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n e w s r e l e a s e For Immediate Release
Mohonk Preserve gives local residents more opportunities to
enjoy nature with free memberships
Gardiner, New York, April 2, 2009 — In recognition of the importance of being outdoors to health and well-being, the Mohonk Preserve will hold its fourth Eleven Communities Appreciation Weekend on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. On these days, free one-month memberships will be issued to Preserve visitors residing in the towns of Crawford, Gardiner, Marbletown, Montgomery, New Paltz, Rochester, Rosendale, Shawangunk, and Wawarsing, and the villages of Ellenville and New Paltz.
“The last year has been really hard for many people. We keep hearing from visitors that coming here to exercise and connect with nature provides fun and comfort in the face of the problems caused by the current economic climate,” says Joe Alfano, Development Director at the Preserve. “The Mohonk Preserve is grateful for the support we receive from local residents and businesses, so we want to give back by making outdoor experiences easier and more accessible.”
The eleven communities are all part of the 82-mile Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, a network of roads through areas recognized for their scenic, cultural, and ecological importance. (The free passes have long been provided on spring and late-summer weekends to residents of the five towns surrounding the Shawangunk Ridge, but the offer was expanded in 2007 to include all the Byway communities.)
Visitors with proof of residency in the communities can obtain their free membership between 9~a.m. and 5 p.m. on either day at any trailhead, including the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. Visitors without proof of residency in one of the eleven towns must pay the standard $10 day use fee for hikers and bikers ($15 for climbers) or can purchase an annual membership. Children 12 and under may visit the Preserve for free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome, but must be on leash and under the owner’s control at all times.
The SHAWANGUNK SCENIC BYWAY is an 82-mile network of country roads that surrounds and passes through the northern Shawangunk Mountains. Located at the heart of the Byway, the MOHONK PRESERVE is the largest member- and visitor-supported nature preserve in New York State. Managing nearly 7,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge, the Preserve works to protect the Ridge and to inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Visitors are welcome on Preserve lands and at the Visitor Center, which has exhibits, trails, and a gift shop. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day, and a current membership or day entry pass is required to access the
lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free. For more information, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org or call (845) 255-0919.
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