May 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
Restored  Thomas Cole Home Re-Opens  
The Thomas Cole Historic Site has announced the re-opening of the artist's home with a new immersive installation that combines technology and detailed historic restoration that features the earliest-known interior decorative paintings by an American artist. Through carefully researched restoration, the first floor of Cole's home has been transformed to its original design including painted borders designed and painted by Cole himself.  Research for this restoration was funded in part by a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area grant.  In addition to the interior decorative paintings, hidden audio speakers and moving graphics will allow visitors to be able to experience the thoughts of Thomas Cole as well as the historic conversations that took place in the parlors of his 19th century home. Thomas Cole was one of the founders of America's first major art movement, the Hudson River School. The installation at the Main House will greatly enhance the visitor experience to this site.  More information about the Thomas Cole National Historic Site can be found 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.
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.
I Love My Park Day
On Saturday, May 6, join volunteers at state parks, historic sites, and public lands across the state to help celebrate and spruce up park lands and beaches, plant trees and gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitat, and more.  A last year’s event, 7,500 volunteers pitched in to give back to parks, completing 225 stewardship projects. This year's event is going to be the biggest yet with more than 120 event locations from Montauk to Niagara Falls. Five National Park Service sites are taking part, as well as 15 properties managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation in the Adirondack and Catskill regions and at four environmental centers. Visit the I Love My Park Day website to  find an event near you  and be a part of this fun and exciting day! 
 
Path Through History Weekend Event Registration Now Open
In 2012 Governor Cuomo unveiled New York State's "Path Through History," a statewide 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.  The Path Through History Weekend will be held this year  in two seasons: in the Spring from June 17-18, and in the fall from October 7-9. Host sites can participate in one or both of the weekends, and registration is now open. Register your event here.

Sally Mazzarella to be Honored at Winnakee Land Trust Gala
The Board of Directors of Winnakee Land Trust has announced that community leader and Hudson River Valley Greenway board member Sally Mazzarella will be honored for her 45-year legacy of community service at the organization’s gala event, a Masked Ball, scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Astor Courts in Rhinebeck. Mazzarella’s 45-year legacy of community service has incorporated work on behalf of not-for-profits, as well as government appointments, including but not limited to: Chair of the Board of Walkway Over the Hudson, President of the Board of the United Way, Family Services, and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic; Treasurer of the Center for Performing Arts; and Chair of the Town of Rhinebeck Planning Board for over 20 years. Mazzarella was also instrumental in stabilizing and rebuilding the Rhinebeck Waterfront Town Landing, and was honored by the Town of Rhinebeck when its community park was renamed the Thomas Thompson/Sally Mazzarella Community Park. Please join us in thanking Sally for her commitment to her community and the Hudson Valley at large. For more information about the Winnakee Land Trust Gala, please contact Ellen Henneberry, Director of Development at (845) 876-4213 or email here

Upcoming Events

Find Your Park: Find Your Fun,” Hyde Park, NY
From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 6, (Rain date: Sunday, May 7) The Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site is hosting “Find Your Park: Find Your Fun.” The day is designed to encourage the community to come and enjoy the park through special events that highlight unique aspects of this National Park. All of the events are free, short (most are 20 minutes), a little unconventional, and designed so everyone has fun trying something new in the park. Visitors can pick a few events, or come for the day and challenge themselves to do everything. Come and find your park.  More information and a schedule of events can be found here

History Walks in May, Troy, NY
The Rensselaer County Historical Society is presenting a series of history walks on Saturdays in May. All walks begin at 10:30 AM at the Farmer's Market Information Booth. On May 6, the first walk introduces the history and architecture of Troy from its founding to present times. On May 13, the walk focuses on the Great Fire of 1862. The final walk in May is on May 20 focusing on Troy's history as a rail transportation hub. For more information on these historic walks, please email here.

Catskill Center Outdoor Gear Pop Up Market, Arkville, NY
On May 6 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and May 7 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Erpf Center, the Catskill Center is hosting a Pop-up Market featuring used outdoor gear, presentations about outdoor recreation and representatives from local outdoor organizations on hand to answer any questions about hiking and outdoor recreation in the Catskills.  More information is available here.

Hillburn Walk through History, Hillburn, NY
On Saturday, May 6, at 9:30 AM, the Historical Society of Rockland County is sponsoring a walk through history focusing on the desegregation of the Hillburn village's schools and other civil rights events that occurred in Hillburn in 1943. To register and to find more information about this event, please click here .

Living History Day at Ten Broeck Mansion. Albany, NY
On May 7, the 
Albany County Historical Society presents "Living History Day" at Ten Broeck Mansion. The day will feature tours of the mansion, pony rides and petting zoo, sheep shearing by Fred Depaul, blacksmithing, historical re-enactors, archeological excavation of the Ten Broeck grounds, live music, demonstrations, vendors, hands-on demos and much more! This event is FREE for all ages and in the beautifully curated gardens. Perfect for the whole family with ample off street parking. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, please click here.  

