RLT News SPRING 2012 • 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

RLT Acquires First Urban Preserve

In December, the family of the the Wynantskill Creek, abundant late John B. Staalesen donated wildlife, beautiful walking trails 23.6 acres in Troy to the Rensselaer and historical significance,” said Land Trust (RLT). The property will Jim Staalesen, son and spokesper- be named the John B. Staalesen son for the family. Vanderheyden Preserve. Builder John B. Staalesen con- Located in Troy’s Vanderheyden structed homes across all price neighborhood, the land includes ranges for more than 40 years, but fields, woods and wetlands, and he was most proud of his work is bordered on one side by the building new homes for young fam- Wynantskill Creek. It is one of the ilies and first-time home buyers, last remaining undeveloped tracts which the Vanderheyden Estates John B. Staalesen of natural area and wildlife habitat neighborhood was designed to Staalesen Preserve comes along for in the city. provide. Both of John’s daugh- an organization like ours. The pos- “We are thrilled to own this new ters purchased their first homes in sibilities are many and the effort preserve and will be preparing it Vanderheyden. required for success is substan- for the public this year,” said Nick Board member Bob Crowley is the tial. I’m looking forward to creating Conrad, President. chairperson of RLT’s new com- a team to make this happen and “It is our hope that this property will mittee that will be preparing the hope anyone interested will contact be enjoyed for many generations to property for the public. “It’s not me,” said Bob, who can be reached at come, with its natural beauty along often an opportunity like the 518.283.7364.

RLT Expands Donor Options To facilitate different types of donations and transfers, RLT is establishing a brokerage account. You can donate stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, make money transfers, and even set up a charitable annuity trust. Contact Christine at 518.659.5263 to discuss these new options. RLT Celebrates Water in Our 25th Year

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rensselaer Land Trust celebrates its Nick Conrad, President 25th anniversary in 2012! We’ve come William Niemi, Vice President a long way since 1987, when a group Garrett Brown, Treasurer of visionaries with a love for the nat- Nick Conrad, President Stacey Goldstein, Secretary ural areas of Rensselaer County got Carl Cipperly together to preserve those lands for Bob Crowley Francille Egbert future generations. They formed the water sources or contributes to water Jennifer Hixon Rensselaer-Taconic Land Conservancy, quality. Water is only as clean as the Sally Lawrence and for the first 19 years we were an all- land through which it flows, so whether Marcy Stengel volunteer organization. you get your drinking water from a well Jessica Stephenson or the Tomhannock Reservoir, main- In 2005, we hired our first professional Allan Stern taining open space and healthy forests staff, in 2007 we changed our name to helps keep your water clean. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR the Rensselaer Land Trust, and in 2008 Christine Young, Esq. we were in the first group of land trusts Our Water Year has started with a

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR to be awarded national accreditation. big splash. RLT was awarded a $5,000 To date, we have conserved almost 800 Community Action Grant for water- Trix Niernberger acres in Rensselaer County, the majority shed education from the Royal Bank VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR of those in just the last 10 years. of Canada’s (RBC) Blue Water Project™. RBC launched the Blue Water Project™ Paul Schroeder Every milestone anniversary calls for to a future of sustainable water a theme. The theme for RLT’s 25th is RLT NEWS IS PUBLISHED TWICE A YEAR resources worldwide. The first phase is Water. One of our priorities for conser- Trix Niernberger, Editor a 10-year $50 million commitment to vation is land that protects drinking Brian Murray, Designer supporting organizations that protect PHOTOS watersheds and ensure access to clean Trix Niernberger, Nate Simms and volunteers water. Join us on Facebook at With this grant, RLT will develop an www.facebook.com/RensselaerLandTrust online interactive map of Rensselaer If you are not receiving our monthly County. You’ll be able to click your loca- E-News, send your e-mail address tion and see where your water comes to [email protected] from, which watershed you live in, and where water on your land goes. You’ll learn about how to keep water clean and how to use it wisely. We hope to have this new educational resource available to residents and www.renstrust.org schools later this year. Our thanks www.facebook.com/RensselaerLandTrust go to Jim Watkinson, of RBC Wealth 518.659.5263 Management’s Albany office, for rec- ognizing RLT’s shared commitment to This annual report and newsletter protecting this valuable resource and for were partially funded by a supporting our grant application. grant from Macy’s. RLT thanks Macy’s for their support. Our 25th anniversary year has just started, and already we’ve had exciting successes in land conservation. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store!

