Kevin M. Burke, Chair, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,

Co-Chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Margaretta “Meg” Downey, Chair, Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Co-Chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Scott Keller, Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway,

Director, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 

Important Reminders

• Check Out the New Digital Greenway Trail System Map. Learn more.

• Greenway Planning, Greenway Trail, and Heritage Development Grant Applications are Available Through Our Online Grants Platform and the Upcoming Round's Applications are Due by September 1, 2023. More Details.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Announces $322,000 in Grants



At its June meeting, the Hudson River Valley Greenway approved three matching Greenway Planning awards and seven Greenway Conservancy Trail awards totaling $322,000. 

The funded Greenway Planning projects include:

• $7,500 to Town of Amenia, for a Land Use Law Update
• $10,000 to Town of North Greenbush, for a Community Profile and Housing Assessment of the Comprehensive Plan Update
• $10,000 to Town of Westerlo, for the Codification of Local Laws

The funded Greenway Conservancy Trail projects include:

• $20,000 to Columbia Land Conservancy, for Planning to Improve the Trails at the Greenport Conservation Area
• $130,000 to Kingston Land Trust, for the KLT 2023 Rondout Uplands Trails and Parking
• $100,000 to Town of East Fishkill, for the Junction Loop Trail for Hopewell Junction Hamlet
• $15,000 to Town of Sand Lake, for the Sand Lake Trails Plan 2023
• $6,500 to Town of Yorktown, for New Signage in Kisosks on Bridge Over Taconic Parkway
• $23,000 to Westmoreland Sanctuary, for the Raptor/Ridge Trail
• $12,500 to Columbia Friends of the Electric Trail, for AHET Trail Maintenance



The next round of Greenway Planning and Greenway Trail Grant applications are due through the Greenway's Online Grants Platform by September 1, 2023. Information and guidelines are available here.

Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Announces $13,500 in Grants



At its June meeting, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area approved two Heritage Development awards totaling $13,500. 

The funded Heritage Development projects include:

• $6,000 to Arm of the Sea Productions, Inc., for Water ! Paper! Power! A Saugerties Living History Project
• $7,500 to Parks and Trails New York, for Cycle the Hudson Valley



The next round of Heritage Development grant applications are due through the Greenway's Online Grants Platform by September 1, 2023. Information and guidelines are available here.

Deadline Extended to Be Included in Ramble Guidebook

Event registration to be included in the 2023 Hudson River Valley Ramble has been extended to July 7, 2023. This deadline ONLY applies to events listed in the guidebook. If you are unable to register by the deadline, your events will still be featured on the Ramble website after that date.

The Hudson River Valley Ramble is an annual event series during the month of September that celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscape, communities, and trails throughout the region.

Event registration is open to the 14 counties in the geographic area of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area for any day during the month of September and October 1st. There will be a limited print of guidebooks this year, and events will be listed on our website. To be included in the 2023 guidebook we must receive your event submission by June 30, 2023. Any event submitted after that date will be included on our website and other event promotions. Submit your events now!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at Ramble@HudsonGreenway.ny.gov or give us a call at (518) 473-3835.

Underground Railroad Education Center Receives $2 Million for a New Interpretive Center

The Underground Railroad Education Center in the City of Albany received new funding for a new Interpretive Center that is expected to cost over $8 million dollars. The announcement was made on June 28th by State lawmakers and other community leaders of the $2 million in funding from the New York Capital Assistance program. The new interpretive center will allow the museum to expand their exhibits and provide a community space for kids, lecturers, and artists who are interested in learning more about the City of Albany.

“The interpretive center was a dream that began with the sitting board of directors in 2008 so it has been hovering for a long time,” Mary-Liz Stewart, Co-Founder of the Underground Railroad Education Center, said.

“When I say I get chills every time I read about Steven and Harriet Myers, part of the reason we want to see the interpretive center created is because we want the youth, we want our future having those chills,” Assemblywoman Pat Fahy said.

The center is expected to begin construction in 2024. Read more.

Hudson River Valley Greenway's Grant Applications Are Now Hosted on the Greenway's Online Grants Platform

Grant applications for all Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage grant programs, including Community/Compact Planning, Conservancy Trail, and Heritage Development Grants are now on an online grants platform, HRVG Grants Platform.  This is the only way to apply for our grants. A link to the virtual application process and detailed guidance may be found on our website.

All applications for funding are required to submit grant applications on the online platform to apply for funding for all grant rounds. Applicants must register on the HRVG Grant Platform using their email addresses. Older applications will not be accepted.

If you have any questions or concerns, email grants@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or call us at (518) 473-3835.

