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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
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Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
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2017 Hudson River Valley Ramble!
The 18th annual
Hudson River Valley Ramble
is being held September 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-October 1. The 2017 Ramble features 240 recreational and cultural events highlighting the rich diversity of the Hudson River Valley region. From hiking to biking, kayaking, historic site tours, estuary explorations and family festivals, there is something for everyone! Find your adventure today!
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Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley Board Meeting Rescheduled
The next board meeting for the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley has been rescheduled and will now be held on Wednesday,
October 18, 2017
at the Henry Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Home in Hyde Park, NY.
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Empire State Trail Draft Plan Released
The Empire State Trail will connect the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail and the Erie Canalway Trail creating the largest state multi-use trail in the nation. A draft plan was released on August 8, 2017 that provides an overview of the Empire State Trail including maps identifying the proposed route for the entire 750-mile trail. Over the next several months, New York State will work with elected and local officials, transportation experts, and bicycling and trails organizations to finalize the exact trail route. The Final Plan will be issued in the fall of 2017.
Please click
here
to view the draft plan.
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New York State Erie Canalway Water Trail Interactive Website Launched
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has recently announced the launch of a new online New York State Canalway Water Trail map to help paddlers enjoy the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. The interactive map covers 128-miles from Rome to Waterford. It includes launch sites, canoe and kayak rental facilities, camp sites, amenities, and attractions. As the New York State Canalway Water Trail continues to develop, it will link seamlessly with the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail offering 780 miles of waterway for paddlers to enjoy. More information about the New York State Canalway Water Trail and the interactive map can be found
here
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Register Now forFall 2017 Path Through History Weekend!
The first ever Fall Path Through History Weekend will be held
on Columbus Day weekend (October 7-9, 2017) and event registration is currently underway.
The
Spring Path Through History Weekend was held in June and was a great success with over 380 daily events celebrating New York State's history. The Fall Path Through History Weekend will continue to celebrate the great diversity of events that promote the unique history of our state. If your organization is holding an event during these time frames and it connects with New York State history, your participation is highly encouraged. Please click
here to register your event.
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New York State's Inaugural Bike Summit
On Friday, September 15 from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, the New York Bicycling Coalition will host the first ever New York Bike Summit at the Hearst Center in Albany, NY. The Bike Summit will bring together government officials, advocacy leaders, bike clubs, educators, engineers and planners to present, network, and strategize the transformation of New York into a leader in bicycle transportation. Workshops, plenaries and roundtable discussions will focus on such topics as bike equity, ecotourism, green transportation, mountain biking, mass transit, funding, bridges, and trails. All people who love biking and care about the future of bicycle transportation in New York are welcome to attend. More information about the Bike Summit can be found
here
and
here.
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Skywalk Arts Festival
Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley, the NYS Bridge Authority, Olana State Historic Site and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site present the first ever Hudson River Skywalk Arts Festival
at the Rip Van Winkle Bridge spanning Columbia and Greene Counties on September 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The Skywalk Arts Festival will celebrate the art of the Hudson Valley and the beginning phases of Skywalk, an initiative to transform the Rip Van Winkle Bridge with stunning viewing platforms of the Hudson River Valley. The Skywalk Festival invites visitors to come to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge Park to view area artists’ landscape art, participate in hands-on art lessons for all ages, view the new Skywalk Art Gallery, and hear live music in a beautiful setting overlooking the Hudson River. The inaugural annual festival will be held in collaboration with the Thomas Cole Site Community Day
,
and with Olana’s one-weekend-only immersive theater experience,
Performing Olana: Frederic Church Living His Art
. To get more information about this upcoming festival, email
Jennifer Greim
here
or Melanie Hasbrook
here
.
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Upcoming Events
Woods Forum,
Sand Lake, NY
On Thursday,
September 7
, the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance is conducting a Woods Forum from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The forum will be a facilitated discussion between landowners and forestry professionals on managing woodlands and maintaining woods for timber harvesting, recreation, and wildlife for future generations. Refreshments will be served. Please email
here
for more information and to register.
2017 Waterford Tugboat Roundup,
Waterford, NY
The Waterford Tugboat Roundup will take place from
September 8 to 10
. The Tugboat Roundup is a fun-filled family festival to celebrate Waterford, the Erie Canal, the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, and the role tugboats play on these waterways. Throughout the weekend a farmers market, food and craft vendors, musicians, artists, and shore displays will be on hand. Many tugboats will be offering on-board tours with some offering rides. Tugboats will be sailing on the Hudson River from Albany to Waterford on Friday,
September 8
from 3:45 to 6:00 PM. For more information, please click
here
.
