The Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station STRATEGIC PLAN 2011

Transcription

1 The Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station STRATEGIC PLAN 2011 Plan adopted by Board of Directors April 30, 2011 Published November 1, 2011 TASK FORCE REPORTS INCLUDED

2 MISSION, VISION, PURPOSE The Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station* Mission Statement The mission of the Huyck Preserve is to preserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, the watershed of Lake Myosotis and surrounding lands, to conduct long-term research on natural systems as part of a global effort to understand and protect the Earth s biodiversity, and to increase appreciation of this effort through innovative, field-based educational programs for students, teachers, and the community. Vision Statement The Huyck Preserve strives to be a nationally recognized organization committed to the long-term protection of the Earth s regional and global biodiversity. This will be accomplished through high-quality land preservation efforts, biological research, and environmental education programs. Purpose as stated in Bylaws, Article I, Section 2 The objects of this corporation shall be to preserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond, and the lands around them in the town of Rensselaerville, Albany County, New York; to increase the general and scientific knowledge and love of nature, particularly that of trees and wildlife, by maintaining a demonstration of reforestation and forest culture, and by providing means for increasing and protecting the birds, wild animals and fish within the boundaries of said lands and, in furtherance of said objects, to research, record, and preserve the history of said lands and do all acts in furtherance of said objectives, subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by law. *Legal Name: Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve, Inc. 2 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents Mission, Vision, and Purpose Statements...2 Executive Summary...4 History and Background Conservation/Preservation Research...9 Education...12 Recreation...14 Advancement Additional Strategic Priorities...17 Appendixes...19 Appendix 1 Administration and Infrastructure 20 Appendix 2 Facilities and Grounds 21 Appendix 3 Committees of the Board of Directors 22 Appendix 4 Executive Summary of the 2001 Strategic Plan 23 Appendix 5 Monitoring activities at Biological Field Stations 25 Appendix 6 Strategic Planning Task Force Reports

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 2011 STRATEGIC PLAN The 2011 Strategic Plan provides a guiding framework for the activities and management of the Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station. This planning document is based on the Huyck Preserve s mission to preserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, the watershed of Lake Myosotis and surrounding lands, to conduct long-term research on natural systems as part of the global effort to understand and protect the Earth s biodiversity, and to increase appreciation of this effort through innovative, field-based educational programs for students, teachers, and the community. The plan contains sections on each of the key aspects of the Preserve s mission conservation, research, education, and recreation. This Plan was developed as a joint effort of the Board and Staff and represents an update of the 2001 Strategic Plan (see Appendix 4). The Board of Directors voted to adopt the 2011 Strategic Plan on April 30, It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed annually and updated periodically. RESEARCH The Huyck Preserve supports research into behavior, ecology, evolution, natural history, systematics, and other areas in the natural sciences in order to increase the understanding of how natural areas work. The Preserve strives to enhance its national reputation as a field station that facilitates meaningful discovery in the natural sciences and serves as a training ground for field research. Monitoring and conservation-focused research will contribute to a fuller understanding of ecosystem processes and environmental change through published research, conferences, and other means of dissemination. In addition to encouraging investigator-driven, independent study, the Preserve will also foster targeted research that contributes to the stewardship and educational missions. Research Goals: 1. Attract both new and established scientists and foster a stronger field station culture. 2. Raise the profile of the field station. CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION A primary purpose of the Huyck Preserve is to protect the Ten-Mile Creek watershed, providing an undisturbed, undeveloped area for scientific research, environmental education, and recreation. The Conservation goals are consistent with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices (adopted by the Huyck Preserve s Board of Directors in 2008). Conservation Goals: 1. Improve/secure legal protection of the Preserve land in perpetuity. 2. Increase/secure the protection of surrounding land and promote regional connectivity. 3. Engage in active and passive stewardship of the land. 4. Build the capacity and expertise to protect the land. 5. Engage in outreach activities with nearby landowners. 6. Build partnerships and develop strategic alliances. 3. Increase resources for the research program. 4. Conduct an in-depth feasibility study on developing a formal consortium of institutional partners. 5. Enhance the Preserve s reputation as an institution that helps to launch the careers of new scientists through educational programs and research opportunities. 6. Organize scientific conferences and workshops. 7. Conduct monitoring that will lead to a fuller understanding of ecosystem processes and environmental change. 8. Integrate field station research with educational programs. 9. Communicate conservation research findings in a way that informs planning and conservation policy. 10. Issues identified for future attention: Determine most appropriate monitoring activities. Determine carrying capacity for all activities. Ensure that research activities are not compromised. Determine a role for the Scientific Advisory Committee. Build a broader and stronger research community. 4 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EDUCATION The Huyck Preserve s educational programs are designed to increase the general and scientific knowledge and love of nature through innovative, field-based activities for students, teachers, members, and the community. The Huyck Preserve strives to achieve excellence in its education programs in order to provide the public with an appreciation and understanding of how the natural world functions. Education Goals: 1. Significantly increase children s and adults knowledge and love of nature through year-round programs (that are low-cost or free for the local community); become a valued environmental educational resource for schools and teachers, especially in the school systems serving the Town of Rensselaerville and the Greater Capital District. 2. Create an Education Committee made up of board members, educators, and others to advise on education programs and assess needs. 3. Make the overall educational program fiscally self-sustaining. 4. Increase the Huyck Preserve s educational capacity by training staff to present programs, expanding the cadre of volunteers, and improving and adding facilities. 5. Help the local economy by hiring local people and using local resources when possible. RECREATION The Huyck Preserve s recreational programs are designed to increase the general knowledge and love of nature; promote healthy outdoor activities among its members and the general public; and continue the close relationship between the Preserve and the local community by providing access to the Preserve and allowing enjoyment of the natural beauty of Lake Myosotis. Recreation Goals: 1. Encourage greater and more meaningful use of the Huyck Preserve s general recreational opportunities through interpretive signage and by scheduling guided and interpretive walks and other activities throughout the year. 2. Develop a long-term policy for the use of Lake Myosotis that is rational and consistent and recognizes the historic commitment to the local community and that safety is of utmost importance. 3. Create a Recreation Committee that includes community members to help plan and advise on recreational activities. 4. Develop a risk management plan that is based on recognized national standards. 5. Increase the capacity of staff and facilities by using volunteers to lead walks and maintain trails. 6. Make the overall recreational program fiscally self-sustaining. 7. Help the local economy by hiring local people and using local resources when possible. ADVANCEMENT The Huyck Preserve is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization* and supported partially by grants from the E.N. Huyck Foundation, a private foundation established after the death of Preserve founder Jessie Van Antwerp Huyck. Other sources of funding include membership donations; public and private grants; and income from program fees and facilities rentals. In the past the Huyck Foundation provided about two-thirds of the Preserve s funding, but that is no longer the case. The Preserve has increased fundraising efforts and is building its own endowment. * Historically the Huyck Preserve was classified as a private foundation because most of its funding was from a sole source. In recent years, the Preserve has successfully begun diversifying its revenue sources. Effective January 1, 2010, the IRS granted the Huyck Preserve a 60-month advance ruling to be treated as a public charity. Advancement Goals: 1. Create the capacity to meet operational challenges; diversify revenue streams. 2. Lay the groundwork for organizational advancement. 3. Maintain and strengthen financial stability. 4. Engage members, current and prospective supporters, and others through effective outreach. 5. Cultivate partnerships based on mutual interests and common goals. 5

