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In
1981 the Chapter received a loan of $25,000 from the National
Audubon Society's Whittell Fund, for the purchase of a 62.3
acre marshland site at 6 1/2 Station Road in Goshen, New
York. Class 1 Wetland.
Importance
Water is a basic need, one of the key elements that can
only be obtained from the ecological chain that produces
it. As natural water producers, wetlands are an important
part of that chain that helps support all forms of life
Tourist
Attraction
The general public, and thousands of bird watchers, have
already visited it. The Sanctuary is now listed as one of
the "Top 500 Sites" in Susan R. Drennan's book,
Where to Find Birds in New York State.
Educational
Resource
It is presently being used by students of Orange County
Community College for biology and environmental studies.
The site is available to all educational facilities, bird
clubs, scouting organizations, as a place for study, relaxation
and enjoyment.
Wildlife
Preserve
This marshland sanctuary is where the ecological food chain
begins. It is a source of food for many species, and a valuable
natural resource for humans. To date, 171 species of birds
have been observed in the sanctuary and its environs. Many
species nest here. Mammals, fish and reptiles, including
the spotted turtle, populate the site.
Access
From the parking area, two trails lead to an observation
bank that overlooks the entire marshland.
What
is planned
No Smoking
and No motorized vehicles on the trails. Both are hazardous.
Our
Sanctuary is a...
Recharge Site: for the water table in the surrounding
area.
Natural Reservoir: capable of holding an estimated
112,900,000 gallons of water, which eventually flows to the
important Wallkill River Valley aquifer.
Flood Control Site: an important safety valve, holding
excess storm water that could cause great damage.
Water Pollution Control Site: water flowing through
the marshland is cleansed of many impurities.
The
6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary is a refuge for wildlife, an
important natural water table recharge site, and a place for
the advancement of knowledge of ecology and the environment.
This chapter is committed to sustaining, improving, and protecting
the sanctuary for all to enjoy
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