The Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) was among 51 groups from across the state recommended for funding in the 15th round of grants from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program. This year the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, funded by developer fees, allocated a total of $2.8 million for the grant programs, administered jointly by the Land Trust Alliance and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
WVLT was one of 18 organizations to receive a Stewardship & Resource Management Grant. The $18,500 award will be used to initiate Phase I of the Joppenbergh Mountain Habitat Restoration and Improvement Project, enabling WVLT to engage and train volunteers to manage invasive plant species on the preserve. The grant will also allow WVLT to purchase equipment and materials needed to carry out this restoration work.
“Two of the target long-term benefits of this work will be the creation of a sustainable core of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers for land conservation and increased biodiversity on the preserve,” said Julia Palmer, director of land stewardship for WVLT. “By keeping invasive plants under control, we make space for more of our native species to thrive.”
“Joppenbergh is truly an ecological and historical treasure, and its central location just behind Rosendale’s Main Street makes it easily accessible by the public,” said Rosendale councilwoman Jen Metzger. “We appreciate the continuing work of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust to manage and preserve this resource for the benefit of our community and local economy, and for generations to come.”
Volunteers are now being sought to participate in WVLT’s next two Invasive Species Workdays: on Monday, May 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The group will meet at Willow Kiln Park, behind the Rosendale Theatre. To register, e-mail Julia Palmer at julia@wallkillvalleylt.org. For more information, visit www.wallkillvalleylt.org.
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