Clifton Park’s Vischer Ferry Preserve is a 600-acre wildlife area with abundant natural resources. It is considered a gateway to the Mohawk Towpath Trail and includes views of the Mohawk River. Hikers and bird watchers set into the preserve out to view wildlife ranging from ducks to turtles and even great blue herons.
It is also home to history. A segment of the original 1825 Erie Canal and Towpath, a segment of the 1842 Enlarged Erie Canal and the current state Barge Canal are accessible within the preserve. The entrance to the preserve includes a restored 1862 Whipple Truss Bridge, a design used widely to bridge the canal during the latter half of the 19th century. The bridge was destroyed several years ago, but plans have been underway to replace it, and also to develop a plan to reconnect Halfmoon to Clifton Park by way of the historic preserve.
That mission is progressing along with the recent award of a grant. The Town of Clifton Park has received a $5,000 matching Greenway Communities Grant for design resources to create a gateway as part of the new public access project planned for Ferry Drive. The grant was obtained through the 2012 Greenway Council Community Grant Program.
This is a smaller part of a larger Greater Towpath Connector Project, according to Jennifer Viggiani, Clifton Park’s open space coordinator.
“This grant money will help us with funds for design to create the improved trail that will provide a sense of accomplishment and achieve the view that people will enjoy,” she said.
Mark Castiglione, acting executive director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway, said his group is looking forward to doing work in the preserve.
“Greenway was created to be a partner with communities and organizations. This project is an example of that partnership. It’s a great project,” he said.
The money will fund design work for a restoration of the Ferry Drive stone bridge abutment to create a scenic overlook of the Mohawk River across into Niskayuna. The project will also reconnect the two segments of the Erie Canal towpath trail into a continuous linear greenway and make other enhancements.
An improved gateway design also would provide for kayak and canoe access, and a clear area for vehicle and bicycle parking would be incorporated. The Town of Clifton Park will work with the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Commission, Inc. and the New York State Canal Corporation to enhance the gateway.
Castiglione said that grants given out by Greenway need to confirm with one of five Greenway criteria: natural and cultural resource protection; heritage and environmental education; public access; regional planning; or economic development.
“This project advances multiple criteria. By enhancing that access to regional trail network, by providing better access and making a better draw for tourists, which makes it better for economy,” said Castiglione.
In a statement, Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett also praised the project.
“The Clifton Park Town Board is proud to partner with organizations like the Hudson River Valley Greenway for projects that improve public access and trail connections to our town’s historical landmarks. We are grateful for the Hudson River Valley Greenway’s support to enhance our Mohawk River scenic overlook at Ferry Drive and revitalize the site’s existing Erie Canal Towpath connection,” he said.
The town has previously received grant money from a federally funded Transportation Enhancement Program. The $1.8 million Greater Towpath Connector Project is a joint project between Clifton Park and Halfmoon and will eventually reconnect Clifton Park to Halfmoon.
