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The Ulster County Nature Bus will begin its 2025 season on Saturday (April 26), offering free tours to explore the county's natural and recreational attractions. The service, spearheaded by County Executive Jen Metzger, runs every Saturday through September, providing residents and visitors with access to scenic destinations without the need for a car.
The Nature Bus, in partnership with Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) and the Department of Tourism, will stop at popular sites like Sojourner Truth State Park, Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Black Creek Preserve, Walkway Over the Hudson State Park, and Kingston Point Beach. This year, the service expands to include New Paltz, with routes accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
According to Ulster County officials, approximately 7.5% of county residents do not own a car, with higher percentages in urban areas like Kingston, Ellenville, and New Paltz. The Nature Bus aims to bridge this gap, allowing more people to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The program features two routes: the Ridge Route, connecting New Paltz to Ellenville, and the River Route, departing from Kingston Plaza. Both routes will operate on a rotating basis after the Earth Week launch. For more information and schedules, visit the official website.