The sanctuary exists to ensure that current and future generations in New Paltz and the wider community of the Mid-Hudson Valley have a place where they can enjoy nature in a “forever wild” setting.

Located on Huguenot Street in the town and village of New Paltz, the 56 acres of property comprising the Sanctuary has relatively open areas dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants. These provide rich and varied habitat opportunities for a wide range of plants and animals. The Sanctuary includes an “oxbow,” a complex of ponds and wetlands remaining from a tightly-curved meander cut off when the Wallkill River straightened its course hundreds of years ago.

The Sanctuary has over 1,300 feet of frontage on the Wallkill River and adjoins the Jewett and Khosla properties, two historic Huguenot farms totaling more than 180 acres. The Sanctuary also adjoins land owned by the Village of New Paltz containing the Gardens for Nutrition, a community-supported public gardening area. Nearby is Historic Huguenot Street featuring seven stone houses dating to 1705, a burying ground, and a reconstructed 1717 stone church — all in their original village setting. Historic Huguenot Street offers six acres of landscaped green space and public programming to the local community and visitors from around the world.

Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary website here.

Our annual Senior Holiday Lunch sponsored by the Town of New Paltz took place on December 19th. Main Course of New Paltz catered the delicious food. Lunch participant Willie Lee provided the magic tricks.

Please sign up for our newsletter to be notified about upcoming senior events. Or email Joanna at recreation@townofnewpaltzny.gov. 

We all had so much fun at Melanie's community sewing event! She brought in a vast expanse of beautiful, thrifted fabrics already sewn together. Participants saw combinations of patterns that inspired them, cut it out to size for an oven mitt or pot holder, stitched the pieces together on her gorgeous vintage machines, or took the project home to finish, along with patterns to make more. I'm pretty sure most left with the feeling of "I want to sew more!" It was fun doing it all together. Huge "thank you" to Melanie Gonzalez for hosting one of her incredible community sewing events at our Center! She will also be exhibiting her beautiful photographs on our walls very soon!

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Participants of the sewing workshop will learn basic techniques of hand or machine sewing and set up for a handmade home goods project. Everyone will get to explore sewing stations, prep materials, and experience vintage sewing machines and sergers.

Melanie Gonzalez is an Ulster County based photographic artist. Her photography has a concentration on vibrant double exposures of architectural landscapes and flora. Her sewing combines photographic studio skills, with textile printing, patchwork quilting, including upcycled garments and accessories. She is also a recipient of the 2022-23 Creatives Rebuild NY Grant. Melanie’s mission as a New York-based artist is to mesh the worlds of high art and street style. She produces photo art under “Melanie Gonzalez Art”: Professional International Photo, Video and Sound established in 2014, and “Piedra y Sombra Designs” as part of Suzanna Productions (Photo, Sewing and Admin., est. 2019). www.suzannaproductions.com

Free and open to the public. All ages welcome.

Register below or email recreation@townofnewpaltzny.gov to sign up.

Saturday, February 7th from 2:00 to 5:00pm. (Community Center)

Perfect for performers or anyone who wants to get silly!

Saturday, March 22nd from 12:00 to 5:00pm. (Community Center)

The New Paltz FireWolves U13 Ultimate Frisbee Travel Team hosted its first middle school tournament at the Field of Dreams on October 12, and it was a great success! First prize was a bushel of apples generously donated by Dressel Farms. The Skytop Showdown hosted Burlington Vermont, Schenectady, NY, Maplewood NJ, Montclair NJ and Tenafly NJ. The FireWolves finished 2-2 while Niskayuna MS (Schenectady) won the tournament and Burlington took second place. The event brought happy visitors to our town and Hudson Valley Ultimate For All hopes to host another great event in the spring.

FREE Karaoke Night! February Karaoke was a lot of fun. Have your songs ready for this next one! Sing in groups or just sing along with everyone else!

English flyer here.

Spanish flyer here.

Saturday,  March 22nd at 7:00pm. (Community Center)

Join us for relaxing creative activities for all ages at Historic Huguenot Street. Stations include rock painting, summer and nature themed wooden ornaments, and watercolor designs.

Options for children, youth, and adults.

See flyer here.

Thursdays from 11:00 to 1:00, July 10th though August 7th. (Historic Huguenot Street)

New Paltz Gardiner Seniors enjoying a game day - in costume - at the Community Center.

Want to unleash your creativity and have a blast? Join Happenstancery for a unique and exciting Collage Night!

Facilitated by the talented Gabrielle Rabinowitz, this interactive workshop combines art and improv for an unforgettable experience!

CREATE: Make your own collage using provided materials (and feel free to bring additional magazines, glue, and more!)

IMPROVISE: Watch as Happenstancery’s improvisers bring your artwork to life through hilarious and spontaneous scenes! Sign up to get involved in the action!

Don’t miss out on this fun and creative evening!

Thursday, April 24th at 7:00pm. (Community Center)

Bring your picnic, and enjoy the big band sounds as the sun sets over the ridge. 5-7pm.