Episode 175: Columbia Land Conservancy Update

In this episode, co-hosts Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria welcome back Troy Weldy, president of the Columbia Land Conservancy, to give an update on a few of the exciting projects the Conservancy has been up to lately.

First up, recently launched 'Let's Go CoCo' is a website with a wealth of information dedicated to helping people find places in Columbia County to connect with nature. It includes not only the recreational land tracts under the Conservancy's auspices but also an extensive list of all public lands available for recreation in Columbia County. A directory and print map lists every public site and lets you search and filter available places based on your criteria - where are good places to swim, fish or picnic, which have ADA-accessible trails, where you can bring your dog, and much more. There’s also a blog with seasonal tips for getting outside, how to enjoy nature safely and be respectful of the land, and offers ways to volunteer.

Another exciting project in the works is the Taghkanic Headwaters Conservation Plan, a major land project designed to protect over 500 acres in the Taghkanic Headwaters. The land that the Conservancy is working to protect is a beautiful, ecologically important piece of forest that supports wildlife, clean water, and even the City of Hudson’s drinking supply. But the Taghkanic Headwaters conservation project isn’t just about setting land aside, it's also about how communities can come together to shape how public land is used and cared for. One of the most exciting things about this project is the vision behind it: the creation of a community forest.The concept is pretty simple: instead of one organization making all the rules the people who actually walk the trails, fish the pond, or picnic with their kids, help make decisions about how the land is used and cared for. It’s a more collaborative, inclusive approach to conservation, and it’s something the Conservancy hopes to model for future projects.

Troy also shares news about other local efforts: building a trail from downtown Hudson to the Greenport Conservation Area, improving public access to green space, and working with towns across Columbia County to develop a Countywide Conservation Plan that identifies and protects the places that matter most. Whether you're a gardener, hiker, nature lover, or just curious about local conservation efforts, this episode gives a hopeful look at how we can all play a part in caring for the places we love.

Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria

Guest: Troy Weldy

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Taly Louria, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas