January 2020
Barnabas McHenry, Chairman Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area 
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
Two Free Environmental Education Workshops
Teaching the Hudson Valley (THV) invites classroom teachers and informal educators to two free professional development workshops in environmental education. Hosted at the Wallace Visitor and Education Center, these workshops will provide educators the opportunity to work with peers to develop meaningful content, as well as, discuss and implement the use of interactive and hands-on activities in their classrooms and other education centers. Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit is available.
  • The Project Learning Tree Workshop will be held Monday, February 24, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Wallace Visitor and Education Center in Hyde Park, N.Y. Registration required. Click on the workshop title to register.
 

THV is a program of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway Conservancy HRV, Inc .; the National Park Service’s Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College. For more information email Tisha Dunstan, at [email protected]. P lease inform Tisha if you will need CTLE credit. 
DEC Announces $957,000 in Awards for 23 Projects in Hudson River Estuary Watershed Communities
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced grant awards totaling more than $957,000 for 23 projects to help communities along the Hudson River Estuary design and improve recreational access, enhance education about the river, and advance stewardship of natural resources. "Thanks to Governor Cuomo's support and investments, riverfront communities along the Hudson River are becoming more involved and connected to this invaluable natural resource," said Commissioner Seggos. "These grant awards build on local conservation efforts and priorities by advancing new possibilities for nature-based tourism and creating expanded recreational opportunities for people of all abilities." The grants are funded by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and administered by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program. In the 2019-20 State Budget, a record-high $300 million was sustained for the EPF for the fourth year in a row, providing funding for open space conservation, clean water infrastructure, and other environmental protection projects, including grants to reduce flooding and restore the Hudson River Estuary. See the projects .
Dorsky Museum Announces Call for Hudson Valley Artists 2020
The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art invites artists working in all media to submit proposals for its annual exhibition of contemporary art made by artists in the Hudson Valley.  “New Folk” will be on view from June 13 – Nov. 8, 2020, in the Dorsky Museum’s Alice and Horace Chandler Gallery and North Gallery. Folk is where old cultural traditions meet contemporary conditions. Folk art affords insight into our communal cultural heritage as well as the unique expression of individual makers. “New Folk” invites artists and artisans to submit work that captures the spirit of contemporary folk practice in the Hudson Valley today, or proposes a new vision of what folk art can be – utilitarian, highly skilled, self-taught, locally sourced, inventive, unschooled, crafty, idiosyncratic, decorative, outsider, and resourceful. “New Folk” is also a catch-all term to describe the Hudson Valley’s long history of attracting visitors and settlers from near and far: the weekenders, the agricultural migrants, the tourists and the many other kinds of folk who are drawn to our region. This exhibition seeks artists who have experienced this transition or who engage with the ongoing dialogue between old and new communities; local legacies of colonialism; the impact of gentrification; the power of belonging; the lure of nostalgia; the inherited traditions and techniques people carry with them; and the creative, sometimes contentious, shifts in our cultural landscape.  Find out more .
Upcoming Events

Thematic Tours: John Jay & Benjamin Franklin, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
January 2: Happy birthday Ben! Founding Father Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. Franklin and Jay were political colleagues and personal friends. Join us as we examine the relationship between the two men and how their contributions helped shape our nation.  Read more .

All About Adaptations, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
January 3: We will be examining a variety of skins, skulls, feathers and bones to gain an understanding of their unique adaptations. We will also make an animal track guide to help you track your furry neighbors. More info .

Snowshoe Hike, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY
January 4: The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a great place to get started with this fun sport. Join us for a 0.9-mile hike on snowshoes. We’ll explore the frozen landscape of the pine barrens and learn the basics of snowshoeing. Snowshoes will be provided to program participants. If there is not enough snow on the ground, we will hike without snowshoes. Learn more .

Twelfth Night, Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer, NY
January 4: The traditional Dutch celebration of the end of the holiday season! Museum open house with costumed interpreters and open hearth cooking demonstrations in the cellar kitchen. Combo tickets with Schuyler Mansion’s Salutations of the Season will be available. Read more .