6 HISTORY AND BACKGROUND HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Edmund (Ted) Niles Huyck ( ) was a life-long resident of Rensselaerville and an early industrialist who ran F.C. Huyck and Sons, a company that manufactured papermaking felts. The Huyck mill was located at the base of the Rensselaerville Falls from 1870 to 1879, then moved to Albany, N.Y. Ted Huyck had a deep love for the natural beauty of the town of Rensselaerville. According to his biography, it was Huyck s wish that about 500 acres of his property including the Pond and its shores be set aside for the enjoyment of the people forever. (Edmund Niles Huyck, The Story of a Liberal, by Francis Brown; N.Y.: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1935) A year after Ted Huyck died, his widow Jessie Van Antwerp Huyck fulfilled his wish by establishing the Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve, Inc. The Huyck Preserve was incorporated as a non-profit, membership corporation in 1931 to preserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond, and the lands around them in the Town of Rensselaerville, Albany County, New York; to increase the general and scientific knowledge and love of nature, particularly that of trees and wildlife, by maintaining a demonstration of reforestation and forest culture, and by providing means for increasing and protecting the birds, wild animals and fish within the boundaries of said lands. towns of Rensselaerville and Berne, N.Y. Since 1931, the Huyck Preserve has grown in size from 500 to about 2,000 acres. The uniqueness of the Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and its Biological Research Station come especially from the longterm research record. Since 1937, hundreds of scientists have conducted research at the Huyck Preserve and have published more than 450 scientific papers. In addition, the Preserve s larger and obvious fauna and flora, as well as several other taxonomic categories, have been inventoried regularly since The resulting database can be used to evaluate changes that may be occurring due to environmental disturbances such as climatic variations, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. In 1938, the Huyck Preserve s Board of Directors engaged Cornell University mammalogist William D. Hamilton, Jr., Ph.D., to conduct an evaluation of the Preserve to determine its suitability as a site for scientific research. On Hamilton s recommendation, the Board resolved to organize the Huyck Preserve as a biological research station to further its role in increasing and imparting the scientific knowledge of nature. Jessie Huyck died in Her will stipulated that a foundation be created to help support the Huyck Preserve. So in 1960, the E.N. Huyck Foundation was established to promote research, scientific study and education in any and all kinds of fauna and flora, either directly or through individuals or organizations qualified to undertake such work. Today, the Foundation as well as membership donations and grants are the primary sources of funding for the Preserve. The Rensselaerville Falls, by Jan Prentice (COM.EN.ART) The Huyck Preserve is located on the western edge of the Helderberg Plateau (42 10 latitude, longitude) in the 6 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

