RCR Open House:
Nature Enthusiasts Came, Rain Stayed Away!
The Open House at Rhinoceros Creek Reservation was a memorable day. The sun was out, the native gardens in bloom, and dozens of supporters gathered at the pavilion for an afternoon of camaraderie, learning, and hiking.
SLT VP Bob MacGregor described the habitats of RCR, its fauna such as beaver, otter, and bobcat, the many scout projects that add to the enjoyment of RCR, and some adventures with the Heritage Hills Water infrastructure. Bob introduced several volunteers who contribute to the upkeep and improvement of RCR: Hans Elsevier (landscape mowing), and the indefatigable Ed Dowdall, who, among other projects, has fought massive stands of invasive plants to craft an inviting entrance to the northeast parcel off Old Croton Falls Road, and also maintains our Facebook page.
Treasurer Lauretta Jones shared the story behind the name “Crane-Beshar Rhinoceros Creek Reservation”. It memor-ializes an actual rhinoceros kept by the builder of the nearby Stone House, Gerard Crane, who was one of Somers’ 19th C menagerie owners. The name also recognizes the Beshar family, who restored the Stone House to its original beauty and later donated much of its surrounding property to SLT on condition that it be open to the public in perpetuity. This span of history preserved in the reservation’s name provides a complement to the beloved Elephant Hotel – underscoring the menageries’ importance in Somers history – as well as honoring several of its prominent citizens.
President Michael Barnhart introduced Anthony Cirieco from the Somers Town Board, and some of SLT's important partners from the Westchester Land Trust: Kara Hartigan Whelan (President), Ben Kleist (Preserve Manager) and Kim Fendrich (Program Manager). WLT holds the conservation easement on RCR, assuring the Beshars’ wishes will be honored. In her comments, Kara painted a compelling picture of the time, energy, and persistence it takes to ensure that green spaces are protected for the public to enjoy. Another SLT partner joining us was Eric Stone, Director of The Rewilding School which offers a program of archery for children and parents on weekends at RCR.
Board and Education Committee Members Janet Antonucci, Rosey VanWart and Newsletter Editor Gail Simpson brought the essentials: refreshments, chairs, and a table of information about environmental subjects. Working behind the scenes to organize the event was Denise Schirmer, Secretary and PR person extraordinaire.
After questions, attendees had a choice of guided hikes in the beautiful weather: up the Green Trail to the high ridge with Bob, or around the flat lower loop with Rosie.
If you were unable to attend this Open House, we hope you’ll check out other events in the future! They’re sure to be both informative and fun!
Somers Land Trust volunteers and Somers scouts continue to develop and improve trails and infrastructure on both parcels of Rhinoceros Creek Reservation. Native plantings around the pavilion on the southwest parcel and at the head of the Blue Trail on the northeast parcel are thriving, and nature's colors are changing with the season.
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Please stop by to relax in the pavilion or on the nearby benches - both offer views of the pond. Take an invigorating hike up and along the ridge on the green trail or perhaps an easy stroll along the loop road, over the footbridges and through the wetland woods. On the northeast parcel, have you found the beaver dam, the bird blind or the forest loop? (Park at end of Bonny Drive - trail maps are posted on the kiosks and can be downloaded here.)
We hope you enjoy Rhinoceros Creek this year. And, more than ever, we need your help to ensure trails and green space will be here for our community for the long term. ​
Please click to volunteer your time or dollars - both are essential and greatly appreciated. And check out Scout Projects here.
