Catskills Region of New York State

The Catskill Mountains region is located just west of the Hudson Valley Area. You will find many museums, historic attractions, farm tours, game farms, antique and craft fairs with art centers throughout the region. The region also holds European-style wineries and wine festivals, an antique railroad, irresistible scenic drives, and some of the best trout fishing in the nation. Anglers will also delight in the variety of programs offered at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum at Livingston Manor. Forty PGA golf courses are located in the region, and harness racing at Monticello Raceway promises excitement all year round.

Festivals, including celebrations of Celtic, German, and Native American heritage, are abundant in the Catskills. Ski Windham and Hunter Mountain ski resorts offer entertainment year-round, from art fairs in spring to a showcase music series in autumn when Catskills foliage is spectacular. Take the Delaware & Ulster Rail ride from Arkville to Fleischmanns for great views along the Catskill Scenic Trail.

Visit Kingston, the state's first capital, walk the historic bluestone sidewalks, tour the 18th century home of Abraham Von Gadsbeer, go hiking, biking, horseback riding or cross-country skiing in Minnewasha State Park Preserve, designated by the Nature Conservancy as "one of the 75 great places in the Western Hemisphere." Stop at Catskill Corners in Mount Tremper and step inside the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope. This 60-foot tube, converted from a farm silo into a fascinating visual fantasy world, is a one-of-a-kind attraction. Discover the Catskills beautiful mountain scenery. Plan a full range of activities and enjoy the region's fresh mountain air and quiet charm.

Peregrine Falcons in New York State Peregrine falcons are on the endangered species list in New York State. Their decline was mainly said to be caused by the pesticide DDT, which caused reproductive problems and thinning of the eggshells. Releasing of the birds of prey in the years 1974 to 1988, has helped with the return of the Peregrine falcons as a nesting species, which was no longer happening in the 1960's. In 1983, Peregrine falcons were seen nesting on two bridges in New York City and then, in 1985, Peregrine falcons were again nesting in the Adirondacks. Now, there are known to be 50 pairs throughout New York State. They nest on buildings, bridges, and cliffs and can be seen in the Adirondacks, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton, Rochester, and Buffalo. The nesting sites are monitered and managed to promote the nesting. Their nesting season is from March through July. They usually return to the same nesting area every year and they mate for life. During their nesting season, work on the buildings or bridges that have nests is postponed and the same goes for any outdoor activity that would disturb the nesting, such as rock climbing. As soon as the nesting season is over, the work or outdoor activity can resume. The Peregrine falcon is a bird of prey and usually feasts on other birds, such as pigeons in the city areas.