The Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) received grants totaling $37,000 from New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund through the Conservation Partnership Program. These awards were announced April 23rd, 2012 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance.

RLT will receive $20,000 for its new John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve in Troy and $17,000 to support efforts to obtain re-accreditation.

RLT will match the State funding for the Staalesen Preserve with more than $40,000 of private monies and in-kind services. The grant funds will be used to develop a baseline report on the property, and develop off-street unpaved parking, plus install a display board and signs.

“We are working with the neighborhood and the City of Troy to develop recreational facilities at the Preserve,” said Nick Conrad, president of the board of directors for the Rensselaer Land Trust.

The grant of $17,000 will be used to support RLT’s effort to obtain re-accreditation. RLT is one of the 158 out of 1,700 Land Trusts in the nation to be accredited demonstrating the highest standards of land conservation.

“We are very excited about these awards and thank both the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance,” said Christine Young, executive director of the Rensselaer Land Trust.

Spring Wildflower Walk

Tom Phillips, well-versed botanist, will help us identify spring flowers in the woods, fields, and wetlands of Hidley Farm in North Greenbush. We will walk two to three miles; some areas may be a little wet or muddy. From intersection US Route 4 and Williams Road (NYS Route 136) just south of HVCC, go east on Williams Road 1.9 miles, and turn right on Hidley Road. Go 1.4 miles to a dirt road on the left leading to parking.

Spring Mushroom Walk

Sue Van Hook, local mycologist, will lead us in search of black and white morels and early oyster mushrooms. Bring a basket or bag with stiff sides, a field knife or trowel, and a hand lens if you have one. Sue will have hand lenses to share. Tentatively scheduled at the Rensselaer Tech Park in North Greenbush, but confirm location at registration. Charge: $10/person, $15/couple. Kids free. Register online. Call for info: Marcy Steinberg, (518) 674-2171, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 It is with sadness that we let you know that Doree Cox died on March 14 at her Rensselaer Plateau home in the company of her loving daughters Chere Perrone and Karen Cox. She was a long time Board member and later volunteer of the Rensselaer Land Trust. Spending years on the outings committee, she helped coordinate and research some of the most spectacular historical hikes such as the Streeter Centennial hike, and the Albany Rd. hike with Warren Broderick.  She was always there to meet and greet new hikers, bringing many new members to the Land Trust community.  She took a special interest in the development of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance and shared her knowledge of old roads and history with all of us. After living, skiing, hiking and paddling most of her life on the plateau it was her strong hope that this forest would be preserved.

Missed by all of us she had a glorious day for the last hike.