Barnabas McHenry, Chairman Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area
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Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
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Important Reminders
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Greenway Planning, Greenway Trail, and Heritage Development Grant Applications are Due September 10, 2021. More details.
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New York State Museum is Now Open! More info.
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Indoor Tours Resume at Thomas Cole NHS on June 12th. Read more.
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Register Your Event for 2021 Hudson River Valley Ramble Now!
Event registration is now open for the 2021 Hudson River Valley Ramble! We are once again inviting heritage sites, municipalities, organizations, businesses, individuals, and more to be our partners in this regional event!
The Hudson River Valley Ramble is an annual event series during the month of September that celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscape, communities, and trails throughout the region.
Event registration is open to the 11 counties in the geographic area of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area for any day during the month of September. VIRTUAL event submissions are now allowed! All in-person events will be required to follow NYS Guidelines (at the time of the event) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to keep participants and you safe. There will not be a printed guidebook this year, but instead, events will be listed on our website and the guidebook will be available in a PDF version. Learn more.
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New Glamping Experiences in the Hudson Valley
Tentrr's Esopus Island Backcountry Site offers its own unique experience. The site is only reachable by boat and camping at Esopus Island, a Hudson River Greenway Water Trail campsite, is exclusively operated through Tentrr. Sites include a canvas-walled tent atop a raised platform with a bed, a heating source, a solar-powered "sun" shower, a fire pit, and more. Esopus Island is a part of Mills-Norrie State Park, which hosts designated greenway trails and water trail launches, the Norrie Environmental Center, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, and more. Tentrr sites are also available at Harriman State Park, Taconic State Park, and Lake Taghkanic State Park.
These experiences provide visitors a combination of the State's historic, natural, and recreational resources in the Hudson Valley. Learn more about Camp Rockaway and Tentrr.
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The Highlands West Trail Connectivity Plan
Have you seen the Highlands West Trail Connectivity Plan (HWTC)? The HWTC highlights a range of opportunities to permanently protect and enhance the landscape, working toward the creation of a connected, regional trail network that will provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, protect critical wildlife habitat, and safeguard local watersheds.
Four major long-distance trails converge in the western Hudson Highlands—the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, Highlands Trail, and Orange County Heritage Trail—and serve as the basis and inspiration for this expanded and enhanced network.
The plan establishes a regional vision for recreation, conservation, and local economic development, and proposes 21 projects. Proposed projects include new trail creation, realignment and safety improvements for existing trails, planning for new park and trail areas to help reduce crowding at some of the more popular state parks in the area, and trailhead improvements at existing parks to better welcome and direct visitors. This plan was created by the Open Space Institute, in partnership with the Orange County Land Trust, and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Read the full plan.
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Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2021 and enjoy the great outdoors along New York’s canals and Canalway Trails. Participants can choose a mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles. They then walk, run or cycle on the Canalway Trail or paddle on the NYS Canal System to achieve it. The Canalway Challenge is free and registration is open to individuals and teams. People can complete their miles in one big trip or many small ones.
The 1st Mile Challenge offers people with disabilities and their family and friends opportunities to recreate together and build more active lifestyles. There are numerous places along the canals and Canalway Trail that are accessible and several that offer adaptive bikes and kayaks.
This year’s Challenge runs through the end of October. Sign up now.
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2021 Path Through History Weekend
On the weekend of June 19-20, 2021, New York will celebrate its first Path Through History Weekend of 2021. Events will take place throughout New York State. In 2012, Governor Cuomo unveiled the statewide "Path Through History," initiative that links historically and culturally significant sites, locations, and events throughout New York State. This effort to highlight our rich heritage aims to not only showcase the state's history and cultural significance, but also promote tourism and economic development in communities across the state. More details.
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News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program |
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Brake for Turtles
Turtles are on the move in the months of May and June. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation asks drivers to "give turtles a brake." In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when struck by vehicles while migrating to nesting areas. Increasing public awareness of turtles' nesting behavior can help save this important species. New York's native turtles are more active this time of year as they seek sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs, sometimes even near the side of a road.
