MHLC opens 20th preserve, in Delmar

— Photo from the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy

Trails at the Touhey Family Preserve wind through forest, field, and wetlands.

BETHLEHEM — The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has opened its 20th preserve: The 49-acre property was the original homestead of the Touhey family and is what remains of the more than 100-acre farm that stretched from Orchard Street to Delaware Avenue.

The Touhey Family Preserve, at 911 Delaware Ave. in Delmar, includes woodlands, wetlands, open fields, and a small pond. The newly created trail system is an easy one-mile loop and offers scenic views of the Phillipin Kill and the conservancy’s neighboring Phillipin Kill Preserve.

“You don’t have to be a resident of Bethlehem or Delmar or Slingerlands to enjoy this lovely piece of land,” said Charles Touhey in a release from the conservancy. He spoke of balancing “the scales of environmental justice and enabling people to enjoy this land.”

The Touey children — Charles, Virginia, John, and Lila — share the vision of their father, Carl Touhey, the release said.

The conservancy also announces that a matching challenge has been issued by the Miller family to help fund the conservancy’s mission. Inspired by the opening of the conservancy's 20th preserve and in memory of their father, Ed Miller, the Miller family will match every dollar donated, up to $20,000, before Dec. 31, 2020. Donations can be made at https://mohawkhudson.org/20-20/.

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