It is the source of Wappinger Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River that drains much of Dutchess County.

[5] Thompson pond and Stissing Mountain were the inspiration for the New York State Environment displays in the Warburg Memorial Hall at the American Museum of Natural History built in 1951.

The preserve is open dawn to dusk, every day of the year for passive recreational and educational use.

[7] There are more than 387 species of plants in the preserve including pipewort, round-leaved sundew, St. Johnswort and cattails.

The surrounding woods include oak, sugar maple, ash, hemlock and hickory trees.