January 2018
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, Acting Executive Director Greenway,
Acting Director National Heritage Area 
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
Historic Huguenot Named as a "Distinctive Destination" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The term "distinctive destinations" could be defined as "a group of diverse historic sites across the country that help illustrate the breadth and depth of the American story." Dating back to 1677, Historic Huguenot Street is considered the oldest authentic museum street in all of America. The site encompasses 10-acres, which includes seven historic house museums, a French Church dated back to 1717, a visitors center, a research library and nationally recognized archives, a replica Wigwam, historic burial grounds, and more. Guests encounter engaging, relevant, and diverse tours and programs that highlight the rural life of this group of early settlers who came together to build an enduring community. Nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the banks of the Wallkill River, Historic Huguenot Street offers iconic Hudson Valley views. This past September, the site hosted Old New Paltz Stone House Day as part of the 19th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble , a special revival of Stone House Day, a formerly annual tradition to celebrate the 340th anniversary of the settling of New Paltz. Tours of the site are only by appointment for the winter season, until the first Friday in May. More details .
The Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) a National Heritage Area site received $430,000 in state funding this D ecember to improve access to the museum and visitor experiences. The funding will be provided through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through an Environmental Protection Grant. Improvements include improving visitor experience by making walkway improvements, improving energy efficiency, adding solar capacity, improving the museum façade, grounds, streetscape, and integrating connections to the Kingston Greenway and the Empire State Trail. The President of the HRMM Board of Trustees, Robert L. Burhans said, “This has been a great year for the museum, we received our Permanent Museum Charter from the New York State Board of Regents, our Youth boat and Sailing schools are maturing and are recognized for their great educational experiences. This was our 40th year of service, preservation, and cultural enrichment, and we are excited to begin another forty!” Read more .
Opportunity Zones and the Preservation Community Webinar
On January 17th, 2019 , don't miss the National Trust For Historical Preservation's webinar, Opportunity Zones and the Preservation Community . This webinar will cover the possible opportunities and potential issues facing preservation efforts by the new federal incentive called Opportunity Zones. A question you might ask is, "what are Opportunity Zones?" According to an article on SavingPlaces.org , Opportunity Zones are geographical areas designated in each state by either the governor or chief executive. These areas "have an average poverty rate of more than 32 percent, an average family income 37 percent below the area or state median, and an unemployment rate nearly 1.5 times higher than the national average." These economically distressed locations qualify for incentives purposed to spur the areas economy. Many of these geographical locations contain historic neighborhoods that could be effected by economic investment depending on how local communities direct investment. Sign up for the webinar today!
Upcoming Events

Along the Aqueduct Trail, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
January 5: Learn about the Lenoir Nature Preserve from Sara Cavanaugh. Afterwards, there will be an optional visit to the Preserve at 19 Dudley Street in Yonkers, off Broadway: on foot in a guided tour along the Aqueduct Trail (2.6 miles each way, wear sturdy shoes; steps and steep initial entry within the Preserve); or by car, where you will be treated to a tour of this beautiful Westchester County Nature Preserve. More details .

Introduction to Snowshoeing at the Albert Family Community Forest, Nassau, NY
January 5:  Start with an indoor clinic and focus on the gear selection and the initial skills needed to get on the trails. Then we will hit the outdoors for some fun in the snow and to learn snowshoeing techniques, ascending and descending hills and winter preparedness. Read more .

Picture & Prose, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
January 7: T his session is devoted to the art of jewelry, and the women artists in the current exhibit. Following a special docent tour of  Outrageous Ornament , the group will discuss  Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs  by Sally Mann  with Rizzoli's Senior Editor, Ellen Cohen. Rizzoli Publishing has been a leader in the fashion, interior design, culinary, art, architecture, and photography fields. Find out more .

CDRPC Local Government Workshop, Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY
January 9: The workshop will feature topics of interest to elected officials, board members, clerks and treasurers, planning and zoning board members, public works and highway professionals, and code enforcement officers. CM credits available. Read more .

