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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
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The Year of the Tower
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Photo of Honorable Maurice Hinchey, his daughter Michelle, Barnabas McHenry and Johanna Porr.
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On Sunday, February 23rd, The Tower of Victory was honored at the Newburgh Brewery, located just below Washington's Headquarters and the Tower. The Raise a Glass for the Tower of Victory fundraiser was well attended, and raised $1,000 for the Tower restoration. The Tower of Victory was completed in 1890 in commemoration of the centennial of Washington's stay. The Tower was commissioned by Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Lincoln, and designed by John Hemingway Duncan. Over looking the Hudson River with commanding views of Bear Mountain, the tower is in need of restoration. Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, in partnership with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, have undertaken a major capital campaign to raise $1.5 million dollars to fully restore the Tower. Read more...
Governor Cuomo Announces $50 Million Available for Alternative Transportation Projects
In February, Andrew Cuomo announced $50 Million in new funding for alternative transportation projects through the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP). Funding is provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and administered by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Funding will be allocated for projects statewide that support recreation, tourism, and economic development opportunities, including on/off road trail facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists; infrastructure related projects and systems for pedestrians; community improvement activities including roadway safety; and environmental mitigation activities. Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated on established criteria that include environmental transportation systems; encourage smart growth, impact on local or regional economies; availability of matching funds, and level of community support. The tentative deadline for applications is June 11, for more information on the program, please visit New York State Department of Transportation website.
Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program to be offered in Putnam on Saturday, March 8
New York State is offering courses for residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Courses will be offered on multiple dates and locations around the state.Sessions last approximately two hours, and pre-registration is required. A Putnam County based preparedness program will be held on March 8th at the Paladin Center Tactical Training Facility.
Read more and register...
Department of Health Initiative: Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach
In 2008, the Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project began a twenty-year initiative with a goal that all Hudson fish and crab consumers know about, understand and follow the NYSDOH Hudson fish advisories. Through a Request for Applications "Local Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Initiatives", Health Research, Incorporated (HRI) and the New York State Department of Health announce the availability of a total of $75,000 to $90,000 per year to develop partnerships with local groups. The maximum amount per applicant is $15,000 per year. The project area extends 192 miles along the Hudson River from Baker's Falls in Hudson Falls (Washington County) to the southern tip of the Manhattan Battery in New York City. Applications must serve populations that fish or are likely to eat fish from the Hudson River in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, New York, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Ulster, Washington and/or Westchester counties in New York State. Applications are due on April 9, 2014 by 5:00 PM.
4th Annual Newburgh Volunteer Fair at Washington's Headquarters
As part of the 4th Annual Newburgh Volunteer Fair at Washington's Headquarters, the site is inviting representatives to come and join the volunteer fair to promote the work their not-for-profit is doing, recruit new volunteers, and network with other community organizations. The fair is being held May 10th, and as part of the fair, free admission and tours of the Hasbrouck House will be conducted, encouraging visitors to lean just how important a role the regional played in War of Independence. For more information regarding the Volunteer Fair, please click here. |
Heritage Spotlight | |
Replica Ship Half Moon Designated as a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Site
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is pleased to announce that the Replica Ship Half Moon joins nearly one hundred historic sites and attractions as an officially designated Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Heritage Site.
As part of the New Netherland Museum in Albany N.Y.,the Replica Ship Half Moon is an operating full-scale replica of the Dutch ship of exploration Half Moon, that sailed to the New World in 1609. The replica ship is a traveling museum which conducts tours, reenactments, demonstrations, programs, and workshops on the unique history of the area and ship.The New Netherland Museum has developed an educational curricula that integrates history, math, science, and writing through the Half Moon's voyage.
 The original Half Moon was commissioned on March 25, 1609, for the Dutch East India Company. The original ship was built solely for the purpose of exploration and set sail with a designated crew of twenty. While sailing the Hudson River, Henry Hudson claimed the region for the Dutch thereby establishing America's Dutch heritage.This traveling museum sails up down and the Hudson River, conducting tours, reenactments, demonstrations, programs, and workshops on the unique history of the area and ship. The ship houses period artifacts, accurate replica flags, sea chests, navigable instruments, and tools of the marine trade. Today the Replica Ship Half Moon shares this history as a living museum. The crew often wears period clothing, typical of Dutch Sailors. Hidden withing the ship are modern navigable gears necessary for daily use such as a diesel engine, electric generator, and plumbing. In celebration of its 25th year of operation, the Replica Ship Half Moon will be receiving new sails thanks to grant funding from the Hudson River Improvement Fund. |
Project Spotlight
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City of New Rochelle Comprehensive Plan Update
In October 2011, The City of New Rochelle was awarded a $5,000 Greenway Communities Grant
 for a Comprehensive Plan Update. The City of New Rochelle last updated their plan in 1995. Since that time, the City has changed and sought to address growing needs by updating their comprehensive plan. The Greenway grant allowed for the implementation of new recommendations for their comprehensive plan, helping to meet the changing dynamics of their City. By implementing a focused public outreach process, the City is better able to understand the needs of its residents, while helping to educate the community of the comprehensive planning process. Updating a comprehensive plan is an important step in redefining a shared vision for the future. By including significant public participation and outreach in the updating process, the City of New Rochelle has taken a proactive approach in addressing the needs of its community. Communities throughout the Hudson River Valley are continually recognizing the value of working together to update their comprehensive plan, effectively addressing ways of accommodating increased residential growth, encourage compatible economic development while preserving important natural resources and maintaining community character. The Greenway is pleased to be able to support the City of New Rochelle in their proactive comprehensive plan update.
