Kevin M. Burke, Chair, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,

Co-Chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Margaretta “Meg” Downey, Chair, Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Co-Chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Elizabeth Campochiaro, Interim Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway,

Interim Director, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 

Important Reminders

• Greenway Planning and Trail Grant Applications are Due Through Our Online Grants Platform by May 3, 2024. More Details.

• HRVG's Board Meeting is on June 12, 2024, at the Henry A. Wallace Center in Hyde Park and by Zoom. Email hrvg@hudsongreenway.ny.gov to RSVP.

Greenway Executive Director Scott Keller Retires

At the March 6th Joint Greenway Board Meeting, the Boards and staff bid farewell to outgoing Executive Director Scott Keller, who retired after 38 years in state service. Scott has dedicated many years to the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Hudson Valley and the economic well-being and quality of life of its citizens. From leading the charge to establish the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, a National Water Trail, to his leadership in overseeing the Hudson Valley portion of the Empire State Trail, to his skilled management of the Greenway and National Heritage Area’s finances, Scott has been involved in all aspects of the organization and improved it in innumerable ways. The staff of the Greenway will work hard to continue his legacy of service to the communities of the Hudson Valley, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. 

Elizabeth Campochiaro, Trails and Community Outreach Director who has been with the Greenway since 2003, is serving as Interim Executive Director until a permanent replacement is chosen.

Submit Your Ramble Event Now!

Let us help present your events to our audience. Event registration is now open for the 2024 Hudson River Valley Ramble! We are once again inviting heritage sites, municipalities, organizations, businesses, individuals, and more to be our partners in this regional event!

The Hudson River Valley Ramble is an annual event series during the month of September that celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscape, communities, and trails throughout the region.

Event registration is open to the 14 counties in the geographic area of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area for any day from August 31st through the end of September (9/30). Events will be listed on our website and a digital guidebook will be available. There will also be a limited print of guidebooks this year, we are now taking pre-orders of guidebooks by emailing Ramble@HudsonGreenway.ny.gov. Submit your events now!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at Ramble@HudsonGreenway.ny.gov or give us a call at (518) 473-3835.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Announces $121,800 in Grants



At its March meeting, the Hudson River Valley Greenway approved five matching Greenway Planning awards and three Greenway Conservancy Trail awards totaling $121,800. 

The funded Greenway Planning projects include:

• $25,000 to Town of East Fishkill, for the 2024 Comprehensive Master Plan Update
• $25,000 to Village of Irvington, for the Rivertowns Feasibility Study of Food Scraps Collection
• $15,000 to Town of Greenwich, for Town and Village of Greenwich Zoning Update
• $10,000 to Town of Gallatin, for 2024 Zoning Law Update
• $8,500 to Town of Easton, for Green Energy Law

The funded Greenway Conservancy Trail projects include:

• $18,300 to Village of Pleasantville, for the Nannhagan Park Walkway Improvement Project
• $12,500 to Columbia Friends of the Electric Trail, for 2024 AHET Trail Maintenance
• $7,500 to Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, for 2024 AHET Trail Maintenance

The next round of Greenway Planning and Greenway Trail Grant applications are due through the Greenway's Online Grants Platform by May 3, 2024, and September 6, 2024. Information and guidelines are available here.

2024 Solar Eclipse in the Hudson Valley

You have probably heard about the upcoming solar eclipse, various viewing parties, and schools will be closing early, but how are you going to see the solar eclipse in the Hudson River Valley?

This celestial event occurs every 20 years and won't occur again in New York State until about 2079. A total solar eclipse occurs when a section of the earth is engulfed by a shadow from the moon that blocks sunlight. Viewing the solar eclipse with your naked eye can harm your vision, so you need to use special solar viewing glasses. The best view of the solar eclipse will be visible in the path of totality. The path of totality is a narrow route that extends through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. While the Hudson Valley is not directly in the path of totality we are close enough to get a partial view, so join a viewing party at places like Bear Mountain State Park, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Clermont State Historic Site, or the Empire State Plaza.

Learn more about the solar eclipse and how you can safely view it on New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation's website or I Love New York's website.

