The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is the Capital Region’s local land trust: a private, not-for-profit organization working to save fields and forests, protect wildlife habitat, and preserve the character of the Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys.
Since their founding in 1992, they have protected more than 12,200 acres of land in Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties, including over 2,500 acres open to the public for hiking, cross-country skiing and other educational and recreational opportunities. They have partnered with Albany County and local municipalities to open and maintain the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, a nine-mile hike/bike trail that spans the distance between downtown Albany and Voorheesville, along the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad Line.
It is their goal to preserve our natural lands and to steward those lands for generations to come. They aim to strengthen and enhance the connection between residents and the Capital Region landscape.
They accomplish these goals by owning and managing land of significant ecological or scenic value and by holding conservation easements to assist landowners in preserving the existing natural features of their property. In addition, they work cooperatively with landowners, public agencies and other groups to implement land management practices that promote stewardship and enhance the region's rural and ecological integrity. By protecting key parcels of open space, the Conservancy provides important benefits to those who live and recreate in the region, including: scenic views; plant and animal diversity; clean air and water; and the opportunity to explore and learn about the natural features that make our region special. They open their preserves to the public and host events to invite and encourage the public to directly interact with the natural world.
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, an umbrella organization to America's more than 1,600 land trusts.
They invite all residents of and visitors to the Capital Region to join the growing community of local conservationists. Visit a preserve, join a guided hike or outdoor workshop, and support MHLC to help us protect our region’s ecological character and integrity.
