STILLWATER, NY, January 23, 2025 – Local conservation organization Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) invites community members to an informational Zoom meeting on the future of Snake Hill on Wednesday, February 26th from 3:30 – 4:30pm. This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the property’s ecological value and PLAN’s next steps in its stewardship.
Last summer, PLAN held a public engagement period to help inform the future management of Snake Hill Preserve and heard back from over 165 community members. Many comments shared an appreciation for the unique environment of Snake Hill, a desire to learn more about it and to preserve it. Many shared they want to have a safe means of access, parking, and opportunities for enjoying Snake Hill. Most community members who shared their thoughts advocated for limited or no public access to best protect the natural resources and scenic beauty of Snake Hill. This input has helped shape the direction of PLAN’s management plan for the property.
Snake Hill is a striking natural feature: a forested dome rising 200 feet above the eastern shore of Saratoga Lake in the Town of Stillwater. This iconic landmark, a remnant of the Taconic Mountain lowlands, was acquired by Saratoga PLAN through a bargain sale from Stewart’s Shops in December of 2023 for $1 million. The project was made possible with funding secured by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) from New York State, ensuring the permanent protection of Snake Hill, including over 2,300 feet of undeveloped shoreline along Saratoga Lake.
After careful review of the newly protected property, Saratoga PLAN launched the “Protect Snake Hill Forever” campaign in an effort to address pressing stewardship challenges, including steep slopes, areas of erosion, unsafe access, and several invasive species that threaten its fragile ecosystem. Thanks to the support of over 90 individuals in the community, over $233,000 was raised. This includes a $50,000 challenge match made possible by Michelle and Walt Borisenok of Old Tavern Farm, whose generosity helped provide momentum for the campaign.
“True conservation goes beyond protection, it’s about fostering a lasting relationship with the land,” said Michelle and Walt Borisenok. “By supporting Saratoga PLAN, we’re helping ensure Snake Hill is cared for and managed sustainably for generations to come.”
The campaign’s success demonstrates the community’s heartfelt commitment to preserving and caring for their shared landscapes. “We are deeply grateful to the community members who shared their feedback and contributed to the success of the ‘Protecting Snake Hill Forever’ campaign.” said Robert Davies, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN.
Updates on the future management of Snake Hill will be shared at the upcoming public meeting, which will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, February 26th from 3:30 – 4:30pm. To help with planning, pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Information shared at the meeting will be posted on the project website following the public meeting.
For more information or to register, please visit saratogaplan.org/snakehill.
About Saratoga PLAN
Saratoga PLAN preserves the rural character, natural habitats, and scenic beauty of Saratoga County, ancestral homelands of the Mohican, Mohawk and Abenaki people, so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations.
PLAN, which stands for preserving land and nature, has helped conserve over 14,000 acres of land in Saratoga County. PLAN helps landowners conserve farmland, woodlands, and natural habitats, and connects people to nature through an extensive trail network, including 13 public nature preserves open for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature study. Saratoga PLAN helps communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, visit, play and farm. PLAN facilitates community-based conservation by partnering with municipalities to help them accomplish their community’s conservation goals.
For more information, call 518-587-5554, or visit www.saratogaplan.org.