At the same time, we strengthened our role as a hub for environmental education and community connection. Thousands of students participated in hands-on field studies, including a new water and climate curriculum aligned with next-generation science standards. Programs like Kids on the Ridge, Pondkeepers, and public events introduced new audiences to the land, while strategic partnerships extended our reach across the Hudson Valley
With gratitude,
Ellen M. Sticker, Acting President & CEO
Mission
Mohonk Preserve protects the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspires people to care for, enjoy and explore the natural world.
Vision
Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. We prioritize conservation of the northern Shawangunk Ridge and adjacent foothills as we carefully balance opportunities for outdoor recreation that reflect a healthy relationship between community and the land. Our commitment to collaboration, stewardship and education are interwoven throughout all the Preserve’s responses to the urgent issues of our time as we permanently protect and provide access to this cherished landscape.
OUR CORE VALUES
Teamwork
- We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
Transparency
- We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
Belonging
- We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
Exploration
- We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
Stewardship
- We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.
Members 15,000 Annual Visitors 300,000
Volunteers
Community Education
By bringing people into nature, our Community Education programs cultivate curiosity, belonging and lifelong stewardship.
In 2025, our Community Education programs welcomed learners of all ages and backgrounds and created opportunities to engage with the land through hands-on experiences and inclusive programming.
Field Studies
K-6 grade students served
33 college classes visited
42 834 630 field studies programs for grades K–6
college students served across 3 universities
Outreach Programs children served 614 adults served 506 people engaged with outreach programs 1120
51 public programs
1175 people expanded their knowledge about the Preserve and the environment Public Programs
Summer Camp
25 days of summer camp programming
78 children served through summer camp
“Fourth graders are all about experiential learning and a day at the Preserve with your educators allowed them to explore freely, make discoveries and then have those discoveries become part of the overall lesson...
“The trip also opens up the Preserve experience to Rondout children, many of whom will become lifelong keepers of the Preserve and stewards of the environment.”
- Lee Cutler, Principal, Rondout Valley Intermediate School
“Expanding Watershed Education” Read More in Ridgelines #219
Learn more about Community Education on Youtube
Conservation Programs
Our Conservation Science and Land Protection programs transform observation into action, guiding resilient landscapes today and tomorrow. Through long-term research, consistent monitoring and strategic partnerships, Mohonk Preserve’s Conservation Programs generate critical knowledge about our ecosystems, biodiversity, climate resilience and land protection.
Natural Observations & Forest Management
1,381
465 observations reported to iNaturalist projects
species of plants, animals and fungi reported to iNaturalist projects
382 microplots sampled in our Forest Health Monitoring project
6.5 acres of forest stand improved to open canopies, allowing sunlight to reach adolescent, established Eastern hemlock trees
13 acres surveyed in the habitat restoration zone for the Kleine Kill Restoration
Invasive Species Management
50 acres of hemlock forest mapped for invasive species
37 acres of Japanese barberry removed
19,900 spotted lanternfly adults, nymphs and egg masses eradicated
Land Protection
600 GPS/Photo points mapped to document field conditions and protect land
200 miles tracked and hiked, for boundary, interior and easement monitoring
123 patrol reports submitted covering 15 Backcountry zones by volunteers, helping prevent the misuse of protected land and educate visitors
37 miles of property boundaries monitored
20 conservation easements monitored
“Leveraging Esri Tools to Transform Nonprofit Operations: Insights from Mohonk Preserve“
Read More in TechSoup
“Mohonk Preserve Boosts Community Collaboration with ArcGIS Hub“
Read More in Esri Nonprofit
Visitor Experience
Every visit to Mohonk Preserve is an invitation to explore, reflect and reconnect. In 2025, the Visitor Experience team focused on creating welcoming, safe and inspiring experiences for all visitors, carefully balancing recreation and conservation Through visitor education, we fostered moments of discovery that deepen appreciation for the land and reinforced its value as a shared natural resource.
45,300+ day passes sold
6,200 complimentary day passes distributed to the community
Ranger Rescue & Visitor Safety
80 responses for rescues and other emergencies
38 days of technical rescue training
22 incident responses
22 fixed-anchors for climbing inspected
7 new fixed-anchors for climbing installed
Community Support
30 artists work displayed in the Visitor Center Gallery
20 days supporting underserved community groups and partner organizations
15 adaptive recreation programs supported for individuals who use specialized equipment to navigate and overcome physical barriers
“I support Mohonk Preserve in gratitude for the peace the land offers to me in all seasons! Whether strolling in the Spring, climbing in the Fall, or skiing in Winter, Mohonk Preserve offers serenity and tranquility to ease the stresses of life outside of nature.”
- Edgar Berkel, Mohonk Preserve Supporter
“Reaching New Heights in Ranger Rescue Training and Climber Safety“
Read More in Ridgelines #217
“Expanding Access To Outdoor Recreation”
Read More in Ridgelines #218
Stewardship
Our Stewardship work sustains the landscapes that sustain us, every day, in every season.
