RecoveryHike

Hey Folks! What a winter we are having, eh? Lots has been going on and some changes are going to be happening this coming year. Having only one hike leader to support hikes in four counties every month is unfortunately too much. Hike leader Bee is focusing more on career goals in wilderness medicine this year and will not be as available to lead all the scheduled hikes. As of right now, there will be no hike leader for the Ulster/Dutchess county hikes. Some of the Columbia/Greene county hikes will not be lead because of schedule conflicts. I wish this wasn’t the case, this has been a very rewarding support group, but with no volunteers to help after five years, it may be time to move on from this project. The hikes will go on as scheduled, but it will be the responsibility of the participants to act accordingly to the rules and ethics of being at the designated preserves and in natural spaces. Please practice safety and leave no trace ethics. DM anytime with questions or email [email protected]. If you are interested leading hikes please let me know. Thank you to everyone who has supported the effort over the previous four years. You are seen and appreciated!

This year we’re trying something new. Each month RecoveryHike is going to show our following a spot in the region to go explore. There are so many natural areas to visit in the area, we can’t schedule a hike in all of them, but you may find the time.

Welcome to (the nature conservancy) Lewis A. Sywer preserve in Stuyvesant, NY. Located on the southbound side of state route 9J, this preserve offers a short stroll through a northern tidal swamp of Red Maple, Ash, Cottonwood and Willow. This ecosystem is rare so far inland and offers a remarkable space to view birds and other wildlife. While there earlier this month I was greeted by a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Parking at this preserve is limited to a shoulder pull-off, so be careful, the trailhead is a short walk from there.

Stay tuned to see February’s featured Hudson Valley preserve.

Happy Holidays from RecoveryHike! Wishing everyone a Safe and Warm New Year. Let’s make 2026 our best year!!

Please consider making a donation to the GoFundMe campaign. We will stop fundraising on January 1st.