Volunteer Vibes
Volunteers play many crucial roles at the Preserve. They maintain trails, welcome visitors, conduct research, educate youth groups, support special events, beautify our gardens, capture breathtaking photography, and much more, contributing their time, talents, and thousands of volunteer hours annually.
Volunteer Vibes is a collection of interviews from our amazing volunteers so that we can all learn who they are and why they do what they do for the Preserve. Let’s meet our volunteers!
John Schrenk
Volunteer Photographer
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
I started as an Interpretive Guide and Trailhead Ambassador, and I absolutely loved it. Last year, I added Backcountry Patrol and helped the Invasive Species team study the Southern Pine Beetle migration. I also enjoy helping with the Preserve’s fundraisers such as Rock The Ridge, Pfalz Point Trail Challenge, and the Shawangunk Grit Bicycle events each year.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am so proud of the Preserve’s action on invasive species threats. For example, if we can stop the Southern Pine Beetle from destroying those beautiful Pitch Pines on Milbrook Ridge and the Crag and allow future generations to see them, I would consider that a job well done.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
My absolute favorite place in the Mohonk Preserve is Eagle Cliff via the Eagle Cliff Scramble. It is a day hike from any of the Preserve’s trailheads and affords amazing views of Trapps, Smiley Tower, Mohonk Lake, and the Mountain House. And, if you go on a windy day, especially in the Spring or Fall, the thermal soaring raptors will put on a show for you.
Tara Siudy
Volunteer Photographer
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
I am a volunteer photographer at the Preserve. There is so much beauty (and action) to capture at the Preserve. I do occasionally find myself assisting my trail-maintainer husband, Mike Siudy, with the upkeep of his assigned trails.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I get excited when I can photograph athletic events at the Preserve. It is inspiring and satisfying to be able to capture event participants on their journeys. Whether it be running in a race or riding in a bike event, photographing smiles and waves as people zoom past is what I like to capture. It is AWESOME to be able to snap a photo when people cross the finish line. I am so glad to be able to provide these participants with these moments.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
My favorite place on the preserve has got to be Bonticou Crag. It is such a great trail, and nothing beats the sunset while on the top. Oftentimes there are either crows or vultures roosting on the crag. I LOVE to watch the birds enjoying the view as much as I do.
Ralph Durham
Special Events and Community Science Programs (Phenology, Climate Tracking, StreamWatch and Invasive Species) Volunteer
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
I began volunteering with the Community Science Programs starting with Phenology (I am now in my ninth year) and then explored Climate Tracking, Stream Watch, and Invasive Species. I also volunteer for a variety of special events throughout the year.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
I was looking for volunteer opportunities and found Environmental Science volunteer projects on the Preserve’s website. Being that I had a minor in Environmental Science, it seemed to be the perfect match.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am most proud to be participating in the continuing data collection for one of the largest Phenological databases in the country.
Siu S. Yuen
Volunteer Photography, Hike Leader and Special Events
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the city on the Lower East side of Manhattan. I came up to the Hudson Valley to attend college at SUNY New Paltz. Thirty-plus years later, I still reside in the Hudson Valley area as I do enjoy nature and the fresh air.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
When my hikers praise me as a very good leader and that they enjoy my hikes. I personally love longer hikes with beautiful views. The Preserve’s land sure provides that and a lot more.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
One of my favorite places/trails is hiking up the East Trapps Connector (the Stairmaster!) to the Millbrook Ridge Trail and Millbrook Mountain. After Millbrook Mountain, one goes on to Gertrude’s Nose at neighboring Minnewaska State Park for a 12- mile outstanding lollipop hike. The hike is long and strenuous, but it offers a variety of terrain, carriageways, and rocky trails along part of the Shawangunk Ridge in addition to great views!
Juan Cosillo
Volunteer Trail Keeper
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
My whole life I have had a curiosity to learn about the trees, the plants, and the animals – everything the forest has to offer. It was the reason I decided to move to Kingston, New York. I wanted to spend more time in nature and learn as much as I could from the forest. When I learnt that I could give back to the forest by volunteering as a trail keeper, I signed up.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am proud that I have been able to protect the Mohonk Preserve for the past 7 years. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to give back to the forest. I feel rewarded each time I return to maintain my trails and look back at all of the memories I have made. Whether it’s sawing down a large fallen tree by hand or just taking a break at a one of the cliffs along the trail.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
The trails I maintain on the Preserve are my favorite. I love the pitch pines that grow along the trail. I also live very close to the area and am proud to call this place my home.
