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 November 8, 2021. More details.
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Technical Assitance Grant Pre-Applications Are Due October 11, 2021. The Grant Application is Due October 15, 2021. Learn more.
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Take the Winnakee-Dutchess Trails Roundtable Poll on a Potential Mid-Hudson Valley Trails Conference in 2022. Take the poll.
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NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is Requesting the Public’s Help in Combating the Spotted Lanternfly. Use the reporting tool.
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Another Successful Ramble
The 21st annual Hudson River Valley Ramble was a success with 155 submitted events for the month of September. Events ranged from guided hikes, historic site tours, festivals, and more.
If you haven't already filled out comment cards, please do for a chance to win a prize and help us make the 22nd annual Hudson River Valley Ramble even more of a success.
Lastly, don't forget to like/follow the Hudson River Valley Ramble on Facebook and Twitter!
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W3R-US Leads 800-Mile Bike and Kayak Tour From Rhode Island to Virginia
The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO), W3R-US, and W3R-US’ Director Sal Lilienthal’s Bicycle Tour Company sponsored the Washington-Rochambeau Bike and Kayak Tour to commemorate the 240th anniversary of the victorious march to Yorktown. During August the tour traveled 800-miles from Newport, RI to Yorktown, VA following WARO. The celebration concluded with kayaking in the Boston Harbor in Massachusetts.
Hudson Valley resident Jeff Canning, W3R-US's Recording Secretary, provided sag wagon support and trip documentation.
On August 17th, the Tour reached the Hudson Valley portion of WARO as they biked to the Odell House in Hartsdale, NY, which was the Comte de Rochambeau’s headquarters during the summer of 1781.
The following day they biked towards Yorktown Heights on the Empire State Trail for a ceremony at the Pines Bridge Memorial. Following the ceremony, they rode off to Verplanck, where Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi honored participants with a proclamation, followed by a musket salute. Accompanied by Verplanck Fire’s marine unit, they paddled across the Hudson River at King’s Ferry, where the allies launched in 1781 to Stony Point. Janet Lee Burnet, Chair of W3R-NY, welcomed participants to a reception at the Hudson Water Club in West Haverstraw. County Legislator Harriet Cornell presented a proclamation from the Rockland County Legislature.
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PTNY's Arthur V. Savage Fellow Bikes 3,000 Miles by Bike from Maine to Montana
Parks & Trails New York's (PTNY) Arthur V. Savage Fellow, Erica Schneider, and two friends biked 3,000 miles across the country from Bar Harbor, Maine on May 26th to Glacier National Park in Montana on July 28th.
On their journey, they crossed New York State along the Empire State Trail. At about halfway through Montana, the winds shifted, carrying the smoke from the wildfires out west right at them causing their trip to end early. In total, they ended up covering a little more than 3,000 miles in 64 days. Read more about Erica's trip and our partnering organization PTNY.
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News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program |
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Important Reminders
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Register for the Hudson River Watershed Alliance Conference Taking Place October 25-28, 2021. Register Now.
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NYSDEC Announces $349,922 in Awards to Reduce Flooding, Restore Aquatic Habitats, and Improve Climate Resiliency
In September, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced more than $349,000 in awards for three projects to help communities improve climate resiliency, mitigate local flooding, and restore stream habitats. Funding for these projects is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program in partnership with NEIWPCC.
Two of the funded projects will create designs and conceptional engineering plans for climate-resilient and connected waterfronts in the city of Hudson, and the village and town of Ossining. One project will develop municipal management plans for road-stream crossings and dams within the towns of Red Hook and Milan. Funded projects include:
- Two Climate-Adaptive Design Phase II Projects Totaling $250,000.
- Ossining Shoreline Revitalization and Community Connectivity Improvements, $125,000
- City of Hudson Climate-Adaptive Design, $125,000
- Restoration of Watershed Connectivity and Improved Road Infrastructure in Red Hook and Milan, $99,922
DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program focuses on the tidal Hudson and its adjacent watershed from the federal dam at Troy to the Verrazano Narrows in New York City. Read the full press release.
