December 2019
Barnabas McHenry, Chairman Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area 
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Will Be Focusing on the 19th Amendment in 2020
The 19th Amendment was passed on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920 to provide women with equal rights. The women's suffrage movement leading to the 19th Amendment represents a complex story of civil and political rights in American history. In celebration of the 2020 centennial of the 19th Amendment the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will be adding an additional five points to projects that apply for Heritage Development grants that are focused on women's history in the Hudson Valley. This initiative will help put stories of women's history in the Hudson Valley in the spotlight.

Also, in celebration of the 2020 centennial of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service (NPS) and HRVNHA, will be co-hosting a Sharing Women’s History in the Hudson River Valley at the Henry Wallace Center in the FDR Library in Hyde Park on December 3rd, 2019 at . This will be an opportunity for partners to
  • Convene local partners within and adjacent to the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HURV) to share commemoration plans and facilitate collaboration.
  • Create a richer narrative of suffrage history within the region by weaving together sites that represent different parts of the story.
  • Share National Park Service resources and projects available for partner use.
We invite you to attend this free conference, sign up . Learn more about the 19th Amendment. 
Statewide Multi-Use Trails Plan Bill Signed by Governor
On N ovember 20th, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Senate Bill S4416B requiring the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to create a statewide non-motorized multi-use trail plan to link existing trails with potential trail corridors. This effort builds momentum on the completion of the Empire State Trail in 2020 by creating a statewide network of trails to ensure all New Yorkers have access to outdoor activity and to further create New York as a destination for outdoor tourism. The plan will guide statewide trail development and ensure New York State communities reap the economic, health, and environmental benefits of non-motorized multi-use trails. A draft plan will be completed in one year, which will be followed by a 60-day public comment period. Read Senate Bill S4416B .
We All Live in a Watershed Poster Contest
What you do at your home and in your community affects everyone downstream of you. This poster contest is meant to encourage students to learn about their role in the watershed they live in and how to conserve and protect our water resources, now and for future generations. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Water Environment Association ( NYWEA) staff will review all posters and pick the top 30 entries. NYWEA membership and DEC staff will vote for the 14 winning posters. Judging will be based on the following criteria:
  • Clear and correct message conveyed by text and artwork
  • Creativity, originality, and artistic quality
  • Visual clarity
All Middle School students (Grades 6-8) in New York State public and private schools are eligible to enter the poster contest. One student per poster. Deadline for receipt of posters is Friday, January 10, 2020 . More info .
Empire State Trail Breweries Passport
What happens when you’ve spent the day on the Empire State Trail and you suddenly crave some high-quality beer? There’s an app for that. Governor Cuomo has launched the Empire State Trail Breweries Passport, which is being run by the New York State Brewers Association, through a partnership with the state Canal Corporation. The app’s interactive map helps you more easily find nearby craft breweries, which are churning out some of the nation’s most highly regarded beers. In and of itself, that’s enough of a reward for a long trek on the Trail. But the app also allows Trail users who visit craft breweries to check-in and earn points, which can be redeemed for t-shirts, glasses, growlers and tickets to beer festivals across the state. When that thirst hits, you won’t have far to roam. Turns out, there are more than 200 breweries located within 10 miles of the Empire State Trail. Some, like Lock 32 Brewing in Pittsford and Seven Story Brewing in Bushnell’s Basin are on the Erie Canal and barely require a detour. The app, which has more than 20,000 downloads, already has a rewards program. However, the brewers association will offer early next year on the app a separate reward challenge for Trail users to complement brewery tours customized by region. The app can be downloaded from the Apple app store. Learn more .
Upcoming Events

Sharing Women’s History in the Hudson River Valley, Henry Wallace Center, Hyde Park, NY
December 3: As the 2020 centennial of the 19th Amendment approaches, the National Park Service is preparing to commemorate the story of the struggle for women’s suffrage nationwide. We are holding an event to explore how historic sites and cultural organizations within and around the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area can work together to share the many facets of this multi-layered story with the public. More info . Sign up .

Mud Pond Hike, Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY
December 4: This hike is relatively easy, at about 2.5 miles round trip. Read more .

Water Quality Monitoring Workshop, SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY
December 5: This workshop focuses on which monitoring methods are best suited to achieve particular goals. It brings together experts to discuss monitoring for different types of parameters related to stream health, including benthic macroinvertebrates/biomonitoring, nutrients, bacteria, and road salt. Learn more .

