Upstater Destinations: Constitutional Marsh, Garrison

  |  March 28, 2013

Constitution Marsh, photo by Eric Lind

If you’re not sure where the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is located in Garrison, all you have to do is look at a map. The 270-acre tidal marsh sanctuary dominates the landscape between Cold Spring and Garrison, and it provides visitors the opportunity to observe the busy existence of marshland flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

The Marsh is comprised of a hiking trails that lead to a 700-foot boardwalk with benches that give a one-of-a-kind view of the surrounding Hudson Highlands, as well as some prime bird-watching opportunities. Species like the Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren, Spotted Sandpiper, and Least Bittern breed and live in the marshland. The Education Center also has a massive 500-gallon aquarium filled with fish, crabs, and other river life indigenous to the Hudson River.

Speaking of river life, visitors can also tour the marsh via kayak starting from the Foundry Cove boat launch in Cold Spring. The Center provides a kayak map for reference.

With spring approaching (FINALLY), things are about to get lively at the Marsh, and the Center’s schedule of education programs and guided canoe tours will probably fill up quickly. If you’re interested in what’s on tap, visit the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center’s website for more information. See you on the trails!

Haldane 1st grade at Constitution Marsh 5/28/08

Constitution Mash Boardwalk, photo by Bill Irwin from Center website

GMAP

About Kandy Harris

Kandy is a writer and musician/music teacher living in Saugerties, NY.

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