7 CONSERVATION CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION A primary purpose of the Huyck Preserve is to protect the Ten Mile Creek watershed, including Lincoln Pond, Lake Myosotis, and the Rensselaerville Falls. The Preserve recognizes the value of preservation because it protects natural and cultural resources and provides an undisturbed area for scientific research, environmental education, and recreation. The Preserve is also a contributing partner to the quality of life in the local and regional community. In this report conservation means the protection of Huyck Preserve resources that relate to historic and ongoing research; monitoring ecological communities to protect natural processes; and minimizing or eliminating threats to those communities when possible. Conservation activities are consistent with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and practices adopted by the Huyck Preserve s Board of Directors in 2008, and reflect the education and recreation missions. Efforts may include, for example, the maintenance and/ or restoration of scenic vistas and other open areas. Conservation is critical for protecting the Huyck Preserve s research, educational, and recreational programs as well as the surrounding landscape and communities. Conservation efforts often lead to enhanced property values, contribute to rural landscape protection, provide access to natural areas, and protect areas that can serve as outdoor classrooms. As part of stewardship, the Board recognizes the concept of management zones that are passively or actively managed. For example, wetland areas may be passively managed for research, watershed protection, and light recreation (hiking, bird watching). Other areas may be actively managed such as hay fields being mowed to maintain habitat diversity. The Scientific Advisory Committee evaluates research proposals and prohibits largescale projects that could negatively impact any ecosystem. Other examples of stewardship include ecological restoration, invasive species control, as well as the protection of rare species, ecological communities, water quality, and cultural resources. The Board further recognizes the difference between the Huyck Preserve s natural areas and the man-made features (Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond, conifer plantations, trails, and roads) and will take that into consideration when determining whether manipulating certain areas would be appropriate. The Huyck Preserve encourages recreational activities that are consistent with its overall objectives. Permitted activities include light hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on trails; bird watching; picnicking in designated picnic areas; as well as fishing, non-motorized boating and swimming in Lake Myosotis. Zones of Interest The Board of Directors has established criteria for three Zones of Interest to provide a structure for making decisions concerning the expansion of the Huyck Preserve including accepting donations of land; acquiring land; or protecting land through conservation easements. In addition, it is desirable for ecological reasons to create connections between protected lands. With the guidance of the Land Conservation Committee, staff will actively pursue acquisition and property easement opportunities to protect property and to foster connectivity within the Zones of Interest. The Primary Zone of Interest includes lands that fall within the Lake Myosotis watershed, which measures approximately six square miles (4,000 acres). The Huyck Preserve encompasses 2,000 acres, the majority of which (1,700 acres) lie within this watershed. One of the Huyck Preserve s long-term goals is to protect, through acquisition or conservation easement, at least two-thirds of the watershed of Lake Myosotis. The Secondary Zone of Interest includes the Ten-Mile Creek watershed below the hamlet of Rensselaerville as well as lands adjoining the Huyck Preserve s core property that are outside the Ten-Mile Creek watershed. The Huyck Preserve would like to selectively expand into these areas, through acquisition or conservation easements, in order to provide a buffer zone that will protect the core property from encroachment, provide additional wildlife habitat, or allow access to unique research areas. The Tertiary Zone of Interest includes areas outside the primary and secondary zones. The Huyck Preserve would accept donations of property outside the primary and secondary zones if there were compelling reasons that are consistent with the objectives of preservation, research, and education. It is also important to promote connectivity between Preserve properties as well as between the Preserve and nearby protected lands such as the Partridge Run State Forest. Connectivity enhances the Preserve s research, education, and recreation potential by providing wildlife corridors and buffering important ecological communities. The Preserve should consider protecting 7

8 CONSERVATION lands that provide connectivity whether they are inside or outside the primary or secondary zones of interest. Recognizing its resource limitations, the Board will seek to cooperate with other like-minded organizations, private and public, as a means to achieving its stewardship objectives. For example, partnering with a land trust would be ideal when the Preserve is considering conservation easements; land trusts have the specialized skill sets needed to acquire and steward easements. Conservation Goals and Strategic Priorities A primary purpose is to protect the Ten-Mile Creek watershed (with a focus on the Lake Myosotis watershed) in recognition of the value of preservation, and to provide an undisturbed, undeveloped area for scientific research, environmental education, and recreation. The following goals are consistent with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices adopted by the Board in Conservation Goal 1: Improve/secure legal protection of Preserve lands in perpetuity. Strategic priorities: The Land Conservation Committee will complete a study to assure adequate legal protection of Huyck Preserve lands. Consider possible strategies including consolidating parcels, updating bylaws to clarify preservation goals, and creating a simple conservation easement to be held by a land trust partner. Conservation Goal 2: Increase/secure protection of surrounding land and promote regional connectivity. Protect, through acquisition or conservation easement, at least two-thirds of the 4,000 acre Lake Myosotis watershed (primary zone of interest). The Huyck Preserve owns 2,000 acres; approximately 1,700 acres are within the watershed. Strategic priorities: The Land Conservation Committee will establish a land acquisition/easement plan, prioritizing properties within the Primary Zone of Interest. Be alert for opportunities for land acquisition/protection within the Primary Zone and improve regional connectivity. Selectively expand into the Secondary Zone of Interest: Ten Mile Creek watershed below the hamlet of Rensselaerville; and lands connected to core property outside the Ten-Mile Creek watershed. Accept donations of land in the Tertiary Zone of Interest only for purposes consistent with the Huyck Preserve s mission. Promote regional connectivity with other public conservation and recreation areas; partner/coordinate the use of adjacent and nearby public land for research, education, and recreation. Conservation Goal 3: Engage in active and passive stewardship of the land. Strategic priorities: The Land Conservation Committee will develop a stewardship plan in cooperation with the Scientific Advisory Committee and a local committee comprised of people with some training and interest in conservation. Staff will begin active stewardship including engaging with nearby landowners. Conservation Goal 4: Build the capacity and expertise to protect the land. Strategic priorities: Identify tools and resources needed. Ensure that staff gains technical expertise through training or by adding new staff positions to accomplish conservation goals. Conservation Goal 5: Engage in outreach activities with nearby landowners. Strategic priority: Broaden support of the Huyck Preserve s conservation goals and objectives by communicating them to nearby landowners. Conservation Goal 6: Build partnerships and develop strategic alliances. Strategic priorities: Cooperate/collaborate with like-minded organizations to achieve preservation and stewardship objectives and to promote regional connectivity. Be involved with planning and zoning boards regarding development issues and larger watershed conservation efforts. 8 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

