Public Access to the Wilbur Uplands
$14,851
Raised
47
Donations
$22,500
Goal
In December of 2021 we launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $20,000 for this acquisition. We raised $10,000 in this campaign thanks to donations from over 40 community members. In April of this year, we received a grant through the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) that covers some of the closing costs for this acquisition ($5,000). By November of this year, we hope to raise the additional $5000 to meet our original goal, as well as an additional $2500. This additional $7500 will allow us to make initial key public access improvements on the land.
Our plans for public access
Certain conditions like the old limestone walls directly on Wilbur Ave and steep slopes make this project particularly challenging and costly. Tahawus Trails has completed a professional trail and parking design, and we are working with GPI Engineering and Heidecker Land Surveying to create a detailed site plan of the parking area for City approvals. The NYSCPP grant that we received will cover some of the planning and construction costs for the parking and trail, but we still need to raise $7500 to make this fundamental first stage of public access improvements happen. Please donate to help us reach our goal so the community can safely access this amazing land.
KLT volunteers Rich Schiafo and Cara Gentry (also Salamander Cave Preserve Manager for the Northeastern Cave Conservancy) doing some initial trail work. With your help, we plan to hire a professional trail-building company to further improve this trail so that it is more gradual, 5 feet wide, and has a crushed stone surface.
KLT land stewards and volunteers entering the lower quarry of Red Fox Ravine (photo taken before many weeks of tree cleanup work by volunteers and a professional tree crew of trees that were haphazardly felled by the previous owner
Related Press:
1) May 25, 2021 (The River Newsroom). Kingston Hamlet Offers Test Case for Conservation Amid Gentrification. Article written by Wilbur resident.
Articles published in the press following KLT’s initial press release:
2) Nov 13, 2020 (Daily Freeman): Kingston Land Trust buys, protects 6 acres in Wilbur section of city
3) Nov 25, 2020 (Hudson Valley One): Kingston Land Trust protects Wilbur uplands. Written by Rondout (Kingston) resident.
4) Dec 6th, 2020 (Kingston Wire): Land Trust Protects Wilburs Patch of Eden
Donor Wall13
Sarah
MALIA Du MONT
Creekside Acupuncture & Natural Medicine | $200
Thank you for your work to heal the land.
Judith A Karpova
In memory of my beloved brother
Kitty Brown | $25
I'm inspired by everything you do to bring nature, justice and cultural awareness to your work.
Catherine Vasendin
($1000) From Catherine and Max Vasendin. I have had the great fortune of living on Chapel Street my whole life. I started out at the bottom of the hill with my parents, who taught me to respect and love the environment. Now I am at the top of the hill with my husband and boys. The woods and undeveloped land are very important to me. I want to make sure our little four old has this space to explore and roam as well.
Robert Sweeney | $500
In honor of the hospitality of the Wilbur community in supporting the mission of the Kingston Land Trust
Robert King | $1,000
From Robert King and Terry Morrow. We love how the really interesting terrain of this land could be made accessible and restored for recreation close to home.
Phil Erner | $50
Adele Calcavecchio
From Adele Calcavecchio and Bill Clare
Tom Pfeffer | $500
looking forward to being able to access & explore this special place
LK Noller | $400
David Rosenbaum | $100