VALLEY COTTAGE – Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann and town officials Tuesday officially opened the “Bear Swamp Preserve and Nature Trail” on Mountainview Avenue in Valley Cottage.
The 4.3-acre property was bought by the town in 2017 to preserve open space and protect the wetlands. The property gives residents easy access to the already existing Rockland County 83-acre Mountainview Nature Park and provides a connection to the Long Path.
Town officials have been working with Nyack High School Environmental Club students over the last few months to plan and map out the trails.
Hoehmann credited the Mountainview Preservation Group’s Peggy Freeman, Joy Wallen, Billie Berman, Christiana Huber, Darryl Eason, Edward Mooney and Lisa Lundgren for their advocacy which resulted in the town acquisition and creation of a great new park.
He extended thanks to Tom Perry, teacher and head of the environmental club of Nyack High School and his students for actually planning the trails in the new park.
He also thanks town and county staff for working to get the park open.
“Today was a great day for Clarkstown – adding another recreational opportunity for residents while protecting the wetlands, wildlife and native species. We hope the residents enjoy lots of hiking and adventures in nature at Bear Swamp and the adjacent county park,” the town supervisor said.