Hudson Heritage Fair, Poughkeepsie, NY
On Sunday, May 7 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, join the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and host Locust Grove Estate for the 3rd Annual Hudson Valley Heritage Fair. The event is open to the public and will feature living history presentations and demonstrations, as well as exhibits from historic sites in the Hudson River Valley. For more information, please call (914) 592-6726.

Tales of the Titanic, Staatsburgh, NY
On May 7 and May 14 at 1:00 PM, the Staatsburgh State Historic Site is marking the 105th anniversary of the ship's sinking with presentations at the home of Titanic ticket holders, Ruth and Ogden Mills. Visitors will hear tales of the fateful event in a setting remarkably similar to first class on the Titanic. From first class to third class, this tragedy had an impact on all of American society. Reservations are required. Call 845-889-8851 to reserve.  

Emerging Stormwater Management Options for Protecting Streams & Water Quality Workshop, Sparkill, NY
On May 9 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Hudson Valley Regional Council  is sponsoring this workshop that will provide a detailed overview of specific laws and regulatory approaches for protecting water quality, including financing options for maintaining stormwater infrastructure and protecting streams. Also covered will be existing state and local laws, options for new local laws, and land use regulations for managing stormwater that may be useful in the Sparkill Creek watershed, other parts of Rockland County and nearby areas in New York. For more information and to register for this event, please click here.

“Celebration” Exhibition at Rockefeller State Park Preserve Gallery, Pocantico Hills, NY
The Art Gallery at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is opening its new exhibition, “Celebration”  May 11 through June 11,  from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The exhibition introduces the creative works of Anne Bell, Bonnie Sakoff and Radu Serban, whose artistic adventures are diverse in style, profuse in color and bright with energy. The exhibition reflects upon impressionist roots and is original in abstract forms and rhythms. Inspired by plants and florals, it will be surrounded by the Preserve’s annual presentation of its famous Japanese Tree Peony Garden. The garden, located just outside the gallery, will be fully in bloom in May. For more information about this and other events at Rockefeller State Park, please click here.

Lithic Alignments in the Northeast: Natural, Native, or Nonsense?, Mt. Tremper, NY
At 1:00 PM on May 14, the Catskill Center will sponsor a discussion on the observational astronomy practiced by the ancient native populations in northeast America. Maps, photos, and graphics will be used to illustrate whether this type of astronomy was used and whether its observations were preserved in natural and man-made landscape features. More information is available here

Mother's Day Tea, Clermont, Germantown, NY
At 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 14, the Clermont State Historic Site will celebrate mothers with a special Garden Tour and Tea Party. Bring a mother you love to enjoy. A family-themed tour of the museum’s historic gardens. Light fare will be served, including Clermont’s own blend of Harney & Sons tea, dainty sandwiches, fresh fruit, and desserts of all sorts. It’s a memorable way to thank someone you love on Mother’s Day. Reservations are required. Please call (518) 537-4240.

Mother's Day at Mt. Gulian, Beacon, NY
Mother’s Day will be celebrated at Mount Gulian Historic Site on Sunday, May 14 with free tours for mothers. Tours of the house, which overlooks the Hudson River, as well as the Dutch barn and restored garden, will be given at 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM. only. Light refreshments for all visitors will be available with. For more information, please click here.

OVERLOOK: Teresita Fernández confronts Frederic Church at Olana, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
From May 14 to November 5, the Olana Partnership/Olana State Historic Site presents the ground-breaking exhibition “OVERLOOK: Teresita Fernández Confronts Frederic Church at Olana” at Olana State Historic Site. In this exhibition, artist Teresita Fernández examines Frederic Church and his contemporaries’ response to the cultures and landscapes they experienced during their 19th century Latin American travels. To learn more, visit here.

Erie Canalway Opening Ceremony, Waterford, NY
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the start of construction of the Erie Canal, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation have teamed up to sponsor 27 festivals and events in 2017 to showcase the Canalway Corridor’s nationally significant heritage and the tremendous recreational appeal of the waterway and Canalway Trail today. Events include cycling and paddling tours, canal festivals, and concerts on the waterfront. The canal's 2017 opening ceremony will take place on May 19 at Lock 2 in Waterford at 10:00 AM, weather permitting. For more information about this and other events taking place in the Canalway Corridor, please click here.