Formal Tea in the Gardens,
Hyde Park, NY
On Sunday,
September 10
from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site present Formal Tea. The event is fashioned in the spirit of the early 1900's. It will feature a selection of teas from Harney and Sons, tea sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, cookies and French macarons. The Botticelli Players will provide live music and Michael Harney from Harney & Sons will be the guest speaker. Once again this year the beautiful and whimsical Toucan Hats will be available at the tea for viewing and purchasing. More information and event registration can be found
here
.
Last Outdoor Concert of the Year
, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
Baird Hersey & PRANA will perform at the last outdoor concert of the year at Clermont State Historic Site on
September 14
at 6:00 PM.
The group's sound is a unique blend of western folk, jazz, and choral music influenced by the music of India, Tibet, Tuva, Mongolia, Bulgaria and Georgia, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonics. More information about this free concert is
here
.
Fun with Fermentation
, Germantown, NY
Clermont State Historic Site's Harvesting History Family Workshop series presents a workshop on learning how to pickle with Fun with Fermentation on
September 16
from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This workshop will show you the techniques used in the 19th century to pickle. Bring home the vegetables and sauerkraut you pickle. To view more information and to register, please click
here
.
Hands-in-the-Dirt Workshop
, Hyde Park, NY
The Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield will be hosting a hands-in-the-dirt workshop on Saturday,
September 16
from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM rain or shine. Featuring Farrand's favorite fall flowers, this workshop will focus on perennials and annuals in their full autumn glory. Participants will learn techniques for how to make them flourish in their own garden. Light refreshments will be served. For more information and to register, please click
here
.
Habitat and Water Resource Assessment for Land-use Planning Course
, Voorheesville, NY
In partnership with Hudsonia Ltd., t
he Hudson River Estuary Program is excited to announce a short course in Habitat and Water Resource Assessment for Land-Use Planning to be held
September 21-23
in Voorheesville, NY (Albany County). The course is designed especially for municipal officials, planners, and land trust staff to help land-use decision-makers achieve more ecologically-sound planning outcomes. Hands-on exercises involving map analysis, site plan review, and field visits will supplement lectures on habitats of the Hudson Valley, conservation principles, and land-use planning tools. Participants will receive practical information and guidance that can be applied immediately to environmental reviews, natural resource inventory, and open space planning. Participants must attend all three days of the course. Space for the course is limited and there is a competitive application process. Applications must be submitted by September 11. For more information, please call (845) 758--7033 or e-mail Lea Stickle
here
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Jay Day!
, Rye, NY
The
Jay Heritage Center will host JAY DAY! on Sunday,
September 24
from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM celebrating American culture and traditions. Highlights include live music, book signings and activities with children's authors, period dance performance, a farmers market, craft vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, historical house tours and much more. This year, JAY DAY! features
#1 New York Times best-selling children’s book creator
Robert Sabuda. In addition to signing his gorgeous books, Robert will conduct a hands on art workshop for families at the Jay Estate. More information about JAY DAY! please call
(914) 698-9275
or
email
here
.
2017 World Canals Conference
, Syracuse, NY
From
September 24 to September 28
, the World Canals Conference will be held in Syracuse. The World Canals Conference (WCC2017) is expected to draw hundreds of international delegates and thousands of local and regional residents and canal enthusiasts to waterfront events. WCC2017 coincides with the bicentennial of the historic Erie Canal and offers opportunities to discuss canals and inland waterways as a means to promote tourism, spur economic and community development, improve environmental quality, and exchange best practices on protection strategies for historic sites.
For more information on WCC2017 and to register, please click
here
.
Northwest Airlines Flight 6231 Hike Through History,
Harriman State Park, NY
On Saturday,
September 30
at 2:00 PM, the Historical Society of Rockland County is sponsoring a hike through history. This hike will culminate at the site of the crash of Northwest Airlines Flight 6321 in Harriman State Park. Flight 6231 crashed just minutes after take off from JFK International Airport on its way to Buffalo on December 1, 1974. The hike is approximately two miles (one mile in and one mile out). It is an easy to moderate hike over gently rolling terrain. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to some rocky terrain. A short lecture will take place at the site. For more information and to register, please click
here
.
The 4th Outdoor Sculpture Biennial, Wilderstein Historic Site,
Rhinebeck, NY
The 4th Outdoor Sculpture Biennial will take place at the Wilderstein Historic Site
until 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.
