Gardiner, New York , April 8, 2008 — On Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, the Mohonk Preserve will hold its second Eleven Towns Appreciation Weekend. On these days, free, one-month memberships will be issued to Preserve visitors residing in the towns of Crawford, Gardiner, Marbletown, Montgomery, New Paltz, Rochester, Rosendale, Shawangunk, and Wawarsing, and the villages of Ellenville and New Paltz.

The 11 towns are part of the 82-mile Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, a network of roads through areas recognized for their scenic, cultural, and ecological importance. (The free passes have long been provided on particular weekends to residents of the 5 towns surrounding the Shawangunk Ridge, but the offer was expanded last fall to include all 11 Byway towns.)

“As visitors, supporters, and volunteers, residents of the surrounding towns are a big part of what we do,” says Trish Shepard, Donations and Membership Manager at the Preserve. “This is a way for us to say thank you and encourage them to enjoy the land that’s so important for quality of life across the region.”

Visitors with proof of residency can obtain their free membership between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on either day at any trailhead or at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center . Visitors without proof of residency in one of the 11 towns must pay the standard $9 day use fee for hikers and bikers ($15 for climbers) or can purchase an annual membership. Children 12 and under may visit the Preserve for free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

The SHAWANGUNK SCENIC BYWAY is an 82-mile network of country roads that surrounds and passes through the northern Shawangunk Mountains . Located at the heart of the Byway, the MOHONK PRESERVE is a haven for wildlife, a living museum, and a sanctuary for visitors. The Preserve’s mission is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains by inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. The Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center —which has exhibits, trails, and a nature shop—is open 9 am–5 pm daily and admission is always free. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset.

For more information, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org or call (845) 255-0919.

To get to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center: From Route 209, turn on Route 44/55 and go 10 miles east; Visitor Center is 1 mile past West Trapps Entry; turn into second lot. From New Paltz, take Route 299 west for 7 miles; turn right on Route 44/55; go ½ mile and turn into first lot at the Visitor Center