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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
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Happy New Year!
Teaching the Hudson Valley Helps Students Discover Historic Newburgh
The Teaching the Hudson Valley program recently provided funding for 80 Students from the Newburgh Free Academy to tour historic sites in the City of Newburgh. Beginning with a short trip from Beacon aboard the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, students walked to Washington's Headquarters, touring the museum and grounds, they then went on to explore The Wherehouse and the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands at The Crawford House.
The Greenway's National Heritage Area Program funds the awards that make these trips possible. Explore Awards Create opportunities for students to explore the history, environment, and culture of the Hudson River Valley by connecting their studies to significant places in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. For more information on Teaching the Hudson Valley (THV) or the Explore Awards, click here.
Greenway Communities Receive Economic Development Funding
 In December, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $715.9 million was awarded through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The 10 Regional Councils were created to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. A key component of Governor Cuomo's transformative approach to economic development, these councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. For the third year running, councils made up of local leaders from across the state, were invited to submit innovative economic development projects for their region. The Mid Hudson and Capital Regions were the recipients of funding for projects that will have a region-wide impact on quality of life and economic growth.
Many of the projects that received funding in this round have previously received a Greenway grant. These include:
Expansion of the Albany County Rail Trail; Reconstruction and adaptive reuse of the Dutch Barn Model Brewery at the Carey Center in Rensselaerville; Construction of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Copake to Hillsdale; Construction of the Erie Canal Towpath Community Connector in the Town of Half Moon; the Riverside Trail Community Linkage Project in the Town of Stillwater, and the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail from Cold Spring to Beacon.
In total, Greenway-related projects received $14,427,126.00 in REDC funding. Congratulations to all those organizations and municipalities advancing these great projects throughout the Hudson River Valley. Congratulations to all those that were awarded funding, and we look forward to working with you to bring these projects to fruition.
Read more...
Progress Report: New York's Tourism Industry Generated $7.7 Billion in 2013
Governor Cuomo released an end of year progress report on the State's tourism industry showing that visitors to New York increased by 8.8 million people and generated $7.7 Billion in state and local taxes this year. In addition, the industry is projected to add 24,800 jobs by the end of year. These results show an impressive increase due to recent tourism initiatives. The Greenway is pleased to be a part of these efforts. In a 2013 study published by the National Park Service, it was estimated that the National Heritage Area program generates $584,986,026 million in economic benefit, supports 6,530 jobs, and generates over $66.6 million in tax revenue annually. The same study found that the Hudson River Valley Ramble generates over $21 million per year. As part of 2013 New York State tourism initiatives, Governor Cuomo's press release highlighted the Path Through History campaign funding at $60 million, having the highest level of tourism funding in decades. Read more...
Historic Agreement between Ulster County and New York City Announced
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein recently announced an historic agreement with New York City to develop a rail trail along the northern shore of the Ashokan Reservoir. The development of this rail trail would provide for unprecedented access to the Ashokan Reservoir lands, as well as create additional recreational opportunities for Ulster County. The County Executive secured a $2.5M commitment from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to create the Ulster County Rail Trail. The funding for rail trail includes converting 11.5 miles of County-owned Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational rail trail. Read more...
Greenway Grantees In the News
The Hudson River Valley Greenway recently awarded a $14,400 grant to the Open Space Institute for the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Connector. The proposed trail will connect the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to the Catskill Mountain Rail Trail. Read more...
USS SLATER Receives State Historic Preservation Award
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation presented the USS Slater with a New York State Historic Preservation Award. Established in 1980, the State Historic Preservation Award are given each year to honor excellence in the protection and rejuvenation of New York's historic and cultural resources. The USS Slater is the only World War II era destroyer escort still afloat, drawing thousands of visitors to Albany's riverfront. The vessel has been painstakingly restored to the 1945 configuration and serving as an important patriotic symbol, honoring those who served. The USS Slater is a designated Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area site.
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 Upcoming Grant Opportunities | |
Greenway Communities Grants
Applications are due February 14, 2014 for consideration at the March 19th Greenway Board Meeting.
2014 Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program
The Archives Partnership Trust and the New York State Archives announce the availability of awards for applicants to pursue research using the New York State Archives. Program is
intended to support product-related research in such areas as history, law, public policy, geography, and culture by covering research expenses. Deadline: January 15
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts has announced it is currently seeking applications for the OUR TOWN grant programs. This community enhancing grant is looking for projects that would help contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable communities. Deadline: January 13, 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 February 1, 2014 and July 1, 2014.