9 RESEARCH RESEARCH The Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve and Biological Field Station has many outstanding natural features and it has earned an excellent reputation among naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Like other nature preserves in the region, it is a somewhat disconnected assembly of parcels with different land-use histories, including plantations, former old fields, natural flows, and artificial impoundments. However, due to its rural setting and a relatively high level of protection, much of the Preserve is moving toward more pristine natural conditions, with a rich avifauna (birds), a diverse flora, and thriving populations of some native mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. Its proximity to more urbanized areas allows for useful contrasts of many phenomena, such as air and water quality, or plant and animal communities. What sets the Huyck Preserve apart from the many other parks and nature preserves nearby (including more than 100 within a 50 mile radius, without venturing into the Adirondack or Catskill Parks) is its tradition of scientific research. Leading research scientists were consulted prior to and during its establishment and the research station has been its core facility from the beginning. Its mission, as established in the Huyck family s endowment (E.N. Huyck Foundation), has been to foster and support field study at high academic levels. The subsequent flows of scientists and their accomplishments stand in tribute to that vision. Considering the Preserve s relatively small size, its modest levels of support, and its relatively unsophisticated research infrastructure, its history and reputation as a productive field station are quite remarkable. Modern science (early 19th Century and onward) has been driven by the diligence and creativity of individual investigators. Research institutions of all varieties recognize this and the global research and development community still look to the U.S. and European models of investigator-driven science. The Huyck Preserve is no exception. It sets few bounds on the topics or approaches of visiting investigators, and it offers them a peaceful and secure working environment. However, the research station s storied history of productive research faces two major challenges. The first challenge, one that is well recognized, is financial. When Eugene Odum was hired in the 1930s to conduct a biological inventory and assessment of the young, 500 acre Huyck Preserve, he was a fresh Ph.D. graduate, newly married. In the style of the times, his wife received no compensation, but the couple was still able to afford a new automobile and live well on his salary. Later resident investigators and scientist-directors were similarly supported, and the original Huyck research grant awards were set at then-attractive levels. From the 1960s through 2006, the executive directors who ran the Preserve were scientists. At this time, however, the Preserve can no longer support a year-round scientist. The annual budget for awarding research grants stayed at $12,000 from the late 1970s until It was then increased to $22,000 to also support a seasonal scientistin-residence. Although the facilities have been upgraded with federal funding, their management and maintenance depend on limited internal funds so usage has been curtailed. The second challenge is less tangible, but equally significant. Top research scientists in natural sciences are now less likely to operate as individuals, and fewer work at field stations. Instead they manage teams of subordinates in laboratories that demand high levels of funding. When their investigations require field study, they tend to work in teams at relatively large scales or in unusual settings. Despite its many charms, the Huyck Preserve offers few unusual settings (such as high elevation habitats to study climate warming), nor does it provide specialized technical facilities (such as forest canopy access or radio-telemetry stations). Fortunately, the Preserve has been able to retain a few long-term field research projects run by external investigators, and attract bright graduate students who formulate low-tech (but very creative) projects. Otherwise, many visiting investigators are short-term. They stay for a single season or they operate at larger scales, with the Preserve serving as one of many study sites. This is not necessarily a problem, but it is clearly a departure from previous patterns of high-level investigators spending substantial time at the research station. And it is tied to diminished financial resources, as well. The Huyck Preserve is regaining some of the previous continuity and camaraderie by engaging a seasonal scientist-inresidence and recruiting high-quality undergraduate interns. General Research Activities Each year the Huyck Preserve awards research grants to scientists from throughout the country to conduct studies of the biology of the flora and fauna of the Preserve. Grant applications 9

