preservation: trails & access

ACCESS ROAD RESTORATION 2017 – 2019

Manitoga's Access Road Restoration Project is the critical first step in Manitoga's overall site stabilization effort that will include storm water redress, Waterfall and Quarry Pool stabilization and restoration, perimeter fencing, and targeted reforestation of our woodland forest. It is also essential for the safety and continued growth of our visiting public.

Manitoga was awarded a $200,000 matching grant towards the Road Project through New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund. This important project has significantly enhanced and expanded visitor access to Manitoga, allowing for a greater appreciation of this National Landmark, its vibrant programming, and of Russel Wright’s enduring design vision to live in harmony with nature.

The South Road (public entrance drive) has been reconfigured and re-graded with a new culvert system; a turn-around will allow access by multi-passenger vehicles; the parking area has been enhanced and the entrance restored with wildflowers and native plantings. Work on the North Road (private drive) includes a vernal storm retention pond; berms, swales and culverts to address storm water; stabilization of the road edges; and resurfacing the road.

The results are graceful and dramatic.

PROJECT TEAM
Excavation, Site Preparation / Contractor – Luna Construction
Landscape Architecture – Stefan Yarabek, Hudson Design
Project Management – Melissa Pimentel, Manitoga Director of Operations; Emily Phillips, Landscape Collection & Conservation Manager

PROJECT SUPPORT
Lead support was provided from New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with additional funding from Open Space Institute, Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund, Arcus Gift Fund, Jacob and Gale Chapman, EASTER Foundation/Anne & Fred Osborn III, Frank B. R. Sahm, Jr. Charitable Foundation, Lostand Foundation, Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, Melanie Dodson & David Granger, David Diamond & Karen Zukowski, and Joe Chapman.