 Welcome
. . . to the New Baltimore Conservancy website.
While here we hope you will learn more about our area of the historic Hudson Valley. Even better, we hope you will join us.
We maintain hiking trails, sponsor social events, offer informational programs and guided hikes and river paddles -- all with the goal of conserving the natural, historic, and architectural resources in the town.
See why others have joined our community of volunteers.
News (4.4.12)
Scenic Hudson is under contract to purchase c. 75 acres of the former Armstrong Farm, with closing anticipated in early May. This property is located about a half mile south of the Hamlet of New Baltimore and extends from River Rd to the river. It includes woods and meadows, a shale beach with a great landing spot for paddlers, an historic but deteriorating agricultural complex and the best view of the Berkshires around. Scenic Hudson has asked the Conservancy to manage the land once they acquire it. The Conservancy has enthusiastically agreed to do so, with the understanding that it be used more as a park than a preserve, for example, for passive, non motorized recreation (walking, cross country skiing). As would be the case on any land used for farming in the mid-twentieth century, some soils on the land have been found to contain small concentrations of lead, DDT, and arsenic, and remediation is scheduled to begin April 6 and take about 3 weeks. Once aquired, Scenic Hudson will go through the Town's review process, which includes seeking a special use permit from the Planning Board.
The Conservancy's reponsibilities: We have committed to contribute $50,000 towards the purchase price -- a small fraction of the overall cost but a significant sum. Committed pledges to date bring us within $5000 of our target, with half of our initial commitment in hand and ready for closing. We are seeking donations of any amount to help us reach our initial goal. Donations can take the form of pledges over time and are tax deductible. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact us using the link in the left margin.
How you can help: We have much to do! Once we meet our $50K commitment to Scenic Hudson to purchase the property, we will turn our attention to the next phase of the project, which is to stabilize the barn and make the few improvements needed to open the land to the public, which we want to do as soon as possible - hopefully by summer. This phase will also require contributions to complete improvements. Our goal is to make the land a fitting resource for the residents of New Baltimore as well as visitors from throughout the Hudson Valley and places beyond. Your contribution is needed to help us meet our goal. Can we count on you?
Watch this space for updates.
CLICK HERE for a description of the land and buildings and historical significance, researched and written by Ted Hilscher, New Baltimore Town Historian, Feb 2012.
CLICK HERE for history of the parcel: "James K. Bronk Farm", researched and written by Jean M. Bush, Mar. 2012.
Event of Interest:
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UPCOMING CONSERVANCY EVENTS
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May
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9
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Business Meeting. Agenda includes planning for assuming management responsibility for the Bronk/Armstrong property. 7:30 Cornell Hook & Ladder, Gill Rd.
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19
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A Taste of History. A fund-raising event to benefit the Scholarship Fund. Join us for a Travelling House Party at 3 Historic Homes - With Refreshments!
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