Canopus Creek Preserve

Philipstown and Putnam Valley, NY

NOT YET OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Note: Critical clean-up is underway; trail planning and development to come.

Canopus Creek Preserve is a work in progress. Since we acquired this 240 acres of land in 2021-2022, HHLT has worked with contractors to remove a startling amount of materials that had been dumped on the site, which had been a popular recreation area until the 1960s. To date, we have hauled away piles of tires, asphalt, abandoned appliances, a multitude of junk cars and trucks, and even a rusty old boat!

This work is our first major step toward safeguarding the preserve’s forest and sensitive wetlands, which provide vital habitats for diverse species including bobcats, coyotes, fishers, white-tailed deer, Eastern wild turkeys, wood turtles, eastern box turtles, frogs, and salamanders. Native and migratory birds spotted onsite include northern black racers, sharp-shinned hawks, common ravens, Canada warblers, hooded warblers, black-throated greenwarblers, and other forest interior birds. Canopus Creek, which runs through the preserve and inspired its name, is a migratory fish run for the American eel. The creek is part of the watershed that provides drinking water to the City of Peekskill, NY.

Going forward, we will work with expert consultants to develop a trail improvement plan that will enhance public access and recreational opportunities while closing or rerouting paths that impair the preserve’s sensitive natural resources. We look forward to the day when all of this garbage is gone, a beautiful new trail system has been created, and we can welcome everyone to Canopus Creek Preserve.

Hiking the Trails

Current status: No public access; no hiking; no amenities.

Getting There

Current status: No public access.

History

The earliest inhabitants of this area were the Wappinger, part of the Eastern Algonquin-speaking Lenape people. Dutch and English farmers moved into the area in the late 1600s, and in 1697, a royal “Highland Patent” was granted to Adolph Philipse by the British crown. Under the Philipse Patent, European tenant farmers leased tracts of land from the Philipse family and set about the business of clearing the rugged, forested land for farming. They raised corn, buckwheat, rye, oats, potatoes and turnips. After the American Revolution, these lands were stripped from the Loyalist Philipse family. Many of the tenant farmers stayed on and their families cultivated the land for generations.

This property has historical significance in Putnam County. Back in 1939, Clark James (“CJ”) Walter and his brother Vern Walter opened “Cimarron Ranch” on this and neighboring lands. At the time, Cimarron was touted in the press as one of the first dude ranches on the East Coast. Cimarron was a hit with locals as well as day-trippers from New York City. CJ Walter reportedly hosted a number of celebrity visitors on this property. Harry Tompkins, a Peekskill schoolboy who learned to ride at Cimarron, went on to become a national rodeo star. With its lovely forests and scenic hiking and bridal trails, Cimarron was a treasured community resource for decades, widely used by residents and visitors for social gatherings and recreation. The property went into private hands in the 2000s, ending public access to the site. With support from enthusiastic partners and volunteers, we look forward to welcoming everyone back!