2 RLT News • Spring 2012 In Memory of Norton Miller A former RLT board member, Dr. Norton G. Miller, died December 7, 2011. From 1991 to 2001, Dr. Miller was a director of the Rensselaer Taconic Land Conservancy, the Volunteer former name of the Rensselaer Land Trust. He led our bot- any education project, conducted many surveys of plants in Rensselaer County, and co-wrote our natural areas David Hunt book. Dr. Miller earned a PhD in botany, was an author- ity on mosses, and published extensively on the flora of North America. He served as principal scientist in botany Ecologist David Hunt, PhD, has donated at the NY State Museum and was an amateur bird watcher. his expertise to the Rensselaer Land Trust He lived in Brunswick at the base of the Rensselaer for 20 years. He leads hikes and shares Plateau. A celebration of his life may be held in the spring. his knowledge of plants and ecosystems. When we are investigating a potential property to be saved from development, Dr. Thank You, Jeff Hunt accompanies our team to assess its W. Jeffrey Roche (Jeff) stepped down from the RLT board of directors due to time ecological importance at the county level. constraints. He joined the board in 2009 and was involved in fundraising and out- For instance, when board members toured reach activities. Jeff brought real estate expertise to the board and we will continue our new Staalesen property (see page to consult him about properties. The RLT board thanks Jeff for his volunteer service one), Dr. Hunt took kick samples of the and wishes him good luck in his many endeavors. Wynantskill Creek. With his net, he pulled out Long Nosed Dace, a fish found in only a New Board Members few streams in Rensselaer County. He also documented three plants that are rare in the county on the Staalesen site. Bob Crowley Although Dr. Hunt’s doctorate in botany Bob Crowley’s involvement with RLT began a couple of is from the University of Georgia, he has years ago when he volunteered to collect trash around lived most of his life in . He the Tomhannock Reservoir. Since then, he has partic- resides in Grafton with his wife and eight ipated in several other RLT service projects. Bob grew year old son. up in Hoosick Falls, graduated from , and spent time in the Peace Corps working in rural “My goals are the same as those of the community development in West Africa. He is now Rensselaer Land Trust. I’m ecstatic to see employed as a budget analyst for the NYS Department some of your recent land acquisitions. You are making my dreams come true,” said of Transportation. He stays busy with church activities, Dr. Hunt. nurturing his old house in Poestenkill, and trying to convince himself to restore the 1939 Plymouth truck in “David is the premier expert on Rensselaer his garage. County’s flora, and his work provides sound science on which to base RLT’s land Jessica Stephenson conservation decisions,” says Nick Conrad, RLT Board President. “From crawling on his Jessica Stephenson has served as RLT’s volunteer hands and knees through an underground events coordinator working on our Oktoberfest, open stream to slogging waist-deep through a house, annual meeting and other events. Growing up marsh, David is dedicated to discovering in Lansingburgh on the , she received her and preserving the natural world.” BA from SUNY Albany and MA from Rosemont College near Philadelphia. Jessica is the director of communica- tions for a nonprofit management company, responsible for graphic design, promotions, marketing and events. She recently became engaged to marry another RLT vol- unteer, Matthew Edmister. Congratulations to both of them.

RLT WISH LIST • Office supplies • Oktoberfest raffle items • Small microwave oven

www.renstrust.org 3 Education & Outreach Annual Meeting with 2011 Alice LaBlanc Capital Region Economic Development Council workshop Accomplishments Grafton Winterfest Market Block Books window display (2 months) NYS Outdoor Education Association conference Oktoberfest benefit Rensselaer County Agriculture Board Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce networking luncheons (4) Rensselaer Plateau Alliance open house SEFCU Community Expo Taborton Zion Church Earth Day Troy Victorian Stroll open house Woodlots workshop

Property Preserved Shadbush Hill Preserve, conservation easement on private 30 acres, Schodack John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve, 23.6 acres public preserve, Troy

Outings Common Farms & Barberville Falls hike Historic Barns of Nipmoose tour Hoosic River paddle Plateau traverse hike with Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Robert Ingalls Preserve snowshoe hike Solar house tours (3) Land Stewardship Taconic Crest Trail hike Property monitoring visits (17) Wildflower hike

4 RLT News • 2011 Annual Report Media (4) Troy Record (3) The Eastwick Press (14) The Advertiser (8) Other publications (3) Monthly electronic news Spring newsletter/2010 Annual Report Fall newsletter Website updates: www. renstrust.org Facebook updates: www.facebook.com/ RensselaerLandTrust