All 11 species of land turtles native to New York are in decline. Turtles are long-lived species, and it takes many years for a turtle to reach maturity. Even losing one mature female can have a negative impact on a local population. Learn more.
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Upcoming Events
*Please note that, while many heritage sites in the Hudson Valley have begun to reopen cautiously due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some sites are still closed or have reduced hours. Please call the individual sites directly to inquire about their current status. New York State Parks remain open. While enjoying the outdoors, please follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19.
Download the Hudson River Train Tour App
Between New York City and Albany, a world of history, nature, and culture awaits you. And there’s no better way to experience it all than by riding a train through the Hudson Valley. With the new, free Hudson River Train Tour app, you’ll discover what’s out that train window…and beyond. Learn more.
Thomas Cole's Digital Collection Highlights
Browse a curated selection of Thomas Cole National Historic Site collection items and related research. The entire collection includes over six hundred objects and two research archives. Check out!
Building Equity: How to Level the Playing Field Through Land Reuse and How to Know You're Doing it Well (WEBINAR)
June 2: The talk will be American-centric but globally informed and take a broad view of equity, exploring how to transform land into safe and healthy spaces that serve the needs of black, brown, low-income, LGBTQIA+, and disabled communities. Find out more.
Trivia For Trails: Celebrating National Trails Day (WEBINAR)
June 3: Join the NYNJTC for a fun-filled evening of testing your trail knowledge + winning awesome prizes! More info.
Using Interactive Maps to Engage Trail Users (WEBINAR)
June 3: Learn how digital interactive mapping can help improve engagement with trail users and stakeholders. Sign up.
Sculpture Exhibition Preview, Wilderstein State Historic Site, Rhinebeck, NY
June 5: Be the first to see Wilderstein's 2021 outdoor sculptures and meet the talented creators of this show. More details.
MHLC 's National Trails Day, Bendor Melon Farm, Slingerlands, NY
June 5: Join the MHLC for National Trails Day! MHLC and volu will continue to work to build trails and clean up the property in preparation for an official trail opening. Read more.
Knee High Naturalist Program, Newburgh Public Library, Newburgh, NY
June 8: The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum has been able to bring the Knee High Naturalists Program to Newburgh that is designed for children ages 2-4 as an introduction to nature and organized activities. Find out more.
Virtual Tour of New York State Museum’s Fish Lab (WEBINAR)
June 10: Curator of Ichthyology Dr. Jeremy Wright gives you a closer look at the Museum’s fish lab and shows several unique samples found in the collection. More details.
Artist Days, Boscobel House and Gardens, Cold Spring, NY
June 10 & 24: With a free Artist Pass, artists are welcome to engage in active art-making on Boscobel’s grounds. Read more.
Agony Grind Hike, Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo, NY
June 12: Join the Rangers on this moderate hike along the Sapphire Trail to the overlook on top of Agony Grind, the steepest section of the Appalachian Trail in the state of New York. Find out more.
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk, Opus 40, Saugerties, NY
June 12: Learn to identify these plants using basic sensory skills and discover how they are used for food, medicine, and pleasure. Learn more.
Virtual Party "Enchanted Forest" (WEBINAR)
June 12: Winnakee Land Trust is thrilled to present a virtual party celebrating the importance of protecting our local forests and high-value conservation lands across our region. More details.
Scenic Resource Protection in the Hudson River Valley (WEBINAR)
June 15: This webinar will introduce attendees to the Scenic Resource Protection Guide, which uses visual diagrams and local case studies to help explain the elements of scenery and the processes of inventorying and protecting this beloved resource. Register.
Riverkeeper’s Fishermen’s Ball 2021 (WEBINAR)
June 17: Join Riverkeeper online for this year’s annual Fishermen’s Ball! More info.
Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring, Five River Environmental Center, Delmar, NY
June 17: Join DEC staff for a presentation about the monarch's challenges and how you can help. Then hit the field to count these insects. Sign up.
