Disappearing Young Forests of New York – And Why We Need Them
By Bob Davis, Chief Executive Officer If you take a walk through most of New York’s forests today, you’ll notice something missing—young, regenerating woodlands. We have old trees, mature forests, and even open fields, but young forests—those dense thickets of saplings and shrubs—are becoming increasingly rare. So, why is this happening? New York’s forests are... Read More
THE CANOPY – Winnakee News, Winter 2025
In this issue: View FULL EDITION Winnakee Protects 206 New Acres of Important Wildlife Habitat The Understory Blog: Winter in the Woods: Seeing the Forest for the Trees Upcoming Events
Winter in the Woods: Seeing the Forest for the Trees
By Bob Davis, Chief Executive Officer Winter can be a rewarding time to enhance your naturalist’s skills in the woods. Things slow down, but while trees are in dormancy, so much about their contributions to the forest can be revealed. Winter is a wonderful time to observe the evolution of our forests, the challenges they... Read More
Winnakee Protects 140 New Acres of Vulnerable Wildlife Habitat
We were interested in donating the land to Winnakee because we knew of their impressive work to increase biodiversity in wetlands and grasslands by protecting and creating habitat for native wildlife on their other properties.” —Jeffrey Scales, donating landowner Winnakee Land Trust wrapped up the end of 2024 with the exciting acquisition of 140 acres... Read More
BIG NIGHT 2025: Help us, help amphibians cross the road
WHAT Winnkaee is thrilled to promote the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Amphibian Migration and Road Crossing (AM&RC) program, aka “Big Night.” We will be counting amphibians and helping them cross the road to reach their breeding vernal pools! Become a citizen scientist and help save amphibians when they migrate to lay eggs in spring vernal... Read More
Summer Work Day at Burger Hill
WHERE:Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill, Rhinebeck, NY WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10am-12pm Due to forecasted heavy rains and cold temperatures, we are postponing this Saturday, April 12th volunteer day at Burger Hill. The new date for this volunteer opportunity is Saturday, June 14th from 10am-12pm. We hope to have warmer, brighter weather for you all to get... Read More
Creating a Silviculture Management Plan
RESCHEDULED to Saturday, June 7 from 10:00am -12:00pm LOCATION: North Quaker Lane, Hyde Park, NY. Google pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FSmLAhwxaTjcQVtPA Every woodland is unique—its location, soil, tree species, and surrounding landscape all shape how it grows and changes over time. To keep your forest healthy and thriving for the long term, it’s important to understand its natural... Read More
Bird Walk at Vlei Marsh with Waterman Bird Club
WHEN: Sunday, June 1 at 8:00AM WHERE: Vlei Marsh Preserve, 186 Vlei Road, Rhinebeck REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Capacity is limited. Suggested donation $10 per person, $25 per family. Join us with Dr. Alan Peterson and Frank Margiotta of the Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club for a guided bird walk at Vlei Marsh, an e-Bird Hot Spot!... Read More
Make a year-end gift!
We’re Doing This Together! As the year comes to a close, we’re stepping back and reflecting on the truly amazing things that we—Winnakee and YOU—have done in 2024. Earlier this year, we built a new bridge at Vlei Marsh. Your donation of time and money made this possible and now visitors have easier access to... Read More
Volunteer #GIVINGTUESDAY Trail Blazing
Date to be determined in 2025! We are excited to implement our #GIVINGTUESDAY campaign to blaze new trails and improve trail accessible to individuals with color blindness. They will also be reflective, ensuring that first responders are able to navigate easily in case of an emergency. Be a part of this community building activity. Sign... Read More