Scenic Hudson, working with New York State and the Land Trust Alliance, has secured the permanent protection of two properties in Columbia County, safeguarding 600 acres of farmland, forest, and historic resources through conservation easements. The move represents a critical step in preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of these resources.
One of the properties, Steepletop, was the home and gardens of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. This 200-acre site in Austerlitz, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971, has immense historical and ecological significance. Nestled within a contiguous 4,000-acre block of state and private lands, the property includes diverse habitats, from northern hardwood forests to wetlands, supporting species such as bobcats, fishers, and rare butterflies. Steepletop’s conservation was made possible through the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) program, a new state initiative focused on protecting climate-resilient forested lands.
Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan credited state leadership for the project’s success. “We are grateful for Governor Kathy Hochul’s visionary leadership and commitment to land conservation,” Sullivan says. “The protection of Steepletop ensures future generations can experience the same inspiring landscapes that shaped one of the 20th century’s iconic literary voices.” Sullivan also highlights the collaborative effort involving the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Land Trust Alliance.
The other protected site, the 400-acre Christiana Family Farm in Taghkanic, has been a working farm since at least 1858. The farm’s conservation secures its agricultural future while protecting vital natural resources. Over 180 acres of forest and 57 acres of wetlands on the property feed into Taghkanic Creek, a key contributor to the City of Hudson’s drinking water supply. The farm’s carbon sequestration potential adds to its environmental value, helping mitigate climate change impacts.
Albert Christiana, the farm’s lifelong steward, expressed relief at the land’s protection. “Now that the farm is saved, I can breathe a sigh of relief,” he says. Scenic Hudson’s Seth McKee emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the conservation effort. “Conserving the Christiana property will forever safeguard these working lands for farmers,” McKee says, noting its importance for clean drinking water and regional biodiversity.
“The protection of Steepletop ensures future generations can experience the same inspiring landscapes that shaped one of the 20th century’s iconic literary voices.”—Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan
This achievement builds on Scenic Hudson’s long-standing commitment to land preservation in the Hudson Valley, where suburban sprawl and commercial development threaten open spaces. By leveraging partnerships and innovative funding programs like FCELT, the organization has protected thousands of acres, including farmland essential to local food systems and forests critical for wildlife corridors.
Assemblymember Didi Barrett praised the initiative, calling the conserved properties “emblematic of the Hudson Valley’s rich cultural history and deep agricultural roots.” Jamie Brown, New York Senior Program Manager for the Land Trust Alliance, highlights the power of public-private partnerships. “Together, we are able to do so much more,” he says.
The Millay Society, which manages Steepletop, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. Vincent Barnett, the society’s president, calls the conservation milestone “an important step in protecting and preserving Edna St. Vincent Millay’s home, land, and legacy.”
This article appears in January 2025.
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