Adventures of Abby Girl must be on a bird sanctuary kick recently. Last week, readers got to find out about an awesome bird sanctuary in Sherman Connecticut. This week we found one in Stanfordville, NY! Both a part of the Audubon Society.
Buttercup Nature Preserve Location-
It is actually on 82 on the right-hand side heading towards Pine Plains and also by turning off 82 onto Mountain Road. We decided to try the Mountain Road entrance. Pay attention as the entrance looks like a long dirt road and easy to miss.
Emerging From Winter Be Like …
The Trail-
We decided to go with the AllTrails suggestion of a three-mile blue trail and red trail loop. Download the map if you can and pay attention. There are a lot of offshoot trails. Some will make your walk shorter. You can also opt for an out-and-back experience. However, most of the trails are wide and flat. Especially the main trails. Some have gentle rolling hills through fields. Only one trail we went on had a lot of roots and rocks and was more narrow than the other trails.
Mud-
It’s mud season. So be mindful of this as you walk the trails. Wear good hiking boots or sneakers you don’t care if they get covered in mud.
Animals-
The birds are already nesting in some of the boxes you will encounter on the trail. Do not bother them. Also, we saw lots of geese in the ponds. It was so relaxing hearing all the birds chirping in the trees. Abby Girl found it annoying toward the end of the hike. However, I think it was peaceful.
We didn’t see any other wildlife on this trip. Well, maybe Abby when she climbed up in a fallen tree and howled at people walking by us.
The People-
It wasn’t crowded at all when we arrived. Many of the people we encountered were senior citizens and all very nice. It was like being surrounded by grandparents. It was easy to maintain distance on the trails if you decide to not mask up. Some wore masks and others did not. We also saw a few people walking their dogs.
Abby Girl Stuck in Bush at Preserve on TikTok
Water-
There is a lot of lowland areas, streams, ponds etc. Take note when the bugs start coming out that I would imagine you will need bug spray.
Make the Trail A Lot Longer-
Still, want to hike farther? You will get to a point where a trail shoots off and crosses 82 and goes into another half of the sanctuary. We completed this a while ago and it was much hills on this side of the road. However, the sweeping view is breathtaking and worth it even if you just do the climb up the big hill.
Rest Spots
There are plenty of spots to stop and take a rest. We ate our lunch by a babbling brook with views of the fields in front of us.
YOUTUBE VIDEO! ALL of WEEK THREE FLEET FEET CHALLENGE INCLUDING FOOTAGE OF SANCTUARY!
Bonus Sanctuary!
Are you in Ulster County or traveling there soon? Well, we wrote a piece a while back on our Hudson Valley Parent blog about another bird sanctuary. That piece is below.
The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge in Ulster County, is an amazing place for everyone to visit.
When we first arrived, I was debating on staying because the parking lot was fairly full. We are trying to hike socially isolated. However, I’m glad we gave it a try. We only passed a couple of people the whole time we were there!
The Terrain-
The terrain is flat. It’s miles of fields with wide paths that go through them. The view of the Gunks in the distance is amazing set against the waving fields and sounds of nature. It’s approved for even the youngest walker. My friend went a day before us and used a stroller for three miles. She said it was difficult, but she managed. I would recommend carrying non-walkers in a child carrier. There are sections that are muddy. Wear appropriate shoes.
Cool Stuff to do there-
Watch the birds and insects from bird blinds. I was a little hesitant to sit in one because I wasn’t sure who had sat in it before me with the Covid germ situation. I just opened all the windows and used the hand-sanitizer back at the car. It would have been more ideal to carry it on me. There is also an observation deck at the beginning of the walk. Bring the fishing pole for catch and release fishing. Take a pamphlet at the start and see how many birds your family can identify on your walk.
Other Key Facts-
The bathrooms are currently closed and there is no water. So plan accordingly.
- Check the website to make sure they are open.
- No dogs are permitted.
- Stay on the trail.
- Carry out what you carried in
- Plan accordingly because wandering in these vast fields takes time. Before you know it, you have wandered a couple miles!
The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is such a peaceful place for families to go and relax. Go see for yourself.
Final thoughts on our recent visit-
This sanctuary was so peaceful. Perhaps it’s because spring is arriving. But, it was so nice to take a break from some of the crazy hikes and just stroll. We recommend this trail to anyone looking for a very peaceful, relaxing hike. If you go on the website, you can download a bird identification guide.
Watch Our Hilarious Trail Groove Dance at end of this hike on TikTok!
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