As most John Burroughs’ fans are aware, Woodchuck Lodge in Roxbury was the summer retreat of Burroughs from 1910 to 1920. After his death in 1921, Burroughs’ friend, Henry Ford, purchased the site and it was eventually acquired and incorporated as John Burroughs’ Woodchuck Lodge, Inc. (JBWL). Its mission is to continually commemorate and interpret one of the America’s premier chroniclers of the natural world. Burroughs’ burial site/memorial, a listed New York State Historic Site, is adjacent to the Woodchuck Lodge property.
The years since 1920 have seen many repairs to the lodge and its outbuildings. However, after a preliminary structural survey two years ago by New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation experts, the trustees of JBWL concluded the lodge needed to be substantially restored to better preserve not just the building, but the artifacts from Burroughs’ tenancy. To accomplish that, the artifacts have been removed to a climate-controlled storage facility. The trustees are planning a more detailed survey of required repairs by securing the services of a preservation architect or firm. The trustees have commenced a search to accomplish that. Once completed, the survey will provide the criteria for seeking grants and donations.
During this undertaking interior lodge tours in 2024 will be suspended, but JBWL will continue its popular “Wild Saturdays” programs at the lodge beginning in May and concluding in October 2024. This series is underwritten by the Catskill Watershed Corporation and presents nature-focused talks by knowledgeable experts. Programs take place the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. The Lodge trails will continue to welcome hikers, while birdwatchers and picnickers can enjoy the property and its spectacular Catskill views.
The final Wild Saturday program of 2023, featuring artist Patrize Lorenz, is Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. Lorenz first came to the Catskills 20 years ago. She resolved to spend her first year here as an observer of the landscape, the seasons and the wildlife. She discovered John Burroughs writings and used his work as a guide for “living in the blue urn.” More recently, she created a body of work inspired by his observations and her own experiences. The paintings and sculptures she created were exhibited this summer at The Andes Society for History and Culture in a solo exhibit titled “Finding John Burroughs.” Her presentation at Woodchuck Lodge will include readings from Burroughs’ work and images form the exhibit.
Program is free at 1633 Burroughs Memorial Road, Roxbury.