Work Days Broderick property clean-up Historic cemetery restorations (2) Hoosic River tree planting Robert Ingalls Preserve clean-up Tomhannock Reservoir clean-up Trail Day

www.renstrust.org 5 Outings, Programs & Events 2012 CALENDAR

Events titled in blue follow RLT’s Changes in the Hudson River Over the Last Tree Planting at Hoosic River Boat Launch: 25th anniversary theme of Water. 150 Years: Talk Volunteer Day Thursday, March 29, 7:00 pm • East Greenbush Library, Saturday, May 5 • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 10 Community Way Join us for our third annual tree-planting party at the public Join Dan Miller, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, DEC boat launch at RLT’s Hoosic River property in Eagle Bridge. Hudson River Estuary program, for a fascinating look NYS DEC is providing seedlings for landscaping and erosion Each year, RLT sponsors a series of comparing historical and current maps of the Hudson River. control. Bring gloves, a shovel and bucket if you can, snack hikes, workshops and work days that He will speak about his work identifying opportunities to and drink. We will work regardless of weather. Boat launch give participants the opportunity restore important habitats. is about one mile west of Eagle Bridge on the north side of Route 67, at DEC sign. Register with Paul Schroeder, to experience the natural beauty (518) 674-2480, [email protected]. and history of Rensselaer County. Waterfalls & Hydroelectric Plants: This year, we added programs Tour and Talk highlighting our 25th anniversary theme of Water. Saturday, April 14, 2:00 – 6:00 pm James Bell, hydraulic energy consultant, will lead a RLT programs range from indoor driving and walking tour of the 1908 hydroelectric plant in presentations to leisurely strolls to Schaghticoke, another plant in Middle Falls, and two plants more strenuous hikes with a variety of in Greenwich. Walk a trail through forest leading to two terrain and difficulty levels. Choose scenic overlooks. Wear hiking shoes and bring cameras. outings based on your physical After tour, adjourn to the Gallery Space, 111 Main Street, ability and comfort. We make every Greenwich, for discussion on history of water power in effort to accurately describe the Rensselaer County. Feel free to join James for dinner in the eatery at same location after talk. Meet at Stewarts Shop, 62 difficulty level of each outing, but it Main Street, Schaghticoke, at 1:45 pm. Register: christine@ is still a subjective description. Dress renstrust.org, (518) 859-4363. appropriately for all weather and trail conditions. Wear long pants and Tomhannock Reservoir Clean-up: hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes. Volunteer Day Carry adequate water and food. If you Tibbitts State Forest Hike have questions, contact the listed trip Saturday, April 21 • 9:00 am – 12:00 pm leader or RLT. Sunday, May 6 • 12:30 pm In observance of Earth Day, join us for our fifth annual clean-up of the shores of Tomhannock Reservoir, source Hike will follow five miles of old roads in a hardwood forest, of drinking water for 125,000 residents of Troy and other passing an old lime kiln. Early spring flowers may be seen. communities. Meet at NYS DEC public access parking lot Most of hike will be flat, with some short steeper portions. on NYS Route 7 in Raymertown, just before the causeway Depending on interest of group, we may add a short trail on over the reservoir. Groups will collect trash along a half- the north side, with a long, moderately steep incline almost Volunteers welcome! mile stretch of the shore. Garbage bags will be provided. to the top. After hike, you can join the leader at the Man of Bring gloves. We will work regardless of weather, so Kent Pub. Meet at the parking lot on NY Route 7 just west Do you know of a scenic spot in dress appropriately. To register, contact Paul Schroeder at of the intersection of Routes 7 and 22 in Hoosick, about 23 Rensselaer County that would make (518) 674-2480, [email protected]. Sponsored by miles east of Troy on Route 7. Jointly sponsored by the AMC a good location for a hike? Are you RLT and City of Troy. Mohawk Hudson Chapter. Register with Sharon Bonk at interested in helping to plan and lead (518) 674-0042, [email protected]. an outing? RLT’s Outings Committee Introduction to Wild Mushrooms Fishing with a Seine Net: Hands-on Program welcomes your ideas for future Workshop outings, and we welcome volunteers Saturday, May 12 • 1:00 pm • Rain date: Sunday, May to help us plan and lead them. Tuesday, April 24 • 7:00 – 9:00 pm • The Sage Colleges 13, 1:00 pm • Rensselaer Boat Launch Library’s Media Room, Troy In addition to our own events, other Experience the thrill of catching fish with a seine, or local organizations offer activities RLT is providing a series of opportunities to get to know the dragnet, and discover what lives under the surface of the fungi with local mycologist Sue Van Hook. First up is this that highlight the great outdoors of Hudson River. Seining has been a simple, common and indoor workshop. Learn to identify the different groups of efficient method of catching fish for the last 5,000 years. Rensselaer County and the Capital fungi in preparation for Sue’s outdoor mushroom walks Region. For links to these websites, Participants will assist in netting fish to examine and in May (morel season) and in August (see below). Bring a identify them, and release them unharmed. Learn about go to our website, www.renstrust.org, notebook and pen. Sue will have copies of How to Identify fish that live in the river year-round, and those that migrate and click Web Resources. Mushrooms to Genus I: Macroscopic Features by David L. and return during spawning season. Hear the latest advice Largent for sale ($20). Charge: $10/person, $15/couple. Kids from the Department of Health on eating fish from the Watch our Facebook page (www. free. Register: Marcy Steinberg at (518) 674-2171, marcygs@ Hudson River and its tributaries. Chest waders are available Facebook.com/RensselaerLandTrust) aol.com. For info, visit: www.suevanhook.com for loan on a first-come, first-serve basis, or bring your own. and website (www.renstrust.org) Dress accordingly for a hands-on, wet-feet experience! for the latest news on these outings Meet at the Boat Launch off Forbes Avenue in Rensselaer. and on new outings added to the Register: Fran Egbert (518) 674-3214, [email protected]. schedule.

