New coalition forms to save Glenmere Lake

Chester — A new organization has formed for the conservation of the environment around Glenmere Lake. The Glenmere Conservation Coalition is a nonprofit alliance of member organizations and individuals dedicated to preserving the Glenmere reservoir, which is a critical habitat of many plant and animal species. The lake, and the county-owned land that surrounds it, is among the mid-Hudson’s most biodiverse wild communities. Glenmere provides habitat to the northern cricket frog, which is on New York State’s list of endangered species. It’s also home to Orange County’s largest true bog, an area of floating islands of vegetation. The bog provides canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and a wide variety of resident waterfowl. Bald eagles are observed there year-round. The Glenmere bog is home to several species of orchid, three types of carnivorous plant (including the pitcher plant and sundew), and countless species of other emergent plants. Glenmere Lake is now experiencing development pressures. Plans for the Glenmere Preserve call for putting more than 200 residential units on 95 acres near the lake. Anyone interested in find out more about the Glenmere Conservation Coalition may visit www.glenmere.us.