Alplaus Kill Preserve

Alplaus Kill Preserve. . , This 54-acre property was donated to Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy by Gray and Vicki Watkins in 2025. Since moving to Alplaus in 1978, they worked to protect this undeveloped habitat stretching north of Alplaus Ave between the railroad tracks to the west and the Alplaus Kill to the east. The property's open fields, woods, and creek were not just a place for the Watkins family to connect with nature but an integral part of their lives. Their gift ensures this land will be preserved in perpetuity, providing future generations the space to discover and foster their own special connections with the natural world., History of the Property , The name Alplaus, formerly Aal Plaats, came from the Dutch "Place of Eels," for the once plentiful supply in the creek. Before European settlers arrived, the Mohicans inhabited the area, they fished the Alplaus Kill and used the stream as a gateway to trapping and trade routes on the Mohawk River. The Mohicans also cultivated the land, clearing fields to grow crops. It was on the banks of the Alplaus Kill that French soldiers and Mohawk and Algonquin warriors camped before the infamous retaliatory Schenectady Massacre of 1690, a significant event in the area's history. During the next 200 years, the area developed into a small farming community., Preserve Features , The Alplaus Kill Preserve boasts a scenic trail that meanders through the open fields and into the woodlands of the property. This serene preserve is a refuge for a variety of animal and plant species, offering an escape from the surrounding suburban sprawl. The woods are home to many deer, and the open fields are a popular hunting ground for red-tailed hawks, who prey on the abundant mice, voles, and rabbits. Eagles, osprey and great blue heron are often spotted as they head to the stream for fish. The trail continues along the banks of the Alplaus Kill, where lucky visitors might spot a beaver, mink, or river otter as they occasionally traverse the stream. Under favorable conditions, paddlers heading up from the Mohawk River can access the preserve from the banks of the Alplaus Kill., [ Right Inset ] , The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's mision 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!