Guided by our land management plans, the Stewardship team cares for more than 8,200 acres of Preserve lands, including 70 miles of historic carriage roads and trails, five trailheads, the Visitor Center, and essential facilities and equipment. Their work ensures safe, meaningful access to the outdoors while protecting the natural environment for future generations
7 Trailheads Maintained & Improved
Stewardship staff, in collaboration with an incredible team of volunteers, made improvements across all 7 trailheads including updated signage, culverts, stone stairways, waterbars, timber steps, stone paving, bog bridges, boardwalks, trail improvements, carriage road re-grading and re-surfacing.
Creation of the New Split Rock Loop Trail
On National Trails Day, June 7, 2025, the Preserve celebrated the grand opening of a newly formalized trail loop in the Split Rock area along the Coxing Kill. Supported by a 2022 NYS Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant, this project reflects more than two years of dedicated work by staff and volunteers The result is a sustainable, family‑friendly 7 mile trail that enhances access while protecting the surrounding landscape
Brook Farmhouse Project
Construction on the historic Brook Farmhouse Project began with a groundbreaking on June 16, 2025 with donors, neighbors, partners, supporters, staff and volunteers in attendance The farmhouse is being repurposed and renovated to be the new home of Mohonk Preserve’s Conservation and Land Protection Programs.
“Moving Forward With the Brook Farmhouse Restoration Project“
Read More in Ridgelines #218
Learn more about the Brook Farmhouse Project on Youtube
Spring Farm Solar Array
In 2025, Mohonk Preserve worked with Hudson Solar + Battery Solutions to complete installation of a new 132kW ground-mounted solar array at the Preserve’s Spring Farm Trailhead in the Town of Marbletown. This project marks the Preserve’s first major solar energy installation and represents an important step toward the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030
“Building a Brighter Future“ Read More in Ridgelines #219
Learn more about the Spring Farm Solar Array on Youtube
Community Impact
At Mohonk Preserve, the power of protected land is measured not just in acres, but in the lives it touches. When people and nature thrive together, conservation becomes a shared story. In 2025, our Mohonk Preserve community rallied together to help us save the land for life.
Membership
Members fuel the adventure every year through their continued support. Through our membership and afforable access programs, we inspire people to care for, enjoy and explore the natural world
15,000 members
400+ attendees at the Music Night on the Terrace member series
81 libraries in the Library Lending Program
58 business partners
Special Events
2025 was a record-breaking year for special events! The 28th Annual Benefit Auction was the most successful fundraiser ever while Rock The Ridge and Shawangunk Grit events continued to see impressive growth in the number of registered attendees and money raised. Events continue to introduce new visitors to Mohonk Preserve and our mission.
2,000 registered attendees across five events
$1,050,000+ fundraised from special events
Grants
In 2025, Mohonk Preserve was awarded $1 1 million from the New York State Department of State’s Coastal Rehabilitation and Resiliency Projects Program for dam removal and restoration of the upper portion of the Kleine Kill stream to a free-flowing state This is the largest grant award ever received by the Preserve and will support a critical stream restoration project.
$1,900,000+
awarded from 19 grants
“Kleine Kill Stream Restoration Project Flows Forward with $1 1 Million Grant” Read More in Ridgelines #219
Volunteers
In 2025, Volunteer Programs recruited, trained, and engaged volunteers in 13 unique and highly specialized skill-building orientations. From supporting long term scientific studies to caring for trails, assisting educators, and welcoming visitors, volunteers play an essential role in every aspect of the Preserve’s work
360 volunteers
14,780+ hours of service
323 volunteers supported special events
Donors
In addition to our members, donor support helps Mohonk Preserve advance key conservation, research, and education initiatives across more than 8,200 protected acres Thank you for your support!
unique donors supported our mission in 2025 5,190+
2025 Financials
Assets Current Assets Investments Endowments Land Fixed Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities & Net Assets Payables Deferred Revenue
2025 Public Support & Revenue Membership Contributions Grants
Restricted Gifts
Special Events Day Use Fees
Other Program Fees
Other Income
Gain on Sales Investment Income
Total: $5,359,605
2025 Program & Supporting Expenses
Community Education Stewardship
Conservation Programs
Visitor Experience Development Management & General
Total: $5,139,004
Annual Report 2025
Photos by John D Fischer; Stephen Featherstonhaugh; Kate Schoonmaker; June Archer; Tom Weiner; Jeffrey D Haines; Winnie Abramson; Jeremy Charles; Steve Aaron; Bill Winter; Susan Koehler; Gerald Berliner; Maryalice Citera; John Mizel; Andrea MacScott; Mohonk Preserve Staff; Hudson Solar + Battery Solutions
