It is Invasive Species Week – What You Can Do!
Small actions make a big difference for our local ecosystems. This annual Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to educate communities about the plants, pests, and pathogens that threaten native ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources.n Invasive species outcompete native plants, affect food sources and habitat for wildlife, and threaten our biodiversity. Once established, they... Read More
June is Pollinator Month – Access Our Resources to Enhance Pollinator Habitat!
June is Pollinator Month! If you missed our recent webinar “From Forests to Meadows: Supporting Pollinators Across Your Land” you can watch it from the link in comments below, as well as access additional pollinator resources from our special guests: –Kass Urban Mead, Pollinator Conservation Specialist and Forests and Forestry Lead at the Xerces Society... Read More
Launch of The Woodland Stewards Collaborative, bringing new landowner programs
5/16/26 Syracuse, NY Yesterday, Winnakee Land Trust and the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) officially launched The Woodland Stewards Collaborative, a joint program partnership dedicated to empowering private landowners with practical, trusted guidance on forest stewardship education and activities. Private landowners are among the most important stewards of New York’s forests. This partnership... Read More
Woodland Stewards Collaborative Webinars
June 25, 2026, at 1pm Where Conservation Meets Tax Planning July 16, 2026, at 1pm Birds & Habitat: Forest Management Plans That Help Birds Thrive September 10, 2026, at 1pm Conservation Forestry and Your Land: Understanding Conservation Value, Stewardship, and Opportunities for New York Forest Landowners These webinars are presented by The Woodland Stewards Collaborative:... Read More
Winnakee awarded $90,000 Grant from The Open Space Institute to Advance Appalachian Landscapes Conservation
Winnakee Land Trust has been awarded a competitive $90,000 capital grant from the Open Space Institute (OSI)’s Appalachian Landscapes Project (ALP). This critical funding will help close a remaining budget gap for the acquisition of an ecologically invaluable forest property in Columbia County that is highly vulnerable to development. Once protected, the forestland will become a... Read More
Winnakee Land Trust and New York Forest Owners Association Launch The Woodland Stewards Collaborative
A new program partnership putting conservation-forward landowner education at its center Winnakee Land Trust and the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) are pleased to announce the formation of The Woodland Stewards Collaborative, a joint program partnership dedicated to empowering private landowners across New York with practical, trusted guidance on forest stewardship education and activities.... Read More
Spring Ephemerals in the Forest
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” —Rachel Carson, Silent Spring The fleeting interval in April to mid-May, after... Read More
From the Forests: Monitoring Pests and Pathogens Threatening Regeneration
In our region, forests face growing pressure from pests and pathogens that threaten tree health and influence the diversity and regeneration of our woodlands. Through dedicated monitoring projects, Winnakee and partner organizations are tracking levels of infestation and identifying trees that exhibit resilience to these threats. The goal is to secure data that informs scientific... Read More
A Personal Note from an Open Field Society Member
By Michael Sasse Our moving to Dutchess County and our involvement with Winnakee are closely connected. When closing on our property, we noted the office of a small, local land trust located in the same office building as our lawyer. Winnakee: That was the organization responsible for the glory of Burger Hill, a place we... Read More
THE CANOPY – Winnakee News, Spring 2026
IN THIS ISSUE View FULL EDITION Winnakee awarded $90,000 Grant from The Open Space Institute to Advance Appalachian Landscapes Conservation Winnakee Land Trust and New York Forest Owners Association Launch The Woodland Stewards Collaborative The Understory Blog: A Personal Note from an Open Field Society Member by Michael Sasse From the Forests: Monitoring Pests and Pathogens... Read More