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About the Currie Sanctuary

In the words of Dr. Bethia Currie, who protected these 79 acres as a memorial to her late husband, John, the Currie Sanctuary is “rugged, interesting, varied, and full of unexpected things.” Look for wonders such as massive oaks, a grassy alpine glade, an old homestead long since ceded to our ever-resilient forest, and glorious views, both to the east and to the west. Please note: the blue-blazed trail (see posted map) climbs steadily for 1.1 miles. Plan accordingly!

 

Matthew Currie, son of Bethia and John, was an aspiring Eagle Scout when he and his father first hiked to the ridge in nearby Macedonia State Park. Matthew and John’s love of land, love of views, and fond memories of their hike inspired Bethia to buy this land in 1974 and donate it to The Nature Conservancy in 1977. In the original policy statement for the property, Matthew wrote, “The purpose of this sanctuary is primarily the preservation of an unique natural area for its own sake.” He went on to say, “We can at least hope, that education and an understanding of this particular natural community will encourage a reverence for nature in general, and motivate efforts for further conservation in succeeding generations.” The Nature Conservancy conveyed the Sanctuary and the Currie family’s vision for the property to the Kent Land Trust in 1997.

 

Fittingly, Kent resident Ashton Smith chose the Currie Sanctuary as the focus of his 2016 Eagle Scout Project. Ashton’s hearty volunteer crew created the yellow-blazed section of the trail, erected this kiosk, and installed two benches, designed in keeping with the spirit of the place. Please tread lightly and reverently, sit a while, and appreciate the views.

 

Consistent with the wishes of the Currie family and the policies of the Kent Land Trust, uses of the Currie Sanctuary are limited to noncommercial, passive recreational activities. No hunting is allowed. For more information about the property please contact the Kent Land Trust at (860) 488-9185 or info@kentlandtrust.org.

Acreage: 79 (62 Kent, 17 South Amenia/Dover)

Distance: Main trail, 1.1 mi; Ashton’s Loop, 0.6 mi

Difficulty: High

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Spanning the NY-CT border, the Currie Sanctuary encompasses steep forested slopes, artifacts from Kent’s early industrial and agricultural eras, and rewarding views. Starting along an old wood road, the main blue-blazed trail climbs steadily, passing historical charcoal mounds on the way to a grassy ridge adjacent to Macedonia Brook State Park. Ashton’s Loop, blazed in yellow, provides an alternate route through an old farmstead. The upper reaches of the trail include spectacular views east down the Macedonia Brook Valley and west toward the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains beyond.

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