6 RLT News • Outings, Programs & Events 2012 Spring Wildflowers Walk at Hidley Farm the NYS DEC public boat Rensselaer launch on RLT’s Hoosic Plateau Traverse Saturday, May 19 • 9:00 am River property in Eagle Bridge, and take out All day Saturday and Tom Phillips, well-versed botanist, will help us identify downstream just before spring flowers in the woods, fields, and wetlands of Hidley Sunday • Weekend in the Johnsonville Dam. September TBA Farm in North Greenbush. We will walk two to three miles; This attractive stretch of some areas may be a little wet or muddy. From intersection the Hoosic is flat water Get up close and personal US Route 4 and Williams Road (NYS Route 136) just south of and features coves and with New York’s fifth HVCC, go east on Williams Road 1.9 miles, and turn right on marshy backwaters with largest forest region by Hidley Road. Go 1.4 miles to a dirt road on the left leading bird and other animal hiking it from one end to parking. life. The banks are mostly to the other. The third forested, with some farms annual Rensselaer Plateau Spring Mushroom Walk and few houses. Provide Traverse will take place your own boat and PFD. over two days, with the Sunday, May 20 • 10:00 – 12:00 pm Bring snacks and water. option of overnighting at You need to be in good Pine Ridge Cross Country Sue Van Hook, local mycologist, will lead us in search of physical condition to negotiate about 1/4 mile of dense Ski Center. Attendees may hike either one day or both days. black and white morels and early oyster mushrooms. Sue’s water chestnut growth at the take-out. Hoosic River boat This will be a strenuous two days – each day’s hike will be 15 workshop on April 24 (see page 6) is good preparation, but launch is approximately one mile west of Eagle Bridge on miles. Parts of route will be different than in previous years. not required. Bring a basket or bag with stiff sides, a field the north side of Route 67, at the DEC sign. Register: Paul Watch for the dates at the RLT website or Facebook page. knife or trowel, and a hand lens if you have one. Sue will Schroeder, (518) 674-2480, [email protected]. Sponsored by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Friends of have hand lenses to share. Tentatively scheduled at the the Dyken Pond Center & RLT. Rensselaer Tech Park, North Greenbush, depending on the mushroom crop. Confirm location at registration. Charge: History Hike to the Snow Hole $10/person, $15/couple. Kids free. Register: Marcy Steinberg, Home Energy Workshop: Discover how you (518) 674-2171, [email protected]. Saturday, July 21 • 9:00 am can cut your heating costs Get the historic scoop on the favorite destination of hikers Historic Cemetery Restoration: Volunteer along the Taconic Crest Trail. As part of the Rensselaer Thursday, Sept. 13 • 6:30 – 8:30 pm • The Sage Colleges, Troy, Room TBA Work Day County Historical Society’s Hidden History series, Kathy Sheehan will relate the history of the Snow Hole, which is a Learn how to obtain a free or reduced-cost energy audit, what Saturday, June 9 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm deep crevice where snow and ice can be found year-round. to expect from the audit process, how to choose a contractor, Hike is 5½ miles round trip, but relatively easy walking with incentive benefits and energy tips. Hear about: Home Join RLT in restoring a historic Baptist Cemetery in little ascent except a short steep hill at start. Bring lunch to Performance with ENERGY STAR®, Home Energy Assistance, Stephentown with graves from the early 19th century. The eat at Snow Hole and plenty of water. Dress for the weather. EmPower, Weatherization Assistance, HEAP, and