Important Reminders

• Various Grant Opportunities are Being Offered Through the CFA Until July 28, 2023. Learn more.

Paddle the Hudson River With Research Reserve Naturalists

Paddle the Hudson River estuary with staff naturalists from the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. These free, educational canoe trips explore tidal marshes, observe birds and wildlife, discover lush flowers and unique plants, and provide spectacular scenery.

The canoe trips are suitable for adults and children (6+), whether you’re an experienced or beginner paddler. The trips leave from two different launch sites: Stockport Flats in Columbia County and Tivoli North Bay in Dutchess County. Novices and families are welcome!



All gear is provided, and registration is required. Register through Eventbrite. For more information on public paddles, call 845-8894745 x109 or email hrnerr@dec.ny.gov. Additional canoe trips may be offered if demand warrants. Trips are also offered to high school and college classes, and municipal decision-makers such as town planners.

Upcoming Events

Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY

July 1: Reading of the Declaration of Independence by a costumed interpreter as well as The Development of the Declaration. Find out more.

Independence Day Celebration, Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Vails Gate, NY

July 4: Celebrate Independence Day by touring the house and then stay for the cannon firing. More info.

Independence Day, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany, NY

July 4: Enjoy 18th-century demonstrators, house tours, exhibits, and shows throughout the day. Read more.

Independence Day Celebration, New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor, NY

July 4: Enjoy military drills, cannon firings, and visitor-assisted reading of the Declaration of Independence. More details.

Local Lore and Legends, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY

July 5: Join a 2-mile twilight hike to visit the locations of some of these lores and hear their stories. Learn more.

National Water Trails: Designating Your Trail for NWT Status (WEBINAR)

July 6: Discover the benefits of designating your trail(s) as an NWT, the history of the National Recreation Trails program, and its subset National Water Trails. Find out more.

Public Sail, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Beacon, NY

July 8: Explore the Hudson River aboard the Sloop Clearwater, “America’s Environmental Flagship." Read more.

The Shakers’ Physic Garden of Remedies, Shaker Heritage Society, Colonie, NY

July 12: The tour will introduce a bit of history about this innovative industry and shed new light on both the ornamentals and weeds in your garden. More info.

Olana Volunteer Information Session (WEBINAR)

July 13: Join a virtual information session to learn more about open volunteer opportunities at OLANA, the work they do, and the many ways you can get involved. Learn more.

Trail-Specific Insurance Town Hall (WEBINAR)

July 13: Join this unique Town Hall to discuss the opportunities that now exist for small and mid-size trail organizations to find affordable and appropriate trail-specific insurance. Read more.

Community Picnic and Family Fun Day, Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, NY

July 15: Join the Hoosick Township Historical Society at Bennington Battlefield for a day of fun, food & music. Find out more.

Ladies Mountain Biking Morning, Keleher Preserve, Voorheesville, NY

July 15: Join MHLC's Associate Director Sarah Walsh for a mountain biking morning at Keleher Preserve. More info.

Family Art Workshop: Floral Wheels, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY

July 16: Use recycled single-use plastics to create lovely compositions of flowers that will last forever. More details.

Winnakee-Dutchess Trails Roundtable (WEBINAR)

July 18: This webinar brings together stakeholders to foster trail development on a local and regional scale through networking, information sharing, and enhancing access to financial resources and technical assistance. Register now.

Community Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY

July 20: Join volunteers in conserving monarchs and advancing the understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Find out more.

Concert in the Park, Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer, NY

July 20: Enjoy a summer evening of music, played by the oldest continuous American legion Band in the country, the Yankee Doodle Band. More info.

Crafty Kids: Summer Vacation Craft Day!, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY

July 22: Kids will enjoy a snack as they make colorful sea turtles, paint a birdhouse, make a mask, or let their imagination run wild with tables of craft supplies! Read more.

Children's Magic Lantern Show & Optical Toy Making Activity, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY

July 23: This free hands-on activity demonstrates an authentic magic lantern and optical toys of the 19th Century. Learn more.

Biking, Burgers, and Beverages, Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, Bethlehem, NY

July 26: The event is designed to explore the biking opportunities along the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail and the Normans Kill. Find out more.

Mushroom Cocktail Walks, Opus 40, Saugerties, NY

July 27: Join a Happy Hour Fungi and Ecology Walk. More info.

Qi Gong On The Walkway, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, NY

July 28: Join Kele Baker for a Qigong session at the Ulster Welcome Center. More info.

Bash Bish Builders Crew Worktrip, Quarry Hill Trail Parking Lot, North East, NY

July 29: Volunteers will continue to build stone steps on the steep section of trail, and will be using a winch to move large rocks. Learn more.

