|
|
|
|
Barnabas McHenry, Chair Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Sara Griffen, Acting Chair Greenway Conservancy, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director Greenway, Acting Director National Heritage Area
|
|
|
| |
Federal Budget Deal Extends National Heritage Funding through 2015
 | |
Rep. Nita Lowey, flanked by Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, discusses the Heritage Area legislation at Boscobel in June, 2013. Photo credit David Rocco
|
The recent federal budget deal included a funding extension for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area program through 2015. The original funding sunset was Sept. 2012. This new funding authorization will make the Greenway eligible to receive funds from the National Park Service through 2015. This funding is critical in helping the Hudson River Valley Greenway promote recreation and tourism projects in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
This renewed access to this critical federal funding will allow us to continue to serve as a catalyst for partnership projects that promote the region's unparalleled natural, cultural, and historic resources. The Hudson River Valley Greenway appreciates the leadership of Senator Gillibrand, Congresswoman Lowey, National Heritage Area Congressional Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tonko, Congressman Gibson, Congressman Maloney, and Congressman Engel whose unwavering support made this re-authorization possible. Read more...
Remembering the Life of Pete Seeger Long time Hudson Valley resident Pete Seeger passed away Monday, January 27th, 2014 in Manhattan. Mr.Seeger was known for his community activism, folk music,  | | Pete Seeger (back row, pointing) joins participants in the Great Hudson River Paddle, 2003 (Photo credit Bill Cusick) |
and love of the Hudson River Valley. He was able to combine these interests into festivals which served as a platform for awareness. Pete Seeger helped to lead generations of Hudson Valley residents to understand the importance of community, our connection to nature, and the need for preservation. Pete fought for the Hudson River, helping to raise money to build the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, which launched in 1969. Pete and several musician friends set out to "build a boat to save the river." The Clearwater today has become a well-known regional symbol for that cause, as well as many other grassroots environmental and social justice issues. In addition to the sloop, each summer, Mr. Seeger helped to organize the Clearwater Folk Festival, inviting artists to perform in order to raise awareness and generate support for the Sloop and its mission. Pete Seeger's humanity is an example for all of us and an inspiration for future generations. His legacy will live on as long as people are joining together to make the world a better place. Greenway Board Meeting The Hudson River Valley Greenway held a Board Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at the  | |
Dr. Timothy Sugrue, Senator Terry Gibson, and Marc Molinaro. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro addresses the Greenway Board
(Photo credit Terry Platz)
|
Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro welcomed the Board Meeting attendees. Senator Terry Gipson, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, Town of Hyde Park Deputy Supervisor Emily Svenson, and FDR Library Director Lynne Bassanese also provided welcomes. The meeting featured presentations from Timothy F. Sugrue, PH.D, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries and Fran Dunwell, the Hudson River Estuary Coordinator. Greenway Communities Grants At it's January meeting, the Greenway Board awarded $33,000 for 7 community planning and sustainability projects throughout the Hudson Valley. Grantees include: -Town of Brunswick, Rensselaer County for Town Zoning Code Update -$5,000
-Town of Clarkstown and Village of Upper Nyack, Rockland County for The Rockland Farm Alliance Farmland Expansion Program - $5,000
-Village of Nyack, Rockland County for a Nyack Green Village Action Plan - $5,000
-Town of Marlborough, Ulster County for a Comprehensive Plan Update Project - $5,000
-Town of Granville, Washington County to conduct a Town-wide Survey - $1,500 -Town of Hurley, Ulster County for an Open Space Plan Update - $5,000 -Village of Mamaroneck, Westchester County for Real Estate Market Analysis and Redevelopment Plan for Mamaroneck's Industrial Area - $6,500 The next round of Greenway Communities Grant applications are due February 14, 2014. 25 More Miles of Greenway Trails The Greenway added nearly 25 miles of designated trails at the Board Meeting, including: -Quiet Cove Riverfront Park Trails, Dutchess County (0.7 mile)
-Dutchess Rail Trail, Dutchess County (14 miles)
-Wilcox Memorial Park Trail System, Dutchess County (6 miles)
-Bowdoin Park Trail System, Dutchess County (3 miles)
-Gateway to Peck's Pond Connector Trail, Rockland County (1.83 miles) |
Heritage Spotlight | |
Washington's Birthday at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
Washington's Headquarters was the first publicly owned historic site in the country. During the Revolutionary War, the site offered unparalleled defensive views of the Hudson River, and an excellent strategic location for Washington and the Continental Army. For 16 months, the President commanded his troops from this location, serving as the longest headquarters for George Washington during the
war.
