Tahawus, in Essex County, NY, is at the headwaters of the Hudson River and draws hikers, paddlers, and other outdoor and history enthusiasts year-round. Located in the town of Newcomb in Adirondack High Peaks, the mining community of Tahawus was deserted twice as two separate mining booms both collapsed. [Read more…] about Tahawus: An Abandoned Adirondack Mining Community
The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern United States. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the impacts of extreme weather.
Lake Awosting Carriage Road Restoration Complete
Restoration work on nearly three miles of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s Lake Awosting Carriage Road, a historic trail circling Lake Awosting, the largest “sky lake” on the northern Shawangunk Ridge is now complete. [Read more…] about Lake Awosting Carriage Road Restoration Complete
Ulster County’s Humpo Marshlands and Forest Preserved
On August 14, 2026, Mohonk Preserve purchased the 174-acre Humpo Marshlands and Forest property from the Open Space Institute (OSI), with the Wallkill Valley Land Trust holding a conservation easement over a portion of the property. The deal was made possible by the New Paltz Community Preservation Fund – a source of funding that helped permanently preserve the property’s wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat, and iconic Shawangunk Ridge views. [Read more…] about Ulster County’s Humpo Marshlands and Forest Preserved
OSI Purchases Sabattis Scout Camp on Lows Lake
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has acquired the 1,525-acre former Sabattis Scout Reservation in St. Lawrence County, NY. Located within the Adirondack Park, the property includes historic campgrounds, ponds, hiking trails, and several miles of shoreline along Lows Lake.
The lake is a popular paddling destination in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, about 10 miles from Tupper Lake. [Read more…] about OSI Purchases Sabattis Scout Camp on Lows Lake
Shawangunk Ridge Viewshed, Wetlands Protected
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has planned for the protection of 175 acres of marsh and forest land, including wetland areas, along Route 299 in the Towns of New Paltz and Gardiner in Ulster County.
When the owners of the Humpo Marshlands and Forest property decided it was time to figure out long-term plans for their family’s farm they called Bob Anderberg, OSI’s Senior Vice President and Strategic Conservation Advisor. Anderberg had reached out to the family more than 20 years earlier about preserving the land and had continued that dialogue over the years. [Read more…] about Shawangunk Ridge Viewshed, Wetlands Protected
OSI Supports Hudson Valley Environmental Programs
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has announced the 2026 recipients of its Malcolm Gordon Fund Awards, an initiative supporting environmental education programs, experiences that connect people to the land, and efforts to inspire the next generation of nature lovers in New York’s Hudson Valley.
For its 32nd annual round, awards were given to programs including a gardening tool-lending library in Rosendale, free guided river exploration for young people and families in Newburgh, and more. [Read more…] about OSI Supports Hudson Valley Environmental Programs
State Acquires Easements on 1,200 Acres in Northern New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the acquisition of approximately 1,624 acres of conservation easement on lands in Northern New York from the Open Space Institute (OSI).
Approximately 1,414 acres were acquired through a conservation easement held by OSI on lands owned by Chazy Resource Management Inc. (CRMI) in Clinton County, while a 210-acre conservation easement in Essex County on lands owned by OSI was also purchased. [Read more…] about State Acquires Easements on 1,200 Acres in Northern New York
Skunnemunk State Park Upgrades Include New Meadows Trail
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has opened the Schunnemunk Meadows Trail in Orange County, a new 1.7-mile, four-season multi-use path features gently graded stone surfaces, a pedestrian bridge designed with West Point cadets, fishing access points, EV-charging stations, and stormwater improvements and serves as a gateway to Schunnemunk State Park. [Read more…] about Skunnemunk State Park Upgrades Include New Meadows Trail
240 Acres Preserved in Rockland County
The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Rockland County are celebrating the conservation of the “Eagle Valley Assemblage,” nearly 240 acres that is hoped will safeguard an important clean water source, strengthen a corridor of undeveloped land between Sterling Forest and Harriman State Parks, and enhance regional recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about 240 Acres Preserved in Rockland County
Minnewaska State Park Grows to Nearly 24,000 Acres
The latest expansion of Minnewaska State Park Preserve includes a 291-acre section of the northern Shawangunk Mountains, safeguarding important ecosystems and protecting viewsheds.
