March 2011
Banner

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  

 

In This Issue

What's New?        Upcoming Grant Opportunities        Regional Events         Community Spotlight 

Heritage Spotlight        Did You Know?        Green Tip Of The Month 

What's New?WhatsNew

Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Cited as Effective Program

On February 16, President Obama released the America's Great Outdoors Report. The report, completed by the Departments of Interior, Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency, is a blueprint that outlines strategies for implementing a 21st century conservation agenda. The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Hudson River Valley Greenway are cited under a "Summary of Effective Partnerships and Programs." Read More...


Hudson River Valley Greenway Land and Water Trail nominated for "Green Award"     

heart of green

The Hudson River Valley Greenway Land and Water Trail have been nominated for the 2011 "Heart of the Green Award" from The Daily GreenPlease consider voting for the Greenway Trail System to be recognized for helping to bring trails and river access to the Hudson Valley! Read More...  

 

Joint Board Meeting to be held in Poughkeepsie 

 

There will be a Joint Board Meeting on Thursday, March 10th at the Historic Cornell Boathouse at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. The meeting will convene at 9:30 a.m. for networking. For more information, contact the Greenway at 518-473-3835

 

Columbia County Trail Conference

 

The Columbia Land Conservancy, in partnership with the Hudson River Valley Greenway, is sponsoring a Columbia County Trail Conference, to be held on Saturday, April 2nd, at Columbia-Greene Community College. The conference will offer an array of speakers and panelists and will culminate in a "visioning" sesson to map a potential countywide trail system. Read More...


NY Heritage Weekend
Heritage Weekend 2011
  

 

The 2011 New York Heritage Weekend celebration will take place during the weekend of May 14th and 15th, 2011.  We are timing this event to coincide with "National Preservation Month" and the start of the summer tourism season, when many historic sites are opening for the year. 

 

New York Heritage Weekend has a Facebook page, Twitter account, and Flickr account to keep everyone updated on the latest developments. Read More... 

 

 

 

Hoyt House Awarded Save America's Treasures Grant

 

The Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance recently announced that the Hoyt House ("The Point") in Staatsburg, NY has been awarded a $320,000 Save America's Treasures matching grant from a partnership of federal agencies administered by the National Park Service. Read More...

 

National Geographic Geotourism Session 

 

Representatives of New York State's historic, natural, cultural, and recreational institutions along Lakes to Locks Passage, are invited to this information and training session led by representatives from National Geographic Maps Division. The session will be held March 3rd at the New York State Museum. Read More...  

Albany Shaker

 

Albany Shaker Historic Site

 

Congratulations to the Albany Shaker Historic Site, which is now a designated Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area site. We are glad to welcome them and hope you will all discover the wonders they have in store! 

 

 

Clarkstown Environmental Summit to be Held

 

The Clarkstown Environmental Summit will take place in West Nyack and will feature Joan Dye Gussow, acclaimed author and former chair of the Columbia University Teachers College School of Nutrition. The Summit will provide a rare opportunity to learn about environmental initiatives taking place in Rockland, and how the public can get involved. Read More... 

 

In the Media... 

 

The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area have been featured in the media throughout the region. Click through the following links to view articles featuring our current projects and initiatives: Poughkeepsie Journal, Valley has everything for tourists near and far; Daily Freeman, Rail Trail in Marbletown becomes part of Greenway system; Mid Hudson News, Two Greenway grants approved in Dutchess; Troy Record, Hudson Valley Greenway grant to help Community Developed Projects; Daily Freeman, Mid-Hudson Programs win Quadricentennial Grants

 

GrantsUpcoming Grant Opportunities

Greenway Community Grants applications for the next round of Greenway Community Grants will be due May 6th for our June Board Meeting. The following due date for applications will be September 9th for our October Board Meeting. Read More... 

 

Our Town Grants for innovative projects in which communities partner with artists and arts organizations to create livable, sustainable neighborhoods with enhanced quality of life, increased creative activity, distinct identities, a sense of place, and revitalized local economies. Read More... (Statement of Interest due March 1)

 

Local Government Efficiency Grant for efforts among two or more units of local govenment for the development of projects that will achieve savings and improve municipal efficiency through shared services, cooperative agreements, mergers, and consolidations. Read More... (March 1)

 

Construction Grants for African American Historic Sites for historic sites with a primary association with African American history. Read More... (April 1)

 

Preserve New York Grant Program to identify, document, and preserve New York's cultural and historic buildings, structures, and landscapes. Preserve New York makes grants for historic structure reports, historic landscape reports and cultural resource surveys. Read More... (May 2)

 

Department of Environmental Conservation State Assistance Programs for waste reduction, recycling and household hazardous waste programs. Read More... (Ongoing)

 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Technical Assistance Grants for community groups to increase public awareness and understanding of remedial activities taking place in their community Read More... (Ongoing)

 

Enterprise Green Communities to help cover costs of planning and implementing green components of affordable housing developments, as well as tracking their costs and benefits. Read More... (Ongoing)

 

BJ's Charitable Foundation to enhance and enrich community programs that primarily benefit children and families. Read More... (Ongoing)

 
 
EventsRegional Events

March 1


Local Conservation Roundtable for the Northern Hudson River Estuary: The DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with Hudsonia, is hosting a Local Conservation Roundtable for the northern Hudson River Estuary for land use decision-makers to share successes and learn about the conservation efforts of surrounding communities. 