National Trust Preservation Funds
Grants from the National Trust Preservation Funds encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects. Deadline: February 1
Open Space Institute 2014 Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards
The McHenry Awards support the "pairing" of students and projects that make a significant contribution in the Hudson River Valley in the fields of environmental conservation, historic preservation, tourism or the arts. Deadline: February 7
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
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
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.
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Regional Events
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Calendar of Events: January 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, childrens' activities, free live music and more.
Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?
A presentation by investigative journalist Alan Weisman, author of the bestselling The World Without Us. The event will be held in the Cary Institute auditorium.
January 12
The Hudson River School: An Ice Age Origin?
Join husband and wife science team Johanna and Robert (geologist) Titus discuss Cole's and Church's interactions and social encounters with scientists of their time at the Thomas Cole House National Historic Site. Johanna and Bob will sign copies of their new book, The Hudson Valley in the Ice Age, after the talk.
January 25
Beginner Beekeeper Workshop
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties are hosting a Beginner Beekeeping Workshop at their Agroforestry Resource Center, cost is $10 per person, please call 518-622-9820 x0 to register, deadline is January 22nd.
January 30
American Trails Webinar: Creative Fundraising for Trails
Presented by Conservation Partners and Iowa Natural Heritage Area, this webinar shares ideas and techniques to improve funding through creative fundraising.
February 1
Backyard Maple Production Workshop
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties present a Backyard Maple Production Workshop at their Agroforestry Resource Center, cost is $10 per person, please call 518-622-9820 x0 to register, deadline is January 30th.
February 9
Thomas Cole at the Movies
Join Hamilton College Professor Scott MacDonald for a lecture on The Hudson River School of Art's influence on a generation of modern independent filmmakers. Professor MacDonald will present a program of "Hudson River School" films, showcasing the regions breathtaking landscape.
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.
Ongoing Events:
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. |
| Heritage Spotlight | |
Thomas Cole National Historic Site 
Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of landscape painting, first visited this handsome Federal-style dwelling in the late 1820s when he rented a room during his sketching trips to the Catskills. In 1836, he married Maria Bartow, who occupied the house with her uncle, and moved in permanently. In the newly restored and furnished studio on the property, he painted some of his best-known works. Frederic Edwin Church (who later built his home, Olana, just across the Hudson River) spent two years here as Cole's pupil.
Today, Thomas Cole National Historic Site is home to a great variety of educational programs about the Hudson River School. Several rooms of the home feature a museum-style display on Cole's creative process, exhibiting unique objects such as his portable paint box and easels. The porch offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Catskills while the visitor center provides a map to the nearby places where Cole and others sketched the dramatic views of mountains and waterfalls. This winter, join the Sunday Salons that go through until spring! Call (518) 943-7465 for more information on these informative and enjoyable sessions.
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Project Spotlight
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Mohonk Preserve Foothills Trails and Connectivity Project  In 2012, Mohonk Preserve was awarded a $5,000 Greenway Conservancy small grant for the Foothills Trail Connectivity Planning Project. Part of a larger effort to enhance the connectivity between the Shawangunk Ridge, Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, Scenic Byway, and carriage roads, the project aims to expand public access to the Mohonk Preserve Foothills. The goal of the Foothills planning project is to establish a master planning effort to develop a trail access and circulation master plan for historic carriage roads, hiking, trail running, cross-country skiing, and cycling. The Foothills Project interim report provides trail design and construction recommendations, and a working draft of proposed trail routes and complimentary elements that work within the framework of the "Balancing Conflicting Land Management Objectives" set forth in the 2012 Foothills Land Asset Management Plan. The report also includes cost estimates and next steps, which will help the Preserve to identify priority areas for trail development. When complete, The Mohonk Preserve Foothills project will significantly enhance access to the Shawangunk Ridge and the carriage road network while protecting the landscape, views, and historic structures of an outstanding regional open space resource. The Greenway is proud to support efforts to improve regional trail connections and promote land conservation and stewardship.
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| Green Tip Of The Month |
Ecycling- Electronics and the Environment
  Home and Office electronics are recyclable. Electronics in landfills pose a danger to the environment, leaking hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, lead oxide, barium and mercury. Obsolete cell phones, video games, monitors, printers, copiers, and fax machines for example should be recycled. Many national chain stores offer recycling programs where you can drop off unwanted appliances and electronics at the store. Many communities
offer electronic/hazardous recycling programs as well.
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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
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