This summer I have been working in the Papscanee Island Preserve in the Town of Schodack NY 12033. I have also been doing some exploring some of the lesser accessed areas of the Schodack State Park along the Hudson River. At Papscanee Island recently I discovered the remnants of an old clam shell mound no doubt left from the native population. To many peoples surprise many types of fresh water clams . are edible , however , not very tasty and/or easily chewed as they can be on the tough side. It was a few hundred feet from the Hudson river near the blue line path on a rise above a swampy , very wet area. These mounds were usually made as the shells were shucked and left. Because of the rather pungent smell of clam residue especially on a hot day the clam remnants were often covered up.
I discovered my second mound in Schodack Island Park. Once again , a few hundred feet from the river , near the bicycle path {. Relatively } This mound was only about half the size of the previously found one. I speculate that a hole was dug and the clam remains put in it. I really stumbled onto this one as I was searching a small rock carne I had come across. My speculation on the rock pile is it may have been rocks piled up during construction of the Castleton Thruway Bridge by workers. So , in conclusion , 2 small mounds , appx 4 miles apart. This shows activity along a wide range of the river being accessed. Age of the mound is difficult for me to ascertain. Has to be over one hundred plus yrs.
I discovered my second mound in Schodack Island Park. Once again , a few hundred feet from the river , near the bicycle path {. Relatively } This mound was only about half the size of the previously found one. I speculate that a hole was dug and the clam remains put in it. I really stumbled onto this one as I was searching a small rock carne I had come across. My speculation on the rock pile is it may have been rocks piled up during construction of the Castleton Thruway Bridge by workers. So , in conclusion , 2 small mounds , appx 4 miles apart. This shows activity along a wide range of the river being accessed. Age of the mound is difficult for me to ascertain. Has to be over one hundred plus yrs.
