By Peter Lyons Hall
On Thursday, April 4, 2024 Kyle Sandusky, of the Orange County Land Trust, and Barbara Felton will describe the potential for public access (via a Community Forest designation) to this treasured spot deep inside an area bordered by Blooms Corners Road, County 1, Newport Bridge Road, and Amity Road in the Town of Warwick, at the Albert Wisner Library in Warwick, NY.
The community forest initiative aims to safeguard this cherished piece of land in Warwick, renowned for its unique terrain, minerals, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery. Spanning 136 acres, this mostly wooded parcel encompasses the iconic “Gibraltar Rock,” a prominent formation towering 200 feet above lush vernal pools teeming with rare plant species and amphibians.
Notably, the area boasts scarce minerals like Warwickite and Edenite, named after nearby towns. For centuries, the flat expanse atop Gibraltar Rock has served as a natural gathering spot, frequented by the Lenape Nation and later utilized for various community events, from church picnics to spontaneous hikes. Join the discussion of this unique area with Barbara Felton who will describe mineral discoveries there. Joining Barbara will be Kyle Sandusky, of the Orange County Land Trust, Shayne Haysom who will offer photos of flora and fauna, and Dave Johnson who will describe features that indicate native American activity.
The FREE event begins at 6:30 but you need to register here: https://www.albertwisnerlibrary.org/content/unique-ecology-and-inhabitants-gibraltar-rock-forest. The Albert Wisner Library offers numerous programs for all age groups about the community and region and invites residents and guests throughout the area to attend.
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