Land Matters News

Something Great To Do on Memorial Day Weekend

May 3, 2013 | Posted in Land Matters, Publication

by Peter Paden
Published April 5, 2013 in the Register-Star

2013 Country Barbecue Invitation
lawn games

On Sunday May 26th, from 4:30 – 8:00 PM, the Columbia Land Conservancy is hosting our 23rd annual County Barbecue. Attended by upwards of 1,000 people, this spectacular event is something of a cross between a country fair and an elegant country picnic. It is held in a beautiful outdoor location on land that has been permanently conserved. Interesting and educational exhibits celebrate farming, rural life and the wonders of the natural world. The locally sourced food is first class. The entertainment includes offerings for people of all ages. These elements combine to make the event an embodiment of the qualities of Columbia County we all value so highly and that CLC is committed to protecting for future generations.

I hope you will join us. If you have family or friends visiting for the weekend, bring them along. It is a wonderful way to mark the beginning of another summer season. CONTINUE READING

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Woodland Pools: Join CLC this Month for a Great Outdoor Experience

April 4, 2013 | Posted in Headline, Land Matters, Publication

by Peter Paden
Published April 5, 2013 in the Register-Star

Trees in woodland pool
Spotted Salamandar
Photo by Laura Heady

Spring is once again upon us. The air and the ground are warming. Buds are starting to emerge. We’ll be seeing crocuses any day now. And soon we’re going to start hearing the wonderful cacophony of spring peepers and wood frogs – maybe you already have.

Many of us in Columbia County will notice along about this time the appearance of small wetlands, shallow pools that emerge from the winter thaw and typically dry up by July or August, sometimes to return for a few months in the autumn. These are woodland pools. They are often viewed as a nuisance by landowners and developers – they are neither proper, year-round ponds nor serviceable as grassy lawns or fields. And for those of us who bear them no particular ill will, they are at best nondescript areas that don’t receive very much attention or appreciation – kind of messy, wet areas.

In fact, woodland pools are extremely important to the ecosystem. They provide critical habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. They support healthy human communities by helping to replenish ground water, keep our drinking water clean and control flooding. And as you come to learn about them, you are likely to conclude that they are, in addition, quite beautiful and wondrous places. CONTINUE READING

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Farming: Our Future?

February 27, 2013 | Posted in Land Matters, Publication, Working Farms

by Peter Paden
Published March 1, 2013 in the Register-Star

On Saturday, February 23rd, more than 200 people gathered together at the Taconic Hills High School for a day of learning, discussion and networking focused on the future of farming in Columbia County. The second annual conference entitled: Farming Our Future – Growing Food, Farms and Community brought together a diverse array of folks – experienced farmers, aspiring farmers, people who own farm land or are looking to acquire it, professionals who work in farm-related businesses and non-profits, professionals from the food industry, educators, political and community leaders, and people who love living in a rural area and want to ensure it will remain so. CONTINUE READING

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County Poised to Take Major Step in Support of Farmland Preservation

January 31, 2013 | Posted in Land Matters, Publication, Working Farms

by Peter Paden
Published February 1, 2013 in the Register-Star

If there is one thing most people in Columbia County appear to have in common it is an appreciation for the rural character of our landscape and our communities. Protection of the rural character of the area rates as the number one priority in survey after survey done in connection with the formulation or revision of comprehensive plans in municipalities from one end of the county to the other. “Rural character” is an elusive concept. But whatever it may mean, there can be no doubt that it is a product of our centuries-long agricultural heritage and that a vibrant farming sector will be essential to the preservation of this widely cherished quality of life.

Everyone who cares about these matters – farmers, for sure, but beyond that, anyone who enjoys living in a farming community, who loves the working landscapes, who appreciates the abundance of a wide array of high quality locally grown food and, beyond that, anyone who is invested or interested in the economic future of Columbia County – will be interested to know that within months the Board of Supervisors will be asked to vote on a matter of great consequence: whether or not to adopt a Columbia County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. CONTINUE READING

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Year-End Reflections

January 7, 2013 | Posted in Land Matters, Publication

by Peter Paden
Published January 4, 2013 in the Register-Star

Here at the Columbia Land Conservancy we are closing the books on 2012 and laying out our work plans for the year ahead. I like to use this occasion to provide the community with a report on what we have to show for our efforts in the last twelve months. I’m proud to tell you about it. CONTINUE READING

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A Dream for the Hudson Waterfront

November 2, 2012 | Posted in CLC, Headline, Land Matters, Publication | Keywords: ,
Tall grass at North Bay

by Peter Paden
Published November 2, 2012 in the Register-Star

What if the City of Hudson had a nature preserve on the waterfront, more than 100 ecologically rich acres teaming with wildlife, offering spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Catskills beyond, a place where people could explore five distinct Hudson River habitats and learn about the history of human settlement on the river shore, and from which they could set off on a walk that would connect with a seven mile trail network through a thousand acres of conserved forests and open fields along the river shore?

Sound like a pipe dream? It isn’t. CONTINUE READING

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There’s a New Trail in Town

September 6, 2012 | Posted in CLC, Land Matters, Publication, Trails | Keywords: , ,

by Peter Paden
Published September 7, 2012 in the Register-Star

On a sunny Sunday afternoon last month, my wife and I decided to take a hike. We thought it would be fun to go somewhere we hadn’t been before. For the past year, work has been underway to construct a trail connecting the Columbia Land Conservancy’s Greenport Public Conservation Area with Scenic Hudson’s Harrier Hill Park to the north, in Stockport. A few things remain to be done, but the trail is substantially complete so we decided to give it a try. It was a great idea. CONTINUE READING

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