63- acre Coldbrook Preserve

Turtles and outdoor enthusiasts alike received a gift this past holiday season as Saratoga P.L.A.N. finalized the purchase of its newest public nature preserve on December 29.

Located off Homestead Road in Northumberland, the 63-acre Coldbrook Preserve will provide a critical buffer to wetland habitat for the Blanding’s turtle, a New York State-threatened species.

The land was purchased from Jim and Christine McKnight, who obtained it 30 years ago with the long term goal of conserving it in some manner. Over the past three decades, they considered farming it, but it was a Saratoga P.L.A.N. seminar several years ago about conservation options for landowners that really got them thinking about selling it to the conservation agency as a public preserve. “That seminar really showed us all the possibilities for our land without selling it for development,” said Christine McKnight. “This has really been a dream 30 years in the making. Jim and I are particularly excited to be able to play a role in protecting the Blanding’s turtle, and we salute the leadership at Saratoga P.L.A.N. for helping us see our vision for the property through.”

In addition to wildlife protection, the preserve will provide opportunities for walking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for area residents and connects land owned by The Nature Conservancy, Saratoga County Forest, and Wilton Wildlife Preserve.

OPENING SPRING 2012