June 2017
Barnabas McHenry, Chair Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Acting Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Acting Executive Director Greenway,
Acting Director National Heritage Area  
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
Hudson River Environmentalist and Riverkeeper Founder Robert H. Boyle Dies at 88
The Hudson River Valley Greenway mourns the passing of conservationist and Riverkeeper founder Robert 'Bob' Boyle, who died in Cooperstown on May 19. A dedicated angler, Mr. Boyle was an advocate for conservation of the Hudson River Valley for much of his life. His passion for environmental protection of the Hudson Valley began in 1960 when he moved to Croton-on-Hudson. After witnessing the great threat to the life of the Hudson River caused by large-scale industrial pollution, Mr. Boyle joined in several initiatives to protect the river including the foundation of the Hudson River Fisherman's Association in 1966. This organization, which was at the forefront of the Hudson River environmental conservation movement in the 1960's, morphed into Riverkeeper in 1983. Today, Riverkeeper is dedicated to continuing the fight against river pollution in the Hudson River.  Mr. Boyle was a powerful presence in the Hudson River Valley and he was a pioneering spirit in advocating environmental conservation of the waters of the Hudson.  He will be greatly missed. Mr. Boyle is memorialized at Riverkeeper here.
Hudson River Valley Greenway Announces Joint Boards Meeting
There will be a joint meeting of the Boards of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Great Room at Kaplan Hall at SUNY Orange in Newburgh, NY. Networking begins at 9:30 AM and the business meeting at 10:00 AM.
Register Your Event for the 2017 Hudson River Valley Ramble!
This year's Hudson River Valley Ramble  will be held September 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-October 1. Submit your event by June 9th to be included in the Ramble booklet, which is distributed region-wide and beyond to high-traffic tourism destinations. Sponsorships are also available at all levels, and more information is available here.
Path Through History Weekend 
On the weekend of June 17-18, New York will celebrate the first of two Path Through History Weekends in 2017.  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. Events taking place throughout the Hudson Valley during both Path Through History Weekends on June 17-18 and October 7-9 are listed here.
Regional Economic Development Council CFA Grant Round VII Awards
The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for more than $800 million in state funding for Regional Economic Development Council initiatives opens on May 1 and closes on July 28. In 2017, Round VII of the REDC initiative will award more than $800 million in state resources across all 10 regions, including up to $225 million in performance-based grants and tax credits from Empire State Development, and approximately $575 million from two dozen state agency programs. All 10 regions across New York State will be competing for designation as a “Top Performer,” of which five will be selected and receive awards of up to $20 million in grant funds, while the remaining five regions, identified as Regional Awardees, will receive up to $10 million in grant funds.  More information on the grants program is available here. The Consolidated Funding Application is here.
A Guide to Road and Mountain Bicycling in Columbia County
The Columbia County Tourism Department has recently developed a free online guide for a variety of  bicycle road loops and mountain bike trail rides throughout the county. The interactive guide map nicely illustrates details for 18 rides and includes information about upcoming events, levels of difficulty. and nearby bicycle shops.  It also includes downloadable maps and many photos. The guide is a must for cyclists throughout Columbia County and will enhance knowledge of all the interesting and scenic trails Columbia County has to offer. Please click here to view the guide.  
 
Upcoming Events

The 4th Outdoor Sculpture Biennial,  Wilderstein Historic Site, Rhinebeck, NY
The 4th Outdoor Sculpture Biennial will take place from June 3 to October 31.  Displays may be seen during the Site's opening hours between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The Biennial includes eighteen sculptures and installations by a diverse group of Hudson Valley and regional artists. The sculptures will grace the breathtaking Calvert Vaux designed grounds of the renowned Wilderstein Estate overlooking the Hudson River. For more information on the Biennial and the Wilderstein Historic Site, please click here, or call (845) 876-4818 .

Music in the Parks, Hyde Park, NY
On June 7, 28, July 19, August 2, and August 16, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is hosting a series of free lawn concerts.  Enjoy an evening of music with friends on the beautiful lush landscapes of the Vanderbilt Mansion overlooking the Hudson River. Outdoor concerts begin at 7:00 pm in June and July. August concerts begin at 6:30 pm. The entire 2017 schedule is available here .

