Old Maids Woods LbNA #21710 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Rotterdam |
| County: | Schenectady |
| State: | New York |
| Boxes: | 0 |
| Found by: | Scout (7) |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Oct 6, 2006 |
| Status: | FFFFaaa |
| Last edited: | Apr 25, 2006 |
Pulled for the winter..... they will be put back out in the spring.
Dutch heritage abounds all over the Schenectady –Albany-Troy area. One only has to look at the street signs to see the names of many of the Dutch families who settled in the area; for example VanRensselear, VanCurler and Schermerhorn.
The Old Maids Woods is a preserve on lands that once was farmland that belonged to members of the Schermerhorn family. The land was inherited by the two daughters who chose not to have the land harvested for lumber as much of the surrounding lands were. Instead they watched as the trees grew taller and taller. The sisters never married and after they passed, the land lay forgotten for many years. Eventually, the land came into the possession of the City of Schenectady, which turned it into a preserve.
This lovely 21 acre parcel contains an old growth forest that can boast trees that are over 225 years old. It is considered to be the remnants of the Pine Barrens that made up the pine bush that covered the area from Albany to Schenectady. It is also said that the spirits of the two Dutch sisters still roam the area, watching.
(See http://www.championtrees.org/oldgrowth/surveys/OldMaidsWoods.htm for more information on the species of trees that call the woods their home.)
Please bring a pen/pencil.
Directions to the preserve:
Take Rte. I-890 west from Schenectady; exit at Rice Road. Keep right on the road toward Lock 8. Turn left on to Schermerhorn Road and go under the I-890. About 100 feet after the overpass, there is an access road for Niagara Mohawk / National Grid. Park on this access road but do not block the gate. Go around the gate – it’s O.K.; you will be able to see the sign for the trail entrance a short distance from the gate.
Follow the trail up the hill. Once at the top, follow the red/orange marked, circular trail to the right. You will come upon the hand-laid stone wall that is believed to be the leftover foundation of the house belonging to the Schermerhorn sisters. Continue to follow the trail along the top of the ridge. Take some time to admire the view of the Mohawk River, Lock 8 and the valley. The trail will lead to a small creek. There is a fallen tree crossing the path, pointing to the creek. The item you are seeking resides in the end of the tree that is nearest the creek. Be on your guard – they are watching you!
You may go back the way you came, or follow the trail around and enjoy the many beautiful tall trees – the lasting gifts from two Dutch sisters who may still be watching them grow.
Dutch heritage abounds all over the Schenectady –Albany-Troy area. One only has to look at the street signs to see the names of many of the Dutch families who settled in the area; for example VanRensselear, VanCurler and Schermerhorn.
The Old Maids Woods is a preserve on lands that once was farmland that belonged to members of the Schermerhorn family. The land was inherited by the two daughters who chose not to have the land harvested for lumber as much of the surrounding lands were. Instead they watched as the trees grew taller and taller. The sisters never married and after they passed, the land lay forgotten for many years. Eventually, the land came into the possession of the City of Schenectady, which turned it into a preserve.
This lovely 21 acre parcel contains an old growth forest that can boast trees that are over 225 years old. It is considered to be the remnants of the Pine Barrens that made up the pine bush that covered the area from Albany to Schenectady. It is also said that the spirits of the two Dutch sisters still roam the area, watching.
(See http://www.championtrees.org/oldgrowth/surveys/OldMaidsWoods.htm for more information on the species of trees that call the woods their home.)
Please bring a pen/pencil.
Directions to the preserve:
Take Rte. I-890 west from Schenectady; exit at Rice Road. Keep right on the road toward Lock 8. Turn left on to Schermerhorn Road and go under the I-890. About 100 feet after the overpass, there is an access road for Niagara Mohawk / National Grid. Park on this access road but do not block the gate. Go around the gate – it’s O.K.; you will be able to see the sign for the trail entrance a short distance from the gate.
Follow the trail up the hill. Once at the top, follow the red/orange marked, circular trail to the right. You will come upon the hand-laid stone wall that is believed to be the leftover foundation of the house belonging to the Schermerhorn sisters. Continue to follow the trail along the top of the ridge. Take some time to admire the view of the Mohawk River, Lock 8 and the valley. The trail will lead to a small creek. There is a fallen tree crossing the path, pointing to the creek. The item you are seeking resides in the end of the tree that is nearest the creek. Be on your guard – they are watching you!
You may go back the way you came, or follow the trail around and enjoy the many beautiful tall trees – the lasting gifts from two Dutch sisters who may still be watching them grow.