Twilight Tours, Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison, NY
December 6: With the mansion lit by candles, decorated for 19th-century holidays, and resonating with live string music, Twilight Tours offer an especially beautiful view of Boscobel House and Gardens. Outside, the mansion, Apple Orchard, Rose Garden, and Maple Lane will be lit with an elegant display.  More info .

Pictures with Santa on His Fire Truck, FASNY, Hudson, NY
December 7: Children can tell Santa their holiday wishes, as they have their picture taken with him on a real fire truck! Create a unique holiday memory your family will always treasure. Find out more .

Saturday Trail Running, Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY
December 7: Have you explored the Aqueduct yet? Join us on a fun, 6.2-mile run to Croton Dam, which includes scenic waterfall views, a reservoir, lake, wetland, boardwalk, and an interesting nature center. There will be options to add on, for anyone seeking additional mileage. More details .

Saint Nicholas Day, Jacob Blauvelt House, New City, NY
December 7-8: Visit the Historical Society of Rockland County for an unforgettable experience of wonder and fun! We're opening our 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House to welcome children of all ages to celebrate Saint Nicholas as we've done since 1961. Find out more .

Warm Up at the Washingtons', Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh, NY
December 8: Historic interpreters in each seasonally decorated room will greet visitors and share what took place when the Washingtons occupied the Hasbrouck farmhouse during the last winter of the Revolutionary War. Read more .

Josh Rouse Holiday Sounds Concert, Rockland Center for the Arts, West Nyack, NY
December 10: This this very special evening will include fan favorites as well as songs from his new album “The Holiday Sounds of Josh Rouse.” This is one of only two venues Josh will be performing in New York for his Holiday Concert. Find out more .

Research Brief on Housing Affordability in Albany and Troy, Capital District Habitat for Humanity, Albany, NY
December 10: All semester, urban planning graduate students from the University at Albany, SUNY have been studying the affordable housing landscape in the North Central Troy and the South End and Sheridan Hollow neighborhoods of Albany. Join us to hear about their findings and for some winter treats! Learn more .

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, Nyack Center, Nyack, NY
December 11: Rivertown Film cordially invites you to join us in remembering Toni Morrison (1931–2019), pre-eminent novelist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a longtime local resident. After the film, Bill Batson will moderate a discussion. More details .

A Christmas Carol Presented by Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk, Harness Racing Museum, Goshen, NY
December 12: ”A Christmas Carol,” the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge by Charles Dickens. More info .

Upper Hudson Lecture Series: Patroon Creek Daylighting, Brown's Brewery, Troy, NY
December 13: Albany Water Department recently completed a daylighting project to restore a portion of the Patroon Creek within Tivoli Lake Preserve in Albany. Goals of the project include improving stormwater management, reducing erosion, improving habitat, and improving water quality. Learn more .

A Holiday Gathering, Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill, NY
December 14: Come for a holiday gathering with friends. Starting at 5 PM, enjoy festive cocktails and bountiful hors d’oeuvres in Thomas Cole’s New Studio and a guided lantern tour of the historic Main House followed by a private dinner party at a nearby Hudson Valley home. Read more .

Christmas with the Ellisons, Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, New Windsor, NY
December 14: The Ellison mansion is open for tours at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM. Free admission. More details .

Candlelight Tours, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
December 15: Tableaux Vivant of Christmas traditions through the ages, glittering decorations, wassail and traditional holiday goodies served in the historic kitchen.  Read more .

Holiday Tours, Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon, NY
December 15: The Dutch Colonial home of the Verplanck family, invites visitors to unwind during the busy holiday season by joining us for a close-to-home, relaxing time of good cheer, good food and good company.  Find out more .

Earth's Earliest Life, NYS Museum, Albany, NY
December 17: This talk by State Paleontologist Dr. Lisa Amati will present evidence about when and where the first life evolved on Earth and how we identify it. In addition, we will explore the profound impact lifeforms have had on our planet over time. More details .

High Bridge Tour, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
December 21: Take in panoramic views of the Harlem River, The Bronx and Manhattan. Marvel at the engineering feat completed in 1848. Learn about the origin of NYC’s water system and more. More info .

Pre-Holiday Sensory Hike, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
December 24: The holidays can be fun and joyful. They can also be stressful for some. Lets take a sensory walk through the woods in preparations for the coming holidays and the opportunities of the New Year. Read more .

11th Annual Cookie Burner Stroll, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY
December 26: Our cookie burner stroll is a fun way to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. We will hike approximately two and one-half miles over rolling terrain. Read more .

