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

Elizabeth Campochiaro, Interim Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway,

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

Important Reminders

• Greenway Planning and Trail Grant Applications are Due Through Our Online Grants Platform by September 6, 2024. More Details.

• HRVG's Board Meeting is on June 12, 2024, at the Henry A. Wallace Center in Hyde Park and by Zoom. Email hrvg@hudsongreenway.ny.gov to RSVP.

Greenway Board Selects New Executive Director

The Boards of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc., and the Greenway Heritage Conservancy HRV, Inc. have appointed Andy Kitzmann as the next executive director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

Kitzmann has served for the past fifteen years as the assistant director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. While at Erie Canalway he oversaw a variety of historic preservation and adaptive reuse activities, the creation of several grants programs that provided critical support for trail and waterway infrastructure improvements, preservation and recreation enhancements, and interpretation and wayfinding activities. 

Prior to his work at Erie Canalway Kitzmann brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, including having taught graduate-level courses at Syracuse University’s Graduate Program in Museum Studies. He has also been involved in a variety of national, regional, and state-wide nonprofit boards. Andy brings to the Greenway a philosophy of fostering meaningful partnerships with nonprofit, municipal, and private leaders to achieve success in implementing organizational and regional goals. 

Kitzmann has replaced Greenway Executive Director Scott Keller, who was with the Greenway and its predecessors for over 38 years and retired in March 2024. Beth Campochiaro, Greenway trails and community outreach director, has served as interim executive director until Kitzmann began his position on June 3. Keller’s replacement was selected after a six-month search.

Andy is looking forward to championing the Greenway compact model, expanding our grant making and public program presence, and to meeting the many stakeholders of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. Read the full press release.

Ramble Print Deadline is Coming Soon

The print deadline to submit events to be a part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble guidebook is July 1, 2024. Events submitted after that date will be featured on our website and virtually.

We would also like to announce that we are working on creating a commercial that will be featured on major streaming applications to reach a larger audience. With that said, the Ramble will still be featured on the radio, in newspapers, on social media, in digital ads, and more.

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 August 31st and any day during the month of September. There will be a limited print of guidebooks this year, and the events will be listed on our website. 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.

Check Out a Screening of Seven Sentinels: Lighthouses Of The Hudson River

Of the dozens of lighthouses and warning lights that once dotted the Hudson River, only seven remain. Throughout almost two century's of America's explosive growth, these lighthouses kept watch, guarding the safety of the Hudson’s waterborne traffic. The project was commissioned and produced by the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRRM), filmed and edited by Jeff Mertz of Moonbow Imaging, and partly sponsored by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

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The HRMM's concept for this film grew out of decades of Hudson River lighthouse interpretation, including research, exhibits, articles, short films, and presentations. The film places the lighthouses in historic context, tells the fascinating stories of the buildings themselves and their keepers, and outlines how these seven have survived to the present day, and how to preserve them for generations to come.

• June 2 in Hudson, NY. Tickets,

• June 8 in Beacon, NY. Tickets.

• June 30 in New Paltz, NY. Tickets.

Learn more about the Seven Sentinels Documentary.

Deep Dives: An In-Depth Look at Threats to Your Collection

Take a Deep Dive with the Greater Hudson Heritage Network in this hands-on workshop series to explore three of the agents of deterioration (pests, water, and theft) for collections at museums, historical sites, and more. You will learn how you can protect your collections from deteriorating.

• Deep Dive: Stressed About Pests on June 6, 2024, at the Historical Society of Rockland County, New City. Register now.

• Deep Dive: After the Flood on July 31, 2024, at Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison. Register now.

• Deep Dive: Security Solutions on September 25, 2024, at Ten Broeck Mansion, Albany. Register now.

Each full-day workshop includes a light breakfast, lunch, and a resource packet. This workshop series is sponsored by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Learn more.

Science + Outdoor Adventure on the River



Science + Outdoor Adventure on the River (SOAR) provides the community with programs for children 6-12 years old at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville in Saratoga County.

This year Hudson Crossing Park has reimagined their SOAR program, by making it more flexible and accessible than ever. Programs will be single-day programs scattered throughout the summer. SOAR participants will be outdoors, active, and have lots of fun learning about the world around them. There will be art, science, guest speakers, and lots more! Check out the SOAR 2024 Handbook or learn more.

