Beautiful Natural Area Saved in Ulster County

167-acre parcel extends corridor of protected lands along the historic Black Creek in Esopus

Scenic Hudson's newest property contains three spectacular waterfalls.

We're proud to announce another significant addition in our campaign to "save the land that matters most" -- purchasing 167 acres surrounding Black Creek in the Town of Esopus, Ulster County. The land consists of forests, meadows, marshes, impressive rock ledges and nearly a mile of Black Creek shoreline. The portion of the creek that passes through the property features a series of stunning waterfalls.

This purchase brings to 910 acres the land protected by Scenic Hudson in the Black Creek Corridor -- which includes ecological, scenic and recreational resources along more than two miles of Black Creek and its environs. The corridor is part of the state-designated Plutarch/Black Creek Wetlands Complex, an important area for breeding and migrating waterfowl and home to a variety of sensitive wildlife habitats. The land will be conserved and made available for public uses including bird-watching, kayaking and picnicking, as well as for scientific research. Protection of land in the flood plains of rivers and creeks also will have benefits in mitigating the ecological and property damage anticipated to accompany sea-level rises and storm surges under predicted global climate-change scenarios.

The latest acquisition is adjacent to the 167-acre John Burroughs Sanctuary, which surrounds the rustic home of the famed naturalist and writer.

Scenic Hudson's campaign to "save the land that matters most" focuses land-preservation and other conservation tools on land that New York State has identified as meeting the highest standards for scenic and ecological resources, and which are visible from existing parkland and protected areas. Scenic Hudson will be working with the state, other land trusts and communities to protect these lands while targeting economic growth in downtown areas.

Senior Project Manager Maryanne McGovern oversaw this complicated purchase, which involved negotiating with nine family members who wished to conserve the property.