20 volunteers joined CLC and Valatie Boy Scout Troop #2114 for a trail workday at the Borden’s Pond Conservation Area in Chatham. The projects included clearing around the stone wall, installing two bluebird boxes, improving the green trail, parking area improvements, clearing invasive species, and general cleanup. The event was part of Adam Day’s Eagle Scout community service project.
Adam Day, a member of Boy Scout Troop 2114 in Valatie, is working with the Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) on a community service project to earn his Eagle Scout award. Day, a Stockport resident, is leading a volunteer project to replace several sections of bog bridging at CLC’s Borden’s Pond Conservation Area.
The bridging will traverse several small streams and seasonally muddy areas. Walking distance from the Village of Chatham, the Public Conservation Area’s two miles of trails and diverse wildlife is popular among area residents and visitors.
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which provides resources for a host of critically important conservation and environmental programs. It pays for acquisition and maintenance of parkland and high value open spaces, farmland protection, protection of drinking water supplies, and the study and protection of sensitive ecological systems.
Columbia County has benefited from the EPF. The Fund supported the creation of the Borden’s Pond Conservation Area and the Round Ball Conservation Area, the extension the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, and numerous farmland protection projects. These projects protect the incredible scenic beauty of our region, create publically accessible trails, and support both the agricultural and tourist economy.
Despite the success of these important projects, the EPF has been cut by nearly 50% in recent years. Governor Cuomo has made a commitment to increase the EPF appropriation and his Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Executive Budget proposal includes a $19 million increase to the appropriation.
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Jack Altman is the first Nature Quest participant to complete all 9 quests! Nature Quest is a treasure hunt where participants use clues to find treasure boxes hidden at nine of our Public Conservation Areas. Jack, 7 years old, got an early start. He picked up his passport at the Country Barbecue, the day the book of clues became available, and headed out on his first quest the following day. Jack reports that he got a big surprise the end of the Borden’s Pond quest. He was reaching for the questing box and a frog jumped out at him.
Participants who complete all nine quests by September 30, 2011 receive a prize.
Nature Quest is a treasure hunt! You use clues the passport to find treasure boxes hidden at nine of our Public Conservation Areas. The clues will lead you through amazing wildlife habitats and across interesting historical and natural features. At the end of each quest there is a waterproof box that contains a special stamp, an ink pad, and a logbook. Use the stamp to mark your passport, then sign or stamp the logbook. This passport contains clues for all nine Nature Quests.
