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OSI Saves Treasured Shawangunk Waterfall

The Open Space Institute is celebrating a critical acquisition that secures public access to one of the Hudson Valley’s most stunning natural wonders: Verkeerderkill Falls at Sam’s Point in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. With the land around the Falls now permanently protected, OSI will take the project to the next level with trail enhancements aimed at making it safer and easier for people to access the waterfall, while also preserving the fragile and rare pitch pine barrens surrounding the trail. The acquisition builds on OSI’s 30-year successful track record at Minnewaska, a park that OSI has doubled in size and vastly improved for public recreation and enjoyment.

Leading a Conservation Coalition in South Carolina

In South Carolina’s fast-growing Florence County, OSI is guiding local leaders as they develop a comprehensive plan to save land for recreation, wildlife, and flood resilience. OSI recently announced a major step forward in a project that will protect nearly 8,500 acres stretching eight miles along the Great Pee Dee River — a move that will expand environmental education and public access to nature.

OSI's Kathy Moser Heads to NYS Parks

Kathy Moser — OSI’s former Chief Conservation and Policy Officer — has been nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul to lead the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. OSI’s President and CEO, Erik Kulleseid — who served as State Parks Commissioner before returning to OSI last year — shared his enthusiasm, calling Moser “a powerful champion for our heritage… and our future.” 

Community Led Resiliency in Port Jervis

OSI expanded efforts to support local communities in harnessing the power of nature to mitigate the devastating impacts of dangerous weather events. This year, OSI has brought its Resilient Communities program — successfully piloted in Tennessee and Georgia — to the city of Port Jervis in New York, where OSI is helping residents utilize natural resources against ever-increasing flood risks and other environmental challenges. 

OSI Expands Efforts in the Globally Critical Appalachian Region

The Appalachian Mountain Region, stretching across 18 states, is a global stronghold for greenhouse gas emissions, clean water, and biodiversity. Following the success of OSI’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund—which conserved a staggering 65,000 acres over three years across the region—OSI has announced expanded funding and other free resources to catalyze on-the-ground conservation and sustainable planning efforts in the Appalachians.

A Gopher Tortoise Celebration! Goal Met to Protect Threatened Habitat

Despite its humble appearance, the gopher tortoise plays an outsized ecological role in the southeastern United States, where its burrows offer habitat for more than 350 other species and stabilize entire ecosystems. In Georgia, OSI saved thousands of acres to help the state reach its goal of conserving 65 key habitat areas for the gentle gopher tortoise… and the many creatures who depend on it.