Gerald Liddelow
Volunteer Photographer
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
Becoming a volunteer has given me an opportunity to use my love for photography and nature to contribute to the preservation of a piece of our natural world through Mohonk Preserve. I also get to cover the programs and events which broaden the scope of my photography.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
That would be having my image chosen to be on the cover of the Mohonk Preserve calendar. I have always thought that getting your picture into a calendar is quite an accomplishment for any photographer.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
My favorite place for both taking pictures and simply hiking is the blue trail up and along Millbrook Ridge. The views are amazing, and the trail takes you from open ridge views to under the tree canopy and back to open views with numerous photo opportunities.
Tom Sarro
Peregrine Falcon Watch Volunteer Coordinator and more.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
The Preserve provided the perfect combination of allowing me to learn and experience more about nature. I find it a pleasure to meet like-minded people who have similar goals centered on making the natural world sustainable and available for all to enjoy.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
During my two sabbaticals from teaching, I conducted the fall hawk count almost every day throughout the season. We sent the data to the Hawk Migration Association of America. Here at the Preserve, we were able to use the data to observe trends over time.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
I can’t pick one favorite place for different reasons. My favorite places are:
- Rhododendron Swamp – we conducted our first vegetation analysis here. The diversity of plants and birds made it a very special place to be. It is my understanding that it was also a favorite of Dan Smiley.
- Coxing Kill – the stand of hemlocks here gives me a sense of the forest primeval. Early morning breeding bird census conducted here never disappointed. I brought a group of inner-city eighth graders to the Coxing and I think they got a real sense of the natural world.
- Duck Pond – we were fortunate to camp overnight during a breeding bird census. Waking early in the morning to mist floating above the water and the early morning chorus will be something I will never forget.
- Sleepy Hollow – having participated in several breeding bird censuses here I still marvel at the diversity of plants and birds in a relatively small area.
- Of course, the Hawk Watch, even on those days when very few birds were flying, sitting there, overlooking the Catskills, gave me a sense of place. It was here on those quiet days that I had time to reflect and put in perspective what it means to be a visitor on this planet for the short time we are here.
Ruth Backenroth
Gardening and Education Volunteer
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
The Preserve lands are just so beautiful and accessible. When I returned for college, I took my first field studies classes and learned about the Preserve and what I was hiking by all these years. What a treat to have all this in our backyards. I realized it is now also a responsibility we need to take on to maintain it however we can help.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
Working in the garden group gives me an immediate feeling of accomplishment. Weeding really is rewarding! Also, returning the next week to see the space you provided allowed for new flowering that has made a notable change. Working with the education group is a more reflective experience but also provides a feeling of accomplishment. Observing when students see the Preserve for the first time is such a positive experience and renews my hope for the future.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
Spring Farm may be my favorite place on thePreserve. The trails are varied, and the views are the best!
Anka Angrist
Conservation Science Volunteer
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
I currently participate in Conservation Science with Phenology and occasionally in Peregrine Watch and at special events.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
Volunteering offered a direct way to express my love for and contribute to the mission of the Mohonk Preserve.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
Rather than a particular accomplishment, I am pleased that my observations benefit important research and preservation programs
Christopher Zimmerman
Volunteer Bike Patrol and Trailhead Ambassador
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
What would Ulster County be without the Preserve? I’m glad to give back. I’ve been inspired in large part by fellow members at the Bruderhof, the religious commune I belong to. Whether maintaining trails, volunteering at races, or making financial contributions, our organization has been a proud supporter of the Preserve for decades. There’s a family connection too: like the Smileys, my grandparents were Quakers. They were frequent guests at the nearby Mohonk Mountain House.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I’ve solicited volunteers from the Mount Academy, a local high school, for Rock the Ridge, and I’ve taken teens hiking and cycling at the Preserve. As a teacher and parent, I’m eager to energize the next generation. Unless we act, there won’t be a wilderness for them to enjoy.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
That’s easy – Copes Lookout. No matter the season or weather, there’s nothing like hiking up to one of those little wooden gazebos and drinking in the view.