The Fight for the Fort—A Walking Tour of Fort Montgomery, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
June 19: Join Al Cavalari, site volunteer for a tour of the ruins of Fort Montgomery. Read more.
The Great Hudson River Revival 2021 (WEBINAR)
June 19: HRSC is excited to announce that The Great Hudson River Revival will return virtually this year. Find out more.
Twilight at the Pond Concerts: Ten Mile, Taconic State Park, Millerton, NY
June 19: The Northeast Library will be presenting music in the park. Learn more.
Thoroughly Modern Janet, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
June 20: The last generation of Livingstons to live at Clermont included two daughters. The youngest was Janet, take a look at Janet Cornelia Livingston, a very modern woman. More info.
Museum Resources Webinar Series - St. Paul's Church NHS (WEBINAR)
June 21: Join St. Paul's Church National Historic Site's Site Manager for a discussion on the museum's educational resources on the historic character of the 18th-century church, museum exhibition on the American Revolution, and the historic cemetery, one of the nation's oldest burial yards. More details.
Guided Landscape Walk, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
June 24: A guided walk through the estate's grounds that explores how the landscape was designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of Staatsburgh's owners, while deliberately hiding the turn-of-the-century technology and labor that made the estate run. Register now.
Looking Up, Looking Forward: A Gala to Benefit the Hudson River Museum, Hudson River Museum, Kingston, NY
June 25: This seated cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres by Chef Peter X. Kelly, X20, will take place in person in the Museum’s Courtyard. Learn more.
Serving New York's Collecting Institutions: The DHPSNY Initiative (WEBINAR)
June 25: This session will consist of conversations with organizations, highlighting how DHPSNY has connected them with the tools they need to care for their archival collections. Find out more.
Shinrin-Yoku with Urban Edge Forest Therapy, Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY
June 27: Go for an afternoon session of shinrin-yoku, the Japanese wellness practice of forest bathing. Register now.
Geology Hike Around Lake Maratanza, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
June 30: Join an Interpretive Ranger for this three-mile loop walk to view magnificent Lake Maratanza. More info.
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Heritage Spotlight: Teatown Lake Reservation
A 1,000-acre nature preserve and environmental education center in the scenic Hudson Highlands region of the Hudson Valley. The reservation features the 41-acre Teatown Lake, gardens devoted to bees, butterflies, and wildflowers, a working maple sugar house, and a nature center with small animals, birds of prey, and nature-inspired works by local painters and photographers. Fifteen miles of trails allow visitors to explore streams, waterfalls, swamps, forests, and meadows of this diverse and ecologically rich habitat. The nature center offers year-round educational programming on biodiversity, invasive species, sustainability, landscape stewardship, and many other environmental issues. Teatown staff collaborates with students, scientists, and volunteers to perform ecological studies and surveys vital to Hudson Valley conservation. The Nature Center is open 9 am-5 pm every day and the trails are open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Learn more.
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Project Spotlight: Town of Wilton Open Space, Recreation and Pathways Plan 2021 Update
The Town of Wilton received a Conservancy Trail Grant to update the Town of Wilton's Open Space, Recreation and Pathways Plan. The purpose of the plan was to develop a strategy for the preservation of the Town's diverse agricultural, historical, recreational, and scenic open space lands that influence the quality of life. The plan specifically focuses on connecting open spaces and amenities with a town-wide system of pathways that allow for multiple forms of transportation. There were a number of progressive recommendations provided by the project, such as a review and update to the Stream Corridor Overlay District and encouraging existing farms to take part in agricultural protection programs. Learn more about the Town of Wilton.
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Swimming Safety Precautions
Warmer days are approaching and many of us will start thinking about swimming. The New York State Department of Health advises that people swim at a beach regulated by the state, counties, towns, or villages when possible because these are monitored for health and safety. Learn more.
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program
Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: September 10, 2021. More info.
