Environment

The Land

Agriculture: Past, Present and Future
Farming has been central to this region since its earliest human occupation. From about 10,000 years ago, the Mahican people annually traveled from the Hudson River following the banks of the Hoosic River upstream to plant crops here. The rich soil also attracted European immigrants in the 18th century. Today some 20,000 acres—about half of all land in Hoosick—is in its farms. The critical importance of agriculture to the present day economy, rural character and scenic landscapes of this community is reflected in funding awarded by the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop a Farmland Protection Plan.

For the preservation of Hoosick’s agricultural lands and heritage Civicure is inspired by and supports the work of Historic Barns of Nipmoose, which are owned by The Persistence Foundation (TPF) based in West Hoosick. The Agricultural Stewardship Association is an important regional non-profit protecting farm and forest lands. 

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The River
The unusual northwest flow of the Hoosic River provided an important route between western New England and the Hudson River. For thousands of years, Native Americans traveled on and alongside the river. Those same paths were trod by all parties during the French and Indian War and later by Revolutionary War troops fighting what came to be known as the Battle of Bennington in the Walloomsac district of Hoosick. Even when settlers with horses and wheeled conveyances built new roads, the river and its many falls continued to have an essential role in the community providing water power to many mills through the nineteenth century. Citizens of the Village have formed Hoosick Greenway (HRG) in partnership with the Hoosick River Watershed Association (HooRWA) and are working to create a 2.5 mile riverside Trail. The walking/hiking/biking path follows a former railway right of way. State and federal grants have been awarded for this project with plans to include interpretive signage for points of natural and historical interest as well as access to the business district of Hoosick Falls, providing additional support for local economic development.