OVERLOOK: Katherine Manthorne on Landscapes Across the Americas, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
In the 19th century, European and North American traveler artists illustrated narratives of their explorations, and in this talk the Latin American travels of artists will be examined. On Saturday, May 20 at 4:00 PM, Katherine Manthorne, Ph.D, professor at CUNY Graduate Center and a specialist in landscape art, will discuss Frederic Church and her book, Traveler Artists: Landscapes of Latin America from the Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros. This will be an Illustrated lecture followed by Q&A and an abridged tour of the exhibition OVERLOOK. Refreshments will be served. More information about the lecture is available here.

Jewelry and Jam Making Workshop, Germantown, NY
The Friends of Clermont are sponsoring a jewelry and jam making workshop at the Clermont Cottage of the Clermont State Historic Site on Saturday May 20 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Participants can learn how to make jam from citron melons and use the seeds from these melons to make jewelry, which was a 19th century handicraft. More information on this workshop can be found here.

Spring Bird Walk at Oakwood, Troy, NY
Friends of Oakwood is sponsoring its annual Spring Bird Walk on May 20 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Oakwood Cemetery. Bring binoculars and good walking shoes to see several species including hawks, eagles, orioles, and even bluebirds in their habitat. Rain date is May 21. For more information, call 1-800-556-6273, or email here.

Gallery Talk: Alan Powell's Catskill 360, Arkville, NY
On May 20 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, photographer Alan Powell will explain the photographic and video techniques he used to create amazing 360 degree photographs of the Catskills. His presentation will be followed by a tour of the exhibit. More information about the presentation is available here

First CycleNY Advocacy Ride of 2017, Kingston, NY
On May 21 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the New York Bicycling Coalition is hosting its first CycleNY ride of 2017. The ride begins at Keegan Ales in Kingston with 22 mile and 50 mile route options. Both routes boast scenic rural views on the area's backcountry roads. The longer route option includes the very challenging climb on Dug Hill Road to the Ashokan Reservior. For more information, please visit here.

Creating Best Ever Visitor Experiences, Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, NY
On May 22 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Kathryn Boardman of The Cherry Valley Group presents concrete examples of how to positively interact with visitors, create a welcoming and engaging experience, and inspire lasting and meaningful memories for visitors, as well as for staff and volunteers. The workshop will feature open discussions, hands-on work sessions and creative problem solving of real-life museum, historic house and historic site situations. The workshop fee includes a lite breakfast, networking luncheon, resource materials, and site tour. More information about this workshop is available here.

Meet the Fishes, New York, NY
The River Project invites you to meet the fishes and other marine creatures of New York Harbor on May 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Wetlab at Pier 40 at West St. and Houston St. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be raffled.  To get more information and to RSVP, please click here. More information about the River Project can be found here

State of the Estuary, Looking Back, Moving Forward, New York, NY
The Hudson River Estuary Program and the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program are their 30th anniversaries by sponsoring a day-long conference on the challenges and opportunities awaiting the Hudson River Estuary in the future. The conferences will take place on May 23 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the New York University School of Law. For more information and to register, please click here.

Traveling Talks: The Science Behind the Traveler Artist, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
A
t 4:00 PM on May 27, Dr. 
Lloyd Ackert, Ph.D, Professor in History of Science at Drexel University, will present the ways in which artists were inspired and informed by travel and the developing “natural sciences” in the 19th century. This will be an Illustrated lecture followed by Q&A and includes an abridged tour of the main house. Refreshments will be served. To learn more visit here or call 518-828-1872.

Knox's Headquarters Opens for the Season, Vails Gate, NY
M
ay 27 is the date the headquarters of generals Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox and Horatio Gates opens for another season of tours and special events.  General Henry Knox, the Continental Army’s commander of artillery, used the home as his headquarters in 1779 and during the winter of 1780 to 1781, while training soldiers in a nearby artillery park. Quartermaster General Nathanael Greene also lived here in the summer of 1779, while Major General Horatio Gates took up residence in the fall of 1782, when he commanded the nearby New Windsor Cantonment, the Continental Army’s final encampment.The site will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More information about this site can be found here.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY
On Saturday, May 27, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, the public is welcome to join the Friends of Oakwood and the Veterans of Lansingburgh to honor deceased veterans with its annual Wreath Laying Ceremony and ringing of the Meneely Bell in front of the Gardner Earl Chapel. For more information, please email here.

Blue Bag Recycling Program, Bear Mountain, NY
Bear Mountain State Park is currently seeking volunteers to educate park patrons on the importance of recycling and to hand out bags to be used to collect recyclable items. Volunteers are needed on weekends throughout the summer beginning May 27 and ending September 4. For more information on how to volunteer, please contact Matthew Shook here or call (845) 786-2701, ext. 252

Memorial Day Weekend Special Presentation at Washington’s Headquarters, Newburgh, NY
As Memorial Day is a day for all Americans to reflect on those who have fallen in service to their country, on Sunday, May 28 at 2:00 PM, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is presenting the story of a soldier whose death sparked what could be considered America's first international incident.  This incident was known as the "Huddy-Asgill Affair", and was presented to General George Washington while he was headquartered at Newburgh in 1782. This special presentation is free with standard admission which includes a guided tour of the historic Headquarters and the freedom to explore the Museum, which houses the multi award-winning exhibit, Unpacked & Rediscovered: Selections from Washington's Headquarter's Collection. More information about this event is available by calling (845) 562-1195.