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The Institute Discovering Environmental Scientists (TIDES)
Fifteen high school and college students from communities across the Hudson Valley recently completed an innovative two-week research program together with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) education staff and scientists at the Norrie Point Environmental Center in Staatsburg. The students conducted environmental research projects along the banks of the Hudson River and in freshwater tidal wetlands examining the water quality, plant life, and fish biological diversity of the estuary. The Institute Discovering Environmental Scientists (TIDES) is a summer field research and laboratory science experience with DEC’s Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Hudson River Estuary Program, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and the Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship.
This was the third year of the program. Many previous participants returned in mentorship roles and guiding newcomers with their projects. The students worked together to formulate scientific questions, gather field data, conduct scientific analysis, and complete final research presentations on water-quality conditions, plant habitats, and fish diversity. Students exceeded expectations with very compelling presentations of their work to family and Hudson Valley community members.
Local public school teachers took part in TIDES to gain field science research experience to bring back to their home classrooms, while also serving as mentors for students in this program. Guest scientists lead research seminars for the students throughout the program, introducing them to a wider world of environmental science monitoring and communication. Strong bonds were formed between DEC Estuary Program staff, the Student Conservation Association interns, and the student research participants in TIDES, which will help serve these young people well on their future career paths. Read 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.
Drive Through History: Federal Architecture of Columbia County
Whether you're wild about early American history or just like to look at pretty houses, take this free, self-guided driving tour to learn about some of the most noteworthy Federal structures in Columbia County. Check it out on your mobile device or download it.
Lafayette Visits the Schuylers (Virtual)
May 1- December 31: A program of French music by Philidor, Boismortier, Blavet, and Breval performed by Musicians of Ma'alwyck. Watch now.
The Spirit of Philidor (Virtual)
May 1- December 1: Staged in the main hall of the Schuyler Mansion Philidor awaits the Schuylers, only to be engaged in a chess game by a mystery guest. As the game finishes, Philidor hears his music being performed. Watch now.
"Life After the Revolution: Kate Millet's Art Colony for Women", Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz, NY
September 11- December 12: This exhibition shares the unique story of the Art Colony at Millett Farm, an artists’ retreat and working farm on the outskirts of Poughkeepsie, NY. Learn more.
Twin Forts Day, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
October 2: There will be cannon firings, military drill, dramatic performances, children's games, and living history demonstrations throughout the day. More info.
Trail Trek, John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
October 2: Explore trails with an Environmental Educator on an easy-paced walk to High Point. Check out.
The Conference on Black History in the Hudson Valley, SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge, NY
October 2: The focus of this conference is the history of Black and African-American residents in the Hudson Valley, including communities and work along the canals and tributaries of the Hudson River. Learn more.
Fierce First Lady Fall Story Hour, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
October 3: Did you know that Eleanor Roosevelt was related to the Livingston family? Join in to hear a story about one of the Livingstons' most prominent relatives! More details.
Cemetery Walk, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY
October 3: The park has a few cemeteries located within its bounds. Take a journey to less frequented parts of the park, see tombstones dating back over 100 years, and learn about the first settlers of Grafton. Find out more.
K-5 Educator Workshop: Spotlight on the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly (WEBINAR)
October 5: Learn how you and your students can be part of "early detection" for Spotted Lanternfly in the Finger Lakes and beyond. More info.
Sculpting Your Grant Proposal with Maddy Schiering, Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
October 6: Discover how to best position yourself for grant success by attending this presentation on proposal writing. More details.
Minnewaska Homeschoolers: Autumn Leaves Identification and Craft, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
October 7: Join other homeschoolers on a two-mile hike around Lake Minnewaska to collect colorful, fallen leaves, learning about the trees they've come from along the way. Find out more.
Stargazing Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY
October 8: The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association hosts a monthly stargazing party in the West Beach parking lot. Read more.
Trail Conference Trail Run: Harriman Big Bedrock Lakes & Mines Run, Harriman State Park, Southfields, NY
October 9: Join "Trail Conference Trail Runs" to run some of Harriman's finest mountain trails, all cared for by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Learn more.
Cleanup and Tree Maintenance Project along the Moodna Viaduct, Schunnemunk Mountain State Park, Cornwall, NY
October 9: Join DEC’s Trees for Tributaries for a 1st annual Trees for Tribs Fall clean-up and tree maintenance project. Find out more.
