July 2014

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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  

 

In This Issue

What's New?            Upcoming Grant Opportunities        Regional Events 

Heritage Spotlight              Project Spotlight                Green Tip Of The Month 

 What's New?New

Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Awards Over $17,000 to Mid-Hudson Historical and Cultural Institutions

On July 2nd, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area representatives and partner organizations were joined by Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) to announce five Heritage Development Grant awards to local historic and cultural institutions in the Mid-Hudson region.  Over $17,000 was awarded to organizations in support of a variety of educational and interpretive programs that will showcase the area's history and contribute to the regional heritage tourism economy. The event was hosted by the FDR Presidential Library and Museum at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center in Hyde Park.  Grant winners were joined by Congressman Chris Gibson, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Hyde Park Town Supervisor Aileen Rohr, Brian Keeler, Chief of Staff for Senator Terry Gipson, and National Heritage Area Acting Director Mark Castiglione. Complete story here.

 

164th Anniversary of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site

It was a double birthday celebration at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site on July 4th. On the day our nation turned 238 years old, Washington's Headquarters turned 164, having become the first publicly owned historic site in this nation on July 4th, 1850.

 

To celebrate this milestone, Washington's Headquarters SHS was open July 4th from 11 AM until 5 PM with free admission for the day, compliments of Regina Angelo, Newburgh Deputy Mayor. Visitors to the site enjoyed tours of the historic farmhouse used by General and Mrs. Washington as military headquarters during the last sixteen months of the Revolutionary War. The Museum features over 1,300 artifacts in the award-winning exhibit, "Unpacked & Rediscovered: Selections from Washington's Headquarters' Collection." 

 

USS Slater Offers Stunning Views to Hudson Valley Residents On Journey Home

After receiving a fresh coat of paint and major steel work while dry-docked in Staten Island, the USS Slater made the fantastic voyage back up the Hudson River to Albany on June 30! Passing by Manhattan at around 5:30am, it trekked around West Point at 1pm and was near the Walkway Over the Hudson at 3:30pm! The $1.3 million project was funded with donations from the public, the Slater returned to its permanent berth on the Albany Riverfront for daily tours on July 4th, tours run Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-4pm through November. The Slater is the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America and is a gem of World-War II history!

Heritage SpotlightHeritageSpot

Historic Huguenot Street - New Paltz

The sturdy homes along New Paltz's quiet Huguenot Street belonged to families of Protestant French Huguenots escaping religious persecution in Catholic France. Before purchasing the land from the Esopus Indians in 1677, these families had settled in the Pfalz region of Germany (hence the name for their community, "New Paltz"). Some of the buildings contain traces of the earliest permanent stone dwellings, built in the 1680s; most date from the early 18th century.

Tours of the houses reflect the changing tastes of the Huguenot families over 300 years. Several homes have been restored to their early 18th-century appearance - the most impressive of these is the stone Jean Hasbrouck House (constructed in 1721), with its steeply pitched roof, jambless fireplace, and massive ceiling beams. Others include a 1799 Federal-style brick home and a house greatly enlarged in the Victorian style in the 1890s. All homes are furnished in the appropriate periods, largely with possessions that belonged to the original families. The community's 1717 French Church has been reconstructed. 

Project SpotlightProjectspot

Esopus Explorers Trail Brochure and Badge

The Town of Esopus has published a new brochure that maps out twenty-seven recreational trails in Ulster County, including walking routes through the Town of Esopus, the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, and Scenic Hudson's Esopus Meadows Preserve, Shaupeneak Ridge, and Black Creek Preserve. Hikers who complete five or more of the designated Esopus Explorer trails will receive an embroidered badge in recognition of their accomplishment.

 

The Esopus Explorers program was developed through a grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway to the Town of Esopus, along with a contribution from Scenic Hudson and assistance from the John Burroughs Association. Copies of the brochure are available online at the Town of Esopus website, and at Esopus Town Hall and the Esopus Library and Visitors Center in Kingston.

Upcoming Grant Opportunities Grants

Greenway Communities and Compact Grants

Applications are due August 29th for consideration at the October Board Meeting.

Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (Ongoing)

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invite municipalities and non profit 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.

 

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. 

 

Regional Events events

Calendar of Events: July 2014

 

Saturdays

The purveyors of John Jay Homestead Farm Market are local farmers, bakers & craftsmen, who seasonally provide a variety of fruit, produce, meats, fish, dairy products, baked goods, prepared foods and handcrafted products. Get to know your farmers first-hand, how they make their products and help preserve the environment. Shoppers can enjoy a walk, sightsee and explore flower, herb and vegetable gardens or picnic on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead. The Market is open June 22nd to October 12th.

 

Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market

The Spring Season is in full swing at the Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market. Hours are 9 am to 2 pm each Saturday on River Street in downtown Troy. Over 70 local vendors each week bring fresh and local products from local farmers, chefs, and artisans to offer the Capital Region's freshest and finest. 
  
Sundays
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Rhinebeck Farmer's Market! Vendors provide a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products including fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, honey, and local dairy. A full schedule of special events highlight the bounty of the seasons with chef demonstrations, tastings, recipes, children's activities, free live music and more. Sundays 10 am to 2 pm in the Village of Rhinebeck. 
 
This year-round Farmer's Market located in Saratoga Springs offers a wide variety of goods and produce. All participating vendors are premium local brands and the best of the best, including a bounty of the New York's most sought after farmers and producers (to ensure the integrity of the market all vendors MUST be legitimate producers and open to facility inspection). In a stunningly beautiful venue with live music, kids crafts table, free parking - and dog-friendly too! Held at the Lincoln Baths in the Spa State Park from 10 am - 3 pm every Sunday.  
 
The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall announces Summer Science and Nature Camp
for Kids Ages 4- 15. The Museum offers the Ramblers Program is for children ages 4 to 6, the Trekkers Programs is for children ages 7 to 12, and The Eco-Rangers Program for children ages 12 to 15. For more information please call 845-534-5506.

July 6th through 12th

New York Invasive Species Awareness Week

New York State is celebrating its first Invasive Species Awareness Week July 6-12! The mission of the New York Invasive Species Awareness Week is to promote knowledge and understanding of invasive species to help stop their spread by engaging citizens in a wide range of activities across the state and encouraging them to take action. For more information on educational events, volunteer opportunities, and how to prevent invasive species visit http://www.nyis.info/blog/about/.

 

July 7th through 11th

July 21st through 25th

Panorama: Summer Programs for Children at Olana

The first of these two programs is entitled Due East: An Exploration of Church's Travels East, followed two weeks later by Nature as the Artist's Palette. At the Wagon House Education Center. 518-828-1872 (ext. 109).

 

July 9th

NY Invasive Species Awareness Week: Hudson Valley Invader Hike at the Cary Institute

Join educator Kali Bird for an exploration of common invaders in the Hudson Valley on this relaxed hike along the Cary Institute's trails. Learn what invasive species are, why they are harmful, and what you can do to manage them in your own yard. Register online at http://hudsonvalleywalk.eventbrite.com


July 9th and 23rd

Tree ID at Staatsburgh State Historic Site

This fun interactive nature walk around the grounds of Staatsburgh will introduce tree identification skills and information for a hands-on nature experience for families and children. 845-889-8851.

 

July 12th

Simple Gifts: Music From Around the World at Olana

This award-winning band performs on an impressive array of instruments producing sounds that range from lively Irish jigs to down-home American reels, Klezmer freilachs, haunting Gypsy melodies, and exotic Balkan dance tunes, presented with a rare intensity and enthusiasm. 518-828-1872 (ext. 109).

  

July 12th

Herbs Galore Walk and Talk at Denning's Point

Wild edibles and healing herbs. Herbalist Sarah Elizabeth and the grounds of Denning's Point are the prime ingredients for an irresistible summer morning. Online registration at www.bire.org/events

 

July 15th

Deadheading at the Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield

Come learn how to deadhead summer plants and maximize bloom! Email [email protected] to reserve a space.

