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
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Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
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Important Reminders
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Heritage Development Grant Applications are Due February 5, 2021. More details.
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Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Complete
On December 31, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the completion of the Empire State Trail, now the nation's longest multi-use state trail. The trail spans 750-miles, from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada, and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal. The trail is composed of mainly off-road segments, 75 percent statewide, and 85 percent in the Hudson Valley, with the rest being on-road. The off-road segments are ideal for cyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and snow-shoers. The new recreational trail provides a safe and scenic pathway for New Yorkers and tourists to experience New York State's varied landscapes. The Empire State Trail is expected to draw 8.6 million residents and tourists annually.
The completion of the Empire State Trail coincides with the completion of a single interconnected Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail route from Battery Park in Manhattan to Whitehall in Washington County. The Hudson River Greenway Trail is the culmination of decades of work by dozens of organizations, municipalities, and volunteers throughout the Hudson Valley. It is the realization of a vision developed by Greenway authors Maurice D. Hinchey, Barnabas McHenry and Steven Saland, and enacted into law by Governor Mario M. Cuomo. The Greenway deeply appreciates and thanks all of those who worked so hard developing the trail from 1991 to the present.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail System will continue to grow, adding new segments that will connect to the Empire State Trail, increase the recreational opportunities in communities throughout the Hudson Valley, and serve as a source of pride for all Hudson Valley residents.
For a more detailed history of the development of the Hudson River Greenway Trail, please click here.
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Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Celebrates Black History Month
The history of the Hudson Valley is one of conflict and interaction between cultures and peoples beginning with the first European contact with the native tribes of the region. The Dutch introduced slavery to the Hudson Valley in the 1620s. Over time the enslaved people adapted the Dutch holiday of Pentecost into what became known as Pinkster, a day of feasting, dancing, and celebration. Pinkster was outlawed in 1811 in Albany, NY. The law was repealed in the city 200 years later, in 2011. Today several sites, such as Fort Crailo SHS in Rensselaer, NY, interpret Pinkster, holding events around the holiday.
The Hudson Valley was an integral part of the abolition movement with a number of notable figures involved in the movement.
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James Brown, a runaway slave who escaped Maryland in the 1820s and came to Mount Gulian, eventually working his way up to becoming the estate’s gardener and lived into his seventies, long enough to see the end of slavery by the time of his death in 1868.
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The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence in Albany, NY (see photo above) highlights the history of the Underground Railroad in the Capital Region.
- Stephen Myers was himself a freed slave who edited several abolitionist newspapers including The Northern Star and spoke alongside Frederick Douglass at several events.
- Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in 1797 in Ulster County, NY, fled for freedom, and became a leading abolitionist and women’s rights activist.
Henry Johnson, who lived in Albany from his teens on, fought off a German raid during World War I in 1918 and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama in 2015, nearly a century after his death.
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area celebrates Black History Month and the contributions of generations of African Americans to the culture and history of the Hudson Valley and the nation.
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Adirondack Glens Falls Transportation Council Regional Bicycle Plan for Public Review
A draft of the Adirondack Glens Falls Transportation Council (AGFTC) Regional Bicycle Plan has now become available for public review. AGFTC is a metropolitan planning organization for the northern section of the Champlain Canalway Trail charged with preparing a Regional Bicycle Plan to support and encourage policies and projects that increase bicycling activity in the region. The initiative includes an interactive online map, which illustrates existing trails, the priority bicycle network, and the priority project inventory. The public comment period for the draft ends on February 16, 2021. Comments should be made in writing and emailed directly to Jack Mance (AGFTC) at [email protected].
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Olana Introducing Free First Weekend Wanderings
Kickstart your month outdoors at Olana State Historic Site! You will now be able to learn more about Olana and its artist-designed landscape during hour-long walking tours on the first Saturday of each month until May. Each tour will cover a different portion of Olana’s 250-acre landscape and 5 miles of carriage roads. These gentle walks will cover about 1 mile and participants will need to wear weather-appropriate apparel and comfortable footwear. Limited capacity; all attendants must register in advance. Register now.
