|
|
|
|
Barnabas McHenry, Chair Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Sara Griffen, Acting Chair Greenway Conservancy, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director Greenway, Acting Director National Heritage Area
|
|
What's New?
| |
Due to a formatting glitch in our previous e-newsletter, we are re-sending a corrected version. We apologize for the duplication.
Congress Reauthorizes Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
|
June 7, 2013 press event at Boscobel announcing the introduction of the extension bill.
|
Last month Congress reauthorized funding eligibility for the HRVNHA through 2021. This funding supports the important work of the HRVNHA and our partners. These funds serve as a catalyst for partnership
projects that protect and promote the Hudson Valley's unparalleled natural, cultural, and historic resources well in to the future.
We are very grateful for the unwavering support of our entire Congressional delegation. Every
member of the delegation has been proactive in their support of our heritage area. In particular, we would like to thank Senator Gillibrand for sponsoring the authorization bill and members Maloney and Lowey for doing the same in the House, Congresswoman Lowey for her action earlier this year in the Appropriations Committee to restore funding for the entire National Heritage Areas program, Congressman Tonko for providing leadership as the Co-Chair of the National Heritage Areas Congressional Caucus, and Congressman Gibson for working across the aisle to support National Heritage Areas. We, and many other organizations involved in promoting and protecting our natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources, benefit tremendously from this unified support from our representatives in Washington.
For more information, please see this article by the Hudson Valley Press and press release from Senator Gillibrand's office.
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 2015 Heritage Development Grants
A reminder that applications for the 2015 Heritage Development Grant Program are due on February 6, 2015. These grants provide $50,000 in matching funds for projects that support programming, interpretation, and marketing of the Hudson River Valley's heritage and historic sites. For more information, guidelines, and applications, please visit the program webpage.
Public Input Needed for Hudson River Restoration Plan
 Partners Restoring the Hudson, a new public/private partnership of over 20 federal, state, local, academic, and nonprofit organizations established for the purpose of creating a comprehensive, federally-recognized Hudson River Restoration Plan, is seeking your input to develop plan priorities. Several upcoming information input sessions have been scheduled which will provide an opportunity for local governments to identify and prioritize local and regional projects within the plan and learn about funding opportunities that may be available through it.
Public information sessions dates for the Hudson River Restoration Plan are as follows:
- January 13 at Columbia-Greene Community College - Hudson
- January 14 at Marist College - Poughkeepsie
- January 15 at Irvington Public Library - Irvington
- January 21 Online webinar
- January 22 at East Greenbush Public Library - East Greenbush
For more registration and more information, please visit the Events pages of www.thehudsonweshare.org.
Hudson Valley and Catskills named to Fodor's "Go List 2015"
The Hudson Valley and the Catskills were named to the "Go List 2015" put out by Fodor's Travel, the world's largest publisher of English language travel and tourism information. In its inclusion of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills on this prestigious list, Fodor's Travel cited the region's proximity to New York City, natural beauty, intriguing history, charming communities, burgeoning art scene, world-class cuisine, and many opportunities for recreational adventure. For the complete listing and more, please see the Fodor's Go List 2015.
Greenway Conservancy Chair Stepping Down from Olana Partnership Presidency
Greenway Conservancy Chair Sara J. Griffen, who has served as the Washburn S. & Susan M. Oberwager President of the Olana Partnership since 1996, stepped down from this position in December, 2014. During her eighteen-year tenure, the Olana Partnership has made great advances in its nonprofit stewardship of Olana State Historic Site and the historic home of nineteenth-century painter Frederic Edwin Church, one of the most iconic cultural attractions in the Hudson Valley.
Under Ms. Griffen's guidance, the Olana Partnership has worked to achieve an impressive list of accomplishments, including the first-ever comprehensive plan for the Olana State Historic Site in 2002, the creation of a National Advisory Committee and the Frederic Edwin Church Award Gala, important gallery additions, and extensive physical restorations of the remarkable architecture and landscape of Olana that have protected and enhanced the incomparable scenic views offered by this attraction.