Matt Logan
Volunteer Trailkeepers Coordinator
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
I’m the Volunteer Trailkeepers Coordinator, one of the more traditionally individualistic volunteer groups at the Preserve. As climate change creates increased challenges of washed-out trails and downed trees that can be more for one trailkeeper to manage, we’re looking to gather our folks together for coordinated group projects.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
Growing up in New Paltz I spent countless days with friends hiking, biking, and exploring the ridge from Skytop on down, so it seems only natural to want to stay involved and give back. Trailkeeping (and trail building, where I also volunteer), is super fun and rewarding in the way it lets one “curate” the best possible experience of a trail for hikers.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I’ve worked to improve and maintain a good number of trails over the years. Getting to shape and groom the new Lost City Escarpment Trail is definitely the most rewarding, especially as a rock climber who often works with the Preserve as a board member of the Gunks Climbing Coalition. If you haven’t checked this trail out, I guarantee you’ll find it to be one of the prettiest in the Gunks!
Artie Hidalgo-Espinosa
Trail Builders Volunteer Coordinator
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cuba on a farm. I emigrated to the US when I was 10 in 1961. In NYC, I lived in Hell’s Kitchen, attending school in Harlem. After retirement as Assistant General Manager of MTA buses, I came to the Hudson Valley where I co-founded the Jolly Rovers Trail Crew, a nonprofit, specializing in stonework for trails.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am most proud of my involvement teaching stonework skills all over the Eastern seaboard, including at Mohonk Preserve. It means a lot to me to have these opportunities to teach stonework skills to others.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
Giant’s Workshop is one of my favorite trails. It was where I started as a Trail Keeper. It’s a very beautiful trail with scrambles and steep ascents as well as wonderful rock formations.
Read more: Volunteer Vibes with Artie Hidalgo-Espinosa – PDF
Linda Shekita
Trail Builders Volunteer
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
At Mohonk Preserve, I am part of a group called the Trail Builders. We specialize in stonework. Our first job was to remediate the Connectors Trail, outside the visitor’s center. Now we are working on a new trail near Coxing Trailhead.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
Every day of trail building gives me a great sense of accomplishment. On June 11, the Trail Builders built a crib wall and set one step! At 65, I am very thankful that I have the physical strength to do this work. It is challenging but rewarding.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
Duck Pond is one of my favorite places on the Preserve. Early in my career, I taught 3rd grade in New Paltz. We took our classes there every year for a field trip. It was one of my favorite days of teaching and brings back many joyful memories!
Carol Rietsma
Phenology Volunteers Coordinator, Board of Directors Secretary, Education Committee Chair, and more.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
I love working and recreating outdoors. My first graduate student at SUNY New Paltz was Paul Huth; his thesis addressed environmental triggers for phenology (nature’s calendar). He asked me to serve on the Research (now Conservation Science) Committee. I was later invited to join the Board of Directors. For my forty-plus years of teaching, I regularly took my students to the Mohonk Preserve for field experiences.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am proud to help the Mohonk Preserve protect this beautiful landscape. I am also proud to help teach our Phenology volunteers how to make accurate observations and contribute to our understanding of global climate change.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
Presently, it is walking the Pin Oak Allee at the Testimonial Gateway through all the seasons of the year. It is calming, inspiring, and majestic.
Renee Zernitsky
Mohonk Preserve Volunteer Photographers Coordinator
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
The friendly staff and numerous supporters were a cause I wanted to be a part of. I’m retired now and have been able to spend more time volunteering at the preserve.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I feel I have accomplished the role I set out to do for the Preserve and I’m most proud of being a part of the Volunteer Photography team. I’m especially grateful to my two co-coordinators for their continued support, and our team of over 100 volunteer photographers, for their dedication to the leadership of the team. We have supplied the preserve with thousands of photos over the years and continue to do so today. We have been able to share something we are all personally passionate about and I enjoy working with like-minded people with the same goals.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
My Favorite place/trail on the Preserve will always be Bonticou Crag. It’s like you can see the whole world from up there. It makes me proud to think that I am a part of preserving it for future generations. My favorite trails are Lenape Lane to Duck Pond.
Ken Pawson
Interpretive Guides Volunteer Coordinator
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
I am the volunteer coordinator of the Interpretive Guides. I also serve with Rosemary at the Annual Benefit Auction, Rock the Ridge, Bridge 2 Bridge Run, and the Pfalz Point Challenge. Other volunteer assignments I’ve served in: Backcountry Patrol, Healthy Ulster, Phenology Observer, Climate Tracking, and informational tabling events.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
My first Preserve hike was on the Chapel Trail. I enjoyed it so much that I spent a season taking as many different hikes as I could, taking notes on details as I went along. When I needed new suggestions, I stopped in at the Visitor Center and spoke with a volunteer Interpretive Guide, who gave me a tour using the VC’s topographic model. I thought then that I’d enjoy sharing the knowledge I gained that year with our visitors. I joined the Interpretive Guides the following year, and I’ve loved it ever since.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
The greatest accomplishment is knowing that you’ve been helpful to someone. It’s a kick when visitors return from a hike you suggested and tell you that the hike was awesome and directions were spot on. It’s also great to help participants in the Preserve’s special events – especially Rock The Ridge – the racers’ expressions of appreciation inspire me to volunteer again and again.
