Shelter is committed to help preserve local wildlife and to show that humans can live alongside it in harmony. 

 

The site is in a unique position next to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge and, as such, will be developed with the aim of expanding and improving the natural habitat to not only benefit the local environment but also ensure local wildlife flourishes. 

 

A 216-acre parcel that borders the wildlife refuge will be kept as a horse farm and put under permanent conservation easement to protect an existing large grassland habitat area, in perpetuity. 

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The buildings will be constructed using environmentally friendly, locally sourced, natural materials and will include features such as green roofs to encourage biodiversity, not only to provide a net conservation benefit but to ensure the local wildlife habitats are supported and enhanced.  

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To improve the landscape, which currently includes highly manicured fields and unkempt horse corrals, much of the site will be planted with native grasses, creating hundreds of acres of suitable grassland to benefit the local bird population. Maintenance of these areas will include regular spot or block mowing and control of invasive plant species to sustain healthy grasslands and improve habitat quality. 

 

In order to further reduce impact and disturbance to wildlife, buffer areas of grassland will be created between buildings and around existing key habitats. 

 

Minimal use of vehicles will occur on the site as guests will be asked to park vehicles for the duration of their stay and, instead, quiet, electric vehicles will be used to transport guests and goods around the site, when necessary. Walking and cycling will be actively encouraged. 

                   

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