KINGSTON- Ulster County is thrilled to announce the launch of its trailblazing initiative, the Nature Bus, a new program that kicks off for Earth Week and runs through October 12, 2024. Spearheaded by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, with support from Ulster County Tourism and UCAT, the Nature Bus aims to provide easy access for community members to visit and explore the County’s stunning natural landscapes and attractions, including Black Creek Preserve, Kingston Point Beach, Sojourner Truth State Park, Shaupeneak Ridge, Esopus Meadows, Walkway Over the Hudson, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Sam’s Point Preserve, Lippman Park, and the Ashokan Rail Trail.
The program is entirely free for both transportation and admission to the sites, and all Nature Bus routes include destinations for people of all ages and abilities. The Nature Bus will run on Saturdays through mid-October.
The program was initiated to expand opportunities for our residents – including those without a car or who do not drive – to enjoy the County’s pristine natural treasures and outdoor recreational destinations. With an estimated 7.5 percent of Ulster County residents lacking car ownership, and even higher percentages (17 to 18 percent) in urban centers like Kingston and Ellenville, this program helps fill a gap in access while providing all residents with the chance to take a fun and free excursion and connect with nature.
The program includes three routes to parks and preserves around the County:
- River Route: The Route begins and ends pick up/drop off at Kingston Plaza and Garraghan Drive, connecting residents to Kingston Point Beach, Sojourner Truth State Park, Shaupeneak Ridge, Walkway Over the Hudson, Black Creek Preserve, and Esopus Meadows Preserve.
- Ridge Route: The Route begins and ends pick up/drop off at Liberty Square in Ellenville, connecting residents with Sam’s Point Preserve, Lippman Park, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
- Mountain Route: The Route begins and ends pick up/drop off at Kingston Plaza and Garraghan Drive, connecting residents with the Ashokan Rail Trail and the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper.
All three routes will run for the Earth Week kick-off on Saturday, April 27, 2024. For route start times, dates and locations, visit participate.ulstercountyny.gov/nature-bus. After the April 27 launch, the River, Ridge, and Mountain routes will run on a rotating basis on Saturdays through October 12, 2024.
“We want to expand opportunities for our residents to visit and explore our county’s remarkable landscapes and world-class recreational destinations, whether or not they own a car or drive,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “The Nature Bus represents a commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their means, age, or abilities, can connect with nature and experience the natural beauty of our region.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with Ulster County to bring folks to the Catskills to experience our beautiful natural spaces, like the County-developed Ashokan Rail Trail and the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. “The Visitor Center is the perfect destination for the Nature Bus, offering an opportunity to learn about the Catskills, speak with our helpful staff, walk our hiking trails, visit the Esopus Creek, and climb a fire tower for an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. We look forward to working closely with Ulster County on this effort and future partnerships to provide access and interpretation to the Catskill Park.”
Scenic Hudson applauds County Executive Metzger for her visionary leadership in bringing the ‘Nature Bus’ to life,” said Seth McKee, Executive Director of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust. “This free service from UCAT will allow people without access to private vehicles – or those who just want to leave their car at home – to experience the magic of Ulster County’s many diverse state and local parks. What a great way to provide equitable access to nature! Four of the properties that Scenic Hudson owns or manages will be on the bus route: Sojourner Truth State Park, Shaupeneak Ridge, Black Creek Preserve and Esopus Meadows Preserve. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to hike, bike, picnic and enjoy the great outdoors.”
“The Nature Bus is a fabulous way to provide access to many of the special places in Ulster County,” said Linda Cooper, Taconic Regional Director for New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “State Parks is glad to be a part of the route with both Minnewaska and the Walkway. Come on out and enjoy the great outdoors!”
For detailed bus schedules, more information, and updates CLICK HERE.
