Somers Land Trust holds open house at Rhinoceros Creek

SOMERS, N.Y. - Nature enthusiasts gathered recently at Rhinoceros Creek Reservation in Somers to enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie, learning, and hiking.

The open space, located off Route 202, consists of two pieces of land, totaling 115 acres, that were donated to the Somers Land Trust by the Beshar family so they could be protected in perpetuity.

They flank a beloved local landmark, the Stone House, a stately manse built by 19th-centry menagerie pioneer Gerard Crane.

So how did Rhinoceros Creek get its name?

According to the SLT, sometime in the 1960s, the town’s late historian, Otto Koegel, had come across an old newspaper article describing the time when one of Crane’s critters, a rhinoceros, escaped from its pen and wandered down the road intent apparently on bathing in a nearby creek or pond.

It reportedly took a team of eight horses to drag the enormous beast home.

It didn’t take much persuasion to get folks to come to the SLT’s open house on a beautiful Saturday in July.

The sun was shining, the native gardens were in bloom, and dozens of supporters were engaged as SLT Vice President Bob MacGregor described the RCR inhabitants such as beavers, otters, and bobcats and the many Scout projects that grace the preserve.

He also described some “adventures” the Heritage Hills water infrastructure, but that’s a story for another day.

Treasurer Lauretta Jones related the story behind the reservation’ name highlighting how it complements that of the town’s beloved Elephant Hotel and underscoring the early circus’s importance to the town.

Among the attendees introduced by SLT President Michael Barnhart were town Councilman Anthony Cirieco and some of the organization’s “important partners” from the Westchester Land Trust, Kara Hartigan Whelan (president), Ben Kleist (preserve manager), and Kim Fendrich (program manager).

The WLT hold the conservation easement on the preserve, “assuring the Beshars’ wishes will be honored,” the SLT said.

Hartigan painted a compelling picture of “the time, energy, and persistence it takes to ensure that green spaces are protected for the public to enjoy,” the SLT said.

Also taking part in the event was Eric Stone, director of The Rewilding School, which runs an archery program for children and parents on weekends at the RCR.

Helping to make sure that a good time was had by all were SLT stalwarts Janet Antonucci, Rosey VanWart, and Gail Simpson, who brought the essentials: refreshments, chairs, and a table to display information on environmental subjects.

Working behind the scenes to organize things was its secretary, Denise Schirmer, who the SLT called its “PR person extraordinaire.”

After the talks, some folks hiked up the Green Trail to the high ridge with MacGregor while others choose to hoof it around the flat lower loop with VanWart.

For more information about the SLT and Rhino Creek Reservation, visit www.somerslandtrust.org.