Happy New Year from all at the Catskills Water Discovery Center in Arkville. The East Branch Nature Preserve is open year-round, from dawn to dusk daily. Please keep your pets on a leash and pack out the poop!
Even in the winter, there is still so much to see here. The majestic goldenrod is much faded from its vibrant, glorious yellow to a ghostly husk, and the stately mullein still stands to attention, drained of its color, like a pencil sketch ready to be filled in with some vermillion come spring. The landscape reminds us that we all need to slow down in the winter months, appreciate our wizened selves, and save our seeds for our best work in 2026.
Best wishes to all visitors and see you on the trail!
The East Branch Nature Preserve is also an outdoor exhibition space with visiting exhibits that integrate art and nature. Michael Milton’s “Guidelines In Si-tu” is a featured installation at the East Branch Nature Preserve and was recently extended at the end of 2025 with a few new pieces. All are welcome to visit this installation as the East Branch Nature Preserve is open year-round.
Another recently added exhibit was “Snowcatchers” (below) which was installed on December 20th, 2025. “Sawtooth/Snow” are provided by Arena Arts Initiative using cutoffs from the milling of material for the future Francis Cape Project.
Also, in 2025 we said goodbye to the exhibit “Headwaters”, which was taken down in 2025.
Here is a last glimpse of “Headwaters” in the snow in December:
Enjoy meandering trails along the East Branch of the Delaware River featuring natural and historical points of interest. Parking and trail entrance available at the Catskill Water Discovery Center.
Diane Galusha’s book Liquid Assets: A History of New York City’s Water System chronicles how thousands of people were displaced, homes were relinquished, and entire communities were destroyed to make way for the reservoirs that now provide New York City with its fresh water.
On March, 19th, Diane spoke with Radio Catskill to discuss her book and the story of how NYC’s water system has shaped the Catskills.
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