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News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program |
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Important Reminders
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The Weekend of February 13-14, 2021, is a Designated Free Fishing Weekend. Learn more.
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DEC Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Now Open
The tree nursery has more than 50 conifer and hardwood species available in bundles of 25 or more, plus several mixed-species packets for those looking for a variety. For more information, including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website.
Free seedlings are available for youth education through the School Seedling Program. Applications are now being accepted until March 31, 2021, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with students. Learn more.
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Upcoming Events
*Please note that, while many heritage sites in the Hudson Valley have begun to reopen cautiously due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some sites are still closed or have reduced hours. Please call the individual sites directly to inquire about their current status. New York State Parks remain open. While enjoying the outdoors, please follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19.
Download the Hudson River Train Tour App
Between New York City and Albany, a world of history, nature, and culture awaits you. And there’s no better way to experience it all than by riding a train through the Hudson Valley. With the new, free Hudson River Train Tour app, you’ll discover what’s out that train window…and beyond. Learn more.
Programs for Children at Sheldrake Environmental Center
February-March 2021: New fun programs announced to keep kids active, learning, and having fun all winter! Weekly children's classes (both public and private) continue in-person. Find out more.
Biological Control of Invasive Plants (WEBINAR)
February 2: Introducing a new small grant program from the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council. Find out more.
Dr. Dave Strayer – “A Few Thoughts About Science and the Future of the Hudson River” (WEBINAR)
February 3: The Hudson is extraordinarily well-studied and constantly changing. The presentation will review recent additions to our understanding of this dynamic ecosystem, and discuss what science predicts are changes to come. More info.
Hike with Mike, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
February 6: This will be a 5-6-mile walk taking about two to three hours. A mix of hills, fields, and a lake. Read more.
Landscape Highlights: a Walking Tour of Clermont's Grounds
February 6:Led by Clermont’s staff, this moderate walking tour will take you to sites of interest all over the property. A great introduction to the property and the history of Clermont! Register here.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site's Sunday Salons (WEBINAR)
February 7: Join Elon Cook Lee virtually for a discussion on her work with hundreds of historic sites across the country on interpretation theory and the development of slavery programs that center Black humanity. More details.
PLNY's Commercial Historic Tax Credit Webinar (WEBINAR)
February 10: Learn about the NYS Commercial Historic Tax Credit Program with a focus on the Capital District and Adirondack Region. More info.
The Heart Of Philanthropy: For The Love Of Trails (WEBINAR)
February 10: Learn more about the exciting new projects on the horizon and how philanthropy helps bring them to fruition. Find out more.
Driving While Black with Dr. Gretchen Sorin (WEBINAR)
February 11: The author of "Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights," will discuss her acclaimed body of research and partly autobiographical work which documents the impact of automobile transportation on the Civil Rights Movement and race relations in America. More details.
Phragmites Control Strategies: Webinar for Land Managers (WEBINAR)
February 11: In this full-day webinar-based workshop, regional land managers and other experts will share their perspectives on phragmites control. More info.
Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association Monthly Star Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY
February 12: The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association hosts a monthly stargazing party in the West Beach parking lot. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars or use those provided by members. Learn more.
Frigus Snowshoe Festival 2021, Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY
February 13: The Endurance Society's Annual Frigus Snowshoe Festival will hold a variety of winter events. Read more.
Virtual Valentine Making
Februrary 13:Join Clermont Educator and Resident Artist, Emily Robinson as she takes you through the artistic history of valentines. She’ll discuss how the art has changed through the years and even give you a lesson in how to make them. Register here.
George Washington's Birthday Virtual Celebration
February 13, 14, & 15: Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, in Newburgh, invites you to their annual George Washington's Birthday Celebration. This year, to keep "Covid Safe," programs will be VIRTUAL! On February 13th, 14th and 15th, the celebration of the General's Birthday will take place as free on-line events each day that you can enjoy from the safety of your own home. More info.