CFA Grant Application Workshop, Yonkers, NY
The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council will be holding a Consolidated Funding Grant Application (CFA) Workshop on June 7 at the Yonkers Riverfront Library from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The workshop will guide applicants through the process of developing and submitting the CFA grant application.  For more information and to RSVP, please click here.

Tappan Zee Bridge Experience: Past, Present, and Future on the River Rose, West Haverstraw, NY
On June 8, July 5, and August 15, the River Rose, a Mississippi-style paddle wheeler, will cruise along the Rockland shore of the Hudson River to the Tappan Zee Bridge to observe what is currently the largest infrastructure project taking place in the United States.  Cruising on the River Rose will provide a unique vantage point in observing the progress of this project. The Historical Society of Rockland County is pleased to present these trips. Trips will leave from the Haverstraw Marina and will last about five hours. Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to register, please click here

Walkway Marathon 2017, Poughkeepsie, NY
On Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park hosts a weekend full of running memories in New York State’s beautiful Mid-Hudson Valley. Runners of all abilities are invited to take part in one of four flat, fast and scenic races—a marathon, half-marathon, 5K, and the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Dash, a one-mile run for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.  The marathons will each traverse the historic Hudson River via this 1.25-mile pedestrian Walkway bridge. Participants will by wowed by tree-lined landscape as they go the distance along the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County, and the riverside campus of Poughkeepsie’s Marist College. But the jaw-dropping views of the majestic Hudson from atop the 212-foot Walkway will make these races truly unforgettable.  For more information and to register, please click here.

2017 Taking Flight: Birding in the Catskills, Claryville, NY
From Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11 the Catskill Center is sponsoring a birding weekend with an event that combines the best of a birding conference with a birding festival. Registration for this event is currently open. Click here for more information and to register.

Potraiture aka Characture with Artist Barbara Slate, Hudson, NY
On Saturday, June 10, at 10:00 AM, Olana State Historic Site is sponsoring a workshop on how to make a portrait or self-portrait in cartoon style. Instructed by artist Barbara Slate, illustrator of hundreds of Betty and Veronica stories for Archie Comics, participants will  learn how to create a comic drawing of a face. All drawing materials will be provided and refreshments will be served. For more information, please click here.

2017 Airshow Season at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Red Hook, NY
Vintage aircraft from the Golden Age of Flight take to the skies once again for the 2017 Airshow Season at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.  Airshows begin on June 10 and continue every Saturday and Sunday until October 22. Shows start at 2:00 PM and run till about 4:00 PM. More information about the shows and Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is available here

Birding by Ear, Fort Montgomery, NY
On June 10, from 8:30 to 10:30, PIPC field biologist and educator Kirstie Fanning will teach how to identify common birds by their calls on a guided walk through the grounds of Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Please call (845) 446-2134 to register.

Undercurrents, 2017 Hudson Valley Artists Exhibition, New Paltz, NY
The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz announces the opening of Undercurrents: The River as Metaphor, the 2017 edition of the museum’s annual Hudson Valley Artists series. A public opening reception will be held at the Dorsky on June 10, from 5-7 p.m., and the exhibition will run through July 30. UndercurrentsThe River as Metaphor brings together works that address modernity by reflecting on the Hudson River: its history, its grandeur, and its singular ability to provide us with a roadmap for meeting the challenges we face in the course of everyday life. For more information on this exhibition, please click here.

Tea with Nina Roosevelt Gibson and Friends, Hyde Park, NY
On Sunday, June 11 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is conducting a special tour of Val-Kill followed by a 3:00 PM afternoon tea with Nina Roosevelt Gibson, granddaughter of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.  She will share memories of being with her grandmother and highlight the untold stories of Val-Kill.  She will be joined by Barbara Entrup Zitz and Janet Entrup Guzzetta who will reveal extraordinary insights into how the household functioned both during visits by heads of state and quiet times when Mrs. Roosevelt was home alone. As seating and tickets are limited, please click here to RSVP. For more information about the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, please click here.   