Registration is Now Open for Path Through History

On the weekends of June 15-16 or October 12-14, New York will celebrate Path Through History Weekend. Events will take place throughout New York State. The statewide "Path Through History," initiative 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. Learn more about registering your event.

Discover the History of New York State Parks in ‘Blazing a Trail’  

Explore the instrumental figures behind New York State Parks and Historic Sites in the first installment of their digital timeline, ‘Blazing a Trail.’ This interactive retelling of New York’s conservation history showcases the milestone moments that built and transformed the modern-day state parks system. Learn about the early development of New York State Parks from 1850-1929 in their first two eras and stay tuned for more eras coming this year! Learn more.

Hudson River Valley Greenway's Grant Applications Are Now Hosted on the Greenway's Online Grants Platform

Grant and sponsorship applications for all Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage programs, including Community/Compact Planning, Conservancy Trail, and Heritage Sponsorships are now on an online grants platform, HRVG Grants Platform.  This is the only way to apply for our grants. A link to the virtual application process and detailed guidance may be found on our website.

All funding applications are required to submit grant applications on the online platform to apply for funding for all grant rounds. Applicants must register on the HRVG Grant Platform using their email address. Older applications will not be accepted.

If you have any questions or concerns, email grants@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or call us at (518) 473-3835.

Important Reminders

• The 2024 "I Bird NY" Challenge Has Begun! Learn more.

Hudson River Striped Bass Anglers: Volunteer for Cooperative Angler

Do you fish for striped bass in the Hudson River? Whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper, you can be part of the Hudson River Cooperative Angler Program. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery.

Here's how it works: Fill out a logbook we provide or record your trips on your smartphone using DEC's Hudson River online logbook (PDF) whenever you fish on the tidal Hudson River (by boat or on the shore). Record general location, time, gear used, and what you caught (or if you didn't catch anything) and return the logbook when you are done fishing. You'll receive an annual newsletter summarizing the recreational fishery information, in addition to the latest news regarding the Hudson River and its regulations.

For more information on the angler program and instructions on installing the Survey123 App to access the online logbook, visit the Hudson River Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program section of DEC's website or email hudsonangler@dec.ny.gov. The striped bass fishing season begins April 1, 2024. For information about fishing regulations, visit DEC's Freshwater Fishing Regulations webpage.

Upcoming Events

Star Party, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Cold Spring, NY

April 5: The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will provide telescope equipment to view the stars at Canopus Lake Beach Parking lot. Learn more.

Slavery, Segregation & Staatsburgh: From Black Service to White Servants, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY

April 6: Join Staatsburgh staff for a conversation about their new research into this transition from a Black presence at Staatsburgh during the early 19th century to a total absence during the Gilded Age. Find out more.

"Giving Voice to Value" 2024 Annual Conference, Hilton Albany, Albany, NY

April 6-9: Join hundreds of museum professionals from across the state to for a conference to discuss the proposition that it is time to look at new ways to communicate our value. More info.

Putnam History Museum’s 118th Annual Meeting, Putnam History Museum, Cold Spring, NY

April 7: Join the Putnam History Museum for their 118th Annual Meeting, free and open to everyone! You can attend in person or stream it live online. More details.

Eclipse Viewing, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain, NY

April 8: In the large field next to the Inn at Bear Mountain learn about eclipses and view the solar eclipse. More info.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY

April 8: View the eclipse at Rockefeller State Park and check out a telescope set up for this rare and exciting event. Read more.

There Goes The Sun: View the Solar Eclipse, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY

April 8: Marvel the solar eclipse at Clermont and enjoy the iconic river views under a shadowed sky. Learn more.

Effective Partnerships for NGOs and Universities (WEBINAR)

April 9: This webinar engages NGO and university leaders to discuss how effective partnerships can meet mutual knowledge, action, and educational needs. More details.

The Men Who Stormed the Fort, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY

April 11: This talk by historian Don Hagist looks at the men in two regiments, giving an overview of their ages, places of origin and other aspects of their backgrounds, their military careers, and more. Read more.

Fire Ecology & Ethnobotany, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY

April 13: Join Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for a tour of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve that meanders through forest and dunes. Find out more.

