Stony Kill Farm Trail Restored After Being Destroyed

FISHKILL, NY — An accessible trail at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center that was destroyed in 2018 by a microburst has been completely restored and reopened.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation said Tuesday the restored half-mile Woodland Trail at the center in the town of Fishkill was proof of the state's commitment to ensuring the outdoors are open for all.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said the hard work of the Excelsior Conservation Corps and the regional operations staff made this trail accessible to people of all abilities.

"I commend the young people who restored this trail," he said. "They performed a meaningful public service and helped to safeguard the state's natural resources and bolster its economic well-being."

According to the DEC, the Woodland Trail was wheelchair accessible prior to a microburst that blew down trees, making the trail unusable.

DEC Operations staff helped clear some of the trees, but the trail was no longer safe for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.

The trail, which is located off the parking lot next to the Manor House, was restored over the past summer to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Stony Kill Foundation Executive Director Erik Fyfe said he was grateful for the Excelsior Conservation Corps' work bringing the trail back to accessibility.

"Stony Kill is such an outstanding destination, and improvements like this one help make the farm and forest more accessible for everyone to enjoy," he said.

Stony Kill Farms is located on Route 9D in the town of Fishkill.