 

The Rich Mining History of the Hudson Valley: Historian Doc Bayne who will present an illustrated interactive discussion about the mining industry that was sparked in the early 1700s when outcroppings of iron were found in the Hudson Highlands. 

 

Greener at Home Series: Controlling Runoff: This program at Cornell Cooperative Extension provides tips for controlling runoff and features visits to several neighbors who have resorted to uniquely creative methods to deal with uniquely difficult problems. 

 

March 2

 

Winter History and Music at St. Paul's: Enjoy a talk exploring John Glover, one of Washington's generals, who led troops in a battle near St. Paul's

 

March 4

 

Albany First Friday: Visit Center Square and downtown arts venues for exhibition openings, receptions, and events.

 

March 5

 

Vegetable Garden Planting: This workshop at Cornell Cooperative Extension covers all the bases whether you are growing a small plot or a big family garden. 

 

The Way of the Lorax: Children are invited to Beczak to watch this animated classic and learn the ways in which they can protect the environment. 

 

March 8

 

Greener at Home Series: Conservation Landscaping: This program at Cornell Cooperative Extension looks at a new method of landscaping, which emphasizes less lawn, alternative ground covers, and the use of native plants. 

  

March 9

 

Winter History and Music at St. Paul's: Enjoy a harp performance by Alyssa Reit

 

Sustainable Living Teacher Training: Cornell Cooperative Extension presents a free NYSERDA training session focusing on teaching children about sustainable practices.

 

March 10

 

Hudson River Valley Greenway Board Meeting: There will be a short Board Meeting at the historic Cornell boathouse at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

 

Our Farm Heritage: Cornell Cooperative Extension will be looking at our agricultural legacy to identify successful practices that can work for us today. 

 

March 11 

 

Non-Motorized Transportation - What's Possible?: This 3rd annual Placemaking Conference in Newburgh examines the economic impacts of non-motorized transportation in the region.  

 

 

March 12

 

Sustainable Country Living: Cornell Cooperative Extension provides an overview on how to incorporate more sustainable practices into your lifestyle, especially geared to those who live in the country. 

 

Family Tour at Olana: Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child''s perspective. 

 

Wish for a Fish: Children at Beczak can join Thing 1 and Thing 2 for an undersea tour. 

   

March 16

 

Winter History and Music at St. Paul's: Enjoy a talk entitled "How did the Americans win the Revolutionary War?"

 

March 19

 

Mammals of the Hudson: Discover the seals, beavers and river otters that swim the cold and icy waters of the Hudson at Beczak

 

Maple Fest - Celebrating the Wonderful World of Maple Syrup: Learn about sugar mapling procedures and participate in "maple syrup" taste testing at Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

  

March 20

 

First Day of Spring Walk at Olana: Celebrate the first day of spring with a walk outside. 

 

March 23

 

Winter History and Music at St. Paul's: Enjoy a jazz quartet from Music Conservatory at Purchase. 

 

March 25

 

Troy Night Out: Visit the City of Troy for an Evening of arts and culture with music, food, shopping, and exhibits

 

March 26

 

River Talks: Gardening Q&A: Enjoy an evening with Bob Yedowitz at Beczak and learn the best of his family''s time-honored gardening tips and techniques. 

 

The General's Lady: Commemorate Women''s History Month at Washington's Headquarters with a celebration honoring Martha Washington

 

Mammals of the Hudson: Discover the seals, beavers and river otters that swim the cold and icy waters of the Hudson at Beczak

 

Chagall in High Falls: Enjoy an illustrated talk at SUNY New Paltz by memoirist Vivian Jacobson on Marc Chagall''s life and work in nearby High Falls.

 

CommunitySpotlightCommunity Spotlight

City of Poughkeepsie

 

Strategically located along the eastern coast of the Hudson River, the City of Poughkeepsie is the county seat for Dutchess County. The name "Poughkeepsie" is derived from a Native American word meaning "the reed covered lodge by the little-water place" referring to a stream that feeds into the Hudson River. Today, the City of Poughkeepsie is known as the "Queen City of the Hudson."