The Hudson River School and American Environmentalism, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY
January 12: Landscape paintings by 19th-century Hudson River School artists celebrate the majestic beauty of the United States. The grand, scenic landscapes also influenced the beginnings of the environmental movement in the country. This program will provide insights into the Hudson River School and its impact on the conservation movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries.   More info .

Saw Mill River Audubon Second Saturday Walk at Brinton Brook Sanctuary, Croton-On-Hudson, NY
January 12: Monthly walks will continue year-round on second Saturdays at our largest sanctuary, Brinton Brook in Croton-on-Hudson. No pre-registration necessary. Read more .

Land, Liberty, and Bread, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY
January 13: After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, some towns were left without power for months, and 80% of the value of the island’s crops was destroyed. Audrea Lim, discusses how these “agro-ecology brigades” are one example of how black, brown, working-class, and indigenous communities—communities often overlooked by the mainstream environmental movement in the U.S. and Canada—are modeling alternative ways of managing, owning, and living off the land. More details .

Storytime at the Museum, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY
January 16: Preschoolers ages 1 to 5 can hear stories, sing songs and enjoy hands-on museum activities in the county’s oldest standing building!! The topic will be on Martin Luther King Jr.! Find out more .

Opportunity Zones and the Preservation Community [WEBINAR]
Speakers will explain the “opportunities” and potential issues that Opportunity Zones, a new federal incentive, present for preservation. The webinar will stream live on January 17 at 3:00 p.m. ET  Register today!

Feast for Feathered Friends, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall, NY
January 19: Nature normally supplies food for our northern birds during the winter months. However, providing a little extra energy in winter can be helpful – especially if we want to invite our feathered friends in for a closer look! Learn about our Hudson Valley winter birds and how to attract them to your backyard. Learn more .

Make Your Own Terrarium on MLK Day, Sheldrake Environmental Center, Larchmont, NY
January 21: Play with dirt! And gravel, and pebbles, mosses and plants! Create your very own habitat in a container to bring home and enjoy. More info .

Amazing Animal Senses, Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY
January 26: What an amazing array of extraordinary senses animals have – the better to hear, see and smell with. Some of Teatown’s animal ambassadors will be used to demonstrate how efficient they are at what they do because of their sensory arsenal. Discover more .

The Clermont Livingstons- Gilded Age Tea & Talk Series, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
January 27: Enjoy tea and scones in Staatsburgh’s formal dining room while listening to talks about Gilded Age history. Each participant will receive a 4-oz. tin of Staatsburgh Blend tea brewed by Harney & Sons. Read more .
Heritage Spotlight: Kingston's Old Dutch Church
Kingston’s Old Dutch Church was constructed in 1852 and features a slender wooden spire and a bluestone exterior that combines Greek and Revival elements. The interior features superb carvings and a vaulted ceiling. A huge Tiffany window, installed in 1891, rises behind the pulpit, while the pews contain doors, a rarity in mid 19th century churches. Historic artifacts are displayed in the vestibule. These include a 17th century communicants’ tablet, 18th century renderings of the first two church buildings (the second was gutted in a fire set by British invaders during the Revolutionary War), and a letter from George Washington. The Heritage Museum on the Church’s upper floor contains artifacts and records dating back to 1660, while the surrounding churchyard contains richly carved gravestones dating back to 1710. Approximately 70 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried there. An elaborate monument in front of the church marks the burial place of George Clinton, New York’s first governor, and vice president under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Find out more .
Project Spotlight: Seeking Sanctuary
The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence was awarded a National Heritage Area (NHA) Heritage Development grant to create the Seeking Sanctuary exhibit. Under the guidance of professional artist Oliver Peters, 10 teenagers transformed the walls of a stairwell inside the historic residence into a timeline of events and stories contributing to the history of the Underground Railroad movement. The Myers Residence, serves as a community anchor in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood by contributing to the pride of place in the immediate and broader community. The exhibit's intentions not only serve as a learning experience for the teens, but more importantly it acts as a lasting community centerpiece to spur conversation and interest of the historical stories of seeking sanctuary in the Hudson Valley and New York State. The exhibit is now on display for the public at the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence . View more pictures of the project here .
Green Tip of the Month: Compost with Worms (vermicompost) Year-Round
Continue composting during the cold, winter months. Red wiggler worms will eat leftover fruits and vegetables and make lots of worm castings, an excellent soil amendment. Learn more .
Grant and Funding Opportunities

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: February 8, 2019 . More info .

