Margaret Burke Wildlife Management Area

Discover

Margaret Burke Wildlife Management Area (WMA) spans 245 acres in Albany County, New York, and is situated on the Helderberg Escarpment. This unique geological feature is characterized by karst formations, including thin soils, rock outcrops, and fissures. The land was donated to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in 1958, and its management focuses on preserving wildlife habitats and supporting wildlife-dependent recreation. Pleasant Valley Road bisects the property, dividing it into distinct habitat zones with diverse ecological characteristics.

The eastern portion of Margaret Burke WMA features mature mixed forests, offering opportunities to observe forest-dwelling species. In contrast, the western side reflects its agricultural history, with fields, shrubby areas, orchards, conifer plantations, and natural woodlands. A small shrub wetland located on the western edge adds further ecological diversity. This variety of habitats supports an array of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, black bears, squirrels, and numerous songbirds, making the area a valuable site for nature observation and study.

Margaret Burke WMA is part of the Helderberg Bird Conservation Area, which supports bird species such as American woodcock, ruffed grouse, brown thrasher, eastern towhee, and various forest warblers. Birdwatchers can use the DEC-provided bird checklist to identify species and track their observations. The conservation area’s diverse habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands, support a variety of bird species.

Management practices at Margaret Burke WMA aim to maintain and enhance its rich biodiversity. DEC employs methods such as selective timber harvesting, mowing, and the placement of nesting boxes to support wildlife. Former farm fields have been planted with trees and shrubs to provide food and cover for species like grassland-nesting birds. Crab apple and apple trees are maintained as food sources, while future plans include creating young forest habitats to benefit species such as deer, grouse, and woodcock.

A gas line right-of-way on the eastern side of Margaret Burke WMA provides convenient access to the forested areas, while multiple parking areas along Pleasant Valley Road serve as entry points to the property. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails to protect the sensitive plant communities and habitats. The area’s diverse terrain, from forests to wetlands, offers a variety of vantage points for observing wildlife and appreciating the ecological transitions shaped by its unique geology.

The karst geology of Margaret Burke WMA includes thin soils and rock outcrops with cracks and fissures, which shape the landscape. These geological features influence the types of vegetation and habitats present, supporting a mix of early successional species and mature forest ecosystems. The karst geology of Margaret Burke WMA influences the types of vegetation and habitats present, supporting a mix of early successional species and mature forest ecosystems.

The history of Margaret Burke WMA as a former farm is evident in its western section, which contains fields, shrubby areas, orchards, and conifer plantations. These areas have been managed to support wildlife, with annual mowing and tree maintenance ensuring the availability of food and shelter. This historical connection to agriculture provides a unique perspective on how human activity can shape and transform landscapes, creating opportunities for conservation and ecological restoration over time.

Margaret Burke WMA is located near other state lands and facilities, including Black Creek Marsh WMA and Cole Hill State Forest. These neighboring areas offer additional opportunities for outdoor exploration and wildlife observation, complementing the experiences available at Margaret Burke. Visitors can plan extended trips to explore the broader ecological and geological features of Albany County, using guidebooks and maps available from local retailers and online resources to enhance their understanding of the region.

Fun facts

1. Margaret Burke WMA was donated to the DEC in 1958.
2. The Helderberg Escarpment’s karst geology features thin soils and numerous rock outcrops with cracks and fissures.
3. The area is part of the Helderberg Bird Conservation Area, supporting diverse avian species.
4. Former farm fields at Margaret Burke WMA were planted with trees and shrubs in the 1960s to enhance wildlife habitats.
5. Mowing has been used to maintain fields for grassland nesting birds and other early successional species.

Read the official sources →

Capture

1. Photograph the mature mixed forests on the eastern side and the fields, shrubby areas, and woodlands on the western side of the WMA.
2. Focus on the karst rock formations and fissures to highlight the unique geology of the Helderberg Escarpment.
3. Photograph birds in their natural habitats, using the DEC bird checklist to identify species and behaviors.

Social

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Discover the history of Margaret Burke WMA, from farmland to a wildlife conservation area. #Cre8Travel

Visit Margaret Burke WMA to see how karst geology shapes its diverse ecosystems. #Cre8Travel

Enjoy wildlife observation at Margaret Burke WMA, with habitats ranging from forests to wetlands. #Cre8Travel

Margaret Burke WMA offers a glimpse into the interaction between geology and ecology. #Cre8Travel

Find deer, turkeys, and songbirds at Margaret Burke WMA, a 245-acre conservation area. #Cre8Travel

Take a nature walk at Margaret Burke WMA and explore its ecological and geological wonders. #Cre8Travel

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6. #NatureExploration

Sources & visitor information

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation — Margaret Burke Wildlife Management Area