Cardinals in Snow Art Workshop, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
December 27: Come learn how to paint two sweet birds on a branch! Join artist and teacher Noreen Powell for a fun, guided painting class. Learn to paint the basic shapes that make these birds easier to create than you might imagine.  More details .

Thematic Tours: John Jay & George Washington, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
December 28: This tour will discuss how John Jay and George Washington worked together to help build the new nation and shape its identity on the world stage. Find out more .

Holiday Break Hike to Echo Rock and Patterson’s Pellet, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
December 29: Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an early winter walk along four carriage roads to reach the picturesque Echo Rock and Patterson’s Pellet scenic views. Read more .

The Tribe and the River with Turtle to Turtle, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY
December 29: The HRM sits on traditional lands of the Leni Lenape, the First Peoples to inhabit the lower Hudson Valley, who made use of the valley’s vast natural resources and network of waterways. Watch a performance by Turtle to Turtle, members of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, and learn about their history and relationship to the Hudson River through stories, artifacts, music, and drumming. More details .

A Gilded Age Christmas, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
December 31: Enjoy lavish turn-of-the-century style holiday decorations while touring the mansion. More info .

First Night Saratoga 2020, Saratoga Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
December 31: As one of the oldest and largest First Night celebrations in the country, First Night Saratoga is the most affordable, accessible, family-friendly, safe, and exciting way to spend New Year's Eve in the region. Read more .
Heritage Spotlight: Empire State Plaza Art Collection
The Empire State Plaza Art Collection features 92 works of modern art. Displayed in the office buildings, quarter-mile long underground concourse, and outdoor spaces that comprise the plaza, these paintings and sculptures were intended to complement the architecture of this “Capital City,” designed by Wallace K. Harrison (architect of the Metropolitan Opera House) in the 1960s. The collection, which consists almost entirely of abstract expressionist art of the 1960s and ‘70s, was the brainchild of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, an ardent collector who wished to recognize—and pay homage to—the art movement that began in New York. Nearly all of the works were created by artists who worked and lived in the state, including Jackson Pollock, Ellsworth Kelly, Beverly Pepper, Isamu Noguchi, George Segal, and David Smith. Some of the most famous pieces of art are in the Corning Tower which also has an observation deck. Learn more .
Project Spotlight: Town of Brunswick Zoning Code Update
The Town of Brunswick in Rensselaer County developed a Zoning Code Update to establish a comprehensive Zoning Law in the Town. The Zoning Code Update developed standards and guidelines to strengthen the communities identity, address compatibility issues between various uses of land, preserve open space and farmland, guide housing, community and economic development, and provide standards for infrastructure needs. A focus of the update was to establish districts and regulations that directly relate to the revitalization of established business corridors to leverage economic development while preserving the Town's historic, natural, and cultural resources. Learn more about the Town of Brunswick .
Green Tip of the Month: A Cleaner Cup of Coffee
If you’re more likely to grab coffee on your way to work, keep in mind that  58 billion paper coffee cups  are thrown away annually, so bring your own reusable cup. Some companies give you a 10-cent discount for doing so. Learn more .
Grant and Funding Opportunities

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: February 7, 2020 . More info .

Heritage Development Grants
The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) are pleased to announce the availability of $25,000 in matching grants through the 2019 Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Heritage Development Grant Program.This annual grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the HRVNHA and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the  Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area's website.  Deadline:  February 7, 2020.

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. This year's application emphasizes connections to the Empire State Trail, and makes funding available for Water Trail projects. Applications are due  May 8, 2020 . More  here.

National Heritage Area Sponsorship's Available
The 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 complementing 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. Sponsorship's will have an additional focus on events promoting the 19th Amendment and/or Women's in History in the Hudson Valley for the year 2020. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.

Teaching the Hudson Valley Explore Awards
These matching grants are intended to create opportunities for students to explore the history, environment, and culture of the Hudson River Valley, connecting their studies to significant places. They encourage students’ appreciation for and stewardship of their communities and cultures, and connect teachers with site educators and place-based learning. Eligible expenses include transportation and admission fees to eligible Hudson Valley locations for school groups. Read more .

Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries
Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries (APP) is a special initiative of the National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program. The goal of this initiative is to support projects that strengthen the ability of small and/or rural libraries and archives to serve their communities and to build grantee capacity through participation in a community of practice. Deadline: December 2, 2019 . More details .

Park & Trail Partnership Grants
The program is administered jointly by Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and is designed to:
  • Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands.
Deadline: December 3, 2019 . More info .

