Blog

Tivoli Preserve

Tivoli Lake Preserve and Patroon Creek Daylighting

Located in the borough of Albany, NY, Tivoli Lake Preserve is a 72-acre nature area that includes riparian wetlands, upland forests, and Tivoli Lake. This unique natural area is located on the north side of the city, near the Arbor Hill neighborhood and West Hill neighborhood. It’s home to a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the species you can find in the preserve are bluegill, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, and more. The park is also home to a number of riparian trees and plants. It is considered one of the largest urban nature preserves in the state. The preserve also has an ecologically-rich pond and a stream.

Patroon Creek runs through the Tivoli Preserve. It is a local tributary to the Hudson River. This creek has a significant historical connection to Tivoli. A proposed “daylighting” project will illuminate a portion of the creek to improve water quality. The project will also help reduce flooding and provide recreational opportunities. The project will be undertaken by the Albany Water Department.

The city of Albany originally acquired Tivoli Lake Preserve in 1851

Over the years, the property has undergone numerous master planning efforts. This includes the Tivoli Lakes Nature Study Sanctuary, the Tivoli Wildlife Preserve, the Patroon Creek Nature Corridor, and the Tivoli Loop Trail System project. This project will involve improvements to the parking lot and access to the Tivoli Lake Preserve’s secondary trail network. It will be consistent with the 2014 Tivoli Lake Preserve Vision Plan.

In 1974, the state of New York funded the renovation of Tivoli Lakes Nature Study Sanctuary into an educational center. Since then, students from Philip Livingston Middle School and the University at Albany have conducted research on the nature of the preserve. The state of New York also funded the cleanup of Tivoli Lakes Nature Study Sanctuary. The Albany Water Board saw the opportunity to jumpstart the preserve’s redevelopment by daylighting the creek. This would create new stream habitat and meaningful opportunities for community engagement. In addition, the daylighting project would reduce upstream flooding.

During the development of the Tivoli Visioning Plan, Professor Robinson suggested restoring the historical connection between the creek and the pond. He also recommended adding educational resources and recreational facilities. He also recommended managing runoff and making safety improvements. His proposal includes a 10-foot wide path along Patroon Creek. The path will connect the trail system, allowing pedestrians to travel along Patroon Creek from I-90 to Rensselaer Lake.

The Tivoli Loop Trail System project will connect the Tivoli Lake Preserve’s entrances and provide access to an extensive secondary trail network. It will also provide access to the Tivoli Wildlife Preserve. This project will help the city achieve its goals in the Albany 2030: Comprehensive Plan.

The Tivoli Preserve Stream Daylighting Project will improve water quality and reduce flooding. The project is scheduled to begin in the fall. The Albany Water Department will illuminate more than 1,500 feet of the creek’s path.