18th Century Graveside Ceremony at the New Windsor Cantonment,  New Windsor, NY
On May 29 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, The New Windsor Cantonment will hold a ceremony honoring soldiers who lost their lives in the Revolutionary War.  A cannon firing and military demonstration will follow the ceremony. The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is where the Continental Army under General George Washington spent the last winter and spring of the Revolutionary War. The New Windsor Cantonment is also home to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. For more information about this and other events, please call (845) 561-1765 X22 or click here.  

Paddle Tour of Wickham Lake, Wickham Woodlands Park, Warwick, NY
Saturday, June 3 at 4:00 PM with a rain date of June 4. Tour beautiful Wickham Lake in your own paddle boat. Richard Hull, the Warwick Town Historian, will be on hand to share a brief history of the area. After paddling, stay for a campfire and refreshments. Please RSVP by calling (845) 469-9459 or e-mail 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

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.

Heritage Spotlight: Historic Huguenot Street Constructs Wigwam to Celebrate 340th Anniversary of New Paltz Land Agreement
During April, schoolchildren, college students, and members of the community constructed a replica Munsee Native American wigwam  to celebrate the 340th anniversary of the signing of the 1677 land agreement between the Munsee Esopus Sachems and the Huguenot Refugees. The land agreement provided for the 12 Huguenot founders to “purchase” nearly 40,000 acres of land in the lower Wallkill Valley. The village that developed within the borders of this land is now known as New Paltz.  Today, despite suffering multiple forced removals from their homelands, Munsee people continue to thrive as several federally-recognized Indian Nations in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Canada. The wigwam will serve as an ongoing testament to the Munsee Esopus people who first populated this land. The wigwam will be incorporated into Historic Huguenot Street's regularly scheduled tours, set to begin May 6. The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is a proud sponsor of this project. More information about the wigwam and Historic Huguenot Street can be found here.
Project Spotlight: Great Estates Pass

Dutchess Tourism, Inc. was awarded a National Heritage Area Heritage Development grant totaling $5,000 for the Distinctly Dutchess Great Estates Pass program.  The pass was valid throughout 2016 and the program permitted discounted entry to the great homes of Dutchess County including the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, the Home of Frankln D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park; the Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown; the Wilderstein Historic Site in Rhinebeck; the Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie; Mt. Gulian in Beacon; and the Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Staatsburgh. The pilot program not only increased tourism to these sites, but it also offered great savings and allowed flexibility to visitors. The program recently launched for the 2017 season. More information about the Distinctly Dutchess Great Estates Pass can be found here .
Grant Opportunities 

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadlines May 5, September 8. More 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 .

2017 Conservation Corps Program                                                                             
The Rockland County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for the 2017 Rockland Conservation & Service Corps (RCSC).  Conservation Corps members perform a variety of outdoor, environmental community service projects throughout Rockland County including educating the public, conducting field research, building and maintaining nature trails, teaching, facilitating clean ups, and implementing recycling programs. Members are required to serve 350 hours between June 1, 2017 and August 11, 2017 at local sites in Rockland County.  Candidates can request an application by phone at (845) 708-7307/7308 or by email  here

NYS Dept. of Health - Local Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Initiative Funding Opportunity
Applications due: May 10, 2017. Health Research, Incorporated (HRI) and the New York State Department of Health announce the availability of a total of $90,000 per year to develop partnerships with local groups to promote the goal that all Hudson fish and crab consumers know about, understand, and follow the NYSDOH Hudson fish advisories. A pplicants must serve populations that fish or are likely to eat fish from the Hudson River in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, New York, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Ulster, Washington, and/or Westchester counties in New York State.   Maximum awards are $15,000. Government entities and community-based not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. More information about this opportunity is here.

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

Grants Available to Improve Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites
Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation have teamed up to provide grants funded through the Environmental Protection Fund. 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.

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.     
Green Tip of the Month: Getting a Green Lawn without Chemicals
Every year, homeowners  apply millions of tons of synthetic lawn fertilizers and millions of pounds of lawn pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals represent serious hazards to people, pets, and wildlife. What's worse is that most of these chemicals find their way into our lakes, rivers and underground aquifers. However, maintaining  a natural chemical-free lawn  is easier than you may think. You should use native plants and grasses that are better adapted to our climate, mow less to help pollinating insects, and use natural weedkillers like vinegar to make your lawn more beautiful, more healthy, and more natural. To find out more, click here.
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