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

Grant and sponsorship applications for all Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage programs, including Community/Compact Planning, Conservancy Trail, and Heritage Sponsorships 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 funding applications 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 address. 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

• Register for The NYS Climate Impact Assessment: an Introduction for Municipal Officials WEBINAR on June 4, 2024.

NYSDEC Extends Application Deadline for Funding to Support Efforts to Improve Hudson River Tributaries

The application deadline for grants to support tributary restoration through the improvement of culverts and road-stream crossings is being extended to June 21, 2024. In March, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced $200,000 is available for projects that will help communities restore aquatic organism passage and habitat connectivity, reduce localized flood risks, and improve water quality for communities along Hudson River estuary tributaries. Funding for these projects is provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by NEIWPCC in partnership with DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program through a Request for Proposals. Read more.

Upcoming Events

GHHN Workshop: Deep Dive: Stressed About Pests?, Jacob Blauvelt House, New City, NY

June 6: This workshop will introduce participants to multiple aspects of Integrated Pest Management. Learn more.

Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association Monthly Star Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY

June 7: The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association hosts a monthly stargazing party in the West Beach parking lot. Read more.

Get Outdoors and Get Together Day, Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo, NY

June 8: People of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds are invited to join Parks for fun, healthful activities as part of the Governor's initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. Find out more.

Morning Hatha Yoga, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY

June 9: The beautiful sunlit Gothic Chamber is the perfect place for a morning yoga class. More info.

HRVG Board Meeting, Henry A. Wallace Center, Hyde Park, NY

June 12: The joint board meeting for the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc., will announce awards, and include presentations and networking. RSVP by emailing hrvg@hudsongreenway.ny.gov.RSVP.

Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities, Jay Heritage Center, Rye, NY

June 13: Come and discover the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens this spring! More info.

Overlooking the Geology, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY

June 15: At the overlook, on a clear day at least four different landscape regions are visible. Learn how and when they formed and about the rock types. More details.

Children's Day, New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor, NY

June 16: A fun-filled day of family entertainment on Father’s Day with the Two by Two Animal Sanctuary, magician Mr. Bayly performs, and 18th-century games. Read more.

The Trail Partnership Research Project (WEBINAR)

June 20: This webinar reviews the findings from a study with the Forest Service and NPS discussing the factors that make partnerships more or less successful and provides recommendations to improve partnerships. Find out more.

The World of Rebecca Franks, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY

June 22: Site Interpreter Joanne Stein-Kohler will discuss the Jewish experience in America leading up to and after the American Revolution, through the lens of Rebecca Franks, the "Jewish Belle" of Philadelphia who married a British officer captured at Stony Point. Learn more.

Black Staatsburg: The Gilded Age Black Community of Staatsburg, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY

June 23: Join a one-hour presentation exploring what the Gilded Age meant to the Black community of Staatsburgh through census records, historic maps, and the larger context of race relations. More info.

Birdwatching with the Saw Mill River Audubon Society, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY

June 24: Join an expert from the Saw Mill River Audubon Society on a bird walk around the Preserve. Read more.

Western to Eastern Ridge Hike, Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY

June 25: Join an educator on a more difficult hike of 6 miles from Western Ridge, to Ridge Run, to Eastern Ridge with viewpoints along the Western Ridge Trail. Learn more.

Sleepy Hollow Walk, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Sleepy Hollow, NY

June 27: Walk north while a guide discusses the Aqueduct and view some of its structures, including a weir, a 90-foot-high embankment carrying the Aqueduct over the Pocantico River, and more. Find out more.

Let Freedom Ring, Senate House State Historic Site, Kingston, NY

June 29: Participate in commemorating American Independence with American music, and an Independence Ceremony featuring readings of important speeches. More details.

Reflections at Rainbow Falls, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY

June 30: Participants will select a nature-themed meditation card, setting a mindful intention for a joyful hike. More info.

GHHN Workshop: Deep Dive: After the Flood, Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison, NY

July 31: This workshop is a unique hands-on experience in the wet salvage of historical collections through exercises recovering materials commonly found in heritage-keeping institutions. Learn more.