Young Writers Camp, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
The Young Writers Camp for children ages 12 to 16 will take place at Clermont State Historic Site from July 10 to July 14. Each day of the camp, young writers will find inspiration for their writing from the the many trails and gardens of Clermont's 500 acres. Until June 15, registration for the camp is on sale for $150. For more information and to register, please click here.

Shaker Museum Opens for the Season, Mt. Lebanon, NY
On Friday, June 16, the Shaker Museum opens for the season. The 2017 season will feature an exhibit that focuses on the celebration of women's history, the Shaker engagement with women's rights, and the fight for women's suffrage. The grounds of the museum will be open Fridays through Mondays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM until October 9.  On Saturday, June 17, the Shaker Museum will host a free community picnic at 6:00 PM. For more information about the Shaker Museum, please click here.  For information about the picnic, please click here.

Traveling Talks: Religion & Environmentalism in the United States, Hudson, NY
On June 17 at 4:00 PM, Olana State Historic Site will host Dr. Mark Stoll for a presentation on how historically certain denominations in the United States made nature a moral and political force, with a focus on how this influenced Frederic Church’s work. Stoll’s scholarship gets to the heart of environmentalism’s history and the intersections with religion and art movements. An abridged tour of the main house will be given and refreshments will  be served. More information is available here.

Ride Along with Women's Suffrage History, Germantown, NY
At Clermont State Historic Site on Saturday, June 17, there will be a celebration of the centennial of Women's Suffrage in New York State with "Women on a Wheel", a history ride program.  Guest Historian Kjirsten Gustavson will visit the site at 10:00 AM dressed in 1890's clothing to give a talk on the impact of the bicycle on women's social status prior to gaining the right to vote. After the talk, participants are invited to ride their own bikes to join Ms. Gustavson on a five-mile trip on the site's wooded trails.  For more information and to register for this event, please click here.

The Great American Father's Day Cookout, Hyde Park, NY
Join the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site on Sunday, June 18, 11:30 am-1:30 pm for a traditional summer cookout on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy an old fashioned picnic with catered food, lawn games, a gift for dad, and an extra special surprise for dessert! Make your reservations here.

"Children's Day" at New Windsor Cantonment, New Windsor, NY
Fathers are invited to bring their whole family to a fun-filled Father's Day on June 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.  The Two-by-Two petting zoo, magician Mr. Bayly, and 18th century games will be featured. For more information about the New Windsor Cantonment, please click here

Mt. Gulian Celebrates Father's Day with Free Tours for Dads, Beacon, NY
Father's Day, a national holiday since 1916, will be celebrated at Mount Gulian Historic Site on Sunday, June 18 with free tours for fathers.  Tours of the house, which overlooks the Hudson River, as well as the Dutch barn and restored garden, will be given at 1:00 and 2:15 PM. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.  For more information, please click here.

Loyalist Day, Fort Montgomery, NY
The American troops loyal to the British Crown played an important, although often forgotten role in the Revolutionary War.  On June 18, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site interpretive staff will have a living history display of the Loyalist regiment Emmerich's Chasseurs and will explain how this regiment helped capture Fort Montgomery.  More information about Fort Montgomery is available here.

Train-the-Trainer Fishing Education, New York, NY
O
n June 20 at 9:00 AM, DEC’s I Fish NY program and the Randall’s Island Park Alliance are partnering to offer a fishing education training program on Randall’s Island (New York City) and fishing equipment necessary to allow summer camps, public parks or nature recreation programs to start a fishing program or enhance an existing program. Those camps, parks and programs would then be able to teach fishing to their campers and patrons. The training will cover common sportfish identification, knot tying, casting basics, fishing safety and regulations. Register by June 12; for more information or to RSVP, please email both Chris Girgenti and Melissa Cohen.

Harmonies on the Hudson Outdoor Concert Series, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 to 7:30 rain or shine, the Clermont State Historic Site presents a concert featuring singer/songwriter Kayla Rae. She will present a soulful, jazzy-pop performance in the vein of Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga. More information about the concert is here.  A video featuring Kayla Rae's music is here.

