The East Branch Nature Preserve is special for many reasons, but one of them is that the western part of the trail is adjacent to the East Branch of the Delaware River. There’s nothing more calming for the spirit than walking past the river to the sound of rushing water and spring birdsong. The second reason is that fly fishing is permitted in the river from April 1st to October 15th. All visitors to the Preserve have permission to fly fish here. Go here to find out how to get your NYC fishing permit, which is very easy. Anglers are permitted up to five trout to take home and enjoy.
Today, the river was high due to last night’s epic storm that saw tornado warnings and a solid half hour of extraordinarily lively lightning that ushered in torrential rain. This morning it was humid and still, with a high temperature of 59F. At least one trout was spotted by the banks of the river.
Friday March 20th was the first day of spring and a collective sigh of relief was heard across the Catskills after this long, particularly arduous winter. Too many to count was the number of days that it was so dangerously cold that a hike was inadvisable even at low elevations.
At the East Branch Nature Preserve, wrinkled crab apples hang in the trees like forgotten Christmas ornaments and brilliant red leaves flicker in the wind beneath misty, rainy skies and a flock of geese were observed flying overhead.
Stay tuned this week to hear about what you can expect to forage on the trail this spring. Board member Jenny is excited to report back from the trial this coming week.
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.
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