Deep Dive: Security Solutions, Ten Broeck Mansion, Albany, NY

September 25: This full-day workshop, which will be led by conservator and preservation consultant Donia Conn, is a deep dive into the theft and vandalism of collections. Read more.

Heritage Spotlight: Mount Gulian Historic Site, Dutchess County

Mount Gulian served as the headquarters of Major General Friedrich von Steuben, drillmaster of the Continental Army, 1782-83. Here, Baron von Steuben and other officers founded the Society of the Cincinnati, our country’s first fraternal veterans’ organization. The house is the headquarters of the New York State Society of the Cincinnati. It was the home of the Verplanck family for more than 200 years. Destroyed by an arsonist’s fire in 1931, the site was reconstructed and opened to the public in 1975. The interior is filled with artifacts as well as furniture, clothing, and gifts given to Gulian Verplanck by Native Americans. Mount Gulian also interprets the life and history of escaped slave, James F. Brown, whose first-person diary of his years spent as master gardener at Mount Gulian is a rare African American written record of the time. The grounds feature a restored English garden, planted in 1804, an 18th-century Dutch barn, and a Hudson River view. Learn more.

Project Spotlight: Hudson Crossing Park Trails Enhancement Program

Hudson Crossing Park (HCP) in Saratoga County received a Conservancy Trail Grant to rehabilitate its most heavily traveled stone dust trails, including its Access Trail. HCP is a 42-acre "island park" in Schuylerville that attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually and is part of the end-to-end Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail, the Empire State Trail, and the Champlain Canalway Trail. With strong annual use over the last 17 years, the trails at HCP have experienced erosion, invasive growth, and base settling being compounded by everyday use. The Access Trail is the most heavily used at HCP and needed extensive repair and partial reconstruction to prevent further erosion that impinged access from the parking lot and created a major hazard and liability potential for visitors. HCP’s Riverwalk Sensory Trail was specifically designed to welcome visitors of all abilities and needed repairs to address tripping hazards and redirected run-off that was eroding part of the trail. Learn more.

Minimum Risk Pesticides and Biocontrols

Apply biocontrols (naturally occurring substances that control pests), such as parasitic nematodes, to your lawn to control grubs. Suppressing grubs will also help with mole problems. Learn more.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

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. The upcoming deadlines for applications are due on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by September 6, 2024. More details.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program

Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. The upcoming deadlines for applications this year are due on HRVG's Online Grants Platform by September 6, 2024. More info.

National Heritage Area Sponsorships

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.

Candevra Foundation Grant Program

The Candreva Environmental Foundation is a New York state-based organization that provides seed money for local environmental education initiatives and projects that engage young people in environmental service. Awards of up to $500 can be used for materials, printing costs, student and teacher travel, communication costs, and other project-related expenses. Grants are limited to Westchester and Putnam Counties. Deadline: June 1, 2024. Find out more.

Water Infrastructure Improvement & Intermunicipal Grants

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects to selected municipalities with infrastructure projects that protect public health and/or water quality. EFC and the NYS Department of Health will evaluate all applications for projects received by the due date based on factors including protection of public health and water quality; median household income; population served; governmental and community support; environmental justice considerations; and the readiness of the project to proceed. Deadline: June 14, 2024. More details.

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP).

This unique program, administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), strategically invests in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, accelerating local and regional plans to create safe and convenient walking and biking routes to everyday destinations and to fill gaps between communities. $45 million is available for active transportation projects or groups of projects with a total cost of at least $15 million or planning and design grants with a total cost of at least $100,000. Deadline: June 17, 2024. Read more.

Recreational Trails Grant Program

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In New York State, the RTP is administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Deadline: June 28, 2024. Learn more.

T-Mobile Hometown Grants

Brought to you in partnership with Main Street America and Smart Growth America, the T-Mobile Hometown Grant program provides grants of up to $50,000 to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities! Deadline: June 30, 2024. Find out more.

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program

The program will fund up to $500 million in grants over five years to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems that improve transportation safety and efficiency. Through this SMART Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), USDOT will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. During Stage 1, the SMART program will fund technology demonstrations and prototypes that solve real-world transportation problems and build data and technology capacity for State, local, and Tribal governments. Deadline: July 12, 2024. More info.