 

July 16th

Flash Mob at Olana: A Night of Viewing Fireflies

Discover the fascinating world of fireflies. See if you can crack the code of fireflies to recognize some of the different flash patterns used to find and recognize each other. 518-828-1872.

 
July 17th

Thursday Evening Lecture Series at Fort Montgomery State Historic Site

Historian William H. White will discuss "Maritime Policies of the Madison Administration", a lecture on the little-known naval engagements of the War of 1812. Seating is by reservation only and limited to 50 audience members. 845-446-2134.

 

July 17

Spirituality and the Environment Talk Series at Denning's Point in Beacon

The popular series continues with a discussion of ethics and the role of spirituality in protecting the environment. At the Center for Environmental Innovation and Education at Denning's Point in Beacon. Online registration at www.bire.org/events.

  

July 24th

Canoe Trip at Iona Island

Rockland Municipal Planning Federation is hosting a canoe trip and educational session at Iona Island, guided by estuary naturalists from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. No equipment or boating skills are required; all will be provided for you. Registration is required. 845-364-3448.

 

July 21st through July 25th

Young Writers Camp at Clermont State Historic Site

Almost filled up, but if you hurry you can still register your 12-16 year old for a new and innovative workshop combining nature, art, history, and writing. Instructors guide and inspire young writers as they hike the trails, explore the pet cemetery, walk on stilts, play croquet, and sneak behind the scenes in the mansion, and write imagined histories to accompany paintings.  518-537-6622.

 

July 26th and 27th

235th Anniversary Weekend at the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site

Commemorate the 235th anniversary of the Battle of Stony Point when units from the Brigade of the American Revolution reenact the daring 1779 American assault led by General "Mad Anthony" Wayne, which secured the Hudson as a crossing for the Continental Army. Reenactments units will present full-uniform marching, drilling, muskets, cannons and a storming of Stony Point on the original battlefield. Demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the day. 845-786-2521.

 

Summer 2014

Summer Camps at the Arts Center!

Give your child a gift that will continue to enrich them for a lifetime by sending them to an experiential art camp offering adventure and learning at the Arts Center. Learn photography, computer music production, stained glass jewelry, theater, pottery, and more from working artists and NYS licensed art teachers. One and two week sessions. Needs-based scholarships available. Visit www.artscenteronline.org or call 518-273-0552. 

 

Ongoing Events

Exhibition: Master, Mentor, Master: Thomas Cole & Frederic Church 

On view April 30th to November 2nd at the Thomas Cole NHS. This is the first exhibition to explore one of the most influential teacher-student relationships in the history of American art - that between the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, Thomas Cole (1801-1848) and his most celebrated student and successor, Frederic Church (1826-1900).

  

Early 20th Century painter, Eugene Speicher is now best remembered for his portraits, association with Robert Henri, George Bellows, and Leon Kroll, and other New York realists, and for his involvement with the Woodstock art colony. On exhibition at the Dorsky Museum at SUNY New Paltz February 5th - July 13th.    

As part of their 2014 Exhibition program, Wilderstein & The Houseexplores fascinating connections between the estate and the Suckley family to U.S. Presidents through history.  Costumes, textiles, decorative arts, photographs, books and more will be featured - all from the Wilderstein collections. For additional information about the exhibit and reservations for the preview party, call 845-876-4818. May 1st - October 31st.

 

To have you event included in future editions of the newsletter and on hudsonrivervalley.com, please enter upcoming event information here.  

Green Tip Of The MonthGreenTip
Help Prevent the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer in NYS.
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive Asian beetle first discovered in the U.S. in 2002 and it has been present in New York for the last six years. The emerald ash borer infests and kills North American ash species and is responsible for the destruction of over 50 million ash trees in this country in just over a decade. Learn to identify ash trees and EAB, and help stop the spread of this invasive species by not transporting firewood. 
 
For more tips and information on EAB, other invasive species in New York, and what you can do to help this upcoming Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW), visit the ISAW website and read this article by the New York State Department of Conservation's Conservationist magazine.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit: USDA/Stephen Ausmus

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