low-interest property is owned by Alice LeBlanc who has granted the RLT Wear hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes. Meet at the loans for solar or wind energy systems. Program presented a conservation easement. We will be excavating, resetting parking area at the top of Petersburgh Pass on NY Route by New York State Energy Research and Development and cleaning tombstones. Bring lunch and drink. Contact 2, just before the Massachusetts border. Charge: $10 for Authority. Light refreshments served. Register: Christine at Alice (917) 441-1333, [email protected], or Dan RCHS and RLT members, $12 non-members. Register with (518) 859-4363, [email protected]. Lorber (914) 575-1965, [email protected]. Historical Society at (518) 272-7232 x11. Hike Up and Down the Hollows to the Free Fishing Day at RLT’s new Staalesen Ecology Hike at Cranberry Pond Taconic Crest Trail Preserve, Troy Saturday, Aug. 4 • 10:00 am Saturday, Oct. 6 • 9:00 am Saturday, June 23 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm The site in Grafton includes high-quality spruce swamp, hemlock and hardwood forest, a bog-like poor fen, and We’ll hike a portion of the central Taconic Crest Trail, going Everyone is welcome to RLT’s Community Free Fishing Day steeply up Robinson Hollow in North Stephentown, along the to enjoy catch-and-release fishing, no license required. plants and animals rare for Rensselaer County. Local ecologist Dr. David Hunt will explain the difference narrow Taconic Crest to the summit of Rounds Mountain, and Bring your children and give them the opportunity to try descending to Hancock, MA. This will be a strenuous six to this fun outdoor activity! Equipment and instructions between a bog and a fen, and guide us through the different habitats. Two miles. Wear footwear you can get eight-mile hike with long steep uphill and downhill sections. provided by NYS Department of Environmental Wear boots or sturdy shoes. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of Conservation staff and volunteers. RLT’s new public very wet if you go into the fen. Register: Nick Conrad, (518) 279-1963, [email protected]. water. Prepare for cool and windy conditions. Register: Nick preserve in Troy, the John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Conrad at (518) 279-1963 or [email protected]. Preserve, provides access to the Wynantskill, known to have its share of trout. From Mushroom Walk at Cherry Plain State Park Campbell Avenue just east of Spring Street, Sunday, Aug. 26 • 1:00 to 3:00 pm take Wynantskill Way through Vanderheyden Sue Van Hook, local mycologist, will lead us at neighborhood to its Cherry Plain State Park in Berlin at the height of the Watch for more information on end. For info, contact mushroom season. Sue’s workshop on April 24 (see these events later in the year: Jessica (518) 928-8447, page 6) is good preparation, but not required. Bring a basket, a field knife or trowel, and a hand lens if you jessicaestephenson@ 5th Annual Oktoberfest RLT Benefit gmail.com. have one. Sue will have hand lenses to share. Charge: $10/person, $15/couple. Kids free. Register: Marcy Steinberg at (518) 674-2171, [email protected]. Meet Saturday, Oct. 20 • Brown’s Revolution Hall • Troy Hoosic River at the sign outside of the Cherry Plain State Park Paddle main entrance. For directions, http://nysparks.state. Rensselaer Land Trust Annual Meeting ny.us/parks/173/getting-there.aspx. Saturday, July 14 • Saturday, Dec. 1 • Brown’s Revolution Hall • Troy 9:00 am Bring your kayak or Concert with fiddler George Wilson canoe and paddle eight miles on the Hoosic Sunday, Dec. 2 • Beacon Institute • Troy River. We’ll put in at