Curators’ Talk & Artist Panel, Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill, NY

July 30: Join a discussion with Nancy Siegel, Kate Menconeri, and Amanda Malmstrom, co-curators of Women Reframe American Landscape: Susie Barstow & Her Circle / Contemporary Practices. Read more.

Heritage Spotlight: Gomez Mill House Museum, Ulster County

The oldest Jewish dwelling in North America, the Gomez Mill House was founded in 1714 by Luis Moses Gomez, a Sephardic Jew, for his trading, stone-lime, and timber operations along the nearby Hudson River. Wolfert Ecker, an entrepreneur, and local Patriot leader during the Revolutionary War, bought the trading post in 1772. For much of the 19th century, it was the residence of gentleman farmer William Henry Armstrong and his prominent political family. From 1912–18, it belonged to Arts and Crafts legend Dard Hunter, who built his first paper mill on the property where he produced his highly-prized handmade books. The house's interior holds items from all its residents: a richly carded 17th-century kas; Wolfert Ecker’s 16th-century Bible box; chandeliers by Dard Hunter’s friend, Gustav Stickley; the 1705 Gomez Denization and a 1754 Gomez land indenture; examples of Hunter’s watermarks; and a Maitland Armstrong painting. Learn more.

Project Spotlight: Shaker Swamp Nature Trail Feasibility Study

The Shaker Swamp Conservancy (SSC) in Columbia County received a Conservancy Trail Grant to conduct a trail feasibility study. The Shaker Swamp is a 400-acre freshwater wetland located at the foot of the Taconic range in New Lebanon, New York. It is a habitat for rare and uncommon native plants and animals. It contains a variety of habitats including marsh, wet meadows, mixed hardwood, conifer forests, upland meadows, upland shrub, and calcareous cliffs and boulders. The SSC decided to conduct the trail feasibility study to create a walking trail through the swamp that would provide a much-needed natural refuge for the community and an educational setting for school groups and organizations. The study was a necessary step because of the unique biology of the Swamp, including the presence of rare plant species and the need for the trail to include bridges and boardwalks, The study also includes maintenance provisions to help engage local community user groups to help with stewardship. Read the full study.

Campfire Stories

Summertime is the perfect time to share tales around safe campfires. Remember it is illegal in New York to burn trash such as plastic, glass, and metal (like tin and aluminum cans). By avoiding burning these items you will help keep our air clean and healthy. Learn more.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

USS Slater Needs Volunteers

USS Slater, a museum ship in Albany is in search of volunteers with any experience with painting, cleaning, welding, carpentry, and more. Volunteer now.

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 on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by September 1, 2023. More details.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program

Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Applications are due on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by September 1, 2023. More info.

Heritage Development Grants

This grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $7,500. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the HRVNHA's website. Please note 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. Applications are due on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by September 1, 2023. Learn more.

National Heritage Area Sponsorships Available

The Maurice D. Hinchey 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. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the HRVNHA are eligible to apply. Applications are available on HRVG's Online Grants Platform. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or 518-473-3835.

NEA Grants for Arts Projects 

This program offers grants in a wide range of artistic disciplines. Grants under the Museums category can be used for art conservation projects. Visit the NEA website at the link above to view all grant categories and application deadlines. Deadline: July 6, 2023. Learn more.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

The purpose of SS4A grants is to improve roadway safety by significantly reducing or eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries through safety action plan development and implementation focused on all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, motorists, and commercial vehicle operators. Deadline: July 10, 2023. Find out more.

History of Equal Rights Grants Program

The State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division is now accepting applications for the History of Equal Rights (HER) grant program. Congress has appropriated $5 million for the HER program. Grant projects fund physical preservation or pre-preservation of sites associated with efforts to achieve equal rights. The History of Equal Rights grants are not limited to any specific group and are intended to include the broadest possible interpretation of equal rights for any American. Deadline: July 11, 2023. More details.

Tributary Restoration and Resiliency Grant Program

$650,000 in competitive funding is now available for projects to support the restoration of free-flowing waters to benefit water quality, conserve and restore habitat, and help communities with existing and projected impacts of localized flooding. Projects must conserve and restore aquatic habitat connectivity for American eel and/or river herring in tributary streams of the tidal Hudson River. Priority will be given to projects that are in closest sequential proximity to tidal waters. The minimum award amount is $10,500 and the maximum award is $150,000. Deadline: July 12, 2023. Learn more.

Local Stewardship Planning Grant Program

$900,000 is available for Local Stewardship Planning. The minimum award amount is $10,500 and the maximum award amount is $75,000. This RFA is designed to help local organizations and communities advance four categories of projects and programs through planning, feasibility studies, and/or design. Deadline: July 12, 2023. Find out more.