Snowshoe Hike, Taconic State Park, Copake Falls, NY
February 13: Snowshoe Hike (3 miles round trip) to Bash Bish Falls. Snowshoes provided with limited availability. Bonfire to follow. More info.
Mossy Glen Loop Hike, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
February 14: Take a crisp hike in the wintry woods on this approximately three-and-a-half-mile-long outing. More details.
Livingstons in Love
February 14: This Valentine’s Day learn about some of the couples in Clermont’s history. From the doomed romance of Janet Livingston and Richard Montgomery to the romantic letters written by the Judge to Margaret Beekman to the romance of 20th century mansion staff Louise and Clarence Jones, we will discuss the love stories of Clermont in this Facebook Live program. Register here.
Winter Scavenger Hunt on Snowshoes, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Gansevoort, NY
February 15: Join a Scavenger Hunt for animal tracks and other signs of winter at Camp Saratoga. Led by Environmental Educators from Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Learn more.
Hidden Stories from Newly Translated Dutch Colonial Documents (WEBINAR)
February 16: Tune into a discussion on the forthcoming Volume 13. Correspondence, 1658–1660 of translations of Dutch colonial manuscripts. Find out more.
Fire Ecology Walk, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
February 17: Learn about Sam’s Point’s unique fire-dependent ecosystem on this interpretive three-mile hike on the Loop Road with Becca Howe-Parisio, Interpretive Ranger. Please call Sam’s Point at 845-647-7989 to register.
Writing An Invasive Species Management Plan (WEBINAR)
February 18: Do you manage a natural area? Do you need to have a documented plan for addressing invasive species? Take this workshop to help you get started on your plan. Read more.
Land in Black Hands (WEBINAR)
February 19: Land in Black Hands is the Kingston Land Trust's annual conversation exploring Black land access and economic development strategies in Black communities. More info.
Winter Walk, Robert Ingalls Preserve, Stephentown, NY
February 20: A winter walk through Rensselaer Land Trust’s compact but diverse jewel will take us along the sparking Black Brook, across a field of glacial erratics, and past evidence of people’s efforts long ago to wrest a living from this rocky land. Learn more.
Comics, Diversity, and McCarthyism (WEBINAR)
February 20: In the early 20th century, comic books were one of the few American industries that supported a diverse workforce of people of color and women. How did an article in Ladies' Home Journal and McCarthyism lead to the downfall of an industry and the blacklisting of thousands of creators? Find out more.
The Livingstons and Their Community in the Revolutionary War
February 21: Join one of Clermont's interpreters for a walk-and-talk tour of Clermont’s grounds. The tour will discuss the important role Clermont and the Livingston family played during the American Revolution, culminating in the British army assault on Clermont in 1777. Register here.
PLNY's Technical Talks: National Register Districts (WEBINAR)
February 22: Join PLNY as they explore National Register districts and how they differ from local historic districts with a regulatory component. More details.
Identifying & Reporting Spotted Lanternfly and Tree-of-heaven with NY iMapInvasives (WEBINAR)
February 23: Learn more about invasive species and how you can use iMapInvasives to help to protect NY natural resources from their impacts. More info.
Into the Maelstrom: The Life and Career of Mary Edmonia Lewis (WEBINAR)
February 24: In this presentation, Professor Kirsten Buick will explore the impact of Lewis's career on the most compelling debates of her day--the fight to abolish slavery, True Womanhood, spirituality, and how the U.S. would resolve its relationship to its Indigenous populations. Find out more.
Winnakee-Dutchess Trails Roundtable (WEBINAR)
February 25: The roundtable will include a presentation by Andy Beers, the Empire State Trail Director on trails in Dutchess and Ulster Counties, as well as the entire Empire State Trail. Before the presentation, there will be an opportunity to share news and updates on local trail projects, network, and brainstorm with other community trail groups. Read more.
Troy Night Out, Downtown Troy, Troy, NY
February 26: Troy Night Out is an extended evening highlighting arts and culture that takes place on the last Friday of every month in Downtown Troy. More details.