10 RESEARCH are reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and awards are based on scientific merit. The SAC believes that the Preserve should not direct the kind of research being conducted by grantees. However this does not preclude the Huyck Preserve from initiating its own focused studies as needs arise. These latter studies may be funded through special grants. Since 1937, hundreds of scientists have conducted research at the Huyck Preserve and have produced more than 450 published papers and reports. Earlier work focused on the documentation of the biota on the Preserve and on studies of the natural history of that biota. Early researchers included Eugene Odum who later became known as the father of ecosystems ecology; Donald Griffin, whose discovery of bat echolocation contributed to the development of Naval sonar; and countless others who went on to make significant contributions in scientific fields. The Huyck Preserve maintains an inventory of the plants and animals observed or collected on its lands and is represented in permanent archival collections in the American Museum of Natural History, the New York State Museum, and other institutions. Recent activities have focused on the patterns and processes observed in many of the Huyck Preserve s native forests, conifer plantations, wetlands, streams, and lakes. Several long-term projects continue to track forest stand dynamics and the understory flora, as well as decomposition processes and the structure of detritus-based food webs. In keeping with a lengthy tradition, many researchers continue to study the behavior and population dynamics of native animals in the Huyck Preserve. A relatively new direction can be seen in increasing numbers of projects investigating exotic, or invasive, plants and animals. Periodic investigations continue to examine the water quality and biological processes in the Huyck Preserve s surface waters. Because of its rural setting and secure facilities, the research station will likely offer many opportunities for reference studies that will accompany future work on environmental change. Current Long-Term Research One of the purposes of biological field stations is to provide baseline data about the kinds and densities of organisms present and on basic ecosystem processes. These data may be used to monitor long-term changes. The National Science Foundation has identified certain kinds of data that are important in longterm monitoring programs. Their recommendations, including comments describing the Huyck Preserve s status, are summarized in Appendix 5. Research Station Goals And Strategic Priorities The Huyck Preserve supports research into behavior, ecology, evolution, natural history, systematics, and other areas in the natural sciences in order to increase the understanding of how natural areas work. The Preserve strives to enhance its national reputation as a field station that facilitates meaningful discovery in the natural sciences and serves as a training ground for field research. Monitoring and conservation-focused research will contribute to a fuller understanding of ecosystem processes and environmental change through published research, conferences, and other means of dissemination. In addition to investigator-driven, independent study, the Huyck Preserve will also foster targeted research that contributes to its stewardship and educational missions. Research Goals 1. Attract both new and established scientists and foster a stronger field station culture. 2. Raise the profile of the field station by promoting successful projects, encouraging peer-reviewed publications and other professional contributions stemming from research conducted at the Preserve. 3. Increase resources for the research program, including for a full-time Research Director; increased funding for Huyck Grants; increased quantity and quality of residential housing; and additional monitoring equipment. 4. Conduct an in-depth feasibility study on developing a formal consortium of institutional partners that would utilize and financially support the field station. 5. Enhance the Huyck Preserve s reputation as an institution that helps to launch the careers of new scientists through high-quality education programs and research opportunities at the field station. 6. Organize scientific conferences and workshops that enhance the Huyck Preserve s reputation and help raise its national profile. 7. Conduct monitoring that will lead to a fuller understanding of ecosystem processes, environmental change, and that aligns 10 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

11 RESEARCH the Huyck Preserve with trends in ecological research, such as the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). 8. Integrate field station research with appropriate educational programs. 9. Communicate conservation research findings in a way that informs planning and conservation policy. 10. Issues identified for future attention: Determine which monitoring activities best match needs and Preserve capacity. Determine the carrying capacity for all station-related activities numbers of participants, facilities, and programs that are environmentally and financially sustainable. Ensure that research programs and projects are not compromised; schedule and site other station-related activities to avoid potential conflicts. Determine a role for the Scientific Advisory Committee (or a related body) to contribute to other Huyck Preserve needs, such as stewardship, land acquisitions, and integrating research with education and interpretation activities. Build a broader and stronger research community and culture by cultivating new participants and rebuilding connections with research alumni. Strategic Priorities (within 3 years) 1. Evaluate research program and develop action plan; establish Research Station Committee; identify and strengthen usability of long-term data sets (under way) 2. Explore how to return field station staffing to fully functioning levels. 3. Clear backlog of research reports and post copies on the Huyck Preserve s Web site, etc. 4. Evaluate role of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and increase incentives for its members to be more involved. 5. Assess ecological monitoring activities and upgrade facilities including the geographic information system (GIS). (Assess what is reasonable to monitor and update; develop monitoring that is more broadly useful tree inventory, species list, weather; determine priorities.) 6. Integrate research findings into other Huyck Preserve programs; prepare description of activities for Web site. 7. Develop policies and procedures to limit conflict among research station activities and other Huyck Preserve activities. 8. Diversify user base and research topics; may bring in new programs to help the research program break even. 9. Establish past-researcher network to keep them engaged. 10. Develop consortium of colleges and other institutions; collaborate with colleges and universities to offer courses (accredited at those institutions) at the Huyck Preserve. 11. Develop ways to increase grant program (consider establishing endowment and/or partnerships with foundations to fund Scientist-in-Residence, grants, interns, etc.) 12. Determine whether to revise statement from 2001 Strategic Plan. ( The Preserve strives to become recognized as a worldclass field station that will be used by top scientists, serve as a training ground for future generations of scientists, and provide monitoring and research data that will lead to a fuller understanding of ecosystem processes and biodiversity. ) Strategic Priorities (within 5 years) 1. Organize long-term datasets, collections, and research reports; publish research summary reports. 2. Improve funding for station, research grants, foundation funding. 3. Determine level and scope of monitoring and instrumentation; obtain professional advice; get SAC recommendations. 4. Evaluate policies to limit conflicts. 5. Establish policies regarding the kinds of projects to fund and establish priorities for research funding. 6. Determine path for seasonal Scientist-in-Residence to yearround position. 7. Increase seasonal housing. 8. Increase staff and resources within the limits of the station s environmental capacity. 9. Implement increased grant program. 10. Implement consortium of colleges. 11