Throughout the year special events and themed programs are offered at the site. Located in the in the Mid-Hudson region of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Washington's Headquarters will come alive in celebration of his birthday. This month during President's Day Weekend, February 15-17th, Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site will offer visitors informative programs, presentations, demonstrations, crafts, and costumed docents. Historic Reenactors will greet visitors and preform military drills. For more information, please call (845) 562-1195, or click here.
"Raise a Glass for the Tower of Victory"
Adjacent to the Headquarters, The Hasbrouck House, is the Tower of Victory, completed in 1890
in commemoration of the centennial of Washington's stay. The Tower was commissioned by Robert Todd  Lincoln, son of President Lincoln, and designed by John Hemingway Duncan. Over looking the Hudson River with commanding views of Bear Mountain, the tower is undergoing a major capital campaign for needed restoration. To fully restore the Tower, Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, in partnership with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, need to raise $1.5 million dollars. On February 23 there will be a fundraiser for the Tower; "Raise a glass for the Tower", at the Newburgh Brewing Company from 11am- 2pm. For More information, please call (845) 565-5351. |
Project Spotlight
|
Columbia County GIS Resource for Municipal Volunteers In 2012, Columbia County was awarded a $4,390 matching Greenway Communities grant for a  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training program for local volunteers. The Columbia County Land Conservancy, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension, developed a 37-page localized GIS training manual. "The Columbia County GIS Resource Manual" includes various guidance measures and tools to assist volunteers using GIS. The overall effort will help to educate the public as to the interrelated nature of natural resources and the consequences of planning decisions. Targeted members of conservation advisory councils, planning and zoning boards, comprehensive plan and farmland protection committees, trail groups and communities have received GIS training. These GIS skills are critical in helping these organizations be accurate, timely and effective while promoting cooperation with informative sharing. By providing regional GIS data to the public, communities and organizations throughout the County, these groups now have the tools to undertake a variety of planning and resource protection projects. The Greenway is proud to support this innovative and collaborative project.
|
| Upcoming Grant Opportunities | |
Greenway Communities Grants
Applications are due February 14, 2014 for consideration at the March 19th Greenway Board Meeting.
National Heritage Area Grants
Applications for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Heritage Development Grants are due February 14, 2014 for consideration at the March 19th Greenway Board Meeting.
Solicitation for Proposals: Long-Term Planning & Sustainability Study
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) is soliciting proposals to study and evaluate the feasibility of a shore protection system that maximizes storm protection and marine habitat value and includes an offshore breakwater at a site adjacent to, and south of Great Kills Harbor in Staten Island, NY. Deadline: February 14, 2014.
Environmental Justice Collaboration Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreements
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) Cooperative Agreement Program which provides funding for eligible applicants for projects that address local environmental and public health issues within an affected community. Deadline: February 18, 2014
Documentary Heritage Program Grants
The Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) is a statewide program established by law to provide financial support and guidance to not-for-profit organizations that hold, collect and make available New York's historical records. Funding is available to support projects that relate to groups and topics traditionally under-represented in New York's historical record. The New York State Education Department's (NYSED) 2014-2015 appropriation for DHP includes $92,000 for DHP Grants. Deadline for the 2014-2015 DHP: March 3, 2014
Storm Mitigation Loan Program
The NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation has over $400 Million in grants and loans for storm mitigation projects that protect community waste-water and drinking water systems from future storms and climate changes. Deadline: April 1, 2014
USDA Hurricane Sandy Floodplain Land Easements
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering a second round of land easements to NY landowners affected by Hurricane Sandy. Over $7.5 Million has been allotted to purchase land easements in the State of New York. Deadline: April 18, 2014
2014 Conservation Treatment Grant Program
The Greater Hudson Heritage Network has announced their 2014 Conservation Treatment Grant Program. This grant provides support for treatment procedures by professional conservators to aid in stabilizing and preserving object in collections of museums, historical and cultural organization in New York State. Open to non-profit 501(c)3 museums, historical organizations, or other cultural institutions that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public. Deadline June 2, 2014
2013 Get Ready!, Get Set! And Go! Grants
Get Ready! Grants provide a way to learn about the planning process and help your organization begin creating a plan. A Get Ready! Grant provides your organization with a consultant experienced in museum planning. Deadline is July 1, 2014.
National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects. NPS staff provide free on-location facilitation and planning expertise, and help guide projects from conception to completion. Applications for assistance are due August 1.
Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (Ongoing)
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invite municipalities and non profit conservation organizations to apply for Farmland Protection funding. Prequalification for all not-for-profits is required; all municipalities interested must register on the State's new Grants Gateway website.
