Warrensburgh Beautification continues to make a positive difference

WARRENSBURG | Warrensburgh Beautification, Inc. (WBI) has been a very busy organization over a 40 year span. Formed in 1984 to preserve, revitalize and beautify the Town of Warrensburgh (the historical spelling), the 501(c)(3) utilizes education, advocacy, rehabilitation, historic preservation and community initiatives to make the magic happen. And as 2026 begins, WBI is eyeing this as the year the non-profit expands its audience and broadens its reach to those who appreciate historic architecture. "A beautification committee has a little bit of an identity crisis," noted WBI Chairperson Teresa Whalen. "A lot of people don't understand what we do now,-if you ask someone, besides planting some flowers, they may not have a clue. Our cause is to make our community warm, welcoming, and beautiful and to preserve its historic character." Simply (and not so simply), WBI strives to maintain the natural and man-made environment of Warrensburg and to foster pride in one of the most historic towns in (true) upstate New York. The Hamlet of Warrensburgh Historic District was listed on both the State and National Registers (over 225 properties), the largest in the Adirondack Park. But preserving, revitalizing, and beautifying a community that had enjoyed a heyday and decline is a tall order. To accomplish this behemoth of a task, it's been all hands on deck for WBI's Board of Directors and team of local government, businesses, other organizations and individuals. In addition to protecting Warrensburg's architectural heritage and natural resources, WBI enhances the streetscape and stimulates economic growth potential, and provides cultural opportunities for its citizens young and old. "We've worked tirelessly to enhance the natural beauty of our surroundings, preserve our rich architectural heritage, and pursue local, state and federal grant funding for both enhancement and historic preservation projects," Whalen said. "In 2001 Warrensburgh Beautification received one of the first Stewardship Awards given out by Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH). ." That distinction was proudly earned. Whalen had never been off Exit 23 on the Northway, so when she first came to Warrensburg back in the mid-80s, her first impression certainly must have been a divided one. "It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere," Whalen recounted. "Little did I know it would become the center of my universe." There was undeniable natural beauty and charm, and there were also some aesthetic and infrastructure needs that were begging to be addressed. Whalen met her husband, who was part of the original WBI founding group. He eventually passed his board seat on to his wife, and from there, Whalen took the position and has been running with it ever since. The ten-member board has become the stewards of Warrensburg. "We have members who have been on our board for years and years," Whalen said. "It is different from a chamber of commerce, where people have an interest mostly because they are business owners. This really is more altruistic; you really are just doing it because you are passionate about your community, you are about your neighbors, you want to see good things happen here. That's why we have people that stay on for years- because they don't stop caring." One of the very first WBI initiatives was Christmas in Warrensburgh, which came along very soon after its founding in 1989. Up until then, there were no holiday celebrations preset in town, and only a few throughout the Adirondack region. "There weren't any lights, there was no music, there was nothing to bring our community together during the holidays," Whalen explained. Together with friends who shared the same vision, WBI put together the very first Christmas in Warrensburgh, and 36 plus years later now draws 1,000 people and families out and all over town to experience holiday magic. The old-fashioned holiday celebration has included participants from throughout the Adirondacks and beyond, showcased local and regional talent and welcomed visitors. "Pretty much all the events are free, we want to have everyone be able to participate and we are in an area that is economically challenged, we always want our children to be able to experience all that they can," Whalen noted. The Warrensburgh Riverfront Farmer's Market came along in 1998 as an effort to support the local agriculture industry. "The market was created to serve many purposes," Whalen expressed. "We wanted to provide a source of locally grown produce for residents and visitors, develop an entrepreneurial opportunity for small farmers, disseminate horticultural information, promote local interest in growing flowers and vegetables, and raise funds to further the revitalization of the Schroon River waterfront." A "producer only" market, Whalen said sales include locally grown, raised and prepared products, including produce, plants, cut flowers, dairy, poultry, meats, maple syrup, and honey. There is also wine, beer and distilled spirits, preserves, baked goods and refreshments. "All prepared foods are made "from scratch", utilizing locally grown ingredients whenever possible," Whalem said. "Local civic groups and non-profit organizations who wish to promote their purpose and upcoming events are encouraged." As a committee of the Town of Warrensburg, WBI is able to apply for municipal grants, and over the years really did deliver on the vow to beautify the community. They have created pocket parks (also with the help of Warren County Planning), as well as created the Bicentennial Garden in the Marcus Bruce (Triangle) Park. "With Creating Healthy Places (Glens Falls Hospital) funding, we were able to build the first Community Garden on the former Senior Center property, which was later moved to the Paper Mill Park on Route 418 with the help of the Warrensburg Department of Public Works," shared Whalen. Working with the NYSDOT, WBI became part of the Adopt-A-Highway Program and adopted two miles on Main Street, and the Adopt-An-Exit Program in the early 2000's, creating the Terraced Bed Gardens by Exit 23 and managing the Event Banner Program. "This past fall, we have been working with DOT to get wildflower areas at our entrance and exit ramps, which is something that has basically been unheard of in our region because it's part of the highway," Whalen revealed. "We have such a high volume of cars getting off Exit 23. This is exciting because it creates awareness for pollinators, it is a great thing and we will be working on signage in town so people understand what those areas are and how beneficial they are for our community and for the pollinators." WBI received grants from the NYSDEC for developing the original landscape and hardscape features in the Warrensburgh Mills Historic District Park and Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, adding the Three Bin Composting System, Native Pollinator Hedgerow, Tool Shed and more to the Community Garden. New this year, WBI will be partnering with Warrensburg's Citizen of the Year John Franchini on his "Pick up Warrensburg" campaign. "In regard to promoting local agriculture and horticulture, our relationships with CCE of Warren County and Adirondack Harvest (a program of CCE of Essex County that encompasses the Adirondack Region) have been invaluable," Whalen said. One of WBI's oldest and closest partnerships remains with the Warrensburgh-Thurman Historical Society. "Since reactivating the Society in 1996, our organizations have worked side by side on many efforts, most recently the promotional video to highlight our abundance of historic resources and promote economic development, and the designation and distinction that many already have received on both the State and National levels," Whalen remarked. During 2024 and 2025, WBI worked with Lake George TV in creating a promotional video that focused on Warrensburg's historic resources and use them to promote economic development. "We want to create awareness about who we are, where we are, and what we have to offer," said Whalen. "And it's not just about the architecture- our town as whole is a wonderful place to raise children. The feel of a community is here. This is the direction we have been going to, to promote our town to its fullest and to get more people away and have them invest in the buildings." Keep an eye out on the Warrensburgh Beautification, Inc. Facebook page for the video's upcoming release. "We are definitely on the upswing and it is very heartening having people come into town and thank us," said Whalen. "We have come a long way." For more information on Warrensburgh Beautification, Inc. or to discover how to become a member, please call Whalen at 518-466-5497, email taawhalen@yahoo.com, or send a message on Facebook. Those interested in making tax-deductible donations may send checks to Warrensburgh Beautification, Inc., P.O. Box 312, Warrensburg, NY 12885.

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Warrensburgh Beautification continues to make a positive difference

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