By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
SELKIRK — The town of Bethlehem recently celebrated the acquisition of its first-ever Community Forest with a vine-cutting ceremony. The event took place at the end of a quiet dead-end road, just yards from bustling Route 9W, highlighting the importance of preserving natural spaces amidst development.
In late October, the town announced the purchase of the 68-acre parcel in Selkirk. Thanks to a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the acquisition ensures the land will remain a natural and communal asset, preserved from development in perpetuity.
The forest represents a major milestone in Bethlehem’s conservation efforts and will provide a space for residents to explore nature and enjoy outdoor recreation.
Located near the intersection of Maple Avenue and Beaver Dam Road, the parcel is composed of approximately 80% woodlands and 20% fields. The land holds deep family ties for longtime residents Betty Nolan and Marilyn Stangle, who stewarded it for decades. In 2023, they approached the town with a wish to see it conserved, hoping others could enjoy it as they had.
A FAMILY LEGACY AND COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE
For Nolan and Stangle, the property was far more than just land—it was a cherished gathering place and a source of family memories.
“We grew tomatoes on this parcel, right here, and pumpkins, too,” Marilyn shared, recalling the family’s use of the land for farming and community. “We even had a baseball diamond where we played in the ‘50s.”
The sisters’ children also enjoyed the land, building forts and exploring the open fields and forest.
As they saw development increasing in the area, Nolan expressed concerns about the changing landscape and the influx of solar farms.
“I wasn’t keen on that because I don’t like to see a sea of black out my back window,” she said.
This commitment to keeping the land natural led them to pursue a conservation route, ensuring its protection for future generations.
HONORING THEIR MOTHER’S LEGACY
Reflecting on the sale and the decision to conserve the land, Betty and Marilyn considered how their mother, Agnes Good, would feel about the choice.
“I think our mom would be happy with what we’re doing,” they said, noting that Agnes had always valued the land and the family’s connection to it.
By placing the land in the town’s care for the creation of a Community Forest, they believe they are honoring her legacy and preserving the family’s values of stewardship and community.
A COMMUNITY FOREST FOR GENERATIONS
The DEC’s Community Forest Conservation grant covered 80% of the purchase cost, making the project financially feasible. The remaining 20% was funded by Bethlehem’s Farms & Forests Fund, which supports local conservation efforts.
Open Space Coordinator Lauren Chiyoko Axford, who collaborated closely with Betty and Marilyn, praised their dedication.
“The future Community Forest is going to be a wonderful place for the public to visit, connect with nature, and observe the beauty and diversity of our region’s native tree species,” she said. “It has been such a pleasure to work with Betty Nolan and Marilyn Stangle over the last year. Selling the land for conservation with the greater good of the community in mind is so admirable—it is such a wonderful gift to future generations in the town of Bethlehem.”
Town Supervisor David VanLuven, who has led Bethlehem’s open space efforts for six years, sees the purchase as part of the town’s broader conservation mission, as Bethlehem has preserved nearly 700 acres during his tenure.
“Thanks to Gov. [Kathy] Hochul and the New York State DEC, we can protect this beautiful parcel for generations,” VanLuven said. “This property is not just land; it’s a place where families can enjoy nature and reflect on the natural beauty around us.”
A CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON LEGACY
Betty and Marilyn’s choice to approach Bethlehem’s Farms & Forests Conservation Program was inspired when they noticed conservation signs in the area at the nearby Heath Farm, a reminder of the town’s ongoing efforts to protect open spaces.
“That’s how we became aware of the Bethlehem conservation program,” they explained.
Their decision to conserve their family land was driven by a desire to preserve both their family legacy and the character of their community.
Through this new Community Forest, the sisters have gifted Bethlehem a living memory of days spent growing tomatoes, harvesting pumpkins, and playing baseball. The forest stands as both a family legacy and a community treasure, inviting future generations to experience the joy and peace of the land. It is a place where the spirit of their mother, Agnes, and the values she instilled in them will live on, allowing all who visit to connect with nature and feel a part of the shared history of Bethlehem.
