The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA) invites you to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for the Chestnut Hill preserve at 187 Brainard Road, Averill Park (in Stephentown). It will be held at 10 am on Saturday May 13.[private]
This 34-acre parcel features wetlands, woodlands, and a trail loop.
The site is part of an effort to reintroduce healthy American Chestnut trees to eastern forests. Ken James, who owned the land before donating it to RPA, spent decades breeding disease-resistant trees.
The Chestnut Hill project 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 NY Department of Environmental Conservation.
The short ceremony will be followed by a guided hike on the loop trail for those who wish to stay and explore. [/private]