Winn Preserve

Winn Preserve. . , The original 129-acre Hudson and Nancy Winn Preserve was gifted to MHLC in 1997 from Nancy Winn and her son Merle. Nancy, an Albany Symphony Orchestra cellist, made the gift in memory of her husband, SUNY biology professor Hudson Winn. The family spent weekends exploring the woods and studying birds, aided by Hudson's ornithological expertise. The Preserve was endowed by Ed and Mary Driscoll, parents of Dan Driscoll, a charter board member of the Conservancy. Over the years, additional parcels have been acquired to enlarge the preserve to its current 208-acre size., Natural Resources , The continuous limestone bedrock, known as pavement, is the most striking feature of the property. Cracks or fissures in the limestone were formed over years from acidified rainwater dissolving the stone and can measure up to 16 inches wide and 20 feet deep. In some areas, these fissures crisscross forming a characteristic checkerboard pattern., Limestone pavement is common along the top of the Helderberg Escarpment, which runs through the property with extensive rock outcrops, cliffs, and massive limestone blocks known as chimney stones., With little or no soil cover, the cracked limestone permits liquids to flow unfiltered into the water table, potentially contaminating nearby wells (the primary source of drinking water in the area). For that reason, the Town of Knox designated much of this area, including portions of the Preserve, as part of the Knox Land Conservation District. The only development permitted in this District is public recreation., Mature hemlocks and maples make up most of the forest canopy on the property. Mosses and ferns are prevalent on the forest floor. A number of specialized mosses grow within the limestone cracks. The preserve is home to many bird species that require deep forests for their home including wood thrush, hermit thrush, and many types of warblers., A generous contribution from Mike and Marcie Love provided the funds for the original kiosk sign. This updated version was supported with funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York's Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation. , The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s mission is to conserve and steward lands and waters of the Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys for the benefit of people and the environment., MHLC's commitment to preserving these natural resources honors the legacy of the Mohican and Mohawk peoples as the stewards who nurtured this land since time immemorial. We honor and respect their care of the natural world and commit our efforts to making these lands a more inclusive and equitable environment for all., This Preserve is one of many properties the Conservancy owns and opens to the public for hiking and outdoor recreation. Visit our website for the location of our other preserves. , 518.436.6346 . www.mohawkhudson.org , Follow us on social media!