Gallatin’s unique new conversation area, which can be found a mile down Gallatinville Road from Route 7, is 15 years in the making.

Long-time residents will be familiar with the location – the site of the Town’s former landfill – long closed, covered in grass with candy cane vents the only indication of the grassy hill’s former use.

It’s not the hill that’s the attraction – it is the access the 26 acre site affords to a quarter-mile stretch of the Roeliff Jansen Kill that makes it special.  A short walk from the new car parking area brings visitors to the river, a refuge for bird watchers, nature lovers and anglers.

Even under overcast skies, the magic of the river is plain to see.  Wide enough for fly fishing and stocked with trout by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the river is an exceptional resource where anglers are welcome.

For bird watchers, the new conservation area and the hillside provides vantage points to see soaring hawks and woodland birds.  The riverside habitat is home to a multitude of plants, tree species and wildlife.

“It takes a village and a vision to get a project like this completed,” said Councilmen Eric Mortenson and Fraser Paterson, who head the project.  “We owe a debt of gratitude to former councilman Lou Galm, who had the original vision for this project, the entire town board, Town Clerk Lisa DeLeeuw, and Highway Superintendent Jack Gomm and his crew.”

The site is now accessible to residents and the public.  Look for the turn-off on Gallatinville Road.

In the coming weeks we will share more details about the project and plans for the future.  We invite residents to register on the site to share their experiences in the discussion area and post pictures.