Hook Mountain State Park

“To me, this beautiful place of God’s creation is sacred ground. We don’t want mansions built on it. From my grave, I want to hear children’s laughter on this property.” Those were the words of Veronica Mendez, former director of the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine, which founded a summer camp in Upper Nyack, New York, in 1924. 

Until the late 1980s, the camp was well loved and well attended by children from the city, but eventually the sisters in charge decided it was time to close the summer camp and look toward their next chapter: the Marydell Faith and Life Center—“a place that by its very existence fosters a respect for the beauty and integrity of the earth.” 

Even in its current form, this property rings with the sound of children’s laughter, as students from New York City travel here for multiweek summer programs where they can play in an open field near the original log cabins, explore a large teepee, play in a modern swimming pool and on a playground, and learn from the property’s gardens. Adults, too, can come for retreats and programs that draw them closer to nature. 

To forever preserve this special place from the threat of development, Trust for Public Land partnered with the sisters to protect this 39-acre property by extending a 9-acre conservation easement over unbuilt land and transferring almost 30 acres to Hook Mountain State Park.  

As a result, a new trail could be built from Nyack Beach State Park to the top of Hook Mountain, giving the local community and visitors better access to one of the most impressive small peaks along the Hudson River.  

Hook Mountain State Park, now about 675 acres in size, is a stunning escape for New Yorkers. It offers sweeping views of the Hudson River from the abutting mountains, known at the Hudson River Palisades. The area is also well known among birders due to its location along a major migration route.  

Thanks to this transaction, the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine are able to retain and continue running the Marydell Faith and Life Center. And the sense of summer camp for visitors young and old is still alive and well. Visit on any given day, and you’re still likely to hear children laughing.