Explore our Surroundings

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Olana was the last and perhaps greatest masterpiece created by Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900). Church designed the landscape and his Persian style home on and around the same hilltop where, as an eighteen year old student, he sketched spectacular views of the Catskills and the river alongside his mentor Thomas Cole. A designated National Historic Landmark,Olana State Historic Site opened to the public in 1967. The house, its contents, and the landscape still look very much as they did in Church's day.

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With over 1,000 acres and almost seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline, you might see a bald eagle or blue heron along the eight miles of trails that wind through a variety of ecological communities. Interpretive signage highlights the park's historic and environmental significance. A kayak/canoe launch, volleyball nets, horseshoe pit, and pavilion make this a great place to spend a summer afternoon.

Route 9J, Stuyvesant

Walk the well-maintained, half-mile boardwalk which meanders through three distinct environments including a freshwater tidal swamp, a freshwater tidal marsh, and freshwater intertidal mudflats.

Facilities include nature trails, a pavilion, an indoor classroom, and an exhibit entitled Meeting Muhheakunnuk: the Hudson River Estuary.

The Columbia Land Conservancy works with the community to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitat and rural character of Columbia County, strengthening connections between people and the land.