Ridgelines #207

Scaling Up Conservation with Low-Impact Climbing

Significant increases in climbing at Mohonk Preserve in recent years have necessitated extra steps for the preservation of climbing areas to avoid environmental damage. As part of our efforts, we have launched an educational campaign to highlight low-impact climbing and Leave No Trace principles and promote mindful engagement with the cliffs. The project will expand long-term efforts to preserve the cliffs and surrounding vegetation and wildlife through new and increased informational and wayfinding signage at popular climbing spots.

“I have been a ranger for 12 years and a local climber for 15, and I see a direct correlation between the increased numbers of climbers and damage to the cliff environment,” noted Mohonk Preserve Director of Visitor Experience and Chief Ranger Andrew Bajardi. “Trees that were once iconic parts of a climb have died after sustaining constant abuse by ropes, webbing, and from being used as belay seats. The classic climb, Three Pines, has no more pine trees on it!”

While experienced climbers generally climb in ways that allow them to return to the base without leaving equipment or utilizing anchors on trees, novices tend to descend using what is right in front of them. For many climbers, it may take years to build the technical skill and wayfinding knowledge needed to climb with as little impact as possible.

Mohonk Preserve’s Patrol Rangers are facilitating efforts to promote low-impact climbing methods that will preserve the rock faces, the vegetation on and around them, and the wildlife that makes their homes there, such as Peregrine falcons. As part of those efforts, we are creating and installing four signs addressing topics including Conserving Natural Habitats, Protecting Natural Resources, Advancing Resilient Access, and Supporting Community Climbing.

Additionally, we’re creating and installing a series of wayfinding signs raising awareness of and directing climbers to the Preserve’s rappel stations. We are also using the Preserve’s sizable social media reach to promote the program on Facebook and Instagram and holding public programs on low-impact climbing and Leave No Trace principles.

Central to Mohonk Preserve’s mission is the concept of inspiring people to care for their natural world. Through new signage and programming, we are explaining and encouraging the use of low-impact climbing practices, such as our new anchor stations and access routes. Collaborating with the climbing community, we continue to explore new ways to recreate responsibly and deepen our relationship with nature.

Support for this project was provided by an American Alpine Club Cornerstone Conservation Grant and the Waterman Fund. For more information on low-impact climbing, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org/low-impact-climbing.

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Trailhead Ambassadors Help Visitors Get Into Nature with Support From M&T Bank

Mohonk Preserve is a favorite place for members and visitors looking for a rejuvenating outdoor experience. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of M&T Bank, the Preserve’s volunteer Trailhead Ambassadors continue to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable visit. The M&T Bank sponsorship helps support the cost of equipment, supplies and training for Trailhead Ambassadors.

“With strong visitation throughout the summer and fall, the Preserve’s Visitor Experience staff need greater support at trailheads to orient visitors, especially those visiting the Preserve for the first time,” said Mohonk Preserve Volunteer Programs Manager Andy Reynolds. “To address this growing need, in 2020 we expanded our existing volunteer Trailhead Ambassadors group to a full-fledged Visitor Experience program to help welcome these new visitors and let them know about the options available for healthy outdoor activities.”

The Trailhead Ambassadors group consists of volunteers, supervised by staff, who operate information stations outside the Preserve’s Visitor Center and at the “Welcome Boulder” near the West Trapps Trailhead on busy spring, summer and fall weekends. The Trailhead Ambassadors welcome hundreds of visitors, answer questions about the Preserve, provide information on basic wayfinding and visitor amenities, and help newcomers select appropriate activities based on their fitness levels and interests.

The Trailhead Ambassadors are part of the full Mohonk Preserve volunteer corps numbering more than 400 individuals who contribute over 10,000 hours of their energy and skills annually in activities including gardening, photography, bike and ski patrols, education programs, conservation science, and many others. Find out more about the Trailhead Ambassadors and other volunteer opportunities here or contact Andy Reynolds at areynolds@mohonkpreserve.org.

Mohonk Preserve thanks M&T Bank for their longstanding partnership with the Preserve and ongoing commitment to our community, and we look forward to continuing our Trailhead Ambassadors program during the busy leaf-peeping season and fall holidays.

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View seasonal photographs by our volunteer photographers below!

See more photos by the Mohonk Preserve Volunteer Photographers on their Facebook page.