David Behm points out an early June wildflower on the stewardship walk. Note the distinct bark of the chestnut oak just to his right.

One of the truly unique opportunities along the Mohawk Towpath Byway is a stewardship walk in one of the municipal parkland along the Byway.  Periodically Jennifer Viggianni, the open space coordinator for the Town of Clifton Park organizes these walks to highlight the recreational or historic resources along the Byway.

We have a number of different soil types on this end of the Mohawk Valley that create varied and unique habitat.  Some of which are forested land like this; some are recovering from agricultural use and others are working landscapes still in agricultural use.  Such gems are truly a resource in an area where pressure for suburbanization is so great.

Local folklore has it that the small pond on this site was, at one time, a source of clay.  A couple of centuries ago there was a brick making operation in a shallow lens of clay.  One day when the crew showed up to work,  the clay pit had totally filled with water.  Brick molds and tools are in the bottom of the pond.  A century ago noted GE engineer and inventor Charles Stienmetz owned the property and was known to camp out on the site from time to time.  (See “Stienmetz Connection“)

Maintaining an inventory of open space, historic resources, and scenic opportunities is an important management tool for any Byway.