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Heritage Spotlight: Crailo State Historic Site
Originally constructed for Hendrick Van Rensselaer, the grandson of Kiliaen van Rensselaer, the first patroon of Rensselaerswyck, whose landholdings encompassed much of present-day Albany and Rensselaer counties. The Crailo estate, named after the van Rensselaer estate in the Netherlands, once encompassed about 1500 acres east of the Hudson River. The home was originally partly designed as a fortress with thick walls, gunports and even a palisade at one point which served the family, tenant farmers, soldiers and slaves well in times of threat. Later in the 18th century, the brick structure was remodeled, first in the Georgian and then the Federal style. Exhibits focus on the daily life of the Dutch colonists, and include examples of household objects, games, furniture, weapons, and building materials. Also on display are artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs at the site of Fort Orange, erected in 1624 near Albany to serve as a trading post for the first Dutch settlers. The annual
Crailo Harest Faire
is a highlight of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. You can learn more about Crailo and plan your visit
here
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Project Spotlight:
Greater Walkway Experience Map Enhancement
Recently, Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, NY was awarded a Hudson River Valley Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant in the amount of $5000 to update its Greater Walkway Experience map. This project will contribute to the development of Walkway Over the Hudson's future Connecticut-to-the-Catskills regional trail system which would place Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park as
a central and highly accessible historic, cultural, and environmental resource. In support of this long-term plan for regional trail connectivity,the Walkway
LOOP map will be upgraded with 10,000 copies being printed and distributed. This map will also be used to upgrade the Walkway Vicinity Map and brochure, which is distributed to 50,000 people annually. It will reflect the most current trails, connections, and elements of Walkway State Park and its neighboring trails and sites. More information about Walkway Over the Hudson can be found
here
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Greenway Conservancy Trail Grants Program
The 2017 Conservancy Trail Grant Application is now available.
This annual grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects.The 2017 application emphasizes connections to the Empire State Trail. Applications are due by
4:00 PM, September 8, 2017
. More information can be found
here
.
Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline:
September 8
. More
here
.
Fall 2017 Technical Assistance Grant Program
The Technical Assistance Grant program is the signature grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State. It was launched in 2012 to support the preservation of New York State's cultural and historic resources. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to not-for-profit arts and cultural groups, municipalities managing historic sites, museums, arts facilities, and other culturally important institutions that are open to the public. Fall applications must be submitted before
September 11
. Information about the Technical Assistance Grants can be found
here
. For further assistance, please contact Preservation Associate Frances Gubler at (518) 462-5658 x 10, or email
here
.
NYSCA/GHHN Collection Needs Assessment Program-Supplies Grants
This program provides opportunities for grants for supplies to museums in New York State. The application portal opens on September 1, 2017. Applicants who
have consulted with an appropriate professional may request funds to purchase collections management supplies. Maximum award: $750. Deadline
October 1
. More information about this program is available
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 Rails and Trails Program Seeks Volunteers
If you love history and trains, the National Park Service is seeking volunteers for the Trails and Rails program which is locally presented aboard Amtrak's Adirondack traveling up the Hudson River Valley from New York to Montreal. Trails and Rails brings the National Parks aboard Amtrak trains. Volunteers present programs on board the train about the history of the region and cultural and natural resources of the route. Volunteers are provided with training about the history and a uniform. These programs are presented in partnership with the Saratoga National Historical Park and the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. Additional information about Trails and Rails can be found
here
. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Joe LaLumia
here
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Call for Proposals for Water Trail Guidebook Writer for
Erie Canalway NHC
The Erie Canalway NHC and i
ts non-profit affiliate Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc. are seeking creative proposals from a qualified writer/author to develop and author content for a printed Water Trail Guide Book and Navigational Map Set, and to organize and prepare content for an existing online water trail interactive web site for the
New York State Canalway Water Trail
(
including the Erie, Oswego, Cayuga-Seneca, and Champlain Canals
)
. The project will expand upon work by the New York State Canal Corporation, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program, the NPS Northeast Regional Office, and a U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative in the New York Finger Lakes Region. For more information, please
contact
ECNHC Program Manager Brian Yates at 518-237-7000 x 220, or by email
here
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Free Native Plants to Improve Stream Habitat
If you own or manage land along a stream, you can apply for free native plants to help reduce erosion and improve habitat along the stream. The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program offers trees or shrubs for planting along tributary streams in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Staff can also assist with a planting plan. Applications are now being accepted for fall planting projects. For more information and to download an application, please click
here
. For inquiries about this program please call (845) 256-2253 or email
here
.
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Greed Tip of the Month: Have Your Heating System Cleaned and Tuned
Oil-fired systems should be cleaned and tuned every year; gas-fired systems every three years. Regular maintenance increases your system's lifespan, reduces heating costs and lowers particulate and CO
2
emissions. Find out more ways to save money and energy
here
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