Heritage Development Grants
This annual grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the HRVNHA's website. One notable departure for this round is that staff time is eligible to be reimbursed, but only if that staff time is for the direct development of programming or interpretation, as identified in the grant application. We will be accepting applications with a September 10, 2021 submittal deadline, particularly focused on creating virtual tours and programming. Please note, that there is a new budget form with the application packet. Applicants should not use an older version of the budget form.
Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program
This grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. Applications are due September 10, 2021. More details.
National Heritage Area Sponsorships Available
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complimenting the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage, and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Sponsorships will have an additional focus on events promoting the 19th Amendment and/or Women's in History in the Hudson Valley for the year 2020. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the HRVNHA are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or 518-473-3835.
Hudson River Access, Education, and Planning Grants
This funding opportunity is offered through three separate Requests for Applications (RFAs): Local Stewardship Planning, River Access, and River Education. The grants are provided through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and are administered by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary program. Deadline: June 2, 2021. Find out more.
Institutes for Historical Editing
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks proposals for the training and education of historical documentary editors. The Institutes for Historical Editing must consist of both basic and advanced Institutes that seek to achieve specific goals. A grant is for one to three years and up to $275,000. Deadline: June 9, 2021. More info.
NHPRC - Mellon Start-Up Grants for Collaborative Digital Editions in African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American History
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives supports projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Grants are awarded to collaborative teams consisting of at least two scholar-editors, as well as one or more archivists, digital scholars, data curators, and/or other support and technical staff, as appropriate to fulfill the planning goals and early implementation needs of the proposed edition. A grant is for up to two years and for up to $60,000 per year. Deadline: June 9, 2021. Learn more.
Market New York - Tourism Grant Program
Market New York is a grant program that supports regionally themed marketing projects that promote tourism destinations, attractions, and special events, as well as tourism facility capital improvement projects. Additionally, eligible projects include the hosting, coordination, and execution of special events new to New York State, and the promotion of agritourism and craft beverage tourism. Deadline: July 10, 2021. Read more.
Funding for High Hazard Dam Repairs
Up to $650,000 in grant funding is available to assist eligible dam owners with infrastructure repair costs. Funding is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant program. DEC is now accepting applications for grants to assist with technical, planning, design, and other pre-construction activities associated with the rehabilitation of eligible dams classified as High Hazard dams. Deadline: June 11, 2021. More details.
EcoSolution™ Grants
EcoSolution™ Grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. ecoSolution™ Grants are available to educators working with youth. Deadline: July 15, 2021. Find out more.
EcoTech™ Grants
EcoTech™ Grants are offered to engage children in inquiry-based, STEM-related projects that leverage technology and/or use nature-based design to address environmental problems in local communities. Deadline: July 15, 2021. More info.
Water Quality Improvement Projects Program
WQIP funds implement projects to address documented water quality impairments or protect a drinking water source. Eligible project types include wastewater treatment improvement, non-agricultural nonpoint source abatement, and control, land acquisition for source water protection, salt storage, aquatic connectivity restoration, and marine district habitat restoration. Deadline: July 30, 2021. Learn more.
Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant
NPG funds the production of planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4). Deadline: July 30, 2021. Read more.
Regional Economic Development Council Eleventh Round
The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources. Deadline: July 30, 2021. More details.
2021 NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program
Applications will be accepted from nonprofit organizations, museums, historical organizations, or other cultural institutions either incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. Deadline: September 1, 2021. More info.
Regenerate NY Cost-Share Grants
Through Regenerate NY, landowners can apply for financial assistance for projects on their land that support the establishment and renewal of healthy forests. This is a cost-share reimbursement program, so all costs must be incurred by the landowner or fiscal sponsor before they can be reimbursed. Deadline: October 8, 2021. Read more.
Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program
This program will provide eligible groups the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund their next trail improvement-related project, which could range from trail clean-up, trail restoration, trail expansion, to name a few. Learn more.
New York State Assembly Grants Action News
State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More info.
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