Hands-in-the-Dirt Workshop, Hyde Park, NY
On Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, the Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield is hosting a workshop on Farrand's favorite summer flowers. Learn techniques for how to make them flourish in your own garden. Light refreshments will be served. For more information and to reserve, please click here.

A Revolutionary Camp at Night at the Historic Huts, New Windsor, NY
From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Saturday, June 24, the Historic Huts at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site will host a night encampment. Candlelight military drills, musket firings and other period activities will take place. More information about the New Windsor Cantonment is available here. For more information about the encampment, please call (845) 561-1765 X22.

Garden Dialogues: Olana, Margie Ruddick & The Cultural Landscape Foundation, Hudson, NY
Olana State Historic Site in collaboration with the Cultural Landscape Foundation will offer a tour of Olana with a focus on the significance of the landscape and its impact on art. The tour will be led by landscape architects, artists, and others who will offer their personal insights and observations about Olana.  The tour will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 24.  More information about this tour can be found here.

Fostering Climate Resiliency in Your Community Workshop, Sparkill, NY
On Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, St.Thomas Aquinas College will host the NYSDEC sponsored workshop on climate resilience grants and technical assistance available through the NYS Climate Smart Communities program.
The forum will feature municipal leaders who will provide insights into how their community is leveraging state resources to adapt to climate change and extreme weather. Presentations will also be given by representatives from the NYSDEC Office of Climate Change and the Hudson River Estuary Program. For more information about the workshop and to register, please click here.

Discover Hudson Valley Bike Ride, Poughkeepsie, NY
On June 25, cyclists will have the opportunity to choose up to five routes of up to 100 miles.  All routes will center on the Walkway Over the Hudson, which is the world's longest footbridge, and traverse throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley.  These rides are focused on discovery of the scenic beauty of Dutchess and Ulster Counties.  Adventure awaits.  For more information and to register, please click here.

Teaching the Hudson Valley 2017 Summer Institute, Hyde Park, NY
Registration is now open. The Summer Institute will take place from July 25-27 at the Henry Wallace Center at the FDR Home and Presidential Library. This year's theme is Building Community with Place-Based Learning. Educators, schools, historic sites, museums, parks, and community groups are well positioned to promote an understanding of democracy, practice civic discourse, and model respect for diversity. #THV2017 is designed to explore and share ways to pursue this important work. For more information and to register, please click here.

CFA Grant Application WorkshopTroy , NY
The Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council will be holding a Consolidated Funding Grant Application (CFA) Workshop on June 26 at Hudson Valley Community College from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The workshop will guide applicants through the process of developing and submitting the CFA grant application. For more information and to RSVP, please click here.

First Aid for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Hudson, NY
On June 27, at 5:30 PM at Olana State Historic Site, Registered Nurse Jeff Burns will give tips on basic first-aid techniques and tools for outdoor enthusiasts if they encounter an emergency situation. After the presentation, participants will take a short walk on Olana's carriage roads. For more information, please click here.

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Walkway over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, NY
Tickets are currently on sale to view the City of Poughkeepsie's annual 4th of July fireworks spectacular from the best vantage point in the Hudson Valley,, The Walkway over the Hudson. The Walkway will be open to ticket holders at 7:00 PM on July 4, with fireworks beginning between 9:00 and 9:30 PM. More information about the Fireworks Spectacular is available here.


Reading the Forested Landscape, A Natural History of New England, East Nassau, NY
On August 26 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance is hosting renowned ecologist and author Tom Wessels to lead a program based on his book Reading the Forested Landscape, A Natural History of New England. This program, meeting at the Hoags Corners Ambulance Corps and moving into the Albert Family Community Forest will feature a walk in the woods that will be a forensic ecology expedition.  Tickets are available here. Early bird discounts are available until July 1.

