NEWSLETTER
Millersburg, OH (April 10, 2024) – The National Scenic Byway Foundation congratulates the Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway of New York State as a winner of our 2024 Byway Award for Viewshed Improvement. This is one of the Foundation’s eight national awards presented annually.
The Friends of the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway initiated an aggressive ‘Invasive Species Mitigation’ program at the first of four byway stops of a birdwatching tour in the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. Volunteers first met with clippers, saws, and rakes to cut vines and shrubs to restore panoramic views of the wetlands, shore, and water to watch birds. Volunteers have returned and will continue to do so periodically in the spring, summer and fall to keep the restored view open for birdwatchers. Continued seasonal maintenance will be required to keep the selected open area.
Learning from a representative of the ‘Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management’ (PRISM) was our first step. We learned that we could not possibly eradicate all the invasive species (honeysuckle, bittersweet, floribunda Rose, wild grape), but we could mitigate by cutting back a section of vines and shrubs to restore a panoramic view. We could not spray or paint pesticides in public lands or near waterways. Finally, it was a challenge to not stack overgrowth, not carry or drag it out further dispersing seeds. Once we removed the vines and shrubs, native seeds were spread in the newly cleared area.
Birding is one of the most popular activities along the Mohawk Towpath Byway. With this limited improvement we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of the Byway's self-guided tour. In fact, use of the self-guided tour stops dealing with birding and bird habitat exceeds by 10 times the use of any other stop on our self-guided tour. We demonstrated mitigation of invasive species without chemicals or pesticides. The result is the ability, once again, to view shore and water habitat for migratory and resident birds.
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is a 26-mile drive through three counties (Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady) that parallels the original Erie Canal pathway between Waterford and Schenectady, New York. We have 34 narrated audio stops along the route, four of which are a loop featuring different bird habitats. In addition to driving the byway, there are numerous places to stop and park. Take time to enjoy nature, bike, hike, fish, paddle your own boat or rent kayaks, and explore historic structures from all three iterations of New York State canals from 1825 to current Barge System (celebrating 2025). For additional information about the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway visit http://www.mohawktowpath.org or www.TravelByways.com.
The National Scenic Byway Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving as The National Voice of Scenic Byways and Roads, dedicated to strengthening Byways through education, training and shared expertise. It is the vision of the National Scenic Byway Foundation that our nation’s designated Byways will be recognized and valued worldwide for their distinctive experiences, stories, and treasured places. For more information visit www.nsbfoundation.com; www.travelbyways.com; or email: info@nsbfoundation.com.
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Photo caption: Invasive species mitigation along the birdwatching tour in the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve.
Media Contact: Sharon Strouse, Executive Director
Telephone: 330-231-3468
Email: Sharon.Strouse@NSBFoundation.com