12 EDUCATION EDUCATION Since its founding in 1931, the Huyck Preserve has helped to increase the general and scientific knowledge and love of nature, by providing educational programs for people of all ages and allowing public access to the trails, falls, and Lake Myosotis. The Huyck Preserve has been offering nature study programs and day camps for children every summer since the 1930s. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Preserve sponsored a junior Audubon Club, which was attended by students at Rensselaerville s tworoom school house. In the 1960s, the Huyck Preserve was one of several national sites for the Natural Sciences Institute, which held summer programs for high school students who were gifted and talented in the sciences. They stayed at the Preserve for several weeks, did independent research projects, and attended lectures at the Institute on Man and Science (now the Rensselaerville Institute). For more than 30 years, the Huyck Preserve has held formal educational programs for school groups, both at the Preserve and at schools, for students to learn about the natural world; teachers have attended workshops to learn how to teach science more effectively; and the Preserve has partnered with the Rensselaerville Institute in Minds On workshops that focus on ecology. In 2010, the Huyck Preserve offered a three-week summer immersion course fundamentals of field ecology for high school students and is planning to make this a regular program. In the past, the Preserve worked with nearby universities to offer college-level courses. The Huyck Preserve has also awarded modest scholarships to students in the Greenville School District, which includes students from Rensselaerville. For the broader community, the Huyck Preserve holds lectures, scientist-guided hikes, nature walks, conferences, and other special programs such as the annual birding festival, art and nature courses, and others. One popular conference held in 2006 was the John James Audubon Conference, which featured the debut of a public television film, presentations by Audubon scholars, and a gallery of Audubon art. In 2009, the Huyck Preserve was the lead sponsor and organizer for the Eugene P. Odum Conference on invasive species. The Huyck Preserve s Visitor Center is also open to the public and contains educational displays as well as maps and guides to the trails. Another Huyck Preserve program is COM.EN.ART (Community, Environment, and Art), a natural-history artist-inresidence program for artists who want to immerse themselves in a field station environment. The program is a collaboration between the Preserve and the New York State Museum. Education Goals and Strategic Priorities The Huyck Preserve strives to achieve excellence in its educational programs, which are designed to increase the general and scientific knowledge and love of nature through innovative, field-based activities for students, teachers, and the community. Education Goal 1: Significantly increase children s and adults knowledge and love of nature; become a valued environmental education resource, especially for schools and teachers in the school systems serving the Town of Rensselaerville and the Greater Capital District. Strategic priorities: Continue offering and increase the number of high-quality, year-round, mission-related programs for children, students, teachers, and adults, especially children and students within the local community; the programs should be low cost for local children and students. Toward that end, the Huyck Preserve should work with local schools, organizations, and clubs. Continue offering and increase the number of year-round, low-cost general education programs for members and other adults; emphasize the Huyck Preserve s special resources such as its mycology, flora, and fauna; help form clubs for interested people. Conduct more specialized programs, including ones designed for particular audiences or to raise funds to finance other programs; for certain special programs, provide access to local students by reducing the cost or finding grants to support them. Enhance educational programs by emphasizing the Huyck Preserve s scientific research and expertise of its researchers. 12 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

13 EDUCATION Education Goal 2: Create an Education Committee. Strategic priorities: Create an education committee made up of board members, educators, and others to advise the staff and board on education programs. Create advisory group made up of educators and appropriate community members. Continually assess need for programs; determine if being met. Continually assess, evaluate, and refine education programs. Education Goal 3: Make the overall educational program fiscally self-sustaining. Strategic priorities: Make educational programs, taken as a whole, self-funding. Use revenues from certain programs to subsidize others. Seek funding from foundations and government agencies. Explore creating special fund for educational activities for local students. Use Waldron Fund to keep program costs low for local children. Education Goal 4: Increase the Preserve s educational capacity. Strategic priorities: Regularly assess Huyck Preserve s capacity to conduct a broad range of programs. Consider hiring additional staff to conduct educational activities. HUYCK PRESERVE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES The Huyck Preserve offers a variety of educational activities for elementary-, middle- and high-school students, as well as for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, Preserve members, and others. Scientists and educators work together to create unique educational programs. Here is a sampling: Nature Study (for children in grades K-2 and 3-5) Middle School Natural History Day Program Fundamentals of Field Ecology Program for High School Students Wildlife Family Hour Naturalist-led walks Huyck Hikes (led by researchers-in-residence) Bird-watching walks Lecture series Field trips Minds-On ecology workshops (with Rensselaerville Institute) Art workshops (for adults) Teacher workshops Special school programs Internships Graduate education (grants, housing, and research facilities) Annual Science Symposium Wilderness First Responder courses Special conferences Publications including newsletter Visitor Center Interpretive signage on some trails COM.EN.ART (an artist-in-residency program) Train staff to increase their knowledge of flora and fauna so they are able to lead guided walks and present other programs. Expand cadre of volunteers to help with programs. Improve or expand existing facilities or seek alternatives. Education Goal 5: Help the local economy by hiring local people and using local resources when possible. Painted turtle, by Jessie Blake Salmon (COM.EN.ART) 13