Heritage Spotlight: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
In 1958, Cole Palen started Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome with a handful of WWI vintage airplanes and a dream. Located in Red Hook, NY, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has since served not only as a place to see vintage aircraft on display, but to also see them fly. Since 1960, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has been hosting summer weekend airshows dazzling the public with reenactments of the exploits of those daring men and women in their flying machines from the golden age of aviation. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome prides itself as a living history museum and has a collection of 60 aircraft from the 1900-1940 period, of which 15-20 are in flying condition including the 1909 Bleriot XI, which is the oldest flying aircraft in the United States. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a great place to visit to experience the history of aviation. Airshows are fun for the whole family with a History of Flight demonstration on Saturdays and a WWI demonstration on Sundays. For more information about Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, please click here. For information about the summer weekend airshows running from June 10 to October 22, please click here.
Project Spotlight: Rensselaer Plateau-Greenway Communities Signage Project
The Town of Sand Lake, Rensselaer County, was recently awarded a Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant in the amount of $5,000 to develop a road sign project for the Rensselaer Plateau in the Towns of Sand Lake, Poestenkill and Nassau. This project, completed in conjunction with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, has raised awareness of the unique ecosystem of the plateau, has promoted public access and visitation to the trails, parks, and educational programs within the area of the plateau, and has promoted regional planning and cooperation between the three communities.
Grant Opportunities 

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: September 8. More here.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Grants, Round 2
The 2018 New York State budget included a new $100 million round of the DRI.  It provides a $10 million award to ten new communities to develop downtown strategic investment plans. These plans, will provide the infusion of DRI investment, will implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization, promote sustainable economic development, and create places where the next generation of New Yorkers can raise their families, work, and enjoy the diversity of recreational activities all within their downtown.  Applications are due June 14 ‎More information about the DRI grants can be found here and here.

Hudson River Estuary Grants
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has recently announced $670,000 in competitive grants that will be available to help communities in the Hudson River Estuary improve recreational access and design projects to increase resiliency to flooding, protect water quality, and enhance natural resources. The grants support the goals of DEC’s 2015-2020 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda. The deadline for applications is July 12, 2017 at 3:00 PM. The Requests for Applications (RFA) for “Local Stewardship Planning” and “River Access Improvements for People of All Abilities” are available online through the NYS Grants Gateway here. More information about the grants is available here.     

Climate Smart Communities Grant Program
The Climate Smart Communities grant program provides 50/50 matching grants to counties (and NYC boroughs), cities, towns and villages of the State of New York for eligible climate adaptation and mitigation projects.  In 2017, $9.5 million is available for implementation projects  related to flood risk reduction, extreme event preparation, reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), reduction of food waste, reduction of landfill methane leakage, and reduction of hydrofluorocarbons emissions from refrigeration and other air conditioning equipment. In addition, $500,000 is available for certification projects that advance adaptation, land use, transportation, and organic waste management planning, inventory and assessment actions aligned with Climate Smart Communities Certification requirements.  Round two of this grant program is being offered through the 2017 Consolidated Funding Application. The deadline for the application is Friday, July 28, 2017.  More information about this grant program is available here. More information about the Consolidated Funding Application is available here.

NYS Consolidated Funding Application
Round VII of the Consolidated Funding Application opened on May 1 and closes July 28th. Grant funds are available from many New York State agencies and authorities, through one single application portal. More information here .

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 
State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More  here

National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
NPS is offering technical assistance with locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects.  Community Assistance Specialists can help with a variety of organizational and project objectives. Applications are due by June 30.  More information on this program is available here.
Green Tip of the Month: Green Commuting
These days, we are more cognizant than ever of the effects of climate change. Did you know that transportation accounts for the largest share of New York State's source of greenhouse gasses? This is why it is essential that we lower the emissions from transportation to help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere and to reduce our carbon footprint.  One way of doing this is by greening our daily commute to work by using more sustainable transportation methods.  This can include carpooling, using public transportation, driving an electric or hybrid vehicle and now that we are in the warmer months, walking or bicycling.  Making your commute greener and more sustainable is not difficult. For more information from the NYSDEC on how to green your commute, please click here
STAY CONNECTED