Fall Gardening: Garlic Planting, Sheldrake Environmental Center, Larchmont, NY
October 10: Join in to learn about garlic and plant some in the Sheldrake Environmental Center's garden beds. More info.
Sheldrake Envirénmon, Sheldrake Environmental Center, Larchmont, NY
October 11: Fall is upon us, and the change of seasons means that there are new creatures to find. As in previous Envirénmon programs, we will use Pokémon to explore the natural world. Pokémon lovers welcome! Learn more.
Weir Tour, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Ossining, NY
October 13: After a brief walk, descend into the Weir in Ossining and explore the original 1842 brick water tunnel and learn its history. Sign up.
Walkway at Night, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
October 15: Friends of the Walkway is pleased to welcome the community to enjoy amazing Hudson Valley views after dark from 212 feet above the Hudson River. Register now.
Walking Tour: Old Neighborhoods, New Neighbors, Hart Cluett Museum, Troy, NY
October 16: Troy is a city known for the many immigrant groups that settled here beginning in the late 18th century. This new tour will explore the mix of small businesses and residences which were once home to German, Irish, African American, Jewish and Italian residents. Read more.
Continental Soldiers Take Over!, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY
October 16: The 2nd NY Regiment and Lamb's Artillery will provide informal talks. Cannon firings, marching drills, and more will be included. Find out more.
Let’s Explore!, Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, Selkirk, NY
October 17: From the creek and pond to the sinkhole and old quarry, there are many features to discover at Hollyhock! This hike, guided by Thom Engel, will a deeper dive into the history and geology of the preserve. More details.
Bicycle Sundays, Bronx River Parkway, Westchester County, NY
October 17, 24, & 31: During Bicycle Sundays, the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. More info.
Moonlight Hike, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Wilton, NY
October 19: Hike in the dark at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Learn more.
Inside the Blauvelt House: A Virtual Tour of the HSRC's Historic Farmhouse (WEBINAR)
October 20 & 21: The tour highlights the lifestyle of Jacob and Margaret Blauvelt and their five children in the early nineteenth century, the main period of the restored home's interpretation. Check out.
Murder at Cherry Hill, Historic Cherry Hill, Albany, NY
October 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29 & 30: Meet the historical players, walk in the footsteps of a murderer, and revel in harrowing titillation during this annual October event! Find out more.
New York State Conference on the Environment (WEBINAR)
October 21-24: The New York State Association of Conservation Commissions will be celebrating its 50th anniversary by hosting the annual New York State Conference on the Environment. The conference will be virtual and free to attendees but space is limited. More details.
Family Sensory Walk, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
October 22: This approximately 25-minute educator-led walk for families with young children will encourage exploration and mindfulness as we use our senses to discover many of the hidden natural wonders on the Homestead's property. Read more.
Family Explorer Tour, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
October 23: Learn about the artistic adventures of Frederic Church while on a walk through Olana's designed landscape and unique architecture. More info.
Senior Hike, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
October 24: Go for a leisurely stroll with JoAnn Gisolfi, who has been leading hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club for 25 years. You can expect to walk about 3-4 miles with a low to moderate gradient. More details.
Using Food as Economic Development (WEBINAR)
October 25: This webinar provides an in-depth look at how local food, and local food systems, can help drive economic development. Find out more.
Hudson River Watershed Conference: Aligning Actions for Clean Water (WEBINAR)
October 25-28: The conference sessions will share processes, resources, and case studies for watershed-scale planning that lead to coordinated actions to improve clean water and reduce flooding. Register now.
The People’s Records: Celebrating 50 Years of New York State Archives (WEBINAR)
October 26: Learn about how good public policy created the nation’s largest State Archives; its role in preserving and making accessible over 250 million records of New York and its people; and an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, educators, and all citizens. Read more.
Haunted Trail @ The Library!, Brunswick Community Library, Brunswick, NY
October 29-31: Follow along a spooky decorated trail and end in a shed, where you will pick up your goody bag! Check out.
Halloween Happenings, Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo, NY
October 30: Learn about the not-so-spooky world of bats, and build a bat box of your very own! Also, get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. Learn more.
Trunk or Treat: Dalmatian Edition!, FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Hudson, NY
October 30: Join Molly the Museum Dog and some of her closest Dalmatian friends to collect treats, play games, make a spooky craft and have a safe, and “spotacular” pre-Halloween celebration at the Museum! More info.
