Nearly 1,000 visitors arrive throughout the day to enjoy ongoing activities including guided walks, live reptile and amphibian presentations, art projects for kids, composting demonstrations, and a peregrine falcon flying demonstration by Dr. Heinz Meng.
Photo: Research Associate Roland Bahret presenting a live reptile program at the 1990 Earth Day celebration from the Mohonk Preserve archives
As a leading member of SRBP, the Preserve strives to build greater community awareness about the shared natural, recreational, scenic, and cultural resources of the area. The SRBP, founded in 1994, is composed of non-profit and public agencies dedicated to protecting sensitive habitat and other natural resources of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Photo: View of the Shawangunk Ridge from Butterville Road, New Paltz, NY
Over 400 climbers attend and Mohonk Preserve and Access Fund board members discuss mutual concerns about climbing practices and policies. In 1989, the Preserve Board adopted a Statement of Policy about climbing addressing issues of access, facilities, and environmental protection.
Photo: Visitor climbing at the Trapps, circa early 1990s from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Hawk Watch participants count a total of 1,145 Broadwings with 451 passing overhead in a single peak hour, setting the record up to this date. The standing record for the Hawk Watch is set five years later on September 16, 1989 with a count of 5,361 Broadwings. The Hawk Watch, officially established in 1974 by Research Associate Dr. Heinz Meng and Dan Smiley, is a vital program for observing the migration of birds over the Shawangunks and collecting important research data.
Photo:Red-tailed Hawk in flight by David Johnson
This parcel, now known as the Mohonk Preserve Foothills, includes the Testimonial Gateway tower, circa 1907, which served as the entrance to Mohonk Mountain House until 1945; Humpo Marsh, an important wildlife viewing and migratory bird area; and the historic Kleinekill Farm.
Photo: Testimonial Gateway by Michael Neil O’Donnell
This parking area eliminates the need for on-road parking at the Trapps, the most frequently used Preserve trailhead. The parking site chosen is an abandoned stretch of the Old Wawarsing Turnpike providing reasonably level terrain with no loss of mature trees. Before work is begun, much of the shrubbery is temporarily relocated for future plantings around the perimeter.
Photo: Dedication ceremony for the West Trapps Parking area from the Mohonk Preserve archives
Preserve Stewardship staff and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation complete a state-of-the-art plan and guidance manual for the restoration of the carriage road network in the Shawangunks.
Photo: Shawangunk carriage road by John Mizel
The Preserve joins forces with the Resource Center for Accessible Living to present the Hudson Valley Accessible Parks and Nature Centers Workshop, providing accessibility training and planning to 25 regional agencies and organizations.
Photo: Director of Education Kathy Ambrosini leading a workshop presentation by Kim Tischler
The William R. Ginsberg Conservation Fund for land acquisition and protection is established in honor of leading environmental attorney and Preserve Counsel Bill Ginsberg who was instrumental in the landmark Court of Appeals ruling granting tax exempt status for the Trust.
Photo: William R. Ginsberg, Esq. by Marlis Momber
Preserve rangers establish the “How Did the Rope Get Up There?” public education program to introduce visitors to the rich tradition of climbing in the Gunks.
Photo: Ranger Frank Tkac leading an interpretive climbing program at the Trapps from the Mohonk Preserve archives
WEATHER UPDATE: Click here to see current weather conditions from our NYS Mesonet station at Spring Farm. PEREGRINE BREEDING SEASON: Updated April 20, 2024 – Click here for more information.