The Olana Partnership has been a firm supporter and dedicated partner of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Ms. Griffen has served as chair of the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley since 2009.
|
Heritage Spotlight
| |
Bear Mountain State Park
 | The Trailsides Museums at Bear Mountain State Park
Photo courtesy of trailsidezoo.org. |
Bear Mountain State Park offers over 5,000 acres for year-round recreation in Orange and Rockland counties on the west side of the Hudson River. In winter, Bear Mountain State Park is a perfect place for hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating on an outdoor rink. The historic 1915 Bear Mountain Inn offers lodging, dining, and a spa in a rustic lodge inspired by the great camps of the Adirondacks. The popular zoo features rehabilitating mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, and the Trailsides museums present exhibits on local nature, geology, and history. The beautiful merry-go-round features hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 carved seats of native animals, including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, and rabbit. For more on Bear Mountain State Park, please visit the Heritage Site page at hudsonrivervalley.com.
|
Project Spotlight
|
Fort Ann Community Center Site Selection Study 
The Town and Village of Fort Ann have jointly completed a feasibility and site selection study that investigates the development of a shared municipal and multi-use facility between these adjacent communities. Presently, the existing town and village halls of Fort Ann provide insufficient space and infrastructure to meet the needs of local government. It is hoped that the possibility of a shared government space explored by this study will result in a consolidated and centralized meeting space, suitable parking, improved handicap access, and room for a new firehouse and senior citizen center. This community center study is a collaborative solution between the Town and Village of Fort Ann that will increase municipal efficiency and local economic development, relieve downtown parking problems, and represents an important effort in the responsible spatial planning of this rural and historic corner of Washington County.
This feasibility study was carried about by the LA Group, a landscape architecture and engineering firm based in Saratoga Springs. The Hudson River Valley Greenway provided a $5,000 Greenway Communities Council Grant to the Town and Village of Fort Ann in support of this this important project.
|
Upcoming Grants and Other Opportunities
| |
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 2015 Heritage Development Grant Program
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area announces its 2015 Heritage Development Grant Program. $50,000 in matching funds is available to projects that support programming, interpretation, and marketing of Hudson River Valley heritage and historic sites. Deadline: February 6, 2015. For more information, guidelines, and applications, please visit the program webpage.
Greenway Communities and Compact Grant Programs
Financial assistance (approximately $5,000-$10,000) to designated "Greenway Communities" or "Greenway Compact Communities" within the Greenway Area. Projects funded under this program include those that relate to community planning, economic development, natural resource protection, cultural resource protection, scenic resource protection, and open space protection. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by 5:00 PM: February 6, 2015; May 8, 2015; September 11, 2015.
New York Department of State Webinar: "Planning Board Overview"This January 13, 2015 webinar is offered by the New York Department of State as part of its Local Government Training program. The session is free of charge, includes a certificate of completion, and is a great review for planning board members. For more information, please visit the registration page. Riverkeeper Scholarship Early Admissions Deadline - Bard Center for Environmental Policy Riverkeeper is proud to support the interdisciplinary graduate programs offered by the Bard Center for Environmental Policy. This unique program, located in the Hudson Valley at Bard College's Annandale campus combines science, economics, and law to train the next generation of leaders in environmental policy. Deadline: January 15, 2015. For more information, please visit this program webpage.
DEC Accepting Applications for Adirondack and Catskill Smart Growth Implementation Grants
The Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting applications for Adirondack and Catskill Smart Growth Implementation grants. $800,000 in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants are available to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for smart growth projects, including capital improvements, economic development, and organizational capacity-building. The application deadline is January 30, 2015.
Summer Internship with Environmental Health Services
Applications are now being accepted for a 10-week internship with the Centers for Disease Control Summer Program in Environmental Health, which is geared towards majors in Environmental Health. More information available here. Application deadline: February 11, 2015.
Greater Hudson Heritage Network - 2015 Conservation Treatment Grant Program
Support of up to $7,500 is available for conservation treatment of paintings, works on paper, textiles, furniture, frames, sculptures, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects owned by eligible organizations. For guidelines, application forms, and listings of past grantees, please visit the Conservation Treatment Grant Program webpage. Please note the new application deadline: March 2, 2015.
