About Us -

_About the Conservancy

The Battenkill Conservancy, is a private, not-for-profit conservation and educational organization incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. The organization is also a public charity as described in Sections 501c(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Washington County residents founded the Conservancy in 1990, and now it has national and international members and friends.

We have recently helped to form a coalition of regional organizations which includes such groups as; Trout Unlimited, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Land Trust Alliance, Hudson Basin River Watch, Adirondack Mountain Club, and Capital District Fly Fishers, to safeguard the Battenkill watershed. In combining our efforts, we collectively act to preserve this fragile resource.

Our goal is to support a sustainable fishery, biodiversity, outdoor education and multi-use recreation by protecting and restoring aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

In facing the challenge ahead, the Conservancy recently completed a multi-year planning process which identified two key outcomes.

The first is continued protection for land along the river corridor and its tributaries, including restoration of degraded aquatic and riparian habitats.
The second objective is to increase ecological awareness among the user groups so that we proactively safeguard the river against uninformed overuse.

By working with the coalition, schools, colleges, local governments and the general public, the Conservancy hopes to build environmental literacy and instill an appreciation for the watershed that includes respect for the riverine ecosystem, shared responsibility for its well-being, and the experience of a special sense of place.

A pair of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilo glaucus) rest on the shore of Carter's Pond a designated Critical Bird Conservation preserve and wetland. To learn more about this ailing critical habitat click here.

Top Ten Reasons to Support the Battenkill Conservancy

Battenkill River Watch
The Conservancy regularly monitors Battenkill water quality at numerous sites along the river and key tributaries, providing local communities with valuable scientific data on the health of the Battenkill watershed. Livingston Brook Heron Rookery
The Battenkill Conservancy Land Trust Program preserved this rare breeding habitat by holding in trust over 16 acres of this wetland.

Community Preservation
The Conservancy works to preserve the authenticity of our landscape and villages. Our efforts illustrated to Washington County the need to cancel their plans to build a jail in the watershed, resulting in a more economical and environmentally healthy site selection out of the watershed.

Student Intern and Study Programs
Working with local colleges and students, we have conducted a variety of projects, including recently mapping the riparian buffer zones of the entire Battenkill and its tributaries. Battenkill and Eldridge Swamp State Forests
Through our leading efforts, over 1,000 acres of riverside forest and floodplain were purchased by New York State and opened for public use.

Environmental Cleanups
To help preserve the beauty and experience of living in the watershed, the Conservancy regularly conducts river and road cleanups to remove accumulated trash.

School River Watch Program
Hundreds of local students have gained hands-on scientific experience while learning about Battenkill watershed ecology. This program gives students the ability to practice real science outdoors and in the lab.

Community Planning
The Conservancy has encouraged community planning by hosting speakers and conferences, addressing the need for land use planning while respecting the rights of property owners. These conferences have encouraged the planning processes that have been started in several watershed towns.
Youth Education and Outdoor Programs
The Conservancy has conducted numerous adventure programs introducing and encouraging children to enjoy and appreciate the river and surrounding environment.

Community Educational Programs
Eagle watches, nature hikes, mushroom walks, river trips and environmental presentations help educate us all about the Battenkill Watershed and its wonderful common and rare species.

Declining trout populations, pressures due to development along the river's banks and the need to preserve and enhance one of the world's most beautiful rivers all make joining the Battenkill Conservancy a wise choice.

Please join the conservancy and help support this work.