‘Discovery Quests' celebrates grand opening

Cornwall — The Museum of the Hudson Highlands has introduced a new public education program called “Discovery Quests,” which will utilize the recently upgraded trail system at Kenridge Farm the Quests to offer a unique way to learn about nature. The Quests officially opened to the public on Saturday, June 16, at the Museum’s Kenridge Farm location on Route 9W, Cornwall. The Discovery Quests will help people of all ages hit the trails together in a way that will activate the senses, stretch the mind and promote a healthy walk through a variety of outdoor habitats. Through the use of inquiry-based, interpretive walks hikers can learn, interact with nature and follow clues at learning stations along four different trails. “I am drawn to the outdoors for its beauty and inspiration, but even more important is the experience of walking in the woods with my children, family and friends, sharing, discovering new things and talking along the way,” observed one hiker who participated in a prototype Quest. “The Quests will help us enhance our outdoor adventures. We are very fortunate to live in such a scenic valley with the river and mountains so accessible.” With 177 acres of diverse landscape ranging from open fields to wetlands to forested slopes, Kenridge Farm has been a popular hiking spot for those “in the know” for several years. However, to better serve the Museum’s mission to “create responsible caretakers” of our air, land, water and wildlife resources, Museum Trustees felt the trails should do more than just “be there” and began planning the Quest project in 2003. With the help of grants for interpretive planning and trail development, today’s Discovery Quests provide hikers of all ages a fun and educational way to explore the beauty and diversity of the sights, sounds, smells and experiences that nature has to offer. “The Discovery Quests are an answer to those who say ‘people don’t get out into nature anymore,’” said Jacqueline Grant, the Museum’s executive director. “We’re excited to provide this unique outdoor experience designed for people of all ages to enjoy together.” The Quest Visitors Center will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, through October. In addition to the opportunity to try a Quest, visitors may walk the well-marked trails, watch for birds in the wetlands, picnic, or walk the labyrinth. A Museum day pass is $3 for visitors ages five and up, and free to Museum members. Quest Guidebooks are available for $5 at the Visitors Center. Hikers can share and work on the Guidebooks in pairs or small groups as they travel these unique trails. Reservations to hike the Quests are requested. For more information or to make a reservation, call 845-534-5506 ext. 204 or log on to www.museumhudsonhighlands.org.