Georgiana Fisher
Gardening Volunteer Coordinator
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
When my husband and I moved to Highland, NY 18 years ago, I decided to join the gardening group at the preserve. After two years as a volunteer, I was asked if I might be interested in becoming the Gardening Coordinator since the present coordinators were leaving. I agreed and enrolled in the Ulster County Master Gardeners Course to enhance mostly everything I didn’t know about gardening.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am so proud of the work our gardening group has accomplished around the Visitors Center transforming what was once overgrown bushes and hard rocky soil into an enhancement of plants. Many nice friendships have formed, and this group seems to enjoy working together and working the land.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
My favorite trail is The Lost City. When you reach your destination, the views are the best!
Rick Cronk
Climbers’ Trail Crew Volunteer Coordinator
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
My first volunteer experience on the Preserve was joining Thom Scheuer and others fighting a brush fire above the Overcliff Road. Fourteen years ago, Dick Williams invited me to join his volunteer trail crew and try my hand at trail building. After I retired from my teaching career in 2009, I became a regular on the crew. I figured it was a great way to give back to the Mohonk Preserve, and the climbing community, for all the good times and great experiences I have had on the Preserve.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
The Climbers’ Trail Crew’s collective accomplishments are easily seen in the network of ascent trails that have been built over the years. A legacy that will hopefully outlast all who have contributed their time and energy in service to the Mohonk Preserve, its members, and the general public who visit.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
The best thing about my favorite trail is that I never see anyone on it. In times past, hundreds of climbers would have passed along this trail as they finished their climbs and returned to the base of the crag. Nowadays, the trail is all but abandoned and fallen into disuse as climbers now rappel down to the base of the crags.
Peter Boyle
Backcountry Patrol Volunteer Coordinator
April 15, 2022
Why did you decide to volunteer your time and talents at Mohonk Preserve?
I hiked the Millbrook Ridge Trail on my first visit to the Preserve and immediately fell in love with this beautiful place. I’ve always had a passion for conservation and the protection of wildlife, open spaces, and the environment so this was a perfect match for me.
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I am most proud of the positive feedback I’ve received from my fellow volunteers, and from Preserve staff for my efforts. I hope that by getting out on the land to meet and support my fellow volunteers, I can have a positive impact on volunteer retention.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
The Millbrook Ridge was love at first hike, but as a Backcountry patroller I’m off-trail still exploring and discovering new sections. Each area has its unique beauty and attraction.
Jill Feldman
Chair of the Volunteer Committee
What is a volunteer accomplishment you are really proud of?
I thrive on detail and get great satisfaction by completing a task and completing it well. But the best part of my volunteering has been getting to know and making friends with staff members at Mohonk Preserve.
Where is your favorite place/trail on the Preserve and why is it your favorite?
As a long-time member of the Preserve, one of my favorite trails is the Shongum Path. When friends or family come to visit, this is our go-to trail – close to parking, easy enough for novice hikers, with Split Rock as a destination. Walking on the plank path and hopping over streams is especially fun for our three grandsons. I am having more and more trouble keeping up with them these days.
What is your volunteer role(s) here at Mohonk Preserve?
In November 2015, I began volunteering every Wednesday helping with data entry, mailings, and even organizing the supply room! Later, I accepted the Volunteer Committee Chair role, too.
I have volunteered with the Conservation Science on several projects:
- Mounting herbarium specimens collected by Paul Huth
- Digitizing the card catalog in the DSRC library
- Interpreting and digitizing information on these cards*
- Currently, I am assisting Megan Napoli to transfer bird breeding observations (dating back to the 1990s) to an Excel spreadsheet.
*I wrote a Volunteer Voice article – “A Century of Natural History Observations” – which describes the worldwide digitization project.
Larry and I collect StreamWatch data once a month. Our assigned spot is the Humpo Marsh.
I also assist Larry with his Climate Tracking duties at the Mohonk Mountain House dock. We are currently gathering weekly water temperature and ice-cover data in concert with Professor David Richardson of SUNY New Paltz.
Banner photo by Gerald Liddelow
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