This event is a fundraiser for Esopus Creek Conservancy (ECC) to support its environmental and educational programs on Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. “Thank you so much for inviting us here. I never knew that this amazingly beautiful creek was here in Saugerties,” a kayaker who traveled from Delhi was heard to say. And tour-goers who lamented that they came by car because they don’t have a kayak or canoe were told by enthusiastic ECC volunteers to come again next year when boat rentals will be available.

While preserving Saugerties’ reputation as “friendly” host homes provided a welcoming café-like setting for visitors to sit, converse and enjoy some food and drink. Stewards of Esopus Bend also welcomed guests to listen the live Bluegrass music in a bucolic woodland setting of the preserve while partaking of water-melon and lemonade. The concert was performed by Geoff Harden and his band. Some boaters chose to listen while adrift in their boats on the creek offshore from the music site.

All in all it was a grand elegant day and most of all, a lot of fun.

Hosts of the close-knit community along the Esopus Creek welcomed visitors to share their decks, docks, lawns, and patios with enthusiasm and generous offerings of food and drink. One participant, looking forward to future events, summed it up: “… a splendid introduction to the unexpected beauties of some watery corners of Saugerties, and the opportunity to make some fascinating new friends.”

So, come on out, on June 7, 2009, to show your support for ECC. Come by boat, come by car, ride your bike, walk or hike…come delight in the creek and the flora, fauna, and neighbors who call it home. This year will feature Bluegrass Music on Esopus Bend.

Tickets are Limited and cost $20. per person or $50. per family. If available, day of event tickets are $30.for an individual and $65. for a family.

Ticksts may also be obtained by sending a check payable to Esopus Creek Conservancy to: Esopus Creek Conservancy, P.O. Box 589, Saugerties 12477. Rain date is June 14. Any questions, call 845-247-0664

Tickets cost $20 per person; $50 per family. If available, tickets may be purchased the day of the event. The cost is $30 per person; $65 per family.

You may also send your check, made payable to Esopus Creek Conservanc, to Esopus Creek Conservancy, PO Box 589 Saugerties, NY 12477.

Once snow comes there are no secrets about who's going where in the woods. Judging from the many, many footprints and ski tracks, Esopus Bend Nature Preserve is one of Saugerties' most visited winter attractions.

If you walk the preserve after a fresh snowfall, you'll see what I mean. Within a few hours every trail will be well trodden. It's not hard to see why. As beautiful as the Bend is during the warmer months, when the leaves are gone you can see more easily the dramatic landforms that make up the preserve's varied terrain, as well as mid-range views up and down the creek and distant views of the mountains. It's not just us two-leggeds out there, either. The wildlife population makes so many tracks and trails, it feels like there must be a little critter behind every bush and under every fallen tree.

So get out there! Thanks to ECC's Stewardship Committee, the trails are well marked and they now extend to most of the preserve's 161 acres. Bridges span the streams and low spots, so your feet will stay dry. If you're on cross country skis, you'll find the hiking trails are easy to ski with just a few downhill pieces to keep it interesting. Most of the skiing would be rated "easy" at a ski area, with maybe an "intermediate" rating where the trail crosses the ridge near the bend.

See you on the trail.