Preserve is instrumental in placing the Eastern Woodrat on the New York State endangered species list

Dan Smiley writes a letter to the Department of Environmental Conservation expressing concern about the woodrat’s disappearance from the Shawangunks. As a result, New York State declares the Eastern woodrat an endangered species and begins a breeding program.

 

Photo: DEC staff releasing Woodrats on the Preserve as part of a Woodrat study from the Mohonk Preserve Archives

Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House are together officially designated a National Historic Landmark

Landmark designation by the U.S. Department of the Interior is awarded to a building, site, or structure that is officially recognized by the United States government for its national historical significance. The award is designed to recognize and honor the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.

 

Photo: Aerial view of Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House lands by John Hayes

First Junior Naturalist program is offered at the Preserve

The first summer program serves 30 third, fourth, and fifth graders, eventually growing to serve 85 seven to thirteen-year-olds as Camp Peregrine and Mountainside Adventures.

 

Photo: Nature Guide Diana Wilson leading the Junior Naturalists in an outdoor activity from the Mohonk Preserve archives.

Scheuer Land Stewardship Internship is established

Dr. Ed Reppert, Preserve Board Member and Coordinator of Volunteer Trailkeepers, provides the initial funding to establish this internship “to teach young land stewards to consider all parts of nature as a part of the total ecosystem, how all are related to and dependent on one another, and how each relates to humankind.”

 

Photo: First Scheuer Land Stewardship Intern Ariel Dekovic by Hank Alicandri

Preserve Land Management Plan is adopted

Through land management planning, staff and volunteers work together to achieve balance in accommodating visitors while protecting the resources of the Preserve.

 

Photo: Land Management Plan cover