Bringing Minnewaska’s total size to 23,974 acres, this acquisition supports the State’s goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030. [Read more…] about Minnewaska State Park Grows to Nearly 24,000 Acres
Large Addition Made to Catskill Forest Preserve
New York State has recently acquired 900 acres in Ulster County that form the largest addition to the Catskill Forest Preserve since 2011 and will help ensure the protection of drinking water in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed. [Read more…] about Large Addition Made to Catskill Forest Preserve
Adirondac Upper Works, MacNaughton Cottage Improvements
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has announced the completion of enhancements to its 212-acre Adirondac Upper Works property, including the exterior rehabilitation of the historic MacNaughton Cottage, significant improvements to the Upper Works Trail, and installation of new signage.
The projects preserve key pieces of Adirondack history in the town of Newcomb in Essex County, NY. [Read more…] about Adirondac Upper Works, MacNaughton Cottage Improvements
Adirondack Architectural Heritage Announces 30th Annual Preservation Awards
The Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) Annual Awards Program recognizes exemplary historic preservation work throughout the Adirondack Region, including examples of sensitive restoration, rehabilitation, and demonstrated long-term stewardship. [Read more…] about Adirondack Architectural Heritage Announces 30th Annual Preservation Awards
New Appalachian Trail Bridge in Harriman State Park
Long-distance hikers and day-trippers alike will enjoy a new bridge along the Appalachian Trail at Harriman State Park, thanks to a partnership between the Open Space Institute (OSI), cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks), and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). [Read more…] about New Appalachian Trail Bridge in Harriman State Park
The Experience Economy: Monetizing Warren County’s Natural Assets
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation is a $34 billion industry in New York State, responsible for more than 250,000 jobs.
In the Lake George region, outdoor recreation buttresses the tourism economy, which, according to the most recent data available, generates $850 to $887 million a year in sales. In 2023, tourism supported between 6,000 and 8,500 local jobs. [Read more…] about The Experience Economy: Monetizing Warren County’s Natural Assets
Minnewaska State Park Carriage Road Restoration Underway
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has begun restoration work on nearly three miles of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s Lake Awosting Carriage Road, a historic trail circling Lake Awosting, the largest “sky lake” on the northern Shawangunk Ridge. [Read more…] about Minnewaska State Park Carriage Road Restoration Underway
Major Catskill Park Land Acquisition Protects 3,100 Acres
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has acquired more than 3,100 forested acres in the town of Neversink in Catskill Park — one of the largest parcels of privately-owned, contiguous forestland remaining within the Catskill Blue Line.
It’s hoped the acquisition will safeguard sources of clean water, provide habitat for birds, turtles, fish, and other wildlife, and enhance recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about Major Catskill Park Land Acquisition Protects 3,100 Acres
Ulster County River-to-Ridge Trail Marks Millionth Visitor
The Open Space Institute (OSI) recently celebrated the one-millionth visit to its six-mile long River-to-Ridge Trail in New Paltz, NY. The Ulster County trail, which opened in 2018, has become well-utilized thanks to its easily accessible and central location, sweeping views, and year-round recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about Ulster County River-to-Ridge Trail Marks Millionth Visitor
State Parks Survey: Demographics, Recreation Trends
As part of the New York State Parks centennial celebration, the Open Space Institute (OSI) commissioned a survey of visitors at 22 state parks during the summer of 2023 to assess visitor demographics, recreation trends, and experiences.
Insights shared by more than 2,600 visitors reveal that state parks are important to New Yorkers and contribute to a high quality of life. The report identifies key recommendations based on the responses to the visitor survey, including: [Read more…] about State Parks Survey: Demographics, Recreation Trends
Big Bend Preserve, An 860-Acre Addition to Moreau State Park
The new Big Bend Preserve in Saratoga County, NY is now open to the public. Roughly the size of Central Park in New York City, this 860-acre addition to Moreau Lake State Park makes the park one of the ten largest in the State Parks system. [Read more…] about Big Bend Preserve, An 860-Acre Addition to Moreau State Park