In a town as historic as Ulster County’s Woodstock, the preservation of history, culture, and land is always at the forefront of the community’s interests. Although protecting the planet for future generations is more important now than ever, these efforts have to start at home in our local towns and natural habitats. This is the sentiment off of which Woodstock Walk ‘n’ Rock is based, as the event serves as a benefit to bring awareness to grassroots efforts to protect Woodstock.
Sponsored by the Stop Zena Development Coalition in partnership with the Woodstock Land Conservancy, the family-friendly gathering takes place on June 15 and consists of a peaceful half-mile walk starting at 11 a.m. at the Woodstock Playhouse and ending at the Colony’s outdoor event space for an eco-conscious puppetry performance by Arm-of-the-Sea Theater at 1 p.m.
As the event brings awareness to the importance of protecting the wild spaces that surround Woodstock as they are being proposed for development, it also champions a lasting appreciation for these spaces that contribute so much to the culture and history of the town.
Event sponsor Stop Zena Development is comprised of environmental activists and nonprofit entities in the community. The coalition has been pressuring the Zena Development Group to halt proposed developments on land in the eastern Catskills region, including lands that have been designated as a “Critical Environmental Area” by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. These lands, which constitute areas near the Sawkill and Esopus Creeks, Bluestone Wild Forest, Israel Wittman Sanctuary, and the City of Kingston Reservoir, play vital roles as water resources and wildlife habitats.
The Woodstock Walk ‘n’ Rock is a follow-up to the coalition’s sold-out fall benefit concert that halted previously proposed development by the Zena Development Group, including an 18-hole golf course with a helipad. The concert featured local resident and nationally acclaimed musician Marco Benevento and Friends as the activism campaign applied pressure to the development firm.
“We designed Walk ‘n’ Rock to encourage families to join our effort to save the Zena Woods,” says Susan Paynter, environmental activist and co-chair of the Stop Zena Development coalition. “Habitat loss can give children a feeling of despair and helplessness. Being a part of a walk-a-thon to save a local forest gives children a voice in what happens to their future. By proactively engaging in a local issue, helplessness is replaced with empowerment.”
The June 15 event invites Hudson Valley residents of all ages and abilities to participate in the group walk up Mill Hill Road. Those who are unable to walk can still join the group at the Colony to enjoy a puppet show by the acclaimed Arm-of-the-Sea Theater. The mask and puppet theater company based out of Saugerties combines art, ecology, and social action in each of its performances to communicate an engaging and important message.
So much more than just a draw for visitors, the natural splendor of Woodstock and the Catskill Mountains is home to hundreds of plant and animal species that are long-established within their respective habitats. The Woodstock Walk ‘n’ Rock gives anyone the opportunity to join other concerned citizens in devoting time to protecting, educating, and conserving within the community.
Tickets to the event are $15 and free for children 12 and under. Full-price tickets will be available at the Playhouse for $20 on the morning of the walk, along with commemorative T-shirts.
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