One of my favorite places to walk and paddle in Catskill is the Ramshorn-Livingston Audubon Center and Sanctuary. This week, I visited another gem—the Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Hillsdale, Columbia County. These two sanctuaries have very different landscapes, but both are worth exploring.

The Massachusetts Audubon Society was founded by two Boston socialites, Harriet Hemenway and Minna B. Hall. Cousins and conservationists, they began hosting tea parties to encourage women not to buy hats decorated with bird feathers—a fashionable trend in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Instead, they urged guests to advocate for protecting birds.

As their gatherings grew, they recruited William Brewster, a leading ornithologist, to serve as the society’s president. Their efforts led to protective laws being passed, and in 1905 the National Audubon Society was formed in New York.

The National Audubon Society opened its first sanctuaries in Louisiana and Long Island in the early 1920s. Today, there are chapters and sanctuaries across the country. These two are within a 45 minute drive from my New York home.

The Rheinstrom Hill Sanctuary spans 1,039 acres in Hillsdale, NY. It’s a heavily wooded preserve and home to many climate-threatened bird species, including Wood Thrush, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-headed Vireo, and several types of warblers.

I parked just outside the gates at the head of the Bill Perciasepe Memorial Trail and enjoyed a three-mile loop that followed the green, red, and yellow trails. While there aren’t waterfalls or sweeping views, the many bird calls and the early signs of fall foliage made the hike memorable. I was there hiking alone, and discovered it’s a perfect place to enjoy by yourself.

The Ramshorn-Livingston Sanctuary, in Catskill, covers 436 acres along the Hudson River. Its landscape is more varied than Rheinstrom’s, with creeks, marshlands, fields, and woodlands to explore.

Here you can walk the trails, climb the observation tower, or even paddle into the preserve by canoe or kayak from Catskill Creek or the Hudson River. (The official map only shows Hudson River access, but believe me, it’s best for experienced paddlers.) You can explore further into the preserve if you paddle around high tide.

I’ve spotted quite a few birds here over the years—Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Egrets, finches, and plenty of songbirds. I’ve also seen snapping turtles and even a river otter!

…reminded me of the different ways nature reveals itself—sometimes through quiet forest trails, sometimes through wide-open marshlands. Whether you’re searching for solitude, birdwatching opportunities, or just a peaceful place to hike, these Audubon preserves are well worth the trip. I’m already looking forward to where my next exploration will take me.

‘til next week, happy exploring!
Kathleen

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