14 RECREATION RECREATION One of the ways for people to appreciate nature is to enjoy the natural beauty of the forests, ponds, streams, and meadows. The Huyck Preserve s trails and the Rensselaerville Falls have been open to the public since the 1930s. Hiking, cross-country skiing, and picnicking are allowed. As the Preserve grew from 500 to 2,000 acres, many of the original trails have been maintained and new ones added. The newest trail is Partridge Path, which is being completed in Through the early 1940s, the Huyck Preserve held annual trail blazes to keep the trails in good condition. Men in the community would volunteer to work on the trails; women would prepare a picnic dinner for all to enjoy; and there was a rousing game of baseball afterwards. But during World War II, the trail blazes came to an end as many of the able-bodied men were serving in the military and therefore not around to volunteer on the trails. In recent years, the Huyck Preserve has resurrected the tradition of volunteer trail blazes by celebrating the American Hiking Society s National Trails Day (the first Saturday in June); volunteers are invited to help clear Preserve trails and enjoy a barbecue afterwards. Lake Myosotis has also been open to the public since the 1930s for swimming, swimming lessons, picnicking, nonmotorized boating, and fishing. The State even stocked the lake with fish for a number of years. Because the lake serves as the hamlet s drinking water supply, swimming has been limited to local residents within a defined area. Until the 1960s, there were three swimming areas at the Huyck Preserve the Huyck boathouse, the community beach, and the campground. Today the Huyck Preserve allows swimming only at the lifeguarded community beach; members can also rent boat racks to store their kayaks and canoes at what used to be the campground area. Until the early 1960s, there was a campground on the shores of Lake Myosotis. Families from Albany and the surrounding area leased campsites that they used every summer. The Preserve closed the campground because its wastewater system was inadequate and too close to the hamlet s drinking water supply. The Huyck Preserve also owned miscellaneous pieces of property in town, including the hamlet s playground. In the 1990s, the playground was turned over to the hamlet. Recreation Goals and Strategic Priorities The Huyck Preserve s recreational programs are designed to increase the general knowledge and love of nature; promote healthy outdoor activities among its members and the general public; and continue the close relationship between the Preserve and the local community by providing access to the natural beauty of Lake Myosotis. Recreation Goal 1: Encourage greater and more meaningful use of all of the Huyck Preserve s general recreational opportunities through interpretive signage and by scheduling guided and interpretive walks and other activities throughout the year. Strategic priorities Continue to provide public access to trails; provide interpretive information where feasible; add new trails; maintain or restore old trails; maintain signage and maps. Schedule guided hikes, walks, other recreational activities year-round. Make the Visitor Center a more valuable part of the education and recreation programs. Adopt a regular schedule to inspect and maintain trails. Recreation Goal 2: Develop a long-term policy for the use of Lake Myosotis. Strategic priorities: Create a rational and consistent plan for issuing swim passes; the plan should recognize the Huyck Preserve s historic commitment to the community and that safety is of utmost importance. Continue to allow non-motorized boating and fishing. Recreation Goal 3: Create a Recreation Committee. Strategic priorities: Create a Recreation Committee that includes community members to help develop a plan and to advise and assist staff. Allow the committee to create one or more local advisory groups with expertise in trail maintenance, water safety, and other relevant issues. 14 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

15 RECREATION Continually assess the need for programs as well as the programs themselves. Recreation Goal 4: Develop a risk management plan based on national standards. Strategic priority: Adopt a risk management plan that will better ensure visitor safety. Recreation Goal 5: Increase the capacity of staff and facilities by using volunteers. Strategic priorities: Assess the capacity of staff and facilities to conduct a broad range of recreational programs without compromising the Huyck Preserve s other missions of preserving the natural beauty and carrying out research and education activities. Make better use of parking areas; consider increasing parking areas; protect degraded parts of the Huyck Preserve by diverting visitors to other trails. Expand cadre of volunteers who can lead walks and help with trail maintenance. Recreation Goal 6: Make the overall recreational program fiscally self-sustaining. Strategic priorities: Make recreational programs, taken as a whole, self-funding. Make fees collected from beach passes, kayak and canoe storage, and swim lessons the primary funding source. HUYCK PRESERVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Since its founding in 1931, the Huyck Preserve has helped to increase the general and scientific knowledge and love of nature, by providing educational programs for people of all ages and allowing public access to the trails, falls, and Lake Myosotis. 10 miles of trails Interpretive signage on some trails Guided walks Hiking Cross-country skiing Snowshoeing Lake Myosotis Fishing Non-motorized boating Swimming (limited) Swimming lessons Kayak and canoe storage Picnic grounds Other Rensselaerville Falls Observation deck overlooking falls Visitor Center Recreational activities Bird watching Seek additional funding from foundations, government agencies, and other organizations. Use the Waldron Fund, when possible, to keep recreational activities for local children at low or minimal cost. Recreation Goal 7: Help the local economy by hiring local people and using local resources when possible. Rose raspberry, by Patrician Kernan (COM.EN.ART) 15

