Parks, Recreation & Community Affairs

The Town of Clifton Park has announced a photograph contest spotlighting the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. Entries will be accepted electronically between August 15^th and December 1^st, 2024, by the Office of Parks and Recreation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All are invited to submit their best photographs taken at the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. The photographs should highlight the preserve, historic sites, nature and/or wildlife within. There is no limit on the number of photographs that may be submitted by an individual. Anyone may submit a photograph if it is their property, and it was taken at the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve.

There will be a two-round public voting process.  In round one photographs will be displayed on Facebook from December 9^th through December 18^th, 2024, for public voting.  To vote for a photograph simply “Like” the photograph on Facebook.  The five photographs with the most votes will be displayed at Town Hall and on the Town’s website (www.CliftonPark.org) and will move onto the final round of voting.

The final round of voting will take place at Winterfest. The top five photographs will be printed and displayed on Saturday, February 1^st, 2025. Visitors to Winterfest will be able to cast their vote in person for the overall winner.

A grand prize will be awarded as well as prizes for the top five photographs.

The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve Photo Contest was created to highlight and showcase the beauty and character and historic significance of the Preserve.

The Preserve encompasses over 600 acres of historically and ecologically significant land adjacent to the Mohawk River, within the Vischer Ferry Historic District. The Preserve has three areas of interest: a wetland ecosystem, the remains of the Erie Canal, and the site of the town's first Settlement. The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is open to all for study, recreation and enjoyment of its natural beauty. Miles of trails are used for hiking, bike riding and cross-country skiing. The Preserve has been recognized as an Audubon site for bird watching and is designated a Bird Conservation Area by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Hiking along the old Erie Canal towpath is a popular activity for historians and nature lovers, featuring the historic remains of Clute's Dry Dock and Lock 19.

Contest rules are available at Clifton Park Town Hall in the Office of Parks and Recreation, online at www.CliftonPark.org and on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CiftonParkParksandRecreation).