Headline News

Protecting Grassland Birds

May 17, 2013 | Posted in CLC, Headline | Keywords: , , ,
Bobolink by Andrea Westmoreland
Bobolink – Photo by Andrea Westmoreland

The Bobolinks have returned to Columbia County! Starting in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a 6,000 mile flight. It’s a spectacular bird with a bubbling song and unique plumage. The male bobolink is the only North American bird that is black underneath and white on the back. After breeding, his plumage changes into a muted and camouflaged appearance.

Over the last thirty years, bobolinks – as well as other grassland birds such as savannah sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and Eastern meadowlarks – have significantly decreased due to loss of farmland and intensification of certain agricultural practices. Yet, we still have sizable populations and during the warmer months many grassland birds call Columbia County home and take advantage of the numerous meadows and agricultural lands. CONTINUE READING

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Country Barbecue – Non Stop Entertainment

May 15, 2013 | Posted in CLC, Headline
Horse Trolley

Joining 1,000 supporters of local conservation at a beautiful Columbia County farm for a barbecue featuring local food, an array of wines, and locally brewed beer is the perfect way to inaugurate the summer. Yet the Country Barbecue is so much more. The CLC fundraising event is held on Sunday, May 26 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm in Livingston, NY, and is packed with a diverse range of entertainment drawing from rural traditions.

From the parking area you can ride on Dreaming Tree Farm’s horse drawn trolley for spectacular views of David Rockefeller’s Clum and Patchen Farm, which boasts 400 acres of permanently protected farm fields and stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.
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Greenport Gets Greener

May 15, 2013 | Posted in CLC, Headline | Keywords: , ,

Tyler Henderson, from Claverack Boy Scout Troop 121, led a group of 22 volunteers in cleaning up one of the old house sites along the Green Trail at the Greenport Conservation Area. Scouts, parents, and conservation area visitors nearly filled a 30 yard dumpster with remnants of the house, leftover farm equipment, and garbage. The Greenport Conservation Area is one of 10 natural areas that CLC manages for public use. The Public Conservation Areas are open free of charge from dawn to dusk.

Before Greenport CleanupAfter Greenport CleanupScouts in the Woods

Before the cleanup, and after the cleanup

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Silent Auction and Raffle

May 10, 2013 | Posted in CLC, Headline
Boat Trip

Support local conservation by bidding on a silent auction item and buying raffle tickets. Great opportunities to enjoy the best of Columbia County abound.

Auction items include wonderful ways to enjoy the best of the region. There are performances, concerts, and entertainment at venues such as Stageworks/Hudson and the Mac-Hayden Theatre. There are items featuring fresh local food. Vico, Blue Plate, and several other restaurants have donated gift certificates. CONTINUE READING

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Kids Visit Alpaca Farm

May 10, 2013 | Posted in CLC, Headline, Working Farms | Keywords:
Kids with alpacaSmiling child with alpacaHand feeding alpaca

Three Head Start groups recently visited Spruce Ridge Farm on a CLC sponsored field trip. The 3 and 4 year olds fed alpacas. Plus, they saw cows, guinea hens, chickens, and pigs. They learned all about how alpaca fiber (fur) is made into yarn and used to make sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves. Thanks to Spruce Ridge Farm owners, Jeff and Steve, for being such wonderful hosts! CONTINUE READING

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Catching Conservation

May 8, 2013 | Posted in CLC, Headline
Luke Murphy with Trout

Eighteen young anglers participated in the Annual Youth Fishing Derby at CLC’s Schor Conservation Area, co-sponsored by the Canaan Conservation Club. Five year old Luke Murphy took caught a 15 inch trout. The derby is one of the many CLC programs that provide opportunities for people to connect to the land, building support for local conservation efforts.

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Beautiful Barbecue Location

May 7, 2013 | Posted in Headline
Clum and Patchen Farm

This year, CLC’s Country Barbecue returns to David Rockefeller’s Clum and Patchen Farm in Livingston, NY. A long drive lined with poplar trees leads to 400 acres of prime farmland with tremendous Catskill views. From the parking area you can ride on a horse drawn trolley for additional views.

In 1992, David Rockefeller and his wife Peggy chose to permanently protect the property with a conservation agreement with CLC. At a beautiful location like this it’s easy to appreciate the importance of protecting rural landscapes and connecting people to the land. It’s a good thing that Country Barbecue ticket purchases support Columbia Land Conservancy’s local conservation efforts. The nonprofit organization relies on the financial support of individuals to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitat, and rural character of Columbia County, strengthening connections between people and the land.

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