Local Stewardship Planning and River Education

$1 million in grant funding is available for projects to help communities in the Hudson River Valley improve water quality, advance stewardship of habitat and natural resources, and enhance river education. Two Hudson River Estuary Requests for Applications are available: 2024 Local Stewardship Planning (Round 43) and 2024 River Education (Round 44). Deadline: July 17, 2024. Find out more.

Water Quality Improvement Project Program

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program that supports implementation projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This round of available funding includes a total of at least $215 million thorough the State EPF, Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA), and the Environmental Bond Act combined. Earlier this year, $166 million in announced WQIP grants is helping support municipal wastewater treatment upgrades, polluted runoff abatement and control, land acquisition projects for drinking water protection, salt storage construction, aquatic connectivity restoration, and marine habitat restoration. Deadline: July 31, 2024. More info.

Climate Smart Communities

DEC’s Climate Smart Communities Grant Program is making $22.5 million available to help municipalities take action to address climate change. Funding for this program is supported by the State's EPF and the Environmental Bond Act. Eligible projects can include reducing flood risk and emissions from food waste, relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure, and climate change planning and assessment as part of the Climate Smart Communities Certification Program. Since the program's inception, DEC awarded more than $60 million to municipalities in support of local climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Deadline: July 31, 2024. More details.

Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Mapping

DEC’s Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Mapping Grant (NPG) funds projects that help pay for the initial planning of non-agricultural nonpoint source water quality improvement projects, such as undersized culvert replacements and green infrastructure technologies, and State permit-required stormwater system mapping in urban areas. These projects will reduce the amount of polluted stormwater and runoff entering lakes, rivers and streams, and improve resiliency against the impacts of climate change. Deadline: July 31, 2024. Find out more.

Commercial and Industrial Carbon Challenge

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is making $10 million available with the sixth round of the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge. The C&I Carbon Challenge will accelerate decarbonization by reducing carbon emissions at commercial and industrial businesses and institutions, helping to combat climate change, and drive economic growth across the state. While award funds may be used for any energy or industrial-process related projects that can reduce carbon emissions, Deadline: July 31, 2024. Learn more.

Building Cleaner Communities Competition

NYSERDA is administering $10 million for carbon-neutral economic development projects through the Building Cleaner Communities Competition. The competition will support projects that accelerate decarbonization and economic development across New York State by supporting projects in two categories: Category A: This category supports the design and construction of carbon neutral or net zero energy performance at the facility level, supporting building-specific measures for efficiency, renewable energy, storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Category B: Projects in this category supports carbon neutral or net zero performance at the community level, including community-scale development, campuses, or large real estate portfolio development projects. Deadline: July 31, 2024. Read more.

Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants

This year, $7.34 million in Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants is available to help communities most vulnerable to the impacts of pollution and climate change address environmental concerns and legacy pollution. Community-based organizations can apply to receive up to $100,000 in funding for projects that address environmental and public health concerns of residents in impacted neighborhoods. Deadline: August 7, 2024. More info.

Green Resiliency Grants

$60 million is available for the inaugural round of the Green Resiliency Grant (GRG) program. The new program will prioritize grants to flood-prone communities and help them undertake innovative green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, green streets, and permeable pavement. This initiative delivers on elements of Governor Hochul’s clean water and resiliency plan to protect New Yorkers from extreme weather. Deadline: August 16, 2024. Learn more.

2024 NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grants

Support for treatment procedures by professional conservators to aid in stabilizing and preserving objects in collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. Deadline: September 3, 2024. Find out more.

Northern Border Regional Commission Grant Program 

The Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) four-state region. The Catalyst Program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives that will: modernize and expand water and wastewater systems; revitalize transportation infrastructure; establish workforce development programs and facilities; grow outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies; and construct new childcare and healthcare facilities. Only available in Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington County. The next pre-application deadline is September 6, 2024, and full application deadlines are due October 18, 2024. More info.

Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program

The EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy. Applications will be accepted until November 21, 2024. Learn more.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund

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. More info.

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.

Veterans Emergency Housing Program

New York State’s Veterans Emergency Housing Program provides short-term

assistance for Veterans who face a current housing hardship and lack sufficient

personal funds to resolve the hardship. Eligible Veterans can receive up to $2,000

per calendar year to assist with qualifying housing needs. More details.

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 

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