~ Solstice on the Battenkill & Beyond ~

Fall Fete Kicks Off the Capital Campaign! 

The Fall Fete took place on September 11th at the Willowea Farm in Argyle, NY.  On 100 acres of untouched forests and fields, we kicked off the Capital Campaign for the Rexleigh Marble Mill Pavilion.  The Campaign represents the first phase of BkC's plans for the site: preserve the remaining historical ruins of the original marble mill; safeguard & secure the site and establish a public pavilion for the community.  Please donate generously and join us in preserving an iconic piece of history. 
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Pavilion rendering by Eric Whiting, Moth Graphics
Battenkill LIVE! Performance Based Poetry, Story Slams

Thanks to the support of a LARAC grant, we compiled a series of poets, storytellers and students to share watershed inspired works. Homegrown actress & writer Virginia Edinger shared "Child of the Battenkill" while NYC based poet Max Blagg reminds us of why we need clean rivers. 

Annual River Festival Highlights 

Strategic Plan Complete

Thanks to over 200 people who shared their thoughts and views about the Battenkill watershed and our work.  Your responses helped develop our goals and define our priorities. 

Thanks to the support of the Land Trust Alliance and the guidance of Strong Outcome, our 5 Year Strategic Plan is being implemented.  Click summary to review an on-line copy. For a full copy of the plan, email us. 
Rexleigh Bonfire Prep & Brush Pile Days 
Dec 3 & 4th
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Burn off the turkey stuffing and do some good for your Battenkill watershed! 

Join us this Friday and/or Saturday (Dec 3 & 4th) from Noon - 3pm.   Cool days, a sprinkle of snow and no ticks is the perfect time to work towards  the goals of i) securing the site; ii) protecting the historical ruins and iii) providing a publicly accessible pavilion. 
  • Bonfire Prep & Brush Piles  -  Bring gloves & tools to cut small brush & limbs
  • Metal, garbage removal - a pick up truck or two needed to take away debris
  • Update on Next Steps for Committee Member Volunteers
    Email battenkillconservancy@gmail.com with any questions.  
Discovering their Battenkill! 
We welcomed a small group of middle school students to our Schmidt Meadow Preserve for the "Discover Your Battenkill" Program.  The 3 day environmental science, paddling and outdoor fun program replaced our traditional OAT - Overnight, Outdoor Adventure Trip this year.  Water safety skills, paddling and hikes in the watershed were just some of the activities we enjoyed. The program was made available to all at an affordable all in fee of $120.00 thanks to the generous donation of equipment from Battenkill Valley Outdoors and volunteer directors, Randy Jennings & Lars Dahl. 
Riparian Tree Plantings! 

Nearly 500 trees, shrubs & riparian plants were planted this year to help restore over 1,000 feet of riverfront thanks to the generous donation of
ElHannon Nursery. We planted more trees during the spring of 2021 thanks to NYS Trees for Tribs Program

Always a Great Gift !​

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Looking for a copy of our Untold Stories of the Battenkill book? We have them! Receive a free copy with a membership gift of $100 or more.  Already a member but don't yet have a copy? Simply interested in ordering a book? Stop in at our Member Partner,  Battenkill Books in Cambridge or the Arlington Country Store in Vermont. Email us and we will send you one directly! 

Battenkill Conservancy - Preserving & Enhancing the Battenkill Watershed for All! 

Battenkill Conservancy