Get the latest news about RLT outings at www.renstrust.org and www.facebook.com/RensselaerLandTrust 7 Rensselaer Plateau Plan National Land Trust Progresses Census Shows Big Gains

The Rensselaer Plateau Conservation Rensselaer Land Trust’s mission is to active volunteers in the U.S., the latter Plan moves forward with a new grant preserve the special places of Rensselaer figure a 70% increase since 2005. New to quantify the economic contributions County, so our work by definition has York land trusts have 70,000 members of the Plateau’s forests to the local a local focus. However, RLT is a mem- and supporters, and 6,000 volunteers. ber of a large community of 1,723 land Because RLT participated in the census, economy. The Hudson River Valley trusts across the country. While these these totals include you! Greenway awarded the grant to the organizations range from all-volun- Of the 1,723 land trusts in the U.S., Town of Nassau in partnership with the teer groups holding a conservation RLT is one of only 135 that have been Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) and easement on just one property to inter- awarded national accreditation, rec- the Town of Sand Lake. national environmental giants such as ognizing our commitment to best The Nature Conservancy, we all work standards and practices and our ability The economic study will address the with private landowners to voluntarily to protect land in perpetuity. direct and indirect contributions of conserve forests, farms and parks that the forest products, recreation, and enrich lives. LTA’s New York office has been a key partner to RLT in building the capac- tourism industries, and study the value The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) is a ity of our organization. The New York of less easily quantified benefits of national organization that supports and program provides grants to land trusts healthy forests, such as clean drinking advocates for land conservation and in New York through the New York water, storm water handling, clean air, land trusts. In December, LTA reported Conservation Partnership Program, the results of its 2010 National Land personal recreation, open space and funded by the state’s Environmental Trust Census. As of 2010, land trusts in aesthetic value. Protection Fund. These grants have the United States have protected 47 mil- funded RLT’s establishment of its Public input is one of the driving lion acres, an area over twice the size of professional executive director and priorities of the plan. Watch for all the national parks in the contiguous development director positions, and U.S. This figure is an increase of about community workshop dates or check costs associated with acquiring and 10 million acres since 2005 and 23 mil- www.rensselaerplateau.org. The web managing several of our preserves, most lion acres since 2000. New York ranks site has results of the community recently the Robert Ingalls Preserve in sixth in the nation in acres conserved, Stephentown. meeting on December 6, 2011, where with 97 land trusts protecting almost residents were asked about expected 1 million acres, an 88% increase since For more on the National Land beneficial outcomes and their concerns. 2005. The collective impact of these land Trust Census, go to https://www. trusts is phenomenal. landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts/ Rensselaer Land Trust has been land-trust-census. assisting with data collection and The Census also showed that there are analysis for the biodiversity and nearly five million land trust members and financial supporters and 347,000 ecological resources section of the Conservation Plan, which is being led by local ecologist Dr. David Hunt, who is profiled in this newsletter. In December, RLT President Nick Conrad Does your image need helped organize a meeting of botanical experts to assess the rarity of plants updating? in Rensselaer County. The results of Get a stylish fleece with the RLT logo. $40 the meeting will play an important jackets (full or half zip, blue or black, S, role in identifying the places on the M, L, XL). $30 vests (full zip, blue or black, Rensselaer Plateau especially worthy M, L, XL) of conservation. Call our office at (518) 659-5263.

8 RLT News • Spring 2012 CHRISTINE YOUNG, ESQ., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RLT Builds Partnerships

Agricultural Stewardship Association we will co-sponsor the two-day Hudson (ASA), Saratoga PLAN, and Columbia Ramble Plateau Traverse Hike again in Land Conservancy, to give a series of 2012. adult workshops for horsemen and hay We are celebrating our fifth year of producers, providing education about partnership with the City of Troy on land conservation options and trail the Tomhannock Reservoir shoreline sustainability. clean-up. This open air reservoir pro- We partner with the New York State vides clean fresh drinking water to over Department of Environmental 125,000 people in Albany and Rensselaer Conservation (DEC). Our Hoosic River Counties. If you live in the City of Troy, property located in Eagle Bridge has a your drinking water comes from the 99-year fishing and boating access ease- Tomhannock. Dozens of volunteers ment held by DEC. They constructed gather each year to collect debris that the boat launch, shore rip wrap, kiosk, has accumulated along the 17 miles of Rensselaer Land Trust collaborates with benches and parking area, and provided shoreline. Keeping inappropriate run- other organizations, state agencies and over 600 trees and shrubs with another off from contaminating the reservoir municipalities to further our common 300 coming this spring. Help us at our is critical to maintaining the quality of environmental goals, to share costs planting party this May. the water. and expertise, for educational outreach We collaborate with the Rensselaer RLT continues to seek out partnerships to different groups of people, and to Plateau Alliance (RPA). In January, RLT with other organizations to expand our ensure efforts are not duplicated. Here invited RPA to participate in our hike effectiveness in land conservation and are a few of our partnerships. and potluck event on the Rensselaer the protection of resources in our beau- This year, we are joining forces Plateau. And this winter, we worked tiful county. If you are involved with with Kentucky-based Equine Land with RPA, ASA and Cornell Cooperative another organization or unit of gov- Conservation Resource, Cornell Extension to provide an estate planning ernment and would like to discuss an Cooperative Extension Equine Division, seminar for wood lot owners and those idea for collaboration, contact me at our Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, who manage forests. As we did last fall, office number 518.659.5263.