Glenview Historic Home Tour, Glenview, Yonkers, NY
January 5: Walk through Glenview and travel back in time to 1877! Tours of our Gilded Age historic home are available year-round, featuring six period rooms, including Yonkers’ favorite dollhouse, Nybelwyck Hall. More details .

Holiday Candlelight Tours, Jacob Blauvelt House, New City, NY
January 5, 12: Spend an enchanting evening at the historic 1832 Jacob Blauvelt farmhouse, illuminated with candlelight and lanterns, fragrant with traditional sweets, and decorated with festive greenery. Learn more .

Sensory Hike with Ranger Su, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
January 6: In this sensory hike series, talking is kept to a minimum. Walk in presence through the woods, stopping at times to explore what the group seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling through observance of nature, the group seeks to become more centered and connected with the world around us. Find out more .

Lenoir Nature Preserve to Untermyer Gardens, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
January 8: Enjoy an easy 2-mile walk along the Aqueduct Trail to Untermyer Gardens, with time spent exploring the Preserve and the Gardens in Winter, in our Four Seasons/Three Parks series. Read more .

Yoga and Meditation Class, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY
January 11: Simple chair yoga and meditation practices can help us release stress, relax, feel healthier and calmer. Learn more .

"A Life in Service" Servants Tour, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
January 12: See the mansion through the servant's eyes, as they rose before dawn and toiled until after midnight. The tour will include visiting the unrestored servant's halls. Even in its unrestored state, the hall is a striking artifact of the servant life and work, featuring the servants' dining room, the footmen's bedrooms and the tiled kitchen with it's massive coal range. More info .

Living Classroom Series “Invasives: Why Should We Care?", Irvington Public Library, Irvington, NY
January 13: Dr. Linda Rohleder will speak about invasive plants and how, if left unchecked, they can aggressively undermine biodiversity and the health of our community. Learn more .

"Prohibition's Rise and Fall" with David Pietrusza, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park, NY
January 17: David Pietrusza will discuss "Prohibition's Rise and Fall: A Look Back at 18th Amendment on Its 100th Anniversary". More details .

35th Annual Ice Fishing Contest, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY
January 18: Meets at the maintenance shop. Big cash prizes for adult categories, goodies for kids. More info .

Weird Science with Professor Sparks, FASNY Museum, Hudson, NY
January 18: Professor Sparks and his robot companion, Spot 2000, will present an interactive program that is full of surprises! After the program make your own “slime” to take home. Only Professor Sparks can make learning about science this much fun! Find out more .

The Girl Who Walked Upside Down, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY
January 19: This is the tale of a girl who came to us one spring day, after a storm, walking upside down upon the rainbow. She has a unique way of looking at things, in particular the sky, and an affection for the Moon and stars. What would you notice, if you could walk upside down? Learn more .

Flag Changing Ceremony, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
January 19: The American Legion Post 739 organize and present monthly Flag Changing Ceremonies on the Walkway to honor our region’s veterans and their service to our country. More info .

Make Your Own Terrarium, Sheldrake Environmental Center, Larchmont, NY
January 20: Play with dirt, gravel, pebbles, mosses, plants, and other embellishments. Create your own habitat in a container to bring home and nurture. Find out more .

Talk 'N' Trek: Nature in Winter, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
January 22: With Donald W. Stokes’ A Guide to Nature In Winter as our escort, let’s head outdoors to discover life under, in and above the snow. More details .

Life Drawing, Hudson Valley MOCA, Peekskill, NY
January 23: In this open drawing session, find inspiration from How We Live as you work from a life model in the gallery space. Read more .

New York State Education Building Tour, Albany, NY
January 25: The 45-minute Education Building tour will be led by New York State Museum staff and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic Chancellors Hall, Regents Room and the Rotunda adorned with murals by Albany native Will H. Low. Find out more .

Thomas Cole & The Hudson River School, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY
January 26: The first Museum Mates program in 2020 will offer children the opportunity to learn basic painting techniques and create their own piece of art. More details .

Year Of The Rat, Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY
January 26: Come meet some of the animals in the rodent family as we celebrate the Year of the Rat! More info .

