Are you interested in caring for local land? It’s time to sign up for our 2026 WLC Land Steward Cohorts! Join us for a virtual info session on January 29 to learn more about the program, including special projects planned for the year ahead. At the end of the session, participants will have the opportunity to select a WLC Preserve to steward.

The Land Stewards program invites volunteers to adopt and care for a specific WLC trail or property, with ongoing guidance from conservancy staff and support from fellow stewards. Throughout the year, participants gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance and invasive species management, take part in optional nature walks, and connect with a growing community of caretakers while exploring the question: How do we care for this land together?

Join us at Ravensbeard for an immersive workshop exploring the world of raptors that rely on wetlands and riparian habitats. Discover how hawks and owls hunt, nest, and thrive over water while learning about their vital roles in local ecosystems. Participants will have the rare opportunity to spend face-to-face time with live birds of prey and hear captivating stories from Ellen Kalish’s two decades of rescuing and releasing wild raptors. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how aquatic and shoreline habitats shape these remarkable predators’ lives and learn practical conservation steps we can take in the Hudson Valley to help ensure their survival.