National Parks Service 2015 Battlefield Planning Grants
The National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Grant Program is now accepting proposals for 2015. Non-profit groups, academic institutions, and local, regional, state, and tribal governments are encouraged to apply for funding to support archaeology, cultural landscape inventories, cultural resource documentation, GIS mapping, National Register nominations, and preservation plans. For more information, please visit the program website.
Museum Association of New York Awards of Merit: Open Call for Nominations
The MANY Awards of Merit program acknowledges outstanding programs and individuals who have made the state's museum community richer and more relevant. They reward the innovative efforts of staff and volunteers and they provide encouragement for the development of new and remarkable projects. Nominations are sought for contributions made in 2014. For more information on the awards please visit the MANY website, email [email protected], or call (518) 273-3400.
Museums in Action 2015: Museums Mean Business - Call for Proposals
The Museum Association of New York (MANY) is soliciting session and workshop proposals for its April 2015 annual conference in Corning, New York. The theme of the upcoming conference is the museum as an economic engine. For more information, visit the MANY conference webpage.
2015 Office of Environmental Justice Small Grants
The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Justice announces the opening of its application period for the 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) Program. The EJSG Program provides funding for eligible applicants for projects that address local environmental and/or public health issues within an affected community. Pre-application assistance calls will take place in October and November. For more information, please visit the EJSG webpage.
Master of Science in Engineering Management Program at Clarkson University
Clarkson University's Master of Science in Engineering Management program is expanding this fall. The two-year, 30-credit hybrid program, designed for rising at-work professionals, focuses on building expertise in project management, financial management, quality management, and operations management. Students meet with faculty in-person at the start of each semester and continue interactions online, building a sophisticated learning community with Web-conferencing, email, social media, and other innovative technologies. For more information, visit the program webpage.
Martha Washington Woman of History Award
Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site will be accepting nominations for its annual Martha Washington Woman of History Award through January 9, 2015.
This award, now in its thirteenth year, recognizes women who have distinguished themselves in the field of Hudson Valley history and continues the site's mission of public education. For more information, please see this PDF or call (845) 562-1195.
New Farmers Grant Fund
The New York State New Farmers Grant Fund is now accepting applications. These grants provide assistance to new and early stage farmers and encourage farming as a career path to sustain and grow agribusiness across New York State. Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will administer the $614,000 fund, which will provide grants from $15,000 to up to $50,000 for eligible early stage farmers who substantially and materially participate in the production of an agricultural product on a commercial farm operation within New York. The deadline for applications is January 28, 2015. For more information on the grant fund and application process, click here.
Rolling Acceptance of Grant Applications:
Federal Grant Opportunities (courtesy of Congressman Paul Tonko)
A comprehensive and updated list of federal grant opportunities is available at the website of New York Congressman Paul Tonko.
Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (Ongoing)
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invite municipalities and nonprofit conservation organizations to apply for Farmland Protection funding. Prequalification for all not-for-profits is required; all municipalities interested must register on the State's new Grants Gateway website. For more information, please visit the program webpage.
New York State Conference of Mayors Grant & Award Opportunities (Ongoing)
New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials provide access to several ongoing grant and award opportunities. NYSCOM shares several links to federal, state, private foundation, and corporate grant and award programs.
2015 Events:
The Hudson River Estuary Program's 2015 Summit on the Future of the Hudson
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program will host the third Summit on the Future of the Hudson on April 16, 2015. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for this important event. Look for more meeting details to be announced soon.
|
Regional Events
| |
January 13
Tuesday Trek: Old Powerhouse at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Join Laura Conner for a trek along the edge of the Peter's Kill stream to the site of the old powerhouse for the former hotels once located at Lake Minnewaska. More information here.
January 15
Scholars Lecture: "The Men Who Lost America: British Leadership, the American Revolution and the Fate of the Empire" at John Jay Homestead - Katonah
University of Virginia history professor Andrew Jackson O'Shaughnessy will discuss British leadership during the American Revolution and the focus of his recent prize-winning book. More information here.
