Partnerships for Land Protection- 175 acre Humpo Marsh Acquired

March 20, 2026

The Open Space Institute (OSI) and partners celebrated the acquisition of 175 acres of marsh and forest land, including critical wetland areas, along Route 299 in the Towns of New Paltz and Gardiner in Ulster County March 17, 2026.

When the owners of the Humpo Marshlands and Forest property decided it was time to figure out long-term plans for their family’s farm, the first phone call was to Bob Anderberg, OSI’s Senior Vice President and Strategic Conservation Advisor. Bob had reached out to the family more than 20 years earlier about OSI’s interest in preserving the land and had continued that dialogue over the years.

Thanks to a collaborative effort involving OSI, Mohonk Preserve, the Towns of New Paltz and Gardiner, and Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT), the parcel is now protected forever. This acquisition safeguards the iconic viewshed of the Shawangunk Ridge, vital wildlife habitat, and local water resources.

The Town of New Paltz will use its Community Preservation Fund (CPF) to purchase a conservation easement on 87 acres of the Humpo Marshlands and Forest property, with the easement to be held by WVLT.

The Humpo Marshlands and Forest property includes native wildflower meadows, upland forests, and 40 acres of Humpo Marsh. A well-known birding hotspot, the marsh provides essential breeding habitat for threatened species such as the pied-billed grebe and red-headed woodpecker, and serves as a migratory bird resting area. The site includes a significant wetland system and vernal pools, which are essential breeding sites for certain amphibian species in springtime.

The property’s wetlands drain into the Kleine Kill, a tributary of the Wallkill and Hudson Rivers. The land naturally filters and cleans water, improving groundwater quality and recharging underground aquifers for residents who rely on local wells. Additionally, the wetlands serve as a natural catch basin that absorb excess water during severe storm events, helping reduce flooding in downstream areas.

“This is a landmark achievement for land protection in the Shawangunks,” said Matt Decker, OSI Northeast senior land project manager. “Community Preservation Funds empower towns to set and achieve their own conservation priorities so they’re able to save the landscapes that make their areas unique. We’re honored to work with the Town of New Paltz on their first major CPF project.” 

“It’s wonderful to see Community Preservation Fund dollars put to work protecting a property that is both environmentally significant and deeply meaningful to our community. Preserving this land ensures that New Paltz residents can continue to enjoy its natural beauty while also benefiting from the flood protection it provides. This is exactly the kind of investment that safeguards our landscape and quality of life for generations to come,” said Town of New Paltz Supervisor Tim Rogers.

“Protecting this property along the Shawangunk Scenic Byway is a big win-win for the natural world and the New Paltz community. It demonstrates how we can work with our conservation partners to stretch our Community Preservation Fund dollars and permanently protect important places in New Paltz’s landscape,” said Cara Lee, chair of the New Paltz CPF Advisory Board.

“Gardiner residents know that nature doesn’t recognize town lines. Protecting these 175 acres is essential for our shared ecosystem—safeguarding our local water quality, mitigating downstream flooding, and preserving the iconic Ridge views that define our home. We are proud to support this collaborative effort that balances conservation with the potential for new, sustainable public access to one of our area’s most beautiful birding hotspots, and we are grateful to the Open Space Institute, the Nichols family, and all our partners for their tireless commitment to this vision,” said Michael Hartner, Gardiner Town Supervisor. 

“The protection of the Humpo Marshlands and Forest is a powerful win for our community and a testament to what we can achieve through persistent, local collaboration,” said Christie DeBoer, Executive Director of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust. “By securing the Town of New Paltz’s first significant Community Preservation Fund conservation easement, we aren’t just preserving a view; we are safeguarding the clean water, natural flood defenses, and vibrant habitats that sustain our neighbors. WVLT is honored to hold this easement and ensure that this iconic landscape remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a gift to future generations.”

After New Paltz and WVLT obtain the conservation easement, OSI will then transfer the land to Mohonk Preserve for long-term stewardship and ownership. This is expected to be completed this spring.

“Mohonk Preserve is proud to help safeguard this remarkable landscape for generations to come,” said Kevin Case, President and CEO of Mohonk Preserve. “The Humpo Marsh acquisition is a major step forward in protecting critical wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them. When I walked the property recently, I was struck by how alive it is. New birds are already taking advantage of the habitat shaped by the beavers, including American Bittern, Least Bittern, Sora, and my personal favorite, the Common Gallinule with its bright red, yellow‑tipped bill. Thanks to the Town of New Paltz’s support, we can ensure this thriving, biodiverse ecosystem continues to store carbon, reduce flood risk, and continue to add to our community’s natural scenic beauty.”

OSI acquired the land in January 2026 from the Jenkins-Nichols family, who had owned and stewarded their family farm for nearly two centuries. “With this project, we are honoring our mother, Mary Elizabeth Jenkins Nichols, who wanted us to preserve this special place for future generations,” said her children, William J. Nichols, Marjorie L. Nichols Keith, and Neta B. Nichols Sacks. “Five generations of our family have lovingly stewarded this land. Knowing the importance of land conservation and protecting the scenic natural beauty of the Shawangunk Ridge, we are so proud to have ensured the property will remain undeveloped.”

OSI’s purchase of this parcel would not have been possible without a leadership grant from a private family foundation and the support of other private funders. 

OSI’s conservation of the land strengthens a corridor of protected land near Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Shawangunk Ridge. The property is adjacent to the conserved lands owned by Mohonk Preserve and OSI, each of which contains sections of the River-to-Ridge Trail, one of the region’s most popular trails. 

The property was listed as one of the highest priority acquisitions in New Paltz’s Community Preservation Plans due to the natural benefits the land provides to people and wildlife. Conservation of the property has also been a long-time goal for Mohonk Preserve, WVLT, and OSI. 

If you want to learn more about the partnerships involved with important land protection projects such as this one, please reach out to WVLT’s Executive Director to set up a chat!

Email Christie HERE