When the Gateway Museum took ownership of the Bogardus Farm last year- we discovered a Blue Heron Rookery with at least 60 nests located in trees along a large pond deep inside the 160 acre tract of land. There was speculation about whether this Rookery was active or not. If there were Blue Herons last year- they had left for the season when we started looking at the nests last July. There is no longer any speculation- THE BLUE HERONS HAVE RETURNED! We counted at least 40 birds on the nests late last month and there is reason to believe there are more. A spectacular sight to see. These giant creatures with 6 foot wingspans are beautiful and yet comical to watch as they fly in and out of the nesting area. It is not easy for two of these birds to share a nest. And amazingly enough they often tend to build the colony vertical. Some of the tree sites appear to be 3 story apartment buildings with birds occupying each of the 3 floors of the tree. For those of us used to seeing a single Blue Heron next to or in shallow water areas fishing by themselves- it is just incredible to watch 40 of these amazing birds nesting together in a relatively small area. We will post pictures on this website in the next few days.
The Gateway Museum has worked closely with the Thousand Island Land Trust organization and others to develop a system of trails across the property that will enable hikers to see the Rookery from a safe distance that will not disrupt the birds. Trail #1 is currently being built. With help from the Town of Morristown highway department- a new parking area next to River Road East was built last fall. When the weather warms up- the Highway department team will return and construct the 300 foot long boardwalk crossing through some of the marshy areas. We hope the residents of Morristown and surrounding communities will take advantage of this outdoor experience and enjoy the extensive wildlife on the Bogardus Farm. The target date for opening the trail is May 26, 2018.
The Big Fish Exhibit continues to move ahead. The museum is proud to feature an Exhibit that honors some of the local fisherman who made their living from fishing in the St Lawrence River. Allan Bogardus was a well-known Morristown Sturgeon fisherman (and founding member of the Gateway Museum) . Jim Evans was a successful Muskie guide and long time resident of Morristown. The museum is very fortunate to have acquired excellent artifacts including Allan’s unique sturgeon fishing boat, boat motor, fishing nets and numerous stories and pictures of his catches. Jim Evans’ family has provided outstanding pieces including Muskie mounts from his successful fishing trips.
The museum is grateful to the Sweetgrass Foundation as well as donations from members of the Museum board for providing the money to make this Exhibit possible.
We are currently reaching out to have guest speakers lined up to provide talks about Sturgeon and Muskie populations in the St Lawrence River. Please mark your calendars – the exhibit is expected to open on June 30th.
The summer concert series schedule is set. The Shoes- Rock and Roll Dance Party kicks off the summer schedule on Saturday July 7th. Dust off those dancing moves and join us for what will certainly be a memorable event. The rest of the calendar can be seen on the “2018 Events” Tab on the home page of this website.
Members of our Board of Trustees have been active preparing Grant applications to seek funding for improvements at the Bogardus Farm Property. If we are successful these Grants will fund a second hiking trail and improvements to the Red Barn. We are also hoping to find a Grant assistance to fund building improvements at our Main Street Building. We currently have no way to heat the building. Other opportunities include new lighting, paint, and window air conditioners for the second floor.
We welcomed two new Trustees to the Board this month- Melanie Connor and Ellen Magee Copeman. These two talented women bring strong business backgrounds to the team and we look forward to their participation in Museum activities in the future.
We continue to seek volunteers to join the museum. If you are interested in donating some time- we have many projects to do. As we look at our ambitious agenda – we know we will be challenged to deliver on everything without more help. Please reach out to a Board member if you have any interest in serving our community.
Dean Shelato
4/15/18
The Gateway Museum has worked closely with the Thousand Island Land Trust organization and others to develop a system of trails across the property that will enable hikers to see the Rookery from a safe distance that will not disrupt the birds. Trail #1 is currently being built. With help from the Town of Morristown highway department- a new parking area next to River Road East was built last fall. When the weather warms up- the Highway department team will return and construct the 300 foot long boardwalk crossing through some of the marshy areas. We hope the residents of Morristown and surrounding communities will take advantage of this outdoor experience and enjoy the extensive wildlife on the Bogardus Farm. The target date for opening the trail is May 26, 2018.
The Big Fish Exhibit continues to move ahead. The museum is proud to feature an Exhibit that honors some of the local fisherman who made their living from fishing in the St Lawrence River. Allan Bogardus was a well-known Morristown Sturgeon fisherman (and founding member of the Gateway Museum) . Jim Evans was a successful Muskie guide and long time resident of Morristown. The museum is very fortunate to have acquired excellent artifacts including Allan’s unique sturgeon fishing boat, boat motor, fishing nets and numerous stories and pictures of his catches. Jim Evans’ family has provided outstanding pieces including Muskie mounts from his successful fishing trips.
The museum is grateful to the Sweetgrass Foundation as well as donations from members of the Museum board for providing the money to make this Exhibit possible.
We are currently reaching out to have guest speakers lined up to provide talks about Sturgeon and Muskie populations in the St Lawrence River. Please mark your calendars – the exhibit is expected to open on June 30th.
The summer concert series schedule is set. The Shoes- Rock and Roll Dance Party kicks off the summer schedule on Saturday July 7th. Dust off those dancing moves and join us for what will certainly be a memorable event. The rest of the calendar can be seen on the “2018 Events” Tab on the home page of this website.
Members of our Board of Trustees have been active preparing Grant applications to seek funding for improvements at the Bogardus Farm Property. If we are successful these Grants will fund a second hiking trail and improvements to the Red Barn. We are also hoping to find a Grant assistance to fund building improvements at our Main Street Building. We currently have no way to heat the building. Other opportunities include new lighting, paint, and window air conditioners for the second floor.
We welcomed two new Trustees to the Board this month- Melanie Connor and Ellen Magee Copeman. These two talented women bring strong business backgrounds to the team and we look forward to their participation in Museum activities in the future.
We continue to seek volunteers to join the museum. If you are interested in donating some time- we have many projects to do. As we look at our ambitious agenda – we know we will be challenged to deliver on everything without more help. Please reach out to a Board member if you have any interest in serving our community.
Dean Shelato
4/15/18
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