Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is on the site of the old Galeville Airport in the Town of Shawangunk. The refuge is part of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge and is managed for grassland species of concern and for protection of the watershed of the Wallkill River. Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, Upland Sandpiper, and Vesper, Grasshopper and Savannah sparrows nest, as historically have Henslow’s sparrows. Winter brings Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Short-Eared Owls. In early spring, American Woodcocks perform their twilight courting flights.
Directions: From SR 299 west of New Paltz, turn south on CR 7 (Libertyville Rd and then Brunswyck Rd) to CR 18 (Hoagerburgh Rd). The entrance and parking area is on CR 18 between Long Lane and Bates Lane. Also, drive through nearby Blue Chip Farm on Bates Lane, about 1.5 miles south via CR 18, to look for Longspurs and Horned Larks in winter and for Red-headed Woodpeckers all year.
Latitude, Longitude: 41°38’11″N, 74°13’10″W
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