Description
Please Note: If the preserve parking lot is full, please use the turnaround at the intersection of Weaver Street (Route 125) and Schoharie Turnpike. Do not turn your car around on our neighbors’ driveways or lawns. Thank you.
For the safety of our visitors, no swimming or wading is allowed at the preserve.
The Nature Conservancy acquired the original 97 acres in 1970 from Lansing and Lucille Christman, son and daughter-in-law of William W. Christman. The site is now a Registered National Historic Landmark listed by the New York State Historic Trust. Lands adjacent to the Christman Sanctuary and along the Bozen Kill river are the focus of continued protection efforts by the Conservancy and local land trusts.
A highlight of the Christman Sanctuary is the Bozen Kill, with its 30-foot waterfall and numerous lesser cascades. Alternate layers of sandstone and shale are found in the large pool at the foot of the waterfall. The Bozen kill headwaters are located near Duane lake and flows down into the Christman Sanctuary. From here, it enters the Bozen Kill Ravine before entering the Watervliet Reservoir.
The Nature Conservancy recognizes and thanks the efforts of volunteer and supporters Henri Plant and Doris Saunders-Plant. Henri, Doris, and fellow members of the Mohawk Valley Hiking Club fought to save the Christman Sanctuary from certain death by bulldozer when the New York State Department of Transportation traced Interstate 88 across the 30-foot falls at the heart of the sanctuary. Once the water and lands were brought under the protection of The Nature Conservancy, Henri served as a steward for more than 30 years.
The Nature Conservancy has plans to upgrade sections of trails and construct a larger parking lot to improve accessibility and accommodate more visitors.
