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Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary
Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary was the home and headquarters for Audubon International for 20 years, until the organization moved to Rensselaer Technology Park in early 2013. Located at 46 Rarick Road, Selkirk, NY, the sanctuary was the former estate of Leona and Robert Rienow, Ph. D.  As a State University at Albany Professor and co-author of several books on government and the environment, Dr. Rienow was among early environmental advocates.  Upon his death in 1988, the sanctuary was bequeathed to Audubon International and was converted into a preserve and public-use area for passive recreation.
 
With over 140 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails, and distinctive geology carved out by the Onesquethaw Creek, Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary is a birdwatcher's paradise. About twelve miles from Albany, NY, the sanctuary serves as an outdoor classroom for the nearby schools, as well as a recreational space for cross country skiers, spelunkers, artists, and scout groups. Whether you are planning to explore the unique features of the area or are simply looking to take a long, quiet walk, visitors are welcome every day from dawn until dusk.
A Plan for Improvements

Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary has existed as a much loved natural resource for the public for over 20 years and the original trails and structures show the signs of age and continued use.  In an effort to enhance the visitor experience at the Sanctuary and ensure that this asset remains intact for future generations of nature explorers, Audubon International has developed a plan for site improvements to be made over the next few years.  The plan includes new roadway and entryway signage to better direct user groups to the site, a kiosk make-over to better serve the growing number of hikers, school and birding groups, interpretive trail signage on at least one trail to enhance the ‘outdoor classroom’ experience and a redesigned trail map and brochure to better reflect the trail additions that have been made over the years and also to point out key features throughout the property. If you would like to become part of the redevelopment effort, please contact Paula Realbuto, Director of Administration and Development.

Visiting Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary

Just minutes from Albany, NY, Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary is easily accessed from many routes. 
From I-87, the NYS Thruway, take exit 22 for NY-144 toward NY-396/Selkirk. Turn right onto NY-144 S/River Road. Take the first right onto NY-396 W/Maple Avenue Keep right at the fork and continue to follow NY-396 W for about four miles. Turn right onto Co Rd 102/Old Quarry Road. Take the second left onto Rarick Road and continue for a third of a mile.
 
From Albany, take US-9W S and merge onto NY-32 S/Delmar Bypass via the ramp to Delmar. Follow NY-32 S for about three miles. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Co Rd 102/Old Quarry Road and continue for three miles. Turn right onto Rarick Road and continue for a third of a mile.

Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary

 
 
2013 © Audubon International