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. 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 daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov 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 .

EcoSolution Grants
EcoSolution™ Grants (previously called “Small Grants”) have been the defining basis of Captain Planet Foundation’s work over the last 25 years. In that time, we’ve funded over 2,100 projects that have impacted 1.2 million youth around the world – actively fulfilling our mission to build the next generation of environmental stewards and change-agents.
EcoSolution™ 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 (international projects are by invitation only). Please note that ecoSolution™ Grants will only support direct project costs. Support for t-shirts, staff salaries, field trips, scholarships, beautification/ landscaping, etc. will NOT be considered. Deadline: January 15, 2019 . Find out more .

EcoTech Grants
EcoTech™ Grants were 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. Originally developed in partnership with the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and now funded with ongoing support from Voya Financial Foundation, 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. Examples of previous ecoTech™ Grant funded projects have involved: the integration of robotics and sensors to explore water bodies, collect data, and organize clean-ups; the development of aquaponic and hydroponic systems using arduinos and remote sensing; renewable energy design challenges; biotechnology research; nature-based design applications; and many others. Deadline: January 15, 2019 . More info .

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund are designed to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes representing African American cultural heritage. The fund supports work in four primary areas: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation.
Grants made from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund will range from $50,000 to $150,000. In 2018, The National Trust awarded $1.1 million to 16 projects. Letters of intent for the program are due January 15, 2019 by 11:59 pm local time. The online form to complete an LOI will be available beginning Monday, December 3, 2018. More info . 

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
Designed to assist States, U.S. Territories, Federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding in future disasters. This program awards planning and project grants and provides opportunities for raising public awareness about reducing future losses before disaster strikes. Mitigation planning is a key process used to break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. PDM grants are funded annually by Congressional appropriations and are awarded on a nationally competitive basis. Deadline: January 31, 2019. More info .

Capacity Building Grants
The selected administrator will provide grants to help environmental justice focused community-based organizations develop administrative, technical, and programmatic capacity and expand services protecting public health and the environment. $1 million is available from the Environmental Protection Fund to support implementation and administration of a capacity building grants program. Applications are due  February 1, 2019 at 3:00 PM. Read more .

Humanities New York Action Grants
Matching funds for project implementation. Up to $5,000 to produce public-facing humanities projects that encourage audiences to reflect on their values, explore new ideas, and engage with others across New York State. These grants require organizations to demonstrate a match of at least one-to-one. Deadline: February 1, 2019 . These grants aim to:
  • Connect audiences more deeply to the communities where they live and work.
  • Solidify community partnerships and diversify audiences.
  • Creatively employ the tools of the humanities to respond to issues and ideas capturing the imagination and passion of New Yorkers today.

Learn more about Humanities New York's Grant Programs.

Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship
The Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship program is a student research program conducted through the Hudson River Foundation in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Named in honor of the late Dr. Tibor T. Polgar, a major contributor to the early development of the Foundation, this program provides a summertime grant ($5,000 for each fellowship) and research funds (up to $1,000) for eight college students to conduct research on the Hudson River. The objectives of the program are to gather important information on all aspects of the River and to train students in conducting scientific studies and public policy research. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or accepted into a graduate program for the following fall. Both undergraduate and early career graduate students may apply. Projects must be designed to be completed during one summer season. Deadline: February 11, 2019 . More details .

EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
The Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) program awards grants that support community-driven projects designed to engage, educate, and empower communities to better understand local environmental and public health issues and develop strategies for addressing those issues, building consensus in the community, and setting community priorities. The EJSG program will award approximately $1.5 million nationwide for this competitive opportunity. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 50 grants (5 per EPA region) of up to $30,000 each. These grants are for one-year projects. Deadline: February 15, 2019 . Find out more .

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors
In July 1997, George P. Mitchell made a generous gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to establish the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors in honor of his wife. The purpose of the fund is to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Grants from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive. The review process is generally completed within three months of the application deadline, and applicants are notified via email once the review process is complete. The 2019 application deadline is March 1, 2019 .   Discover more .

Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation
In July 1994, the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation was created in honor of Johanna Favrot’s 80th birthday. The fund aims to save historic environments in order to foster an appreciation of our nation’s diverse cultural heritage and to preserve and revitalize the livability of the nation’s communities. Grants from the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive. The review process is generally completed within three months of the application deadline, and applicants are notified via email once the review process is complete. The 2019 application deadline is March 1, 2019 . Read more .

Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs Program  
The Hudson River Estuary Program’s Trees for Tribs program offers free native trees and shrubs for planting along the tributary streams in the Hudson River estuary watershed. Our staff can help you with a planting plan and work with your volunteers. Fall planting projects are now taking place. If you own or manage property near a stream in the Hudson estuary watershed, you can apply for assistance from Trees for Tribs. Landowners or managers must complete an application (PDF)  and if the project is selected, recruit volunteers for planting, and maintain the site after the planting is complete. Deadline: March 1, 2019 for a planting in spring, and August 1, 2019 for planting in the fall. More info .

Mark B. Bain Graduate Fellowship
In 2019, the Foundation will award up to six full-time research fellowships to advanced graduate students conducting research on the Hudson River system. A fellowship awarded to a doctoral student will include a stipend consistent with the policy of the student’s graduate institution, in an amount of up to $19,000 for one year, and an incidentals research budget of up to $1,000. A fellowship awarded to a master’s level student will include a stipend consistent with the policy of the student’s graduate institution, of up to $15,000 for one year, and an incidentals research budget of up to $1,000. Deadline: March 11, 2019 . Read more .

Emergency/Intervention Funding
Intervention funding from the National Trust is awarded in emergency situations when immediate and unanticipated work is needed to save a historic structure, such as when a fire or other natural disaster strikes. Funding is restricted to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Emergency grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, but unlike the majority of our grant funding, a cash match is not required for intervention projects. Read more about the process for intervention grants. Then contact   Nation Trust  if you believe your project qualifies for this type of funding. Please note: emergency funding is very limited. 

Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program
The Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program (Connect Kids) is a field trip refund grant program connecting New York schoolchildren with nature and New York State history. Connect Kids will refund up to $1,000 of the field trip costs for visits to a New York State Park, Nature Center, or Historic Site, or a Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Education Center, fish hatchery, or selected DEC sites. Grants are available on a first come, first served basis. Find out more .

Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund
Only Organizational Level Forum members or Main Street America members of the National Trust are eligible to apply for funding from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund grant program. The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. The purpose of these grants is to support the leadership and effectiveness of staff and board members of preservation organizations to fulfill their mission and to create a stronger, more effective preservation movement. By linking organizations with specific skills/programs to those seeking to develop similar abilities, the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund promotes individualized mentoring and the sharing of expertise. Read more .

National Trust Preservation Funds
Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for particular projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. Application deadlines are February 1, June 1 and October 1. Read more .

Cole Fellowship 2019 – 2020 | Call For Applicants
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) is now reviewing applications for the Cole Fellowship, a one-year, residential fellowship at the Thomas Cole National Historic site. Fellows participate in the research and interpretation of the work, home, and studios of the artist, Thomas Cole (1801 – 1848). Four candidates will be selected to join the site from June 5, 2019 – May 24, 2020. Deadline: January 28, 2019 . More details .

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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