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Heritage Spotlight: Storm King Art Center
Located about an hour north of the George Washington Bridge, Storm King is one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, encompassing over 500 acres of rolling hills, verdant fields, and woodlands. These provide space for a collection of more than 100 large-scale sculptures by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time, including Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Andy Goldsworthy, Zhang Huan, Maya Lin, Louise Nevelson, Isamu Noguchi, Claes Oldenburg, Richard Serra, David Smith, and Ursula von Rydingsvard among others. Storm King Art Center is open April through November from Wednesday to Monday, 10 am-6:30 pm. Learn more.
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Project Spotlight: Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Comprehensive Plan Update
The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson received a Greenway Community Planning Grant to update their Comprehensive Plan from 1960. The Village's Comprehensive Plan Committee had drafted a revision in 2006-7, but the Village Board did not approve the draft plan. About 10 years later in 2017, the Village's Comprehensive Plan Committee took on the revision once more and the plan was formally adopted by the Village Board on February 8, 2021. The revision included a number of necessary goals to progress the community's needs. For example, the plan included the goal of expanding the Village's commercial district by bringing new services to underutilized and empty buildings in the village as well as enhancing facilities at the Village's riverfront park to enhance economic development in the community. Learn more about the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
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Eat Sustainably by Reading Labels
Foods that contain many ingredients usually include preservatives and additives, which can be harmful to your body and the environment. Be sure to read nutrition labels before making purchases in order to make the best choice for you. 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: November 8, 2021. More info.
Heritage Development Grants
This 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 November 8, 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 November 8, 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.
Technical Assistance Grants
Technical Assistance Grants are available to eligible NYS nonprofits and municipalities. This program provides support for consulting projects that preserve New York State’s cultural and historic resources. The grants will support professional services of architects, engineers, and other design and preservation professionals working with nonprofit groups and municipalities to preserve their buildings, structures, and other resources that serve an arts and/or cultural function. Funds from the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area will support projects within the National Heritage Area boundary. The pre-application deadline is October 11, 2021. The grant application deadline is October 15, 2021. More details.
Public Engagement with Historical Records
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) of the National Archives supports projects that promote access to America’s historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Deadline: October 6, 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.
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants are made to forward-looking organizations that develop and implement creative place-based projects. Projects submitted for funding consideration must meet at least one of the following Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor goals and exist within the ECNHC. Deadline: October 15, 2021. Learn more.
Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program
The Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program commemorates the history of transportation canals in the United States. The Pomeroy Foundation provides grants that pay for the entire cost of the marker, pole, and shipping. Letter of intent is due on October 18, 2021. Deadline: November 19, 2021. Find out more.
Build Back Better Regional Challenge
The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is designed to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. Phase 1: 50-60 regional coalitions of partnering entities will be awarded ~$500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop and support three to eight projects to grow a regional growth cluster. Deadline: October 19, 2021. Phase 2: EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, to implement those projects. Deadline: March 15, 2022. Learn more.
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation. Deadline: November 15, 2021. Find out more.
Museums for America
The Museums for America program supports museums of all sizes and disciplines to undertake projects that strengthen their ability to serve their public. Project activities may include exhibitions, educational or interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2021. More info.
Park & Trail Partnership Grants
The program is administered by Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is designed to:
- Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance, and promotion of New York State parks, trails, state historic sites, and public lands.
- Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York State parks, trails, state historic sites, and public lands.
- Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways, and public lands.
Letters of Inquiry are due for Professional Development applicants on October 20, 2021. Grant applications are due November 30, 2021. Learn more.
Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Research Fellowship
The two-year Margaret A. Davidson fellowship brings a graduate student to conduct research at the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (the Reserve) to address a key coastal management question. The annual stipend for a Margaret A. Davidson fellow is $41,000 for research and travel, and an additional equipment and supply budget of approximately $7,000. The research that is conducted at the Reserve is intended to be a substantial part of the fellow’s degree research. Deadline: December 10, 2021. More details.
Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Program
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts: State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel. The state tourism grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future. Deadline: March 15, 2022. More info.
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. A wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program. Deadline: March 15, 2022. Find out 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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