By the Numbers: New Paltz's Mohonk Preserve Turns 50 in 2013

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Mohonk Preserve, located on the Shawangunk Ridge in New Paltz. Founded by the Smiley family in 1963, this nonprofit organization strives to protect the natural beauty of our region, ensuring that hikers, bikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy it for years to come.

To mark this landmark anniversary, photographer G. Steve Jordan — who specializes in landscape photography of the ’Gunks — has created this commemorative poster, which is available for $10 at the site’s visitors center and at Jordan’s New Paltz gallery. All proceeds benefit the preserve.

$28,000 
Cost of the property when brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley bought it in 1869

27 
Years that the preserve has been a designated National Historic Landmark

150,000 
Average number of visitors each year

350 
Average number of annual volunteers

8,000 
Acres of protected land

70 
Miles of carriage roads, hiking and biking trails on the property

1,430
Plant and animal species in the preserve

$12
The cost of a one-day hiking pass. Climbing passes cost $17

3,000
Number of local college students and faculty who use the area as an outdoor classroom

365
Days a year that the preserve is open to visitors