Farmer Grants provide research funds for commercial farms to explore new ideas in almost any aspect of production, marketing and other topics that influence successful farming in the 12 Northeast states and D.C. Reviewers look for innovation, potential for improved sustainability and results that will be useful to other farmers. Deadline: December 3, 2019 . Read more .

Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Your community or organization may be interested in this funding opportunity, which can be used for tree inventories, tree plantings, management plans, maintenance, and education for community tree stewards. Grant funds are available from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and are managed and allocated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC regional urban foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. Deadline: December 4, 2019 . Find out more .

Save America's Treasures Grants
The National Park Service (NPS) announces availability of $13 million in Historic Preservation Fund grants for the Save America's Treasures (SAT) program. SAT grants provide preservation and/or conservation assistance to nationally significant historic properties and collections. Deadline: December 10, 2019 . Read more .

Underrepresented Community Grants
The National Park Service’s Underrepresented Community Grant Program (URC) works towards diversifying the nominations submitted to the National Register of Historic Places. URC grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), and are administered by the NPS. Projects include surveys and inventories of historic properties associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register, as well as the development of nominations to the National Register for specific sites. Deadline: December 17, 2019 . More info .

Urban Birds Mini-grants
Mini-grants help finance creative events that integrate the arts, gardening, community participation, and of course Celebrate Urban Birds’s citizen science project. We hope that these events, or series of activities, will inspire others to organize similar events in their communities. All applicants will receive free training, materials, and resources to bring their ideas to life; including proposals that we are unable to fund. Organizations that work with under served communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds required. The mini-grants range from $100 to $750. Deadline: December 31, 2019 . Find out more .

Wal-Mart Foundation: Community Grant Program
Through the Community Grant Program, Wal-Mart associates are proud to support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations. Awarded grants range from $250 to $5,000. Deadline:  December 31, 2019 . More details .

Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
Preservation Assistance Grants help small and mid-sized institutions—such as libraries, museums, historical societies, archival repositories, cultural organizations, town and county records offices, and colleges and universities—improve their ability to preserve and care for their significant humanities collections. These may include special collections of books and journals, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, moving images, sound recordings, architectural and cartographic records, decorative and fine art objects, textiles, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, furniture, historical objects, and digital materials.  Deadline  January 15, 2020 . Find out more  here .

EcoSolution™ Grants
Grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. EcoSolution™ Grants are available to educators working with youth in the United States. Deadline: January 15, 2020 . More details .

EcoTech™ Grants  
This grant program was created to combat the notion that students needed to choose between “the screen” or “the green” and to encourage educators and students to explore the role technology can play in designing and implementing solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We believe that technology can present innovative ways to address environmental challenges – and that when dealing with digital natives, we do ourselves a disservice by asking them to unplug. EcoTech™ Grants are specifically offered to engage children in inquiry-based, STEM-related projects that leverage technology and/or use nature-based design to address environmental problems in local communities. Deadline: January 15, 2020 . Read more .

Collections Assessment for Preservation Program
The Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program is a joint effort of IMLS and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation to help small and mid-sized museums better care for their collections. A CAP assessment is a study of an institution’s collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as its collections care policies and procedures. The assessment involves a site visit by collections and building assessors, who spend two days touring the museum and interviewing staff and governing officials. The assessors then prepare a comprehensive report that outlines recommendations for improving collections care. Deadline: February 1, 2020 . Find out more .

Tributary Restoration and Resiliency RFA
DEC is pleased to announce $986,000 in funding for projects to help restore free-flowing waters to benefit water quality, conserve and restore habitat, and increase flood resiliency for communities in the Hudson River estuary watershed. The minimum award amount is $10,500 and the maximum award is $986,000. Funding for this grant opportunity is provided by the New York State (NYS) Environmental Protection Fund, Hudson River Estuary Program and Ocean Great Lakes Program. Deadline: February 5, 2020 . Read more .

Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program
The primary objective of the program is to provide grants to Agriculture Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to market value-added agricultural products. Deadline: March 20, 2020 . More details .

Community Economic Development Projects Grant
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will award approximately $13.6 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) for well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low-income. CED grants will be made as part of a broader strategy to address objectives such as decreasing dependency on federal programs, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in urban and rural areas. CED projects are expected to actively recruit individuals with low-income to fill the positions created by CED-funded development activities, to assist those individuals to successfully hold those jobs and to ensure that the businesses and jobs created remain viable for at least one year after the end of the grant period. Deadline: May 26, 2020 . More info .

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