As part of the ongoing campaign to make Ulster the healthiest county in New York, Mohonk Preserve is inviting neighbors to visit the Preserve and receive a free one-month pass during Healthy Ulster Autumn beginning Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 through Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019.

Visitors with proof of Ulster County residency may obtain their passes at the Preserve Visitor Center on Rte. 44/55 in Gardiner during extended hours on Friday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Visitor Center or Spring Farm Trailhead in High Falls from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The membership passes will be valid through Sept. 15, 2019. Passes must be picked up in person, except for minors, whose parent or guardian may pick up a pass on their behalf.

This marks the ninth year the Preserve has participated in Ulster County’s Healthy Ulster program. The Preserve has distributed over 32,200 free one-month passes to Ulster County residents during the organization’s annual Healthy Ulster Spring and Autumn events. This year’s Healthy Ulster program is generously sponsored by a grant from the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation.
In addition to Healthy Ulster Spring and Autumn, throughout the year there are many free opportunities to enjoy the Preserve:

• Come to the Preserve Visitor Center in Gardiner which is free and open to the public, whether members or not, every day. Many locals bring their guests to the Visitor Center as an introduction to the natural beauty of this area. Enjoy the J&S Grafton Sensory Trail for people of all ages and abilities, as well as two more miles of free trails, a hands-on Children’s Forest, self-guided Forest Nature Trail, Butterfly Garden, and outdoor picnic areas. Experience indoor exhibits such as the Kid’s Corner, the interactive touchscreen wayfinding topographic model, and video orientation theater, explore the green roof terrace and the nature gift cart, and get maps and information on local businesses and attractions.

• Attend one of the Preserve’s many free public programs, such as hikes, interpretive outings, talks and lectures, and other activities. A full listing of programs is available on the Preserve’s website at mohonkpreserve.org/events.

• Participate in a school field trip – elementary school children in the New Paltz Central School District come to the Preserve free of charge each year with their classes. The Preserve also serves over 40 other area schools with on-site and in-classroom programming.

• Take advantage of the Preserve Library Pass Program at many local and regional libraries. A list of participating libraries is available on the Preserve’s website at www.mohonkpreserve.org/visit/library-lending-program.

• For more frequent visits, consider an annual membership to get access every day at a cost of about $1 dollar a week. Senior, student, veteran and active-duty U.S. service member discounts are available. For membership information, visit mohonkpreserve.org/join.

As New York’s largest member- and visitor-supported nature preserve, over 250,000 people sustain the Preserve through their memberships and day-pass fees each year, along with many individuals who support the Preserve through their philanthropic donations. The Preserve is committed to a model of community conservation that includes promoting outdoor recreation and healthy living while protecting over 8,000 acres of cliffs, forests, fields, farms, and streams in its care for future generations.