MOHONK – This year Mohonk Preserve marks its 50th anniversary. Fifty years of protecting the majestic views and open spaces of the Shawangunk Ridge.

To kick things off, the Mohonk Visitor Center will feature its grand reopening on April 27 with a free program of events running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included will be interactive exhibits, guided tours, a live Raptor and Reptile presentation, plus the renovated Kids Corner.

The Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center is at 3197 Route 44-55 in the town of Gardiner.

Gretchen Reed, Director of Marketing and Communications, adds that The Sensory Trail, which begins at the back of the visitor center, has been resurfaced to provide better accessibility for people of all abilities. It's a loop trail, with accessible signage, including braille."

"There have also been improvements in the children's forest trails," she added.

Further news from the Preserve is that a trail connectivity program will be completed this spring, linking over ten miles of carriage roads and trails from the newly acquired foothills lands to the rest of the preserve.

The "Foothills" is a 534 acre parcel that is being purchased from the Open Space Institute, which negotiated the sale of 857 acres of farmland and marsh from the Smiley family in 2011. The lands being taken into the Preserve, including the testimonial gateway off route 299, which was once the entrance to the Mohonk Mountain House, the Humpo marsh, an important migratory bird area, and the historic Kleinekill Farm. The Preserve will also manage the remainder of the lands bought from the Smiley family.

Mohonk Preserve's origins lie with the grand Mohonk Mountain House, built in the 19th century by the Smiley family. In 1963, the Smiley family worked with friends and neighbors to form the Mohonk Trust, tasked with protecting the area's unique landscape.

In 1978, the Trust evolved into Mohonk Preserve, and has become a powerful voice for conservation of open space and land on and around the Shawangunk Ridge, as well as elsewhere in the Hudson Valley.

Today, the Preserve, with 13,000 members, has a global reputation for regional land conservation, combining it with science and environmental awareness.

After the grand re-opening of the Visitor Center, get ready for Rock the Ridge, a 50 mile endurance race on May 4, which will also be a fund raising event for the Preserve ($250 per participant). An ultra marathon, Rock the Ridge was dreamed up as a chance to complete the "Kennedy Challenge" from the days of the Preserve's founding.

In 1962, President Kennedy challenged the US Marines to cover 50 miles in 20 hours. This set off an explosion of 50 mile hikes, not only in America, but around the world.

In addition, the Mohonk Preserve is currently co-spnsoring a Thurdsday night lecture series at SUNY New Paltz, along with the Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership, in the college lecture center, room 102, at 7:30 PM each Thursday through February. Located in five Ulster County towns, the Mohonk Preserve is "a mountain refuge — for people and nature. It is a haven for wildlife, a living museum, and a sanctuary where visitors can come to reflect and be restored. The Preserve's mission is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains by inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world."

Visitors are welcome on Preserve lands and at the Visitor Center, which has exhibits, trails, and a nature shop. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day, and a current membership or day entry pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free. For more information and Visitor Center hours of operation, or call the Preserve at (845)

For more on all that's Mohonk Preserve-oriented, especially related to this anniversary year, call them at 255-0919 or visit www.mohonkpreserve.org.