Guided Wilderness Experience On May 9

The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, a coalition of local landowners, environmental advocates and outdoor recreational enthusiasts will be holding two field events on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 am to noon, and Sunday, May 17, from 1:30 to 4 pm, to highlight the rare natural aspects of 105,000 acres in central Rensselaer County that geographically define the Rensselaer Plateau. The events will start at the Pine Ridge Cross Country Ski Center in Poestenkill.
The events will then take participants into the Plateau’s interior, which holds the distinction of being one of the largest remaining ecologically intact habitats in all of New York. It is estimated to be the fifth largest forested region in the State. The elevation and natural characteristics of the Plateau, which include areas of Berlin, Brunswick, Grafton, Hoosick, Nassau, Petersburgh, Pittstown, Poestenkill, Sand Lake and Stephentown, create dynamics critical for air and ground water quality. It also holds an extraordinarily wide range of wildlife as a direct result of the undisrupted nature of its delicate ecology.
“The biggest natural treasure of the entire Capital District is hiding in plain sight,” said Jim Bonesteel, President of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. “When we celebrate the Hudson Valley’s Quadricentennial we are honoring a long legacy of local communities who valued not just the land itself but everything on it as well.” Bonesteel said that the two interpreted outings are designed to educate the public on the assets found in the Plateau’s interior block, whose 1,000 – 1,800 feet elevations parallel conditions found in the Adirondack Park and serve as the headwaters of seven different watersheds that feed the Hudson River.
One session will be guided by Conservation Ecologist, David Hunt, Ph.D, who will lead a visit into a wetland to discover special vegetation and wildlife communities and discuss issues that endanger their status. Hunt will be on hand to talk about the scientific foundations that underscore the importance of maintaining the integrity of this region. A second session will be led by Master Forest Owner, Walter Kersch, who will also lead a party into a section of mismanaged forest to show and discuss its effects. In addition, Kersch will highlight unique stone formations on the walk and address the land use issue of property line markings and other forest-related topics. A session on stream ecology will also be presented by William Hoffman and a children’s session will be led by Fran Egbert and Rachel Reiman. All guides are residents of the Plateau. It is recommended that participants come prepared to walk the interior’s muddy conditions.
The event is free. Pre-registration will help us plan refreshments. Please contact Jim Bonesteel at 518-794-9160 or info@rensselaerplateau.org or visit www.rensselaerplateau.org for full program and agenda details.
The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance sees the potential for residents to find common purpose in their mutual connection to this ecosystem and perpetuating land use traditions that protect wildlife habitat while increasing opportunities for low impact recreation, tourism and the growth of forest products.