Waterfalls, Woods and Wonder

  United States

New York

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Please Contact us for further information.

Description: The United States offers a thousand faces to visitors. For this holiday, it is one of tranquility and serenity against the stunning backdrop of New York State's magnificent wood and lakeland scenery. Where better to take time out from your everyday life, or tour of the USA, to reflect on the peace that exists somewhere everywhere, or just watch the reflections on the ponds - all the better for just having done a satisfying days work in the woods!

Where we're working

The Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve lies in the beautiful hill country approximately 30 miles south west of Albany, New York State. It has a long history of ecological research and is not only a haven for educators and researchers but also people seeking peace and serenity away from the pressures of modern life. The original 500 acres of the Preserve, established in 1931 have gone undisturbed since the late 1800s with an additional 1500 acres added within the watershed since 1967. Among the natural treasures found on the Preserve are hardwood stands more than 200 years old, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond and the dramatic Rensselaerville Falls. The preserve contains such an array of habitats, that many animals such as bobcat, otter and very occasionally black bears, use the preserve as a vital sanctuary. The preserve also supports a great variety of birds (residential and migratory) with notable recent visitors being loons, bald eagles, snowy owls, orange-crowned warblers, and resident breeding populations of goshawk, turkey, and pileated woodpecker.

Who we're working with

Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve, one of the oldest individual biological research stations in the U.S. has supported research continuously since 1938 when the Biological Research Station was established. Since then, more than 200 scientists have carried out research projects resulting in over 250 papers published in scientific journals. These investigations have covered a wide range of problems in botany, ecology and zoology. Combined with scientific research the preserve continues to be 'managed' as an undisturbed natural area for the enjoyment of the public.

What we'll be doing

We're working with the small and friendly preserve staff team on necessary and ongoing maintenance of facilities within the beautiful preserve. This is likely to include clearing, re-routing, marking and repairing the eroded nature trail; restoring and building footbridges; and building maintenance. This work is designed to help prevent and repair the impacts of heavy trail usage and weather erosion on the fragile environment.

We've been running BTCV Conservation Holidays in Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve for many years now and when you see the fabulous forest and mountain location, you'll understand why. It's great to see the impact of all the work already carried out on these popular holidays, and feel that you're really doing something to further develop and protect the area.

Benefits of our work

The original charter defines the purpose of the preserve "to conserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond and the land around them...and to increase the general knowledge and love of nature." Providing well-defined and maintained trails ensures that visitors have the opportunity to enjoy, learn and be inspired whilst conserving and protecting the integrity of the preserve. The work we'll be doing will help the Huyck Preserve continue to offer field-based education programs and fulfill its mission.

Where we'll be staying

We're staying in a purpose built lodge overlooking Lincoln pond in the heart of the preserve. It's comfortable, secluded and a fantastic base for this holiday. The lodge consists of a full kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom and shared bedrooms. In the evenings there's nothing better than to relax on the porch overlooking the lake. Within the Preserve there is a 150-foot waterfall, 100 acre lake, large pond and many streams. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are a few of the recreational opportunities available. The Huyck Preserve is in walking distance of Rensselaerville, a historic hamlet with a library, café, restaurant and pub.

Highlights: Not a holiday for lovers of big nights out - peace and tranquility are the themes and we can guarantee the last word in blissful evenings on the porch, drinking in the scenery or gazing at the stars.

We'll have evenings and weekends free, giving us time to explore the area and visit nearby attractions such as the Catskills Mountains. The Preserve offers trails for hiking (and won't we know it!) and, if you like, you can go fishing or swimming in Lake Myosotis. There will also be informal presentations on the plants, animals, geology and history of the Preserve, highlighting the research projects past and present.

The pick-up location at Hudson Train Station also gives you the option to take the train up the Hudson River Valley from New York City to Albany and provides you the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful train trips in the U.S.

Qualifications: You must be over 18. No previous experience necessary.

Cost in US$: Approx. $730 (495 GBP - conversion correct at time of print)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

BTCV's Mission Statement: BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation organization. It is a charity which involves over 130,000 people every year in projects to bring about positive environmental change. When BTCV was first established, over 40 years ago, most projects took place in the countryside and on nature reserves. The emphasis was on nature reserves. The emphasis was on improving rural landscapes and protecting habitats for wildlife. However it is not just; Countryside Landscape Wildlife But also Providing opportunities to volunteer Improving towns and cities Building communities Developing skills Helping people into work BTCV's remit has broadened considerably over the last four decades. We have evolved to meet the needs of an ever changing world. As far as conservation work is concerned, BTCV now offers volunteering opportunities in urban as well as rural locations, thus improving our towns and cities as well as the countryside. But beyond this, we also; give support to local groups train people in conservation and life skills run schemes - and take part in government initiatives - to help people secure employment.

Year Founded: 1959