NYS Free fishing day! Lead by Frank Cuttone.  This workshop sold out last year, so we are repeating it!  Waders and equipment provided. Limited to 10 women.  Must be in good physical condition. Co-sponsored with Trout Unlimited. 

Fee: $10 or $5 to Rensselaer Land Trust and Trout Unlimited members. 

Register HERE

Or e-mail Frank Cuttone or (518) 279-1521.

Fishing spot and start time will be determined by water conditions the week of the workshop.

We will hike the entire 37 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail in six separate trips over several months. This beautiful ridge-top trail winds through NY, MA, and a corner of VT, from near New Lebanon to North Petersburg, passing by the renowned Snow Hole and over Rensselaer County’s highest peak. With about 7000 feet each of cumulative ascent and cumulative descent, views include the Little Hoosick Valley and Mount Greylock. Join us for one, some, or all of the sections. Those who complete the entire trail (with us and/or on their own), can receive a patch from the Taconic Hiking Club.

$5 donation per hike. Please register with listed contact. All hikes have long steep uphill and/or downhill sections over rocky ground.

Part III: Sat., July 15 • 9:00 a.m.
Robinson Hollow in Stephentown to Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain (7 miles).
Register: Peter Wood: 518-378-1361

The Robinson Hollow access will be the starting point for our third leg on the Crest Trail, along aptly named Misery Mountain. Lots of elevation change here, on a less well known section of the trail. We’ll end by descending into amazing Mattison Hollow.

Part IV: Sat., August 12 • 9:00 a.m.
Mattison Hollow in Cherry Plain to Southeast Hollow in Berlin (7.2 miles).
Register: Peter Wood: 518-378-1361

We’ll start up Mattison Hollow, now threatened by logging, past towering hemlocks and white pines, brooks and waterfalls, and access the Crest Trail after an incredibly steep climb. Here the Crest Trail follows a narrower ridge, where at times you can see into valleys east and west. We’ll hike through a magical conifer forest and descend into beautiful Southeast Hollow.

Part V: Sat., September 9 • 9:00 a.m.
Petersburg Pass in Petersburg to Southeast Hollow in Berlin (7.3 miles).
Register: e-mail Michael Jensen

Going north to south this time in order to start at Petersburg Pass’ higher elevation, the trail has some steep ascents on the way to the summit of Berlin Mountain, at 2,818 feet New York’s tallest peak outside of the Adirondacks and Catskills. Then through an uncommon spruce-fir forest and over some minor summits, and down Southeast Hollow.

Part VI: Sat., October 14 • 9:00 a.m.
Petersburg Pass to north end in N Petersburg (7.9 miles)
Register: e-mail Nick Conrad

The Snow Hole, a deep crevice where snow and ice last well into the summer, is the highlight of this section. Also long views to the west and to the east into Vermont, white quartz, and a short stretch in Vermont, finishing with a long, steep descent to the north trailhead along Route 346.

Join Rensselaer County Historical Society and Rensselaer Land Trust in a History Walk through Troy.  Kathryn Sheehan, Registrar and Rensselaer County & City of Troy Historian will lead us from the Hudson River to the Poesten Kill covering almost three centuries of changes in the landscape of Troy.  We will meet at the Rensselaer County Historical Society located at 57 Second Street in Troy. Wear comfortable shoes and bring something to drink. 

$20 per person. 

Register HERE

Limited space.

We will hike the entire 37 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail in six separate trips over several months. This beautiful ridge-top trail winds through NY, MA, and a corner of VT, from near New Lebanon to North Petersburg, passing by the renowned Snow Hole and over Rensselaer County’s highest peak. With about 7000 feet each of cumulative ascent and cumulative descent, views include the Little Hoosick Valley and Mount Greylock. Join us for one, some, or all of the sections. Those who complete the entire trail (with us and/or on their own), can receive a patch from the Taconic Hiking Club.

$5 donation per hike. Please register with listed contact. All hikes have long steep uphill and/or downhill sections over rocky ground.