Tuesday Trek: Old Powerhouse and Peter’s Kill Loop Snowshoe Outing, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
January 28: Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an adventurous outing along the edge of the Peter’s Kill stream. Learn more .

The Irvington Folk Festival, Irvington Theater, Irvington, NY
January 31: Dar Williams, whom Henrik Hertzberg of the New Yorker described as "one of America’s very best singer-songwriters”, headlines the Irvington Folk Festival and will be joined by the award-winning Boston-based singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot. Read more .
Heritage Spotlight: Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park offers many opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. Activities include hiking the Hudson Highlands, swimming, boating and fishing on Hessian Lake, ice skating, picnicking in shaded pavilions, and cross-country skiing. A merry-go-round is decorated with hand-carved animals that represent creatures native to the Hudson River Valley, while the park’s Trailside Museum includes a zoo featuring live animals common to the region. Additional exhibits are devoted to natural history, Native American heritage, and the region’s role in the Revolutionary War. A scenic drive leads to the summit of Bear Mountain and the Perkins Memorial Tower, which yields fine views of the Hudson River and surrounding peaks. The Bear Mountain Inn, built in 1915, features two restaurants: Restaurant 1915 and Hiker's Cafe. Learn more .
Project Spotlight: Town of North East/ Village of Millerton Comprehensive Plan Update
The Town of North East and Village of Millerton in Dutchess County received a Greenway Compact grant to updated their Comprehensive Plan from the mid-1990s. The update served as a precursor to the revision of both municipalities zoning codes. The plan included an assessment of infrastructure needs, economic development opportunities and affordable housing solutions in both communities. It also assessed the expansion of broadband to help encourage small businesses. The focus of the updated Comprehensive Plan is to maintain and protect the rural character of the Town of North East while supporting and enhancing the vitality of the Village of Millerton, which falls in line with Dutchess County's Centers and Greenspaces Greenway Guide. Learn more about these two communities and check out their new Comprehensive Plan here .
Green Tip of the Month: Recycling Should Be a Last Resort
We too often think of recycling as an ultimate sustainable task. Always remember, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is an order of processes. Reducing the amount of stuff you use should be the first priority. Learn more .
Grant and Funding Opportunities

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

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

Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program
This grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. This year's application emphasizes connections to the Empire State Trail, and makes funding available for Water Trail projects. Applications are due  May 8, 2020 . More  here.

National Heritage Area Sponsorship's Available
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complementing the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Sponsorship's will have an additional focus on events promoting the 19th Amendment and/or Women's in History in the Hudson Valley for the year 2020. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.

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

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

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

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

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 2019, the National Trust awarded $1.6 million to 22 projects. Letter of Intent deadline is January 15, 2020 . Read more about them  here .

Professional Development Grants
The New York State Council on the Arts Museum Program, in partnership with CNY Arts, will again offer Professional Development Grants to support museum professionals' continued engagement and learning in the museum field. For 2020 we anticipate supporting at least 65 requests. Museums may apply for up to $500 for a professional development opportunity for one or more staff, board or volunteers. Out-of-state travel and meals cannot be supported with the award, but registration fees for conferences/trainings can be. Please review all of the details at the link above. Applications will be accepted between  January 6, 2020 - January 24, 2020 at 1:00 pm via Google Forms. (You do not need a Gmail account to access this form). The link will be made available on January 6. More details .

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

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

Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship Program
Apply for the Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship program. This student research program provides a summertime grant ($5,000 for each fellowship) and research funds (up to $1,500) for eight college students (undergraduate or graduate) to conduct research on the Hudson River. The deadline is February 10, 2020 . Learn more .

Creativity Incubator Grant Program
The NYSCA/GHHN Creativity Incubator Grant Program provides NYS museums with financial support (up to $5,000 each) to experiment with and/or implement ideas inspired by the spirit of the Creativity Incubator workshops, held from 2017-2019. Deadline: February 15, 2020 . More info .

Mark B. Bain Fellowship
Apply for the Mark B. Bain Fellowship. This fellowship awards 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, in an amount of up to $15,000 for one year, and an incidentals research budget of up to $1,000. Deadline: March 9, 2020 . Find out more .

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

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

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