16 ADVANCEMENT ADVANCEMENT The Advancement Task Force identified goals and strategies to maintain the necessary financial stability to continue to protect the land, conduct ecological research, develop meaningful education programs, and provide public access for recreational activities. The Huyck Preserve is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization* and supported partially by grants from the E.N. Huyck Foundation, a private foundation established after the death of Preserve founder Jessie Van Antwerp Huyck. Other sources of funding include membership and other donations, public and private grants, as well as income from programs, facilities rentals, and other sources. In the past the Huyck Foundation provided about two-thirds of the Preserve s funding, but in that is no longer the case. The Preserve has had to increase its own fundraising efforts and has been building its own endowment. * Historically the Huyck Preserve was classified as a private foundation because most of its funding was from a sole source. In recent years, the Preserve has successfully begun diversifying its revenue sources. Effective January 1, 2010, the IRS granted the Huyck Preserve a 60-month advance ruling to be treated as a public charity. Advancement Goal 1: Build capacity to meet operational challenges; diversify revenue streams. Strategic Priorities: Create working capital through solicitations for unrestricted donations and gifts in-kind. Create/maintain annual evaluation of fundraising results to improve forecasting future expectations. Identify needs for managing capacity, including for space, staff, protection of property, and the safety of visitors. Develop a short list of prospects and develop relationships with them in all segments of advancement, fundraising, and development. Develop a plan to finance maintenance, procurement, and land acquisitions. Identify needs for managing protection of property, safety; consider possible staff increase. Achieve more balance in revenue sources 25% Huyck Foundation; 25% public and/or private grants; 25% membership and community donations; and 25% program income, fees, and other sources. Share this plan with the public (post on Web site, etc.). Advancement Goal 2: Lay the groundwork for organizational advancement. Strategic Priorities: Conduct assessment of Huyck Preserve s fundraising process. Establish protocols for managing individual donors, major gifts, etc. Qualify grant prospects and schedule grant applications. Establish Advancement Committee. Establish a Communications subcommittee. Develop a communications plan. Advancement Goal 3: Maintain and strengthen financial stability. Strategic Priorities: Determine annual targets for fundraising. Strengthen the Huyck Preserve s financial foundation through the growth of its endowments. Create plan for securing multi-year grants from public funds and private foundations (largest untapped opportunities); qualify grant prospects; schedule applications; solicit corporate sponsorship. Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a capital campaign. Solicit corporate sponsorship for programs and publications. Advancement Goal 4: Engage members, current, prospective supporters, and others through effective outreach. Strategic Priorities: Establish a protocol for soliciting individual donors and major gifts with a focus on upgrading individual donor giving and planned giving (explore, implement, provide training on software programs for membership management). Survey members, users, and supporters to better understand their perceptions and choices. Document use of the Huyck Preserve as is practical (recurring theme in all the task forces). Plan with the purpose of engaging all members and other stakeholders. 16 STRATEGIC PLAN 2011: EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

17 ADVANCEMENT/ADDITIONAL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Determine what fundraising events are appropriate. Design and implement an integrated marketing/communications plan including improved publications, online/digital communications, brochures, and trail guide. Cultivate personal contacts and organize appeals to top prospects. Continue/improve process for conducting annual appeals, planned giving campaigns, individual appeals, matching gift solicitations. Improve internal communications and management of donor information (software tools; create forum for communication and scheduled appeals, etc.). Target external communications to appropriate audiences. Advancement Goal 5: Cultivate partnerships based on mutual interests and common goals. Strategic Priority: Identify and cultivate partnerships with like-minded organizations to leverage resources. Additional Strategic Priorities Maintain existing committees Executive Committee Nominating Committee Scientific Advisory Committee Finance Committee Governance Committee (recently established) Task Forces become committees; establish other committees Research Station Committee Programs Task Force will split and become two committees: NEW: Education Committee NEW: Recreation Committee Land Conservation Committee NEW: Land Acquisition Subcommittee NEW: Land Stewardship Subcommittee Advancement/Development Committee NEW: Communications Subcommittee NEW: Facilities and Grounds Committee Establish advisory committees Education Advisory Committee (to Education Committee) Recreation Advisory Committee (to Recreation Committee) Committee to advise SAC and Land Conservation Committee Develop mechanisms to avoid conflicts among programs. Determine how to create and manage resources (including staff, space, etc.) to build capacity to carry out strategic priorities. For staffing: consider use of volunteers; part-time, full-time, seasonal staff; contractors; partners; and improvements in technology. For space: consider renovating existing space as well as renting or using off site space. In addition, ensure that there is proper oversight and coordination of policies and procedures pertaining to personnel, visitor safety, emergencies, and other activities. Common Goal: Help the local economy by hiring local people and using local resources when possible. Stone Wall, by Margie O Brien (COM.EN.ART) 17