Earth Day Celebrations Mark Opening of the Red Fox Ravine Overlook Trail

The Kingston Land Trust (KLT) invites the community to celebrate the opening of the new Overlook Trail at Red Fox Ravine with a two-day event, including a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 24 and a public Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 25.

Red Fox Ravine has long served as a cherished natural refuge within the City of Kingston. KLT is pleased to announce the opening of a new trail section that expands opportunities for residents and visitors to experience nature close to home. This project was supported by the Hudson River Valley Greenway.

The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new trail on Friday, April 24.

The Overlook Trail loops around the main quarry area and leads to a scenic viewpoint with sweeping views of the Rondout and surrounding valley. A series of switchbacks guides visitors into the forest above the quarry, offering vantage points of KLT’s deer exclosure demonstration project, dramatic cliff habitats, and the overlook itself.

The trail is rated moderate to difficult and includes varied natural terrain, including mud and potentially slippery rocks near steep cliffs. Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and use caution. For a safe and enjoyable visit, please follow KLT’s white trail blazes and posted signage.

Earth Day Celebration — Saturday, April 25

KLT will host a free community Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Red Fox Ravine (66 Wilbur Ave).

The event will also highlight the completion of an ecological restoration project supported by Partners for Climate Action. This work includes planting native species, managing introduced species, installing a deer exclosure fence, and developing a long-term restoration plan in partnership with Hudsonia, Inc.

KLT has also been collaborating with Scenic Hudson and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies on Defining Urban Biodiversity (DUB), a project taking place at Red Fox Ravine and other Wilbur-area sites, including the Land In Black Hands land base. These efforts will be featured during the event.

Attendees can enjoy live music, DJs, dancing, food vendors, activity tents, nature-based programming for children, face painting, and guided trail walks.

Guests with mobility challenges are encouraged to park in the Red Fox Ravine lot. Limited parking will be available in designated areas throughout the Wilbur neighborhood on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to carpool, walk, or bike. RSVP to receive event details.

“As an urban land trust, the Kingston Land Trust has historically stewarded small parcels of land. Red Fox Ravine was, at the time of its protection, our largest conserved natural area—and its location within the City of Kingston makes it especially significant,” said Michael Drillinger, Board Chair of the Kingston Land Trust. “Opening the Overlook Trail advances our mission to provide equitable access to land while fostering community connection and care for the ecosystems that sustain us.”

Business sponsorship opportunities are available, including bench and trail sponsorships. For more information, contact KLT Board Member Megan Offner at megano@kingstonlandtrust.org.

The Kingston Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that protects, creates access to, and activates land for the common good.

Red Fox Ravine

Earth Day Event Details
When: Saturday April 25, 2026 · 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Red Fox Ravine, 66 Wilbur Ave, Kingston, NY
RSVP & Donations Encouraged: kingstonlandtrust.org/events
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