Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area,
J. Winthrop Aldrich, Acting Chairman Greenway Council, Acting 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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Greenway Planning, Greenway Trail, and Heritage Development Grant Applications are Due February 4, 2022. More details.
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Order the Free Empire State Trail Printed Map by Submitting an Email with your Name and Mailing Address on the Contact Us Page on the Empire State Trail's Website. Order now.
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2022 Hudson River Valley Ramble Announced for September
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Empire State Trail Featured on PBS Show Travels With Darley
Darley Newman in a new episode of “Travels with Darley” a series on PBS focuses on New York State's epic Empire State Trail. Darley travels throughout the state highlighting historic, recreational, and fun things to see and do along the 750-mile multi-use Empire State Trail.
The episode will be airing in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley in February. Check your local PBS listings for dates and times.
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Hold These Dates for the 17th Annual Canal Clean Sweep
Last year, more than a hundred communities, not-for-profit organizations, civic groups, businesses, and social clubs took part in 120 cleanup and beautification events along the Canal System and the Canalway Trail.
If you are interested in starting your own clean-up event, registration is now open. Don’t want to host your own clean-up event? Save the date and check back later in the spring to register as a volunteer for a public event using the Event Finder Map. Read more.
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Yonkers Public Library and Hudson River Museum Awarded $89,300 Grant by Metropolitan New York Library Council
Yonkers Public Library and Hudson River Museum were awarded an $89,300 grant from the Metropolitan New York Library Council to fund cultural learning opportunities for students and families living in Yonkers and Westchester County.
The grant supports the library and museum’s joint The Estuary Project: Learning that Flows Two Ways, which synchronizes the library’s programs and resources. Projects will include building a one-of-a-kind library collection related to Yonkers, tribal history of the Lenape, history of the Hudson River, and the Hudson River School art movement. Read the full press release.
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News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program |
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Important Reminders
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New York State Trail Supporter Patches are Back! Learn more.
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Helping Communities Envision A Resilient Future
The Climate-Adaptive Design (CaD) Studio links Cornell University students in landscape architecture with high flood-risk Hudson Riverfront communities to explore design alternatives for a climate-resilient and connected waterfront. The design program has taken place in Kingston, Hudson, Catskill, Piermont, and Ossining. Through an open application process, the City of Poughkeepsie was selected to host the 2021 studio.
Along with the local effects of climate change, students in the program took into consideration Poughkeepsie’s history, ecology, economy, and community needs in creating their designs. Community stakeholders are engaged throughout the semester-long studio to inform the student design process. Resident interests included enhancing public waterfront access, increasing connectivity along the waterfront, and creating a clear path for pedestrians and bikers to access the waterfront from Marist to downtown Poughkeepsie. Outreach staff from the Estuary Program and partners conducted new forms of stakeholder engagement for the Poughkeepsie studio, including Zoom meetings with community-based organizations, tabling at farmers markets, handing out flyers to users on the waterfront, and a Social Pinpoint interactive map and public survey. 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.
Women In Science: A Love Affair in STEM with Shihadah “Shay” Saleem (WEBINAR)
February 2: Learn how a Black woman’s love of marine science blossomed into a holistic passion of STEM education, empowerment, and community elevation for NYC youth. Find out more.
Community Forest Conservation Grant Program (WEBINAR)
February 2: This webinar will discuss project eligibility and the application process for NYSDEC's Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. More info.
Winter Forest Therapy, Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, Selkirk, NY
February 5: Join MHLC and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Diane Kavanaugh-Black for a quiet stroll. More details.
Free First Weekend Wandering, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
February 5: Learn more about Olana and its artist-designed landscape during hour-long walking tours beginning at the Wagon House Education Center at the historic farm complex. Read more.
Historic Home Tour, Glenview, Yonkers, NY
February 6: Explore the six fully restored period rooms on a 45-minute guided tour and see the fine woodwork, furnishings, decorative objects, artwork, and magnificent architectural features that rank it as one of the most important early Gilded Age residences open to the public. Find out more.
Drop-In Snowshoe Lessons, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
February 12: It is designed for people who are beginners, interested in trying snowshoeing as a new winter activity. More info.
Winter Bird Walk, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY
February 14: Fluff up your feathers and come explore birds in winter! More details.
ReLeaf Webinar: Tribal Values for the Natural World (WEBINAR)
February 15: Lunch and learn with Les Benedict, assistant director of Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Environmental Division. Find out more.
Meandering Among the Mansions of the Historic Millionaires, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Irvington, NY
February 16: Learn the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the millionaires who lived along the Trail in the 1800's. Learn more.
“Field-Based Learning Connects and Empowers Students,” with Margie Turrin (WEBINAR)
February 16: Explore how youth on the Hudson and in Greenland are working to bring hands-on, intergenerational learning into their education. Read more.
