Community Spotlight
There are so many organizations and individuals doing incredible work to serve our local landscape and community, and BVLT is proud to highlight them here.
Catskill Mountainkeeper is our region's leading environmental advocacy organization, which works to protect the Catskill Park and Region by supporting policies and strategies that safeguard its natural environment and promote sustainable, resilient, and just communities. They were central to the fight to get fracking banned in New York State, and continue to do important work to protect the people and environment of our region by advocating for green transit policies, water protection, and open space.
The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum includes a Welcome Center & Gift Shop, Museum & Fly Fishing Hall of Fame, the Wulff Gallery & Heritage Craft Center, a covered pavilion, casting fields, trail system, and access to the Willowemoc Creek. They welcome everyone to visit, enjoy and learn more about the heritage of fly fishing and legacy of conservation in the Catskills.
The Catskill Center is a nonprofit organization that works to protect open space in the Catskills through advocacy, visitor education, land conservation, and community engagement. Based in Arkville, NY, Catskill Center leads the Catskill Park Coalition and the Catskill Park Advisory Committee in Albany to promote collaboration and state-level support for our region.
Friends of the Upper Delaware River is an environmental nonprofit that works to protect and restore the Upper Delaware River watershed for the benefit of local economies, communities, people, and the environment.
Trout Unlimited is a national conservation organization that brings people together to care for our rivers and help make our water cleaner and our communities healthier. Their Upper Delaware River and newly-relaunched Beamoc programs serve the western Catskills region.
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation is our government partner in protecting open space, natural landscapes, and sensitive ecosystems throughout the Catskills Region. With thousands of acres of protected lands, including dozens of state forests and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, DEC stewards some of our most precious natural resources, keeping them wild while also accessible to campers, hikers, anglers, hunters and everyone in between.
The Repair Cafe is a quarterly event hosted by the Livingston Manor Free Library. The event invites local residents to bring broken or damaged household items, clothing, and even electronics, to be repaired by one of the many volunteers who come to share their skills and expertise. The Repair Cafe is an excellent example of community members coming together to do something good for the environment, and while keeping salvageable items out of the landfill and saving people some money, it also helps locals to build relationships and trust. Everyone is encouraged to drop in!
The Sullivan O&W Rail Trail is working to transform the former New York, Ontario & Western Railway (NYO&W) railroad lines into 50 miles of walkable, bike-able trails through the scenic heart of Sullivan County, connecting hamlets, towns, and villages at the gateway to the Catskills.
Sullivan County Audubon is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization is devoted to the appreciation of birds and bird habitat in Sullivan County, and they hold birding events and regular meetings for members and the bird-loving public throughout the county. Whether you’re new to birding, or a bonafide ornithologist, Sullivan County Audubon welcomes you!