Participants of the Rensselaer Plateau hike on January 28, 2012. A delicious and plentiful potluck followed.

www.renstrust.org 9 Financial Data Gifts JANUARY – DECEMBER 2011 2011

BEQUEST SOCIETY INCOME Francille M. Egbert Donated Services $ 2,256 Christine Young

Grants $ 34,300 CORPORATE SPONSOR Interest Income $ 63 Brown’s Brewing Company

Member Contributions $ 37,427 CORPORATE DONORS Oktoberfest Proceeds $ 5,640 GE Foundation Macy’s Stewardship Endowments $ 3,500 Stewart’s Shops TOTAL INCOME $ 83,186 GRANTS Land Trust Alliance/NYS DEC EXPENSES The Hogarty Family Foundation The McCarthy Charities Conferences & Meetings $ 128 The Norcross Wildlife Foundation Donated Services $ 2,256 IN-KIND DONORS Fundraising Costs $ 1,467 Alex Nardacci David Hunt, PhD Averill Park Auto Supply Kevin Luddy Insurance $ 1,625 Garrett & Kelly Brown Market Block Books Carl Cipperly Metroland Marketing $ 1,376 City of Troy Brian Murray Classic Harbor Line NYS Dept of Environmental Membership Dues $ 1,582 Clinical Dimensions Conservation Curves Trix Niernberger Mileage $ 489 Deli-icious Debi Orton Design It Together Pfeil Hardware Personnel & Taxes $ 43,186 Ecovative Design Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area Priscilla Fairbanks Susan Scrimshaw Printing, Postage, Office $ 6,163 4 Corners Liquor Store The Sage Colleges Hannaford Scott Wells Professional Fees $ 15,011 Hixon Design Consultants George Wilson

Property Taxes $ 717 TRIBUTE GIFTS

Rent & Utilities $ 3,995 In Memory of Bob Ingalls In Memory of Jane Guimarra Richard & Dale Charkow Jane Menchyk Repair & Maintenance $ 97 Martha T. Connor In Memory of Glen Martin Janet Gans & Morton Lasher Maeve McBride Telecommunications $ 500 Theresa Hayden TOTAL EXPENSES $ 78,592 Alane Hohenberg In Honor of Maeve McBride Ed Miller Douglas Clason Ora Schongar NET OPERATING BALANCE $ 4,594 Donna Simms In Memory of Margaret Kimberly Joy Smith Otto Driesel Richard & Millicent Smith Jim & Jane Otto Cindy Specter Claudia Knab-Vispo & Conrad Vispo