Garden Workshops and Volunteer Opportunities, Jay Heritage Center, Rye, NY

April 14: Enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops. More details.

Forest Ecology Walk, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY

April 18: Learn more about forest history and discover over 250 years of land use patterns that have transformed the Hudson Valley landscapes artists like Frederic Church admired. More info.

Back From the Brink: Bald Eagles, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY

April 20: Learn about the history of Bald Eagles on an easy 1-mile hike through prime eagle habitat. Read more.

“What’s A Yonker? Tales of Van Der Donck & the Olde Dutch”, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY

April 21: In honor of Dutch-American Friendship Day, storyteller Jonathan Kruk brings to life stories of the "First American," Adriaen Van Der Donck, and how Yonkers got its name. Learn more.

Weekly Guided Hikes, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY

April 25: Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by an Environmental Educator. More info.

Walkway at Night, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY

April 26: Come out to enjoy amazing Hudson Valley views after dark from 212 feet above the Hudson River. Find out more.

The Connections Between Forest Health and Watershed Protection, Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY

April 27: Join Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for a two-hour hike to see examples of watershed protective management practices and learn about watershed protection. Learn more.

Hike Around Lake Minnewaska, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY

April 28: You'll walk the picturesque route around the Lake from west to east, stopping along the way for all the scenic vistas and more. Read more.

Heritage Spotlight: Jacob Blauvelt House, Rockland County

The Greek Revival doorway of the brick and sandstone Jacob Blauvelt House is the only hint that it was built in 1832; its gambrel roof, overhanging eaves, and compact size reflect the style of the rapidly disappearing 18th-century Dutch houses in the region. The dwelling’s main section, kitchen outbuilding, and later connecting common room were constructed by farmer Jacob Blauvelt. Blauvelt’s descendants lived in the house until 1970 when it was acquired by the Historical Society of Rockland County. First-floor rooms have been restored to reflect Jacob Blauvelt’s occupancy and feature period wallpapers and floor coverings, as well as Greek Revival woodwork and early 19th-century furnishings made in the lower Hudson Valley. The rebuilt kitchen is used for demonstrations of open-hearth cooking while the 19th-century barn complex contains farm tools, sleighs, and a complete blacksmith shop. Learn more.

Project Spotlight: Hike Putnam: Bringing Land-use History and Invasive Species into Focus

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County received a Conservancy Trail Grant to film 6 virtual hike videos in 360 degrees so those unable to go on hikes in person could view the recordings and learn more about historical land use, invasive species, and Putnam County’s natural beauty. Volunteers led research initiatives and in-person hikes working with a videographer to capture trails in Putnam County used in the project. The project used a 360-degree camera and added voiceover narration to provide an engaging opportunity for listeners. Watch the videos now.

Spring Cleaning

While cleaning, make sure to dispose of waste properly and use non-toxic chemicals when cleaning your windows, furniture, etc. Learn more.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program

This grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. The upcoming deadlines for applications are due on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by May 3, 2024, and September 6, 2024. More details.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program

Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. The upcoming deadlines for applications this year are due on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by May 3, 2024, and September 6, 2024. More info.

National Heritage Area Sponsorships Available

The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complimenting the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage, and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the HRVNHA are eligible to apply. Applications are available on HRVG's Online Grants Platform. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or 518-473-3835.

Northern Border Regional Commission Grant Program 

The Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) four-state region. The Catalyst Program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives that will: modernize and expand water and wastewater systems; revitalize transportation infrastructure; establish workforce development programs and facilities; grow outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies; and construct new childcare and healthcare facilities. Only available in Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington County. The next pre-application deadline is September 6, and full application deadlines are due on May 3 and October 18. More info.

Documentary Heritage Program Grants

Documentary Heritage Program grants are designed to build more comprehensive and equitable documentation of New York State’s history and culture by supporting projects that identify, survey, collect, arrange, describe, and make available records that relate to groups and topics traditionally under-represented in the State. Deadline: April 2, 2024. More info.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, USDOT

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 SS4A grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micro-mobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators. Deadline: April 4, 2024. Read more.

