Sanctuary closes after vandalism

Christman site in Duanesburg a repeat target of maliciousness

The Christman Sanctuary is closed until further notice due to vandalism, the Nature Conservancy said Tuesday.

“It’s unfortunate when people disregard property and as a result, impinge on the community’s access to nature and their ability to enjoy the preserve,” said Gabe Chapin, the forest conservation and stewardship manager for the Nature Conservancy, the nonprofit that owns the 120-acre preserve.

The sanctuary, located off of Schoharie Turnpike in Duanesburg, has been closed to the public since Thursday.

The vandalism includes the denting of the aluminum roof of a lean-to, the shattering of the plexiglass that covers the map at the trailhead, a lockbox broken into and the trail counter inside stolen, State Police spokeswoman Trooper Kerra Burns said.

State Police are investigating the matter, but at this time there have been no arrests, Burns said.

“Given that this was a repeated incident, we are working with local law enforcement to prevent this from happening in the future,” Chapin said.

Chapin said they hope to reopen as soon as possible after repairs are made.

The preserve opened in 1970 after a donation of 97 acres from Lansing and Lucille Christman, according to the Nature Conservancy website.

There are about two miles of hiking trails there, but the highlight of the preserve is the Bozenkill, a 30-foot waterfall with numerous lesser cascades.

There are also stands of locust, cedar, spruce, red pine and white pine trees.

The site is a Registered National Historic Landmark listed by the New York State Historic Trust.

For updates on when the Christman Sanctuary will reopen, check its website.