Write-up: Walt Pillar

Leader: Walt Pillar

Co-Leader: Laura Pillar

Beaversprite is the 1300 acre wildlife preserve founded by Dorothy Richard, the “beaver lady”. It was acquired by the Utica Zoo in2019.

Following an “Interesting Evening” presentation Tuesday on the history and plans for the future by the Zoo Education Manager, 37 Tramps (including 4 first timers) hiked the trails of Beaversprite on a beautiful spring sunny day. The Beaver Lady’s house was not open because the Zoo was in the process of hiring a full-time caretaker, but we could see where she had modified the house for a family of beavers to live with her and her husband.

We had lunch and visited the Nature Center at the opposite end of the preserve. The trail on the way back required a little bushwhacking. We only got a little lost.