preservation: LANDSCAPE

QUARRY AMPHITHEATER

Restoration of the Quarry Amphitheater is part of a comprehensive plan to restore Russel Wright’s original design intent and the landscape character of Manitoga through site interpretation and design rehabilitation for the safety, education, and enjoyment of the public. The proposed project continues important work done over the last several years to 1) enhance visitor arrival to Manitoga; 2) restore signature landscape features throughout the 75-acre preserve; 3) and expand interpretation of the woodland landscape and our educational programming.

History

In the early 1970s, Russel Wright developed the area of west-sloping land along Route 9D in order to provide suitable access and initial interpretation of Manitoga for visitors under the planned transfer of his property to the Nature Conservancy in 1975. The primary features of this new public core were constructed by 1975 including the Visitor/Guide House, an Entry Drive, and the Visitor Parking Lot; however, the planned landscape features which included the development of the westward slope and the Quarry Amphitheater were not fully completed by the time of Wright's death in 1976. 

Just below the Visitor/Guide House, Wright had envisioned a recessed rocky hollow in the bend of the nearby Quarry stream as an outdoor classroom for group orientation – the Quarry Amphitheater would be a place where his principles of designing in harmony with nature could be communicated and explored. Together the quarried bowl, nearby stream and surrounding native vegetation would serve to introduce visitors to the woodland landscape and trails beyond. 

Restoration 2018 and ongoing

The Quarry Amphitheater restoration provides a rich and visually stunning interpretive area for special tours, student groups and our growing public while further illuminating Manitoga’s industrial past and Wright’s remarkable vision by linking together a trilogy of reclaimed quarries – Quarry Amphitheater, Quarry Pool at Dragon Rock, and Lost Pond Quarry. This history of forward-thinking sustainability still resonates today. Tasks completed to date:

• North facing Quarry Amphitheater slopes were opened up to frame views to of the Quarry Stream, cascades, and pools.

• Invasive plant species were removed, and the presence of colonizing vines reduced.

• Native understory trees such as Dogwood, Serviceberry and Viburnum were added to enhance arrival.

• A clear trail was created between the Information Kiosk, Visitor/Guide House and Quarry Amphitheater.

• Stone steps were reset to connect grade changes along trail.

• Wood screening was added to the lower portion of the Visitor/Guide House fronting the Quarry Amphitheater.

PROJECT TEAM
Project Management – Emily Phillips, Manitoga Landscape Collection & Conservation Manager; Kate Brittenham, Landscape Assistant; Sanjay Thakur, Facility & Grounds Assistant
Landscape volunteer team – Rich Franco

PROJECT SUPPORT
Restoration of the Quarry Amphitheater has been made possible through grants from Open Space Institute’s Malcolm Gordon Fund and New York State’s Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums Program (ZBGA).