April 3, 2026
The majestic views of the Helderberg Escarpment and surrounding lands may draw crowds, but it is the rich history of this landscape that truly stokes the imagination. Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s acquisition of the 197-acre Historic Crounse Property in the Town of Guilderland preserves a setting revered for both its ecological and historical importance. The property is directly adjacent to Thacher State Park and contains land both on the top of the Helderberg Escarpment and frontage on Route 156 Altamont-Voorheesville Road. In addition to protecting the forested habitat, which is significant for wildlife and water quality, the purchase ensures that the scenic open space and rural character of the area will remain for future generations.
MHLC is grateful to have received a $250,000 award from Scenic Hudson Land Trust through their Climate and Environmental Justice Fund and a $150,000 grant from Albany County’s Land Preserve Fund that made this conservation protection project possible. We are also grateful to private donors for their generous support.
HISTORY
The property was once owned by Frederick Crounse, a German immigrant and shoemaker, who first settled in Rhinebeck. In search of better prospects, Crounse and his wife had traversed the untamed terrain heading north and west and were among the earliest colonists in Altamont. Crounse leased several hundred acres of land from the Van Rensselaers. The home he began building on the property in circa 1760 remains on land directly adjacent to the 197-acres parcel and is marked as a National Registered Historic Site.The family’s contributions to the American Revolutionary War would secure their place in local history and capture the imaginations of Helderberg residents and visitors for generations to follow. Crounse’s sons, Philip and Frederick Jr., both served in the Revolutionary War. The historical marker in front of the family’s home recognizes Frederick Crounse Jr. as anofficer in the Albany County Militia during the Revolutionary War and notes his farm provided food to the Continental troops in the Battle of Saratoga. The Battle of Saratoga (September 17 and October 7, 1777) was a turning point inthe war, with an American victory boosting morale on the home front and helping to secure an alliance with France. It has been said, that as a token of gratitude for providing food for the soldiers, the Van Rensselaers forgave the Crounses the annual rent due on the land.
HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY
The forested land of the Historic Crounse Property provides habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife. The property is within a strategic wildlife corridor, identified by MHLC and The Nature Conservancy, that aims to connect the Catskills to the Adirondacks and is designated as an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society. Most notably, the forest provides important foraging habitat for the various species of bats that hibernate in Hailes Cave, whose entrance is approximately 1,700 feet away in Thacher State Park. Hailes Cave stretches about a mile long underneath the Helderberg Escarpment and is an important winter hibernaculum that was once home to Indiana bat and Northern long eared bats before white-nose syndrome decimated their populations.The property contains approximately 2,000 feet of a tributary stream to the Black Creek which flows down from the mountain to the wet lowland along Route 156. Protecting this forestland limits sedimentation from entering the Black Creek watershed, home to the Black Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
SCENIC OPEN SPACE
The Helderberg Escarpment is widely considered the most prominent natural feature of Albany County and a geologic resource of international importance. The protection of the Historic Crounse property preserves land adjacent to Thacher State Park, increasing the size of the forested landscape that draws nearly one million visitors each year. Among these visitors are the hikers of the Long Path, a long-distance hiking trail that traverses the State and currently terminates at High Point in Thacher State Park. Visitors to Thacher Park and the Historic Crounse home can experience the same rural landscape that would have greeted families, farmers, and soldiers in the 18th century.
Looking ahead, MHLC hopes to collaborate withthe State to transfer this property to Thacher Park.
