By Janell O'Rourke
When an animal species is lost, a whole set of characteristics disappears along with it – genes,
behaviors, activities and interactions with other plants and animals that may have taken
thousands or millions – even billions – of years to evolve. E.O. Wison
The Hudson River Valley is one of the richest regions in New York State for biodiversity; 85% of
NYS Amphibian Species, 73% of NYS Reptile Species, 87% of Breeding Bird Species and 92% of
NYS Mammals. Winston Farm is part of the Hudson River Estuary, the mixed geography
provides unfragmented, ecologically significant habitat. The most important dilemma facing
wildlife in an increasingly urbanized world, is lack of safe passage and continuous open space. A
healthy, intact ecosystem means survival for both resident and migratory animals in our region
and provides foraging, nesting, breeding and cover habitat for all species. Wildlife biologists
have identified animals and plants that are designated as threatened under the Endangered
Species Act on the Winston Farmlands; among them - the Red-Headed Woodpecker, Four Toed
Salamander, Bald Eagle and the Indiana Bat. Of special concern are the Wood Turtle, Eastern
Bluebird and the butterfly species Monarch, Tawney Emperor and Northern Oak Hairstreak. To
date, Monarch butterflies will get federal protections as a threatened species. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service plans to add the butterfly to the threatened species list by the end of 2025.
Several rare plant species were identified on Winston Farm: Winged Monkeyflower, Small
flowered Agrimony and Green Rock Cress are listed as endangered in NYS.
Winston Farm is covered with high quality and uncommon plant community types such as Red
Maple-Black gum Swamp Forests, Chestnut-Oak Forests, Vernal Pools and Palustrine wetlands;
these provide exceptional habitat for biodiversity. In fact, according to the Hudsonia report,
there are 18 types of ecologically significant habitats, comprising 782 acres which amounts to
97% of Winston Farm.
There are many animals that live on the lands of Winston Farm, to name a few: Beavers, Black
Bears, Red Foxes, Coyotes, Great Blue Heron, Red tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Barred
Owls, Wild Turkeys, White Tailed Deer, Little Brown Bats, a variety of Amphibian and Reptile
species, Minks and Fishers. All are indigenous to North America.
We believe that responsible and compassionate action is urgent in this time of biodiversity
collapse. We are committed to the conservation of habitat on Winston Farm to protect our wild
neighbors who have every right to be there unharmed. We believe in the intrinsic value of
nature which we are part of. Environmental education is key to our mission. Winston Farm has
what it takes to promote smart, minimal-impact land use with practices that foster and protect
native plants and animals, water preservation and soil ecology for a healthy, productive
ecosystem; in return our community will gain climate resilience and a rich biodiversity - the
tapestry of interwoven life which is essential to the health of our one and only earth. We
strongly advocate for this unique ecosystem and envision a non-intrusive sanctuary that
benefits all living beings for generations to come.
-Comments by Janell O'Rourke
