Amy's Park: A Hero for Lake George and Wildlife | Up Yonda Farm

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LGLC News for January 2021

Amy's Park: Nearly a Decade Water Quality Protection

In February of 2012, the LGLC protected 500 acres in the back lands of Bolton. Since then, the land was given a name - Amy's Park - and has continued to serve its most vital function of filtering water in its pond and wetlands. This is important, because the waters of Amy's Park feed into Indian Brook, one of Lake George's largest tributary. What happens up stream is therefore critical to the quality of water entering Lake George.

As a natural filtration system, the pond and wetlands of Amy's Park function to slow stormwater and runoff, and absorb potentially damaging pollutants before the water reaches the main stream or larger waterbody.

More About Wetlands

Amy's Park: A Winter Wonderland

As we and other visitors have discovered, in addition to providing a critical role in protecting Lake George's water quality, Amy's Park is also one of the area's greatest destinations to find wildlife, especially birds.

In winter, the secluded property is especially quiet, providing a glistening wonderland for the few who know about this hidden gem. Snow provides a canvas for animal tracks, evidence of the variety of creatures who live and thrive there. Recently, naturalists from Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center visited in advance of a guided snowshoe they will lead there February 16th (see events down below!) and found fox, coyote and quail tracks, and heard or saw barred owls, nuthatch and chickadees and woodpeckers. Otters, beavers, hawks, osprey, and herons all also call Amy's Park home.

More About Amy's Park

Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center

Did you know there is a environmental education center right in the Town of Bolton? Naturalists offer public nature programs year-round on a variety of topics, included guided hikes and snowshoe outings on their 73-acre property. Owned by Warren County Parks and Recreation, the land was donated to the County in 1994 by Alice and John Scott who wished to create an environment where visitors could learn while enjoying nature. In a typical year, you can learn from natural history exhibits featuring a diorama with native mammals and birds; watch for wildlife outdoors as you hike along one of our woodland trails; and stroll through perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden from June to September.

We are grateful to Warren County and the naturalists who operate Up Yonda and help spread the joys and appreciation for our natural environment, and the connection between land conservation and water quality through their watershed science programs. The LGLC has partnered with Up Yonda on many projects and programs through the years, including holding our Annual Meeting on their grounds, and look forward to future collaborations.

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