Part V: Sat., September 9 • 9:00 a.m.
Petersburg Pass in Petersburg to Southeast Hollow in Berlin (7.3 miles).
Register: e-mail Michael Jensen

Going north to south this time in order to start at Petersburg Pass’ higher elevation, the trail has some steep ascents on the way to the summit of Berlin Mountain, at 2,818 feet New York’s tallest peak outside of the Adirondacks and Catskills. Then through an uncommon spruce-fir forest and over some minor summits, and down Southeast Hollow.

Part VI: Sat., October 14 • 9:00 a.m.
Petersburg Pass to north end in N Petersburg (7.9 miles)
Register: e-mail Nick Conrad

The Snow Hole, a deep crevice where snow and ice last well into the summer, is the highlight of this section. Also long views to the west and to the east into Vermont, white quartz, and a short stretch in Vermont, finishing with a long, steep descent to the north trailhead along Route 346.

Join professional photographer and filmmaker John Bulmer on a casual hike through the Staalesen Preserve. This will be an opportunity to explore and photograph at the peak of fall foliage season. Attendees will receive instruction on camera settings, techniques and composition to maximize the fall colors. A DSLR or other camera with manual settings is suggested. Tripods optional.

$10 donation collected day of the outing.

To register online click HERE.

To register by phone call (518) 674-2669 or e-mail  Sally Lawrence

Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) have teamed up to share opportunities for you to unplug, connect with nature, and experience what Rensselaer County has to offer. Join us!

Learn how to identify, report, and remove invasive species right here in Troy!  We will be working to improve and beautify one of the hidden gems of our area. We will be led by Spencer Barrett a Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator with Capital-Mohawk PRISM.

Wear old clothes and boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. You will also have a chance to see changes made by beavers at the preserve, when they came and when they left. Come for as long as you can!

Questions? E-mail Joe Durkin

More about RLT's Staalesen Preserve: includes 24 acres of fields, woods, and wetlands, and is bordered on one side by the Wynants Kill. Part of the Preserve has an open park?like feel due to its history of human activity and recent municipal infrastructure improvements. The remainder of the Preserve has more natural habitats, including floodplain (streamside) forest and a marsh with a beaver dam. The preserve provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey, and belted kingfisher.

A network of walking paths allows visitors to walk, snowshoe, cross country ski, bird, and just enjoy the scenery. One path passes through a streamside forest of cottonwood and silver maple on its way to the shore of the Wynants Kill, at a spot good for fishing and creek walking.

Learn more anout Staalesen Preserve HERE.

Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) have teamed up to share opportunities for you to unplug, connect with nature, and experience what Rensselaer County has to offer. Join us!

Join us at RPA's Poestenkill Community Forest as we check out vernal pools for different types of amphibian eggs, look for mating wood frogs, and other early amphibian breeding sites. Turn over some logs and stones to find those evasive salamanders. Amphibians make up a larger mass than all the mammals in forested areas. Get to know your locals!

Wear rubber boots or sneakers you don’t mind getting very wet.

Children welcomed. $5 suggested donation collected day of the event.

To preregister contact: Jeff Briggs (518) 283-1926 or E-mail

Learn more about Poestenkill Community Forest by clicking HERE.

Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) have teamed up to share opportunities for you to unplug, connect with nature, and experience what Rensselaer County has to offer. Join us!

Take an early morning walk with Mary Batcheller, local birding expert, at the RLT Staalesen Preserve in Troy!  Learn to identify both the calls and the sight of our common forest birds. No birding experience is necessary. This new knowledge will make every walk in the woods richer. We'll meet early to experience the most birds. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a bird field guide, if available.

Donation $5 collected day of the outing.

RSVP: Registration/weather contact: Francille Egbert 518-674-3214 or E-mail

More about Staalesen Preserve:
The Staalesen Preserve includes 24 acres of fields, woods, and wetlands, and is bordered on one side by the Wynants Kill. Part of the Preserve has an open park?like feel due to its history of human activity and recent municipal infrastructure improvements. The remainder of the Preserve has more natural habitats, including floodplain (streamside) forest and a marsh with a beaver dam. The preserve provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey, and belted kingfisher. Read more HERE.

