| | | A Monumental Catskills Conservation Win
Seizing a rare opportunity, the Open Space Institute (OSI) acquired one of the largest privately-owned forests remaining within New York’s Catskill Park. Prior to the OSI acquisition, the 3,100-acre property had been considered for a large-scale mix of housing, resort, and commercial uses. Now protected, the pristine native hardwood forests, undisturbed wetlands, nearly 20 miles of streambanks, and a ridgeline of peaks with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains is slated to be added to the Willowemoc Wild Forest. The newly conserved land is critical for upholding water quality for millions of people and businesses, with streams and wetlands that filter water entering the Delaware River watershed and New York City’s Neversink Reservoir watershed. Once OSI transfers the property to New York State, it will be the largest addition to the Catskill Forest Preserve in 25 years.
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| | | OSI Expands Rail Trail Program
Rail trails are increasingly popular for their ability to bring nature closer to communities and create new recreational opportunities for users of all abilities. With a proven track record of successful rail trail projects in New York and New Jersey, OSI is bringing its expertise to Ohio, guiding the creation of a seven-mile-long rail trail which will connect to a growing network of greenway trails in and around Cleveland. |
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| | | | Addressing Climate Challenges in the Southeast
Together with Thrive Regional Partnership, OSI is helping communities in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee plan for and address increasingly complex challenges associated with extreme weather. In 2025, OSI and Thrive are welcoming Monteagle and Soddy-Daisy, both in Tennessee, to the program, in which residents work with OSI, Thrive, and local partners to develop nature-based solutions to address issues like flooding, droughts, and erosion. |
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| | | | A Facelift for Minnewaska’s Carriage Roads
Restoration of the Lake Awosting Carriage Road at New York’s Minnewaska State Park Preserve is underway, thanks to OSI. Once complete, visitors will enjoy a gently graded path with dazzling views of Lake Awosting, the largest sky lake in the northern Shawangunks. To date, OSI has restored more than 15 miles of carriage roads at Minnewaska – a park OSI has more than doubled in size over the past four decades. |
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| | | | Apply Now: OSI Fellowship
OSI invites recent college graduates or postgraduates pursuing careers in the conservation field to apply for the Conservation Fellowship, a two-year, full-time, paid opportunity in OSI’s NYC headquarters. Fellows work alongside OSI staff on projects aligned with their educational background and desired career path and receive ongoing support for their professional goals and growth. Act fast… applications are due March 31. |
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| | | | Virtual Town Hall with Erik Kulleseid
Learn more about OSI’s president and CEO Erik Kulleseid and his vision for the future of conservation in a free, virtual Town Hall on Thursday, April 10. Join Erik and Joe Martens, former OSI President and New York State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, for a casual and informative conversation on OSI’s work, impact, and future. |
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| | | | Join OSI for Cocktails & Conservation
On May 7, join OSI’s Board of Trustees at the Morgan Library in New York City for Cocktails & Conservation. The event honors Tom Kempner, who has played an invaluable role supporting OSI’s greenway rail trail work in New York, New Jersey, and beyond. Secure your tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities today. |
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