January 17
Clearwater Open Boat at the Hudson River Maritime Museum - Kingston
Visit the Clearwater at her winter berth to see the repairs that are underway and enjoy an afternoon of live acoustic music. Bring a potluck meal and a song in your heart. More information here.
Introduction to Snowshoeing at Sterling Forest State Park - Tuxedo Park Snowshoeing is great for both casual recreational hiking and extended backcountry excursions. Linda Pallack will introduce you to the basics of snowshoeing and some of the trails in Sterling Forest State Park. No experience is necessary. More information here. "Be Afraid. Be Really Afraid: Hauntings in the 18th Century" at Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site - New Windsor Two or three hundred years ago people were terrified of what lurked in the night. In their minds, ghosts stalked the gloomy forests and hovered about dark corners, preying on the unwary. This lecture will help you learn more about the role that ghosts, specters, and apparitions played in the lives of everyday people in the 18th and 19th centuries. More information here. January 18 World War I & the End of the Gilded Age Tour at Staatsburg State Historic Site - Staatsburg 1914 saw the start of the First World War and the beginning of the end of the Gilded Age. This special tour explores how the extravagant lifestyle of the Mills withered away in the cataclysm of the Great War. More information here. Awosting Falls Snowshoe Outing at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson Join Laura Conner for a two and half mile long snowshoe walk along the charming Awosting Falls Carriage Road. Snowshoes may be rented from the Park Preserve Office, located at the Peter's Kill Area. Early arrival is suggested for snowshoe rental. If there is no snow, this outing will be offered as a hike. More information here. Snowshoe Walk at Olana State Historic Site - Greenport Break in your new snowshoes, or test out a pair of ours on a guided snowshoe walk led by environmental educator Fran Martino along the scenic carriage drives at Olana. Perfect for beginners and families. If there is a lack of snow, this will become a walk without snowshoes. Snowshoe supply is limited; please register by preceding Thursday. More information here. January 19 Two Views for One Snowshoe Outing at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson Join Laura Conner on this two mile long hike to the best scenic vistas of the Clove Valley and the Rondout valley in the Peter's Kill Area of Minnewaska. Early arrival is suggested for snowshoe rental. More information here. January 22
"De-Clutter & Get Organized" at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center - Hudson
Get organized for the new year and de-clutter - this program will show you how. Register online or call (518) 622-9820, Ext. 0 or more information,
January 24
Beginning Beekeeper Workshop at the Agroforestry Resource Center - Acra
Learn all about this exciting and beneficial hobby (including equipment, pest control, honey harvesting, and hive maintenance) at this Cornell Cooperative Extension workshop for novices and experienced beekeepers alike. There will be questions, discussion, demonstrations, and a honey tasting. Register online or call (518) 622-9820, Ext. 0 for more information.
Winter Wildlife Survival at Fort Montgomery Historic Site - Fort Montgomery How is it that deer, wood frogs, or even praying mantis survive the winter? Come to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site and discover how our backyard neighbors endure the winter with no clothing, grocery stores or furnaces! This program will involve a nature trek searching for tracks and sign, hands-on furs, and games. Registration required. More information here. Peter's Kill Loop Snowshoe at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson Join Nick Martin for a two-mile moderately challenging snowshoe in the Peter's Kill Area. Highlights include a breathtaking view of the Catskills from a cliffside perch and meandering along the side of the Peter's Kill stream. More information here. January 25 Lecture Plus a Hike: Beavers on Ice at Sterling Forest State Park - Tuxedo Park Doc Bayne will share what he has learned about the lives of the beavers in Sterling Forest. The presentation will be about an hour and then we will find out what the beavers do in the winter by exploring their pond by walking on the ice. More information here. January 27 Tuesday Trek: Cross Country Ski to Echo Rock at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson Join Laura Conner for a four-mile round trip, cross country ski outing to Echo Rock. This modestly challenging outing will follow along Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road and the recently renovated Hamliton Point Carriage Road, a route that does include two challenging hills. More information here. January 29
Cornell Cooperative Extenion Teen Fashion and Textile Design Forum (multiple venues)
This seminar will offer learning opportunities to teens with an interest in fashion and textile careers through a four-part workshop with local designers, a fashion show at Marist College, and a daytrip to SUNY-FIT and the Garment District in New York City. Room is limited to 12 participants. For more information, email Linda Tripp at [email protected].