After-Work Walks and Rides

Take your evening commute to the outdoors! Our After Work Walks on Thursday evenings are short, family-friendly walks and activities that will introduce you to the special places in Rensselaer County protected by RLT and RPA. The After Work Mountain Bike Rides on Tuesdays will be easy rides suitable for families and beginners. Co-sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) Join us!

All walks and rides will start at 6 pm, or 6:45 as noted, are free, and do not require pre-registration. Bring water and proper gear for the weather, and flashlights for sunset and night walks, and follow precautions regarding ticks; snacks and insect repellant optional.

After Work Walks – Thursdays at 6 pm unless otherwise noted.

May 31, 6:45 – Evening Birdsong at Albert Family Community Forest

We will walk through some forested and open areas, and near the brook and wetlands, and perhaps sit silently and listen, hoping to hear migratory songbirds doing their act in the hour before the sun sets. If you have a folding sling chair, bring it. Email questions to leader: Peter Wood

Albert Family Community Forest is at the end of Hayes Road, off of NY Route 66 in East Nassau; for more info, click here.  

UPCOMING WALKS

Upcoming:

June 28 – Kinderhook Creek Preserve, East Nassau – Beautiful woods and river; bring a picnic lunch, watch the sunset from the ridge.

July 5 –  Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve, Troy – Undeveloped oasis in City of Troy, trails along Wynants Kill and beaver marsh

July 12 – Robert Ingalls Preserve, Stephentown – Idyllic stream and forest setting along Black Brook

July 19 – Lt. Col. Gundrum Parcel, Berlin – Explore pond, woods, blueberry stands

July 26, 6:45 – Albert Family Community Forest, Stephentown – Watch the rising (almost) full moon at dusk; bring flashlights.

August 2 – Poestenkill Community Forest – Woods trails, historic impressive stone walls

August 9 – Grafton Forest, Grafton – Spectacular views

August 16 – Chestnut Hill – American chestnut restoration

August 23 – Poestenkill Community Forest – Where is the water in the woods?

After Work Mountain Bike Rides – Tuesdays at 6 pm.

June 5 –  Poestenkill Community Forest

June 19 – Grafton Forest, Grafton

July 10 –  Grafton Lakes State Park, Mill Pond

After-Work Walks and Rides

Take your evening commute to the outdoors! Our After Work Walks on Thursday evenings are short, family-friendly walks and activities that will introduce you to the special places in Rensselaer County protected by RLT and RPA. The After Work Mountain Bike Rides on Tuesdays will be easy rides suitable for families and beginners. Co-sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) Join us!

All walks and rides will start at 6 pm, or 6:45 as noted, are free, and do not require pre-registration. Bring water and proper gear for the weather, and flashlights for sunset and night walks, and follow precautions regarding ticks; snacks and insect repellant optional.

After Work Walks – Thursdays at 6 pm unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming:

June 28 – Kinderhook Creek Preserve, East Nassau – Beautiful woods and river; bring a picnic lunch, watch the sunset from the ridge.

July 5 –  Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve, Troy – Undeveloped oasis in City of Troy, trails along Wynants Kill and beaver marsh

July 12 – Robert Ingalls Preserve, Stephentown – Idyllic stream and forest setting along Black Brook

July 19 – Lt. Col. Gundrum Parcel, Berlin – Explore pond, woods, blueberry stands

July 26, 6:45 – Albert Family Community Forest, Stephentown – Watch the rising (almost) full moon at dusk; bring flashlights.

August 2 – Poestenkill Community Forest – Woods trails, historic impressive stone walls

August 9 – Grafton Forest, Grafton – Spectacular views

August 16 – Chestnut Hill – American chestnut restoration

August 23 – Poestenkill Community Forest – Where is the water in the woods?

After Work Mountain Bike Rides – Tuesdays at 6 pm.

June 5 –  Poestenkill Community Forest

June 19 – Grafton Forest, Grafton

July 10 –  Grafton Lakes State Park, Mill Pond