10 RLT News • 2011 Annual Report Donors 2011

WATERSHED CIRCLE David Schmidt Christine Vanderlan & Stephen Hoyt Paul & Bethany Schroeder George H. Vollmuth & Janet Langlois Shirley & Gerald Dunn Robert A. Schwed John & Christine Ward James Staalesen Greg & Miriam Shields, Susan Weinrich John & Betty Siedhoff Mary Ann Willetts LAND STEWARDS Rudy Stegemoeller & Mary Lynch Xiaoxi Zhu David & Harriet Borton Fred & Maren Stein Edwin J. Cook & Patricia Zalinka-Cook Howard & Margaret Stoner INDIVIDUALS Roy Tario Barbara Cutler Phoebe Anderson Debbie & John Wen Sally Lawrence Kevin & Lisa Barron Christine Young Joe Vella G. Stephen Christopher Brian Zweig Sue Clark ADVOCATES Lauren Conway & Steven Penson FAMILY Anonymous Jennifer Dean Nick Conrad & Liz McLean Gayle Anderson & Sidney Fleisher Myrna & John Denison Sarah P. Ingalls Jenny & Ben Brinker Priscilla Fairbank & Owen Goldfarb Chet & Karen Opalka Susan & Ian Bubb Arthur Fontijn Edward & Laura Degenhart Rita Gavin Stephen & Deborah Pentak Mary Jo & David Burton Francille M. Egbert Steven Hicks Thomas & Margaret Phillips Wanda Chenot Jeffrey D. & Lorraine English Marcia K. Hopple Allan Stern & Susan Scrimshaw Martin & Vivian Conboy Farm Credit East, ACA Kevin & Maureen Cox Lisa & Pierce Hoyt Gary C. Thomann Veronica Fitzgerald Jackie Danner Constance Kheel James & Blair Fosburgh Elton Dise & Jennifer O’Neill Marion McBride SUSTAINERS Ron Geuther Robin Dropkin Robert B. & Karen Leffler David Aikens Cathy Gilchrist Linda Filarecki Alex & Jane Roberts Sharon Bedford & Fred Alm Joel Giller & Claudia Kavenagh David L. & Patricia Flint Christine Roman Tom & Susan Blandy Maria Gomez & Michael Dirac Angelo & Lilajane Frascarelli Judith Ropitzky Bob Crowley Alison M. Grant & Fred Ricard Mary & Ross French Judith & Frederik Rusch Joe Durkin Joseph & Mary Ellen Grimaldi Georgia Gallas Laura Ryder & Corey Bufi Anthony H. Garner Marcia Handelman Chris Glander Marilyn Schmidt Stacey & Keith Goldstein Pat Harrington & George Wilson Christopher & Kathryn Hawver Jennifer Schulaner Jennifer Hixon & Tim Sergay Philip & Cathleen Herrington Teresa & Bill Holliday John Sheehan June & Stanley Hmielenski, Jr. John E Hinzelman Becky & Martin Kaiser Barbara Leavell Smith Peg Olsen Drew & Linda Holcomb Nancy & Gordon Kaye Florence Strang Elizabeth Reid & Dewey Hill Tim & Sarah Howard Maynard & Doris Krug Guinevere L. Thaler Anne & Peter Rokeach Naomi Ingalls Susan & Andre Lascari Betsy P. Thompson John & Elenor Scarano Lois & Michael Jensen Susan Lawrence Jim & Sharon Watkinson Irv Stephens & Dorothy Barnes Mary Krenceski & Jim Tkacik Douglas & Carol Leith Patty Watt Yvonne & Darrell Welch Gail Landrigan Richard Longman Steve Wilson Sharon & Lewis Zankel Steve & Lynne Longtin Brenda & Joe Maccio Robert McNaughton, Jr. Paul N. Marcus SUPPORTERS Heinrich & Hildegard Medicus Robert Matthews Frederick & Pauline Miller Mihran Mooradian Mary Abbott Judith Morlock John & Kathy Munn Jack Alexander & Lyn Howard Stephen & Mary Muller Daniel E. O’Brien Roger & Judy Armstrong Don Murray Thomas & Rae O’Connor Andrew C. Beers & Elizabeth Meer Trix Niernberger & Bill Preston Theresa Page Don & Diane Bell Jim & Jane Otto Elizabeth Pohlmann & Harald Moore Melissa & Jessica Beskid Robert & Linda Peterson Cindy & Joe Pulito James Bonesteel & Jill Rembetski Joy & Brian Pratt Edward Rasowsky Sharon Bonk Alan & Edwina Randall Susan & Neil Roberts Richard Buck Nancy Reich John & Janice Smircich Carl Cipperly Dale Riggs & Don Miles Ross Sterantino Jessie & Andy Davis Jeffrey & Karen Ross Shelly Stiles & Michael Batcher

To join RLT or to donate, visit www.renstrust.org 11 Rensselaer Land Trust Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid 415 River Street Albany NY Troy NY 12180 Permit No 403

www.renstrust.org www.facebook.com/RensselaerLandTrust (518) 659–5263 Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural spaces throughout Rensselaer County, New York, especially land that protects sources of drinking water, provides natural habitat for wildlife and maintains the scenic rural character of the community. Founded in 1987, we have protected 792 acres, owning six properties with 235 acres and holding easements on 12 properties with 557 acres. Your donations are our primary funding source. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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Participants of the two-day hike across the Rensselaer Plateau in September 2011. The hike was co-sponsored by Rensselaer Plateau Alliance.