holds me
Soft. Wind sounds soothe my soul
Stroke my skin, can I begin
Again? Feel the embrace
Of time and place and being
Still, and bring my heart what it wants most.
RENSSELAER LAND TRUST RECEIVES $5,000 RBC BLUE WATER PROJECT GRANT
Rensselaer Land Trust has received a $5,000 grant from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in support its RBC Blue Water Project.
Chosen as a grant recipient for its shared commitment to protect watersheds, Rensselaer Land Trust will use the $5,000 grant to increase watershed awareness by developing an online interactive map of Rensselaer County's watersheds, water districts and water sources.
The RBC Blue Water Project is a wide-ranging, multi-year program to help foster a culture of water stewardship. Since lack of access to clean water is considered to be one of the major threats to human health and economic development around the world, RBC is working to create a "blue water future" of sustainable water resources worldwide. The first phase of the RBC Blue Water Project is a grant program of $50 million over ten years.
"We will make information on water sources easily available to anyone with internet access, increasing awareness about the importance of water resources and how to keep water clean," Nick Conrad, President of Rensselaer Land Trust, said. "We could not accomplish our mission without the support of companies like RBC who share in our beliefs about the value of protecting nature's most precious resource."
(Water photos copyright Trix Niernberger)
Rensselaer Land Trust
PO Box 790
Averill Park, NY 12018
RLT@rensselaerplateau.org
(518) 712-9211
Show your support for the Rensselaer Land Trust through your annual membership or a donation.
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The Rensselaer Land Trust is a member of the Land Trust Alliance.