The George and Mary Tour, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY
February 27: Go for a guided tour to explore the narratives surrounding George and Mary's relationship and lasting results that potentially altered two countries' futures. Learn more.
History Storytime
February 27: Whether there's snow on the ground or not, it's always a good time for some stories! Join one of Clermont's costumed interpreters as they read a story in person or on Facebook Live. Register here.
When Ice Came from the River: Ice Harvesting in the Gilded Age, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
February 28: The village of Staatsburg was once the leading site for ice harvesting in the Hudson Valley. Take a guided tour outdoors to explore the local history of this once thriving industry through the Mills' country estate, Staatsburgh. Find out more.
Henry Beekman Livingston at Valley Forge
February 28: Come sit around the fire with Henry Beekman Livingston as he talks about his experience of the hard winter at Valley Forge. Register here.
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Heritage Spotlight: Putnam History Museum
The Putnam History Museum collects, preserves, interprets and presents the history of Putnam County, Philipstown, the West Point Foundry, and the Hudson Highlands. The Museum tells the story of the West Point Foundry in a new permanent exhibition. Large-scale photographs and an interactive stereoview display show how the foundry was essential to 19th century industrial and military endeavors in the United States. View John Ferguson Weir’s acclaimed 1866 large-scale painting “The Gun Foundry.” A recently acquired 10-pounder size Parrott gun measures five feet long weighing 900 pounds is on display. Additional rotating exhibitions feature artwork and artifacts related to local history. Now open by appointment for exhibition viewing and research. Please call 845-265-4010 to schedule an appointment and to review all COVID-19 safety procedures. Learn more.
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Project Spotlight: Pershing Avenue Community Farm
The City of Poughkeepsie received a Greenway Compact Grant to conduct an Expanded Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on a 1.5-acre city-owned vacant lot. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possibility of creating a community farm hub in partnership with the Poughkeepsie Alliance and Scenic Hudson's Fall Kill initiative, which collectively works with local partners to address issues that face north side residents. The community farm hub will provide training
in food security, production, and nutrition for local youth, while also acting as an attraction to bring visitors to the City of Poughkeepsie. The hub will provide youth programming and create an arts and community campus in the northside of Kingston, including the Art Effect studios, renovated city-owned playground, and a planned outdoor art installation all centered around Fallkill Creek. Learn more about the City of Poughkeepsie.
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Cell Phones Are Filled With Reusable Resources
For every million cell phones we recycle, 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. Learn more.
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Heritage Development Grants
This annual grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the HRVNHA's website. One notable departure for this round is that staff time is eligible to be reimbursed, but only if that staff time is for the direct development of programming or interpretation, as identified in the grant application. We will be accepting applications with a February 5, 2021 submittal deadline, particularly focused on creating virtual tours and programming. Please note, that there is a new budget form with the application packet. Applicants should not use an older version of the budget form.
National Heritage Area Sponsorships 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 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. Sponsorships 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 HRVNHA are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.
Peggy Barber Tribute Grant
The American Library Association's Peggy Barber Tribute Grant supports meaningful programs in libraries with limited programming budgets. Up to three grants of $2,500 will be awarded annually. For the inaugural 2020–2021 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a grant to support humanities-based programming. Deadline: February 5, 2021. Find out more.
Protect Our Watersheds Calendar Contest
DEC and the New York State Water Environment Association (NYWEA) are sponsoring a "Protect Our Watersheds" calendar contest open to all middle school students. Fourteen winners will have the honor of having their artwork in a 2022 calendar distributed across New York State. Deadline: February 5, 2021. Learn more.
Hudson River Environmental Society McKeon Research Grant
The McKeon Research Grant is available for High School, Undergraduate, and Graduate student research on environmental issues in the Hudson Valley. Grants of up to $1,000 will be given to help defray the cost of summer fieldwork. Deadline: February 8, 2021. More details.
DEC/EFC Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant
The EPG funds production of an engineering report for eligible Clean Water State Revolving Fund water quality projects. For full program details and requirements, view the EPG Round 10 Program Overview (PDF). DEC offers this opportunity in partnership with the Environmental Facilities Corporation. Deadline: February 12, 2021. Read more.
