Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Cragsmoor, New York
Organization Description:
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a New York State Park that consists of over 23,000 acres of wild and scenic land located on Route 44/55, five miles west of the intersection with Route 299 in Gardiner, New York and also includes the Sam’s Point Area, located in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, south of Route 52.
​
Organization Goals:
​The mission of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.
​
​
Photo by: John Rozell
Phenology Project Description:
The phenology project is developed by the Minnewaska Education Department as a way to engage park visitors in research while also contributing data to the New York Phenology Project. Minnewaska State Park Preserve leads guided phenology walks once a month at two sites, Lake Maratanza Loop and Beacon Hill Loop. Interested participants on these walks are also encouraged to collect phenology data on their own using the Nature’s Notebook website or app.
​
To learn more about Minnewaska State Park Preserve research or to get involved:
-
Website: Minnewaska State Park Preserve
-
Get Involved: Call the Park Preserve Office at 845-255-0752
-
Coordinators:
-
Beacon Hill Loop - Nicholas Martin, Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
-
Lake Maratanza Loop - Laura Davis Kennedy, Interpretive Ranger and Research Coordinator Laura.davis@parks.ny.gov
-
Photo by: John Rozell
Which species are being studied?
Plants
Trees and Shrubs
-
Betula lenta - Sweet birch
-
Gaylussacia baccata - Black Huckleberry
-
Kalmia angustifolia - Sheep Laurel
​
​