Community Waterfront Resiliency Design and Permitting

Approximately $400,000 is available for qualified consultants to partner with eligible municipalities to use existing community-supported, preliminary shoreline resiliency designs to prepare “shovel ready” plans and permitting materials. The design must be technically feasible and appropriate for the location, supported by the community, cost-effective, and permittable. Eligible projects will build on existing conceptual waterfront plans that were created with significant, community-inclusive outreach efforts. The Community Waterfront Design and Permitting RFP and application are available on NEIWPCC’s website. Deadline: April 12, 2024. More info.

Tributary Restoration for Culverts and Road-Stream Crossings

Approximately $200,000 is available for projects that will help communities restore aquatic organism passage and habitat connectivity, reduce localized flood risks, and improve water quality in and along Hudson River estuary tributaries. The road-stream crossing must be at a location that is a barrier to habitat for river herring or American eel. This RFP includes two project types: Final Engineering Design Plans to Replace or Retrofit a Road-Stream Crossing; and Road-Stream Crossing Replacement and Retrofit Projects. The Tributary Restoration for Culverts and Road-Stream Crossings RFP and application are available on NEIWPCC’s website. The deadline for proposals is April 12, 2024. More details.

Low or No Emission and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Programs

FTA announced the availability of $1.5 billion in FY 2024 funding to support state and local efforts to buy or modernize buses, improve bus facilities, and support workforce development through its Low- or No-Emission Program. The funding opportunity will advance FTA’s priorities of strengthening U.S. bus manufacturing, containing vehicle costs, and accelerating the delivery of new vehicles. Deadline: April 25, 2024. Read more.

Basic Preservation Grants

The National Film Preservation Foundation invites applications for the spring round of its Basic Preservation Grants. These grants are awarded to nonprofit and public institutions for laboratory work to preserve culturally and historically significant film materials. The cash award ranges from $1,000 to $20,000. Deadline: April 26, 2024. Learn more.

NYSP2I 2024-2025 Community Grants Program 

Each year, NYSP2I awards funding to support projects that raise awareness and understanding and lead to the implementation of pollution prevention practices and/or behaviors at the local level to improve the health, environmental quality, and economic vitality of communities in New York State. Deadline: May 3, 2024. More details.

U.S. DOT Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program (MPDG) 

the Department of Transportation published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcing $5.1 Billion in MPDG funding. The funds are split into three categories,$1.7 Billion is available for the National Infrastructure Project Assitance program, $2.7 Billion is available for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program, and $780 Million for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program. Deadline: May 6, 2024. More info.

Candevra Foundation Grant Program

The Candreva Environmental Foundation is a New York state-based organization that provides seed money for local environmental education initiatives and projects that engage young people in environmental service. Awards of up to $500 can be used for materials, printing costs, student and teacher travel, communication costs, and other project-related expenses. Grants are limited to Westchester and Putnam Counties. Deadline: June 1, 2024. Find out more.

Water Infrastructure Improvement & Intermunicipal Grants

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects to selected municipalities with infrastructure projects that protect public health and/or water quality. EFC and the NYS Department of Health will evaluate all applications for projects received by the due date based on factors including protection of public health and water quality; median household income; population served; governmental and community support; environmental justice considerations; and the readiness of the project to proceed. Deadline: June 14, 2024. More details.

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP).

This unique program, administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), strategically invests in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, accelerating local and regional plans to create safe and convenient walking and biking routes to everyday destinations and to fill gaps between communities. $45 million is available for active transportation projects or groups of projects with a total cost of at least $15 million or planning and design grants with a total cost of at least $100,000. Deadline: June 17, 2024. Read more.

Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program

The EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy. Applications will be accepted until November 21, 2024. Learn more.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. More info.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program

This program will provide eligible groups the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund their next trail improvement-related project, which could range from trail clean-up, trail restoration, trail expansion, to name a few. Learn more.

Veterans Emergency Housing Program

New York State’s Veterans Emergency Housing Program provides short-term

assistance for Veterans who face a current housing hardship and lack sufficient

personal funds to resolve the hardship. Eligible Veterans can receive up to $2,000

per calendar year to assist with qualifying housing needs. More details.

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 

State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More info.