Walking Towards Peace: Veterans Healing on America’s Trails (WEBINAR)
February 17: Current research and perspectives of professional therapists, as well as information on organizations devoted to healing veterans in the outdoors. Learn more.
The Firefighter Fran & Firestar Show, FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Hudson, NY
February 19: Meet Firefighter Fran and her friend Firestar the Dalmatian, as they present an interactive show on fire safety. More info.
Making a Great Backyard Bird Habitat, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
February 19: Drop in to see an informational display and talk with an educator about transforming your yard into a bird paradise. More details.
Great Backyard Bird Count, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
February 20: It's time for the Great Backyard Bird Count! We'll start at the Nature Center's bird observation window, then move outdoors for a walk through field and forest to count winter birds for this long-running Cornell Ornithology Lab program. Find out more.
Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Knox Headquarters State Historic Site, Vails Gate, NY
February 20-21: Tours of the house will be offered as part of the birthday celebration. Read more.
Acting Like Animals, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Gansevoort, NY
February 22: Educators will lead engaging activities based on winter animal survival. More info.
Birdwatching with the Saw Mill River Audubon Society, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
February 23: Join experts from the Saw Mill River Audubon Society on a bird walk around the Preserve. More details.
Day Hiking Checklist (WEBINAR)
February 23: Headed out for a day hike and not sure what to bring? NYNJTC outdoor experts will share their must-have items for the start of a safe, enjoyable experience outdoors. Learn more.
Festivals and Events: The Devil is in the Details (WEBINAR)
February 24: Learn the ins and outs of planning for an event for your trail to keep things running smoothly before, during, and after. Read more.
Livingston Open Mic, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
February 27: Join one of Clermont's interpreters as they tell the story behind these pieces and share the written word of Clermont's residents. Find out more.
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Heritage Spotlight: Glebe House, Dutchess County
The Glebe House offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a middle-class Colonial family. The simple brick home was constructed circa 1767 for the Rev. John Beardsley, who ministered to Episcopal congregations in Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. At the outset of the Revolutionary War, Beardsley remained loyal to Great Britain and fled to Canada; during the war, the house quartered Continental Army officers. Later, it went through a succession of owners until being purchased and restored by the Dutchess County Historical Society in 1929. Much of its original woodwork intact, the house is filled with furnishings from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Learn more.
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Project Spotlight: Land Use Law Update
The Town of Esopus received a Greenway Planning Grant to update the Town’s land use regulations in accordance with the Town’s new Comprehensive Plan. The Town of Esopus contains over 24 miles of shoreline and opportunities for recreational access to and compatible development along waterfront properties is limited – particularly in the Hamlets of Sleightsburgh, Connelly, and Port Ewen. Before being awarded this grant the Town’s land-use regulations have not undergone a formal review and update in several years. These land-use updates were necessary to ensure the existing regulations are in accordance with the new Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan lays out specific regulatory changes and new approaches to preserve and enhance the Town’s community character, continue the protection and enhancement of natural resources, open spaces, and scenic and historic resources, facilitate new recreational opportunities, trail connections, and waterfront access, encourage and enable further economic growth and infill development to meet the needs of residents. Learn more about the Town of Esopus.
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Rethink Your Chocolate For Valentine's Day
Opt for minimal packaging instead of heart-shaped boxes or plastic molds. Instead of picking up a box of chocolates from the nearest store, plan to purchase organic or local chocolate. Learn more.
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program
Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: February 4, 2022. More info.
Heritage Development Grants
This grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 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 4, 2022 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.
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. Applications are due February 4, 2022. More details.
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.
NYS Urban Forestry Council's Quick Start Grants
Through U.S. Forest Service funding, the NYSUFC offers Quick Start competitive grants of up to $1,000 each to small communities who want to pursue Tree City USA status, starting with an inaugural Arbor Day tree planting celebration in spring or fall. Deadline: February 10, 2022. Learn more.
City of Albany Small Business Facade Improvement Program
The program is a matching grant program designed to assist small businesses throughout the City of Albany, providing business owners the opportunity to reinvest in their properties with exterior renovations. Deadline: March 11, 2022. Find out more.
Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Program
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts: State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel. The state tourism grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future. Deadline: March 15, 2022. More info.
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. A wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program. Deadline: March 15, 2022. Find out more.
Build Back Better Regional Challenge
The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is designed to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. Phase 2: EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, to implement those projects. Deadline: March 15, 2022. Learn more.
NYSDEC's Community Forest Conservation Grant Program
The grant program’s goal is to assist communities in the conservation of local forests to create opportunities for public access, help protect natural areas from development, and encourage sustainable management of forested lands. Deadline: April 13, 2022. Read more.
Major Collaborative Archival Initiatives
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) of the National Archives supports projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Deadline: June 8, 2022. More details.
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation. Deadline: November 15, 2022. 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.
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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