Falcons Cause Trail Closures at Mohonk Preserve

Now that Spring has arrived in the Hudson Valley it is important that we familiarize ourselves with things that will be going on around us in nature. With so many of us using the outdoor trails in the area for exercise and recreation it is more important than ever that we understand what may be going on around us while we are on the trail.

When you make a plan to visit a certain area be sure to research it before you head out. Find out in advance what you may need to know when it comes to wildlife that you might encounter on your visit.  While you are out walking through the amazing woods and fields that make up our region it is likely you will come across many of the animals that live on the trails.

You should also make sure that you check in on any rules for the season. For instance this week the Mohonk Preserve closed certain trails due to nesting birds.

Peregrine Falcon breeding season has begun and the Mohonk Preserve has spotted nesting activity so they are closing some of the trails in order to protect the birds during this time. Places they have closed climbing route include Bonticou, Millbrook and the Trapps.

The exact spots from their Facebook page include:

The preserve has also asked that you refrain from making noise near these areas and under no circumstance should you use the trails or access the areas near the places they have closed.

The Peregrine Falcon is list by New York State as an Endangered Species so the preserve is required to protect their nesting area. The breeding season for the falcon could run through late Summer so climbers and hikers should be prepared for the closures to last that long. In their Facebook post the preserved thanked everyone for their cooperation during the closures.