New York State Conference of Mayors Grant & Award Opportunities (Ongoing)
New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials provide access to several ongoing grant and award opportunities. NYSCOM shares several links to federal, state, private foundation, and corporate grant and award programs.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Roadside Marker Program (Ongoing)
Grants are given for historic markers to commemorate historic people, places or things within the time frame of 1740-1900.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (Ongoing)
HUD is seeking competitive applications for individual FY 2013 program nofas that will further the achievement of HUD's strategic plan goals and policy priorities. HUD's strategic mission: to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all.
|
|
Regional Events
| |
Calendar of Events: February 2014
Saturdays
John Jay Homestead Farm Market
This market will offer fruit, produce, including heirloom varieties, and flowers, grown by local farmers, using certified organic, organic, biodynamic and conventional methods.
Troy Farmer's Market
Winter Season is in full swing at the Troy Farmer's Market. New hours are 9 am to 2pm each Saturday. Over 70 vendors each week bring fresh and local products from local farmers, chefs, and artisans to offer the Capital Region's freshest and finest.
Sundays
V endors provide a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products including fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, honey and local dairy. A full schedule of special events highlight the bounty of the seasons with chef demonstrations, tastings, recipes, children's activities, free live music and more.
February 11
Hudson Highlands Speaker Series on James Brown- From Escaped Slave to Master Gardner
The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in partnership with the Cornwall Presbyterian Church presents their Winter Evening Speakers Series: Cultivating Freedom in the Hudson Valley. Join Elaine Hayes, Executive Director of Mount Gulian Historic Site in Beacon, NY, who will talk about James F. Brown, an escaped slave whose freedom was purchased by the Verplank family, owners of Mount Gulian. This lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m.
February 15 & 17
Celebrate Washington's Birthday at New Windsor Cantonment
On Presidents' weekend, soldiers will bring to life the Continental Army's final winter encampment with musket and cannon firings, blacksmithing, medical demonstrations and other aspects of daily life. Following these firings, children enlist in the Continental Army, drill with wooden muskets and get paid in Continental currency for their service. For more information please call 845-561-1765, ext. 22.
February 18
Cover Crop and Soil Health Forum, co-sponsored by the USDA Soil Program
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties present a video-stream forum from the National Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference in Omaha, Nebraska,cost is free, open to the public at the Extension's Agroforestry Resource Center.
February 23
Washington's Headquarters' Tower of Victory Restoration Fundraiser
Join the Palisades Park Commission Fundraiser at the Newburgh Brewing Company Taproom to support the restoration of Washington's Headquarters' Tower of Victory from 11am to 2pm.
March 8
Rockland Historical Society Walking Tour: Rockland Lake
The Rockland Historical Society will present Walk Through History: Rockland Lake. Rockland Lake was home to a flourishing ice industry from 1830 to the 1920's, join the historical society for a walking tour of Rockland Lake. Admission is free, but reservation are required, please visit the website to sign up.
Ongoing Events:
Starting April 2014- 6 Month Biodiversity Assessment Training
The Hudson River Estuary Program in partnership with Hudsonia are offering 6-month training to Hudson Valley communities to help local leaders learn tools for identifying important natural areas and habitats, and strategies to prioritize and conserve those resources during the planning process. Application deadline is March 3. For more information please call 845-758-7053
Exhibition 1/6-2/27: Francis Driscoll: Impressions of the Catskills
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties present a Winter Workshop series of photographs by Nature Photographer, Francis X. Driscoll.
Hudson Highland Nature Center: Animals & Nature Together Series 1/14-2/14
Starting Tuesday, 1/14 The Hudson Highland Nature Center will offer a 6-Week Winter Program at the Museum's Wildlife Education Center. Geared for 2-4 year olds, this hands-on nature series introduces children to a different animal each week, along with crafts, songs, movement, stories, and other hands on activities. Prepaid registration is required, call 845-534-5506, ext. 204.
Claude Mirror Project A new installation by artist Alex McKay at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site lets you see Thomas Cole's favorite view at any time of day, any season of the year, in all kinds of weather, as reflected in a 19th-century optical device called a "Claude Mirror." To have you event included in future editions of the newsletter and on hudsonrivervalley.com, please enter upcoming event information here. |
| Green Tip Of The Month |
Reducing our pet's carbon paw-print
 
Did you know that 8 billion pounds of kitty litter ends up in landfills & our pet's carnivorous diets add a substantial impact to the environment?
A few simple changes in your pet's routine can have a dramatic beneficial impact. The tips below will not only help the environment, but their health:
- Avoid using chemicals in your yard- it can have serious impacts on your pet's health and the environment
- Choose natural cleaners and detergents- reducing chemical exposure is healthier for your four-legged family member as well as yourself
- Use biodegradable and sustainable pet products
- Think about adopting first
- Spay/Neuter your pet
|
|
|
|
|
The E-Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to friends of the Hudson River Valley
Questions or comments?
Email us or call (518) 473-3835
Be sure to visit the websites for the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area  | |
|
|
|
|
|
