Bringing People and Nature in Harmony

One of Mohonk Preserve's most important challenges is expanding opportunities for recreation in nature while protecting culturally and environmentally significant areas. Nowhere is this balancing act more apparent than in the dedicated work of our Land Stewardship staff.

Throughout the year, our rangers, trailhead assistants, and facilities crew maintain a network of over 70 miles of trails and historic carriage roads, along with bridges, a green-design Visitor Center and grounds, interpretive signs and information kiosks, while also providing services for 300,000 visitors, many of whom are second- or third-generation Preserve members.

Stewardship staff have worked with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to complete a state-of-the-art, GIS-based comprehensive plan and guidance manual for the restoration of the carriage road system that provides recommendations for immediate and long-term care of this practical and picturesque method of travel. Our Rangers also help visitors safely enjoy the Preserve by providing information, orientation, and search and rescue services. Our Facilities team, often assisted by Rangers, is active in maintaining our infrastructure of buildings and trailheads, including wayside kiosks, signage, gates and restrooms, and also in bridge repair and trail clearing.

The growing impacts of nature, including destructive weather episodes related to climate change, and demands of visitors require us to continue to invest in land management capacity to ensure that all of our unique pathways to nature are preserved for you today and future generations tomorrow.