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Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear MountainBear Mountain - Rockland CountyRockland County |
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| 845-786-2701 | ||
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Click to enlarge Beaver Sign  The sign reads: Orphan - Raised at Trailside "Due to years of unregulated trapping, the Beaver virtually disappeared from the United States. Reintroduced into this region in 1920 when 3 pairs were released in the park. Now very common.The beaver is the largest of North American rodents, weighing as much as 70 lbs. In addition to its large chisel-like teeth, it has webbed hind feet for swimming. The flat tail is also used for swimming, a rudder, and to slap the water surface when alarmed. Usually 4-5 kits are born well-furred with eyes open, in late spring or summer. Able to swim almost immediately. Feeds to a large extent on the bark of aspen, willow, birch, and maple. Aquatic plants are also part of its diet." Click to enlarge photo of Beaver Eating a Pumpkin  Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center at Bear Mountain The study of native animals and their habitat at Bear Mountain has a long history. In 1921, theAmerican Museum of Natural History installed a facility at the Boy Scouts headquarters on Lake Kanawauke. Four years later, the same Museum began a program for the study of insects in Harriman State Park. The Commission added a bear den in 1926, which became a small zoo, as the facility took in more injured animals in need of shelter. Click to enlarge photo of Beaver Posing for Photo  Today's Trailside Museums and Zoo occupy 40-acres on a bluff 250 feet over the Hudson River. The trails, including the first section of the Appalachian Trail, are among the oldest in the country; they link the various homes of Samantha, the eagle, and other birds of prey, the bear den, as well as habitats for beavers, a river otter, foxes, coyotes, and more. "There are four museums at Trailside. The Herpetology House is home to a variety of native turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. The Nature Study Museum houses specimens originally collected by the Museum of Natural History to educate people about animal identification. Visitors can learn about geologic formations of the Hudson Highlands and industries that have tapped natural resources in the Geology Museum. The History Museum provides an introduction to human occupation of the region from the earliest Native American settlers to European and their descendants who made the area their home." Source: Trailside Museums & Zoo. Children enjoy the various presentations of indigenous wildlife, geology and herpetology. On display are Native American artifacts, models of Revolutionary War battles fought on-site, and an exhibit of the origins of the Boy Scouts, and four Museum buildings. See the bald eagle, black bear, owl, river otter and more animals local to Bear Mountain. The Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center also highlight the history of the area. Learn about the importance of Bear Mountain in the American Revolutionary War. Visit historic 1777 & 1779 Trails that retrace the routes taken by the British army during the American War of Independence. Visit Fort Montgomery, a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River and learn about the Battle of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton. Young children, older children, and adults all enjoy visiting each of the Museum buildings that house different exhibits. Visit the Local Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish Museum, the Geology Museum, History Museum and Nature Study Museum.
Location: Bear Mountain - Rockland County | |||
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain
