Local Pride: Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Honored with National Viewshed Improvement Award

The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway in New York State has received the 2024 Byway Award for Viewshed Improvement from the National Scenic Byway Foundation. This award is one of eight given annually and recognizes the byway for its improved scenic views, particularly through an initiative to control invasive species.

The initiative was led by the Friends of the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway at the first stop of a birdwatching tour in the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. Volunteers used gardening tools to remove invasive plants like honeysuckle and wild grape, which blocked views of the wetlands and waterways. This work enhanced the area for birdwatchers and supported local wildlife habitats.

The project avoided chemicals or pesticides due to its proximity to public lands and waterways. The strategy included physically removing invasive plants and planting native seeds to restore the natural landscape. This method has increased the use of the byway's self-guided birdwatching tour.

The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is a 26-mile route through Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. It follows the historic Erie Canal path between Waterford and Schenectady and features 34 narrated audio stops, including four dedicated to bird habitats.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.