Press Release
January 12, 2022
Governor Hochul Announces 130 Acres Added to Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County
Parcel Once Part of
Greenwood Forest Farm Resort Community for Black Families
View of Greenwood Lake
immortalized in noted Hudson River School painting
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the addition of 130 acres of
open space to Sterling Forest State Park in the Mid-Hudson Valley, adding new
trails and public access to the 22,000-acre park. The new property has a unique
history both as part of the former Greenwood Forest Farms, an early 1900s
resort for prominent Black families from Harlem and Brooklyn, and as a vantage
point of Greenwood Lake immortalized in a painting by Hudson River School
artist Jasper Cropsey.
"New York remains committed to protecting
valued open spaces for wildlife and New Yorkers alike," Governor
Hochul said. "Throughout the pandemic, New Yorkers have
relied on our public lands to stay active, spend time with their loved ones,
and find fun and enjoyment. This addition to Sterling Forest State Park not
only builds on our work to protect these areas, but continues our efforts to
expand new recreational opportunities as well."
The property provides critical buffer land to help maintain and
enhance the biodiversity of the area. The property creates an opportunity
for a new access point to Sterling Forest in an area where there are currently
no entry points to the park. A network of woods roads and trails on this
property could serve as a natural addition to the existing trail system of
Sterling Forest. This land was identified as a priority in the 2016 New
York State Open Space Plan as part of the New York Highlands. The property was
acquired with $364,000 from the Environmental Protection Fund.
From 1919 until the 1960s, a portion of the property was part of
Greenwood Forest Farms, known as the first resort community for Black New
Yorkers. The neighborhood immediately to the west was founded by a group
of prominent Black families from New York City, and it became a haven for
cultural and civil rights leaders from Harlem and Brooklyn, including writer
Langston Hughes. Some descendants of the original pioneers now live in the
neighborhood year-round.
A rock outcropping in higher elevations on the northern part of
the property provides a view of Greenwood Lake to the south. Jasper Cropsey, a
member of the mid-19 century art movement known as the Hudson River School,
painted a view of the landscape from this location in 1845. The painting
entitled View of Greenwood Lake, New Jersey depicts the same view that can be
enjoyed today.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "This addition Sterling Forest State Park is a great of
example of how open space protection not only safeguards critical natural
habitat and enhances outdoor recreation, it helps preserve important historic
and cultural resources. I grateful to Governor Hochul and our conservation
partners for their work to include this property to the state park
system."
Senator Mike Martucci said, "The Hudson Valley is where
environmental beauty comes to meet historical significance, and the newest
addition to Sterling Forest State Park is no exception. Thanks to record
investment in the Environmental Protection Fund, which I proudly supported,
lands like this will continue to be preserved for generations of New Yorkers. I
am grateful to Governor Hochul for her support of this natural treasure in my
district."
Assemblymember Karl A. Brabenec said, "I am glad to hear that this effort
is being made, to preserve the beautiful landscape of Greenwood Lake and
Sterling Forest. When we work together anything is possible. I hope our efforts
will ensure that future generations are able to enjoy these awesome places for
decades to come."
Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said, "The Palisades Interstate Park Commission is thrilled with
this new addition to Sterling Forest State Park. This parcel is a special place
of history and nature in the Hudson Highlands that we feel honored to preserve
for future generations. We are thankful to Governor Hochul, Parks Commissioner
Kulleseid and the Orange County Land Trust for their dedication and leadership
that made this acquisition possible."
Orange County Land Trust Executive Director Jim Dehner said, "Our organization is proud of its rich history with
Sterling Forest. These roots date back to the early 90s when a community-driven
effort to protect Sterling Forest had first taken shape. Upon the park's
creation some years later, our vision shifted to protecting important habitat
buffers that surround the park with the goal of enhancing biodiversity,
wildlife connectivity, and recreation. Protecting these 130 acres is a
testament to this vision and we thank Governor Hochul, State Parks Commissioner
Erik Kulleseid, and Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director
Joshua Laird for making it possible."
Sterling Forest State Park is a pristine natural refuge amidst of
one of the nation's most densely populated areas, a remarkable piece of
woodland, a watershed for millions, and a tremendous outdoor recreation area.
This unbroken deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many
resident and migratory species, including black bear, a variety of hawks and
songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants. The park offers hunting,
fishing and hiking.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails,
golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people
annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile
app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.