EFC's Green Innovation Grant Program
The GIGP provides grants for projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and/or water efficiency practices. Deadline: February 12, 2021. Learn more.
ECNHC's Event and Festival Sponsorship Program
Cultural, heritage, and recreational events within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor deliver $1.3 billion in economic benefits to communities. In partnership with NYS Canal Corporation, we are offering competitive sponsorships up to $500 for events or festivals taking place from May through November. Municipalities or nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations are eligible. Next round of applications: February 20, 2021. More info.
Access to Historical Records Grants: Major Initiatives
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) supports projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Award amounts range from: $100,000 to $350,000 for 1 - 3 year projects. Deadline: February 25, 2021. Find out more.
N.G. Kaul Memorial Scholarship
In honor of the former Director of DEC's Division of Water, up to $5,000 in scholarships is available to students pursuing graduate or doctoral degrees in environmental/civil engineering or environmental science concentrating on water quality who show a commitment to government service. Deadline: February 26, 2021. Read more.
Hudson Estuary 'Trees for Tribs' Program
Anyone that owns or manages property near a stream in the Hudson River Estuary watershed (PDF) is eligible to apply for free native trees and shrubs. Early applications are encouraged, particularly for large sites (more than 60 plants) or when requesting specific plant species. Deadline: March 1, 2021. More info.
Park & Trail Partnership Grants
The program is administered jointly by Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The program 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; and 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: March 11, 2021. Learn more.
DHPSNY's Spring 2021 Planning & Assessment Services Round
This is the first application round of DHPSNY's second five-year iteration and includes important COVID-19 safety precautions. These services will only be offered virtually to ensure personal safety. Deadline: March 26, 2021. More details.
Center for Research on African American Children and Families RFP
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is considering soliciting applications for a Center for Research on African American Children and Families, to lead and support research on the needs of African American populations served by ACF and promising approaches to promoting social and economic well-being among low-income African American populations. Deadline: May 20, 2021. Learn more.
Institutes for Historical Editing
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks proposals for the training and education of historical documentary editors. The Institutes for Historical Editing must consist of both basic and advanced Institutes that seek to achieve specific goals. A grant is for one to three years and up to $275,000. Deadline: June 9, 2021. More info.
NHPRC-Mellon Start-Up Grants for Collaborative Digital Editions in African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American History
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives supports projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Grants are awarded to collaborative teams consisting of at least two scholar-editors, as well as one or more archivists, digital scholars, data curators, and/or other support and technical staff, as appropriate to fulfill the planning goals and early-implementation needs of the proposed edition. A grant is for up to two years and for up to $60,000 per year. Deadline: June 9, 2021. Learn more.
Artist Emergency Fund (Columbia and Greene Counties Only)
CREATE Council on the Arts is facilitating an emergency fund for artists living in our region (Greene and Columbia County) who have been financially impacted by the Coronavirus and require immediate support. Grants of $50 will be administered to artists who have lost income due to the virus in order to supplement costs of basic necessities including groceries and rent. Find out more.
Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Reimbursement Program
The Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Reimbursement Program is an innovative partnership between New York State and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) focused on incentivizing the reduction of food waste in the state. The program provides reimbursement to New York State businesses, municipalities, or not-for-profits that generate, haul or recycle large amounts of food waste to offset the cost of select technologies and equipment that promise to reduce or divert that food waste from landfill or incineration. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. More details.
Chronogram Media Community Grant Program for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
This grant program aims to support marketing programs for a variety of Hudson Valley minority and women-owned small businesses, virtual events, and regional nonprofits. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, commitment to social change, and alignment with Chronogram Media’s values. Accepted partners will receive a number of benefits and increased exposure through Chronogram Media's various platforms. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. 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.
Town of Hyde Park Climate Smart Communities Task Force is Seeking Volunteers
The Town of Hyde Park Climate Smart Communities Task Force needs an individual to
volunteer a small portion of their time. 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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