January 31
Lower Hudson Ambassador Workshop at Riverkeeper Office - Ossining
Ambassador workshops are designed for existing Ambassadors to deepen their knowledge and improve their skills in advocating for the Hudson River, especially in communications and in understanding crucial issues like crude oil transport and sewage contamination. For more information, please visit the event webpage.
Palisades WinterFest at Lippman Park - Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson Join Minnewaska State Park Preserve educators at Lippman Park for the Ellenville Wawarsing Youth Commission's Annual WinterFest. Bring your whole family to participate in hands-on activities, hikes, and games, and get information about year-round activities at Minnewaska. More information here. February 6
Webinar: The World Condensed: A Global Pursuit And Passions For Plants at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center - Hudson
Famed plantsman Dan Hinkley has spent much of his life exploring garden-worthy plants all around the world. In this pre-recorded lecture, he'll share his exploratory adventures in Asian flora with Cornell Cooperative Extension audiences. Register online or call (518) 622-9820, Ext. 0 for more information.
February 7
Backyard Maple Production at the Agroforestry Resource Center - Acra
Maple season is right around the corner and this workshop will introduce you to the rewarding hobby of maple sugaring, from equipment and tapping to syrup production. This program includes a tour of the Center's Maple Sugar House. Register online or call (518) 622-9820, Ext. 0 for more information.
Ongoing Events: Nature As I See It: A collection of works by Laura Garramone at the Agroforestry Resource Center - Acra Laura Garramone will present her nature-inspired pastel paintings of New York wildlife and landscapes at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Agroforestry Resource Center. Opening night and artist reception with refreshments on January 10. Through February. For more information, please call (518) 622-9820, Ext. 0.
The Shakers: America's Quiet Revolutionaries at the New York State Museum - Albany
The New York State Museum, in collaboration with the Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon, Hancock Shaker Village, and the Shaker Heritage Society (Albany), as well as the State Library and State Archives, presents this major exhibition detailing one of the most significant and influential communal religious groups in American history. On view from November 14, 2014 to March 6, 2016.
"You and Your Forest" - A Free Informational Letter Series from the Cornell Cooperative Extension. "You and Your Forest" is a free informational letter series that can help you begin the process of forest stewardship without leaving the comfort of your home. The letter series does not require any previous knowledge of forests or forestry. Sign up and you will receive seven self-study installments beginning February 2015 and sent every two weeks through May 2015. Each segment covers a range of topics, from forest ecology, agroforestry, and management, to wildlife and invasive species. Please call the Agroforestry Resource Center at (518) 622-9820, Ext. 0 to enroll in this letter series. To have your event included in future editions of the newsletter and on hudsonrivervalley.com, please enter upcoming event information here. |
Green Tip Of The Month
|
 Make Green New Year's Resolutions in 2015!
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for looking at positive changes we can all make in our lives, so why not make a New Year's resolution to live a greener life in 2015? Here are just a handful of easy suggestions that will reduce your impact on the environment, encourage healthier diet and exercise choices, and save you money: You could buy water filtration pitcher and a reusable bottle and stop buying bottled water for good. Brew your own coffee and take it with you in a travel mug, instead of contributing to the billions of cardboard cups that wind up as waste. Use your reusable bags - and remember to take them with you! Cut back on paper towels and use washable cloths instead. Bicycle more, especially for short trips. Shop for food from your local CSA or farmer's market. Turn off the lights, put your devices on a timer, and unplug chargers when not in use. For even more suggestions, see this list of green tips from EarthShare.
|
|
|
|
|
The E-Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to friends of the Hudson River Valley
Questions or comments?
Email us or call (518) 473-3835
Be sure to visit the websites for the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area  | |
|
|
|
|
|