 

During the 17th century, the landPoughkeepsie - Academy Street that became Poughkeepsie was settled by a Dutchman, Barent Baltus. However it was not until the late 18th century that a community was formed here and incorporated as a village independent from the Town of Poughkeepsie. By 1854, this village was formally chartered as the City of Poughkeepsie.

 

During the American Revolution, Poughkeepsie became the second capital of New York. In 1788 the Ratification Convention for New York State, which included Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and George Clinton, assembled at the courthouse on Market Street to debate and ratify the United States Constitution. With its ratification, New York entered the new union as the eleventh of the original thirteen colonies to join together as the United States of America.

 

Poughkeepsie's strategic position at the halfway point along the navigable Hudson River has greatly influenced its industrial heritage. During the 1800s, the city was a busy whaling port and home to companies that sent ships to the South Pacific, the Azores and New Zealand. Industries that flourished through shipping also included hat manufacturers, paper mills, and several breweries including some owned by Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College.

 

The city's natural beauty and proximity to New York City also encouraged prominent families such as the Astors, Rogers, and Vanderbilts to build palatial weekend homes nearby. Many of these homes and sites have become historic landmarks, including Locust Grove, the home of Samuel Morse. Poughkeepsie's landmarks also include the oldest continuously operating entertainment venue in the state, the Bardavon 1869 Opera House.

 

Today, Poughkeepsie is using its rich history as a catalyst for future growth. The 120 year old  Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge is now open to the public as the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. Walkway over the Hudson, the driving organization behind the project, has gained national support and recognition for this project. In addition, the community continues to promote its history as it relates to our shared national heritage. Through community revitalization initiatives, this walkable community also offers a variety of shops, arts venues, and opportunities for education and professional development.

 

Interested in writing about your community for the E-Newsletter? We'd love to hear from you!


HeritageSpotlightHeritage Spotlight

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College   


The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, designed by architect Cesar Pelli, opened in 1993. The entrance pavilion (a hexagonal glass atrium) and glass-enclosed walkway afford views across campus lawns. The rectangular brick building housing the galleries features numerous skylights, allowing natural light to filter into the spacious rooms.

The objects in the collection - which was Frances Lehman Loeb Art Centerbegun at the college's inception in 1865 - are displayed in six galleries: Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque; Antiquities; Asian; 19thcentury European and American; 20th century; and Prints and Drawings. Highlights include Greek and Egyptian sculptures, as well as paintings by C�zanne, Picasso, and Pollock. Matthew Vassar purchased one of the very first collections of Hudson River paintings from the Reverend Elias Magoon in 1864; these works by Church, Cole, Cropsey, Gifford, and others are on display.

An enclosed outdoor sculpture garden includes a variety of unusual trees and vines as well as modern works.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center is located at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie NY (845) 437-5632 


DidYouKnowDid You Know...

...that Pine Bush is the UFO Capitol of the East Coast?

 

While the Hudson Valley is no stranger to paranormal tales and ghost stories, the hamlet of Pine Bush has gained notoriety as a popular destination for extraterrestrial visitors. Located in the Town of Crawford in Orange County, Pine Bush has been the location for reports of aliens and UFOs since the mid 20th century. However, in the 1980s, an unusually high frequency of strange lights spurred a flood of reports concerning UFOs and "unexplainable activity." Locals were reporting "bizarre aircraft" and unusual phenomena that included balls of light, unexplained noises, and paint that refused to adhere to a small bridge. 

 

Cup and Saucer Diner

"Cup and Saucer Diner" in Pine Bush

In the 1990s a book was published that provided a firsthand account of alien abductions and identified Pine Bush as a hotbed of alien activity. Again, Pine Bush was put on the map for its flurry of unexplained occurrences and visitors began to flock to the hamlet for a chance to experience their own "first contact."  As the hamlet grew in popularity among UFO-enthusiasts, more and more reports and books came out about alien interactions occurring in Pine Bush and crowds of UFO-watchers gathered nightly to search the heavens and record their observations. Clubs and organizations, such as the United Friends Observer Society (UFOs), were soon formed for enthusiasts to compare experiences. Although police were forced to break up these crowds when they overwhelmed local streets, many businesses capitalized on the reputation of being a popular alien destination. 

 

While development eventually lead to a decline in the number of UFO reports, there are still quite a few "strange occurrences" and Pine Bush continues to be regarded the most popular tourist destination for our outer-space visitors. 

GreenTipGreen Tip Of The Month

leaf

 

This month, Wash clothes in cold water rather than hot. Each month would reduce your carbon footprint by about 42lbs of CO2.Over the year that comes to a savings of about 504lbs!

 

(All information courtesy of National Geographic's Green Guide)


The E-Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to friends of the Hudson River Valley

Editor: John Dennehey, Senior Planner
News: Beth Campochiaro, Trails Coordinator

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

Find us on Facebook