The Living Woods of Shaupeneak Ridge
by Leathem Mehaffey
Whether you pause to listen to the undulating chorus of spring peepers in a nearby wetland or the melodic songs of the rufous-sided towhee, spring is a wonderful time to explore the Hudson Valley's natural splendor.
Nationally recognized for its rich biodiversity, our region is home to 83 percent of the known species in New York State. From tidal marshes to dense hardwood forests, the distinctive habitats of the valley are treasures to behold.
Scenic Hudson has dedicated itself to preserving these landscapes for more than 38 years and is committed to the ecological sustainability and stewardship of the lands we acquire. Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area in Ulster County is a prime example of this work.
An Agrarian Past
In 1994 The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc. purchased the 600-acre Shaupeneak property in the Town of Esopus to protect its rich ecological, recreational and scenic values. The land is part of the Marlboro Range, which extends from the City of Kingston south to the Town of Marlboro, about one mile inland from the Hudson River's west bank.
Until the 1800s Shaupeneak, then spelled Shappawnigal, was home to the settlement of Poppletown. It was a patchwork of small farms and orchards intermingled with rugged hillsides and marshes. Evidence of this agrarian past can still be found in stone walls that crisscross the property.
Nature has reclaimed much of what was once cleared, and the preserve now exists as a richly forested and ecologically diverse landscape for the public to explore.
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| TIP: Enjoy Shaupeneak Ridge from dawn to dusk, year-round. Volunteer for invasive species control, ecological monitoring or trail conservation by contacting Andy Bicking at (845) 473-4440, ext. 232, or abicking@scenichudson.org. |
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Cliffs Give Rise to Bird and Plant Habitats
Steep cliffs characterize much of Shaupeneak Ridge, making it a visible landmark for miles. The cliffs offer commanding views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, but they also play a significant ecological role.
The ridge is composed of greywacke, an impure sandstone, and conglomerate rock containing limestone. This bedrock makes Shaupeneak's soil somewhat alkaline and gives rise to unique habitats for rare plant and animal communities. Inaccessible to logging, the cliffs are home to 300-year-old eastern hemlocks, which are used by osprey, peregrine falcon and the uncommon fish crow.
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Steep cliffs and magnificent views make Shaupeneak Ridge popular with hikers. |
Louisa Pond Home to Migratory Waterfowl
Inland from the escarpment lies the scenic 27-acre Louisa Pond. This popular fishing spot is comprised of open water, wetlands and marsh. Visitors can experience Louisa Pond by hiking the Blue Trail through a rich, chestnut oak and hemlock forest.
The pond contains a large, floating bog mat that provides a habitat for several regionally rare plants and is an important sanctuary for migratory and breeding waterfowl. One can explore the deep sedge and cattail marsh north of the pond while walking a boardwalk section of the Blue Trail. The area is an important roosting spot for red-winged blackbirds, which can be seen and heard this time of year.
Stewardship Plan Aims to Protect Native Ecology
Despite its abundant biodiversity, Shaupeneak Ridge is imperiled without adequate management. Exotic or invasive species can displace native flora and fauna. For example the hemlock woolly adelgid can radically alter habitat structure, while visitors also can adversely affect the land. To offset these threats Scenic Hudson is creating a comprehensive management plan for the property to preserve the area's ecology for generations to come. |
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| Louisa Pond is a beautiful spot for birders, photographers and nature lovers of all ages. |
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