River Education Grant Program

$250,000 is available to support projects to enhance education about the estuary along the tidal waters of the Hudson and make opportunities to learn about the Hudson River Estuary more accessible for a wide range of people, especially communities underrepresented in science careers. The minimum grant award is $20,000, and the maximum grant amount is $100,000. Deadline: July 12, 2023. More info.

River Access Grant Program

$350,000 is available in the RFA for River Access for projects along the shoreline of the Hudson estuary, including the tidal portion of its tributaries, to improve access to the Hudson estuary for boating, fishing, swimming, and/or wildlife-related recreation on the estuary for people of all abilities, including people with disabilities. The minimum grant award is $10,500 and the maximum grant amount is $75,000. Deadline: July 12, 2023. More details.

Underrepresented Communities Grant Program

Congress has appropriated $1.25 million for the Underrepresented Communities Grant Program (URC) for FY 2023. The URC Grant Program supports the survey, inventory, and designation of historic properties that are associated with communities currently underrepresented in the National Register of Historic Places and among National Historic Landmarks. Deadline: July 18, 2023. Read more.

NEH Humanities Collections and Reference Resources

The Humanities Collections and Reference Resources program supports projects that provide an essential underpinning for scholarship, education, and public programming in the humanities. Proposed projects may address the holdings or activities of a single institution or may involve collaboration between institutions. Deadline: July 18, 2023. More info.

Community Impact Grants

$6 million is currently available for community-based organizations to address environmental harms facing historically underserved communities disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution. Grant awards of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for eligible organizations that have their primary office located in a Potential Environmental Justice Area, serving the residents of an area equal to or smaller than a town or city outside of New York City, or an area equal to or smaller than one of the five boroughs within New York City, and must address environmental or public health issues of the residents of the affected community. Deadline: July 26, 2023. Find out more.

Air Quality Monitoring Grant Program

$2.1 million is currently available for community-based organizations to support community-driven projects to improve air quality and help advance the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Grant awards of up to $500,000 are available for eligible community-based not-for-profit organizations working in disadvantaged communities throughout the state that are disproportionately burdened by pollution. The grants will advance local efforts to obtain air quality data tailored to issues identified by community residents. Deadline: July 26, 2023. Learn more.

Climate Smart Communities Grant Program

The Climate Smart Communities Grant Program provides competitive, 50/50 matching grants to municipalities to conduct climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, including actions that are part of a strategy to achieve Climate Smart Communities certification. Deadline: July 28, 2023. More info.

Water Quality Improvement Projects

WQIP funds implementation projects to improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. Deadline: July 28, 2023. Read more.

Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant

NPG funds the production of planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4). Deadline: July 28, 2023. Learn more.

Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant

Engineering reports are required in the EFC financing application process. Grants are available to help municipalities jump-start their work early on with funding for initial planning, so they can be better prepared to seek financing to help them complete their wastewater, sewer, and water quality projects. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to municipalities to help fund an engineering report. Deadline: July 28, 2023. More details.

Green Innovation Grant Program

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across New York State that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded annually to projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of one or more of the following green practices: Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, and Environmental Innovation. Deadline: July 28, 2023. Read more.

National Endowment for the Arts - Our Town

Our Town is the National Endowment for the Arts’ creative placemaking grants program. Through project-based funding, it supports projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities over the long term. Deadline: August 3, 2023. Learn more.

Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program

new competitive grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Up to $848 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 funding is available. Deadline: August 18, 2023. More details.

NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program

These grants support treatment procedures by professional conservators to aid in stabilizing and preserving objects in collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State with up to a maximum of $7,500. Deadline: September 1, 2023. Find out more.

Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program

The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program offers technical assistance grants to rural and tribal communities. The NOFO combines two years of funding (Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023), $3.4 million in total, to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual awards will range in value up to the statutory limit of $360,000. There is no local funding match required to participate in this program. The grants may be used to hire staff or advisors to assist with early development-phase activities including, but not limited to, feasibility studies; preliminary engineering and design; environmental review; revenue forecasting; financial feasibility analysis; statutory and regulatory analysis and drafting and negotiation of agreements. Deadline: September 27, 2023. Read more.

Trails Count Grant Program

The Trails Count Grant Program is an assistance grant in partnership with Eco Counter and focuses on the quality of mountain bike trail communities by measuring the number of users on trails to assess the impact of trails. The grants support communities that have the interest and political support to develop trail use measurement systems but need additional assistance. More details.

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.