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| Upcoming Grant Opportunities | |
Greenway Communities and Compact Grants
Applications are due May 9, 2014 for consideration at the June 11th Greenway Board Meeting.
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grants
TAP funds can be used for a variety of alternative transportation projects, including the construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities; conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use; and infrastructure-related projects to provide access for and improve the safety of children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Deadline: June 11.
The required TAP/Federal Aid 101 Webinars will be held throughout March. Read more...
Spring 2014 Trees for Tribs Program
Funding is available through the Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program's Trees for Trib program. This program offers free native trees and shrubs for streamside buffer planting/restoration projects in the Hudson River Estuary. Applications received by March 1, 2014 will be given preference.
Storm Mitigation Loan Program
The NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation has over $400 Million in grants and loans for storm mitigation projects that protect community waste-water and drinking water systems from future storms and climate changes. Deadline: April 1, 2014
AOA Startup Grant Contest 2014
Funded by Berkshire Bank, this online competition will award $1,500 in start up costs to a Captial Region small business or community project. Proposals due April 4.
USDA Hurricane Sandy Floodplain Land Easements
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering a second round of land easements to NY landowners affected by Hurricane Sandy. Over $7.5 Million has been allotted to purchase land easements in the State of New York. Deadline: April 18, 2014
TIGER Transportation Grants
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. TIGER can provide capital funding directly to any public entity, including municipalities, counties, port authorities, tribal governments, MPO's. Applicants must detail the benefits their project would deliver based on TIGER criteria. Deadline: April 28, 2014
2014 Conservation Treatment Grant Program
The Greater Hudson Heritage Network has announced their 2014 Conservation Treatment Grant Program. This grant provides support for treatment procedures by professional conservators to aid in stabilizing and preserving object in collections of museums, historical and cultural organization in New York State. Open to non-profit 501(c)3 museums, historical organizations, or other cultural institutions that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public. Deadline June 2, 2014
2013 Get Ready!, Get Set! And Go! Grants
Get Ready! Grants provide a way to learn about the planning process and help your organization begin creating a plan. A Get Ready! Grant provides your organization with a consultant experienced in museum planning. Deadline is July 1, 2014.
National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects. NPS staff provide free on-location facilitation and planning expertise, and help guide projects from conception to completion. Applications for assistance are due August 1.
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.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Roadside Marker Program (Ongoing)
Grants are given for historic markers to commemorate historic people, places or things within the time frame of 1740-1900.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (Ongoing)
HUD is seeking competitive applications for individual FY 2013 program nofas that will further the achievement of HUD's strategic plan goals and policy priorities. HUD's strategic mission: to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all.
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Regional Events
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Calendar of Events: March 2014
Saturdays
John Jay Homestead Farm Market
This market will offer fruit, produce, including heirloom varieties, and flowers, grown by local farmers, using certified organic, organic, biodynamic and conventional methods.
Troy Farmer's Market
Winter Season is in full swing at the Troy Farmer's Market. New hours are 9 am to 2pm each Saturday. Over 70 vendors each week bring fresh and local products from local farmers, chefs, and artisans to offer the Capital Region's freshest and finest.
Sundays
V endors 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.
Illustrated talk with Eric Nelsen for Cresskill Public Library (53 East Union Avenue), 7pm. Free and open to all. For more information call: (201) 567-3521
March 7
Gardening Sandwiched In
Bring a sandwich and join the Master Gardeners at the Columbia & Greene Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension to view a pre-recorded Cornell lecture. "Gardens Filled with Life: Designing with Flora of the American East." This is a wonderful pre-recorded lecture by author and landscape architect Carolyn Summers. Cost: Free. Pre-register by calling: 518-828-3346 x0
March 7-March 9
Weekend Data Retreat: How's The Hudson River Doing?
During this weekend retreat, hear from Cary Institute and NYS DEC scientists about their research in the Hudson River watershed. Free and open to high school and middle school math, science, and art educators. Space is limited. More information: Kali Bird, (210) 724-9611
March 8
Meet the Resident Awesome Opossum at the Hudson Highland Nature Museum
Come to the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum's Wildlife Education Center to learn about the Awesome Opossum. Opossums are not related to rodents, they are actually marsupials (animals with a pouch) who have developed fascinating adaptations! Admission: $7/Adults - $5/Children. Museum Members: $5/Adults - $3/Children. For information call: 845-534-5506, ext. 204
Sunday Salon at the Thomas Cole House: The Chiaroscuro of Thomas Cole
Alexander Nemerov, currently the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Provostial Professor in the Arts and Humanities at Stanford University, will speak about the interplay of light and dark in Cole's work, and what it can tell us about America in the 1830s and 1840s.
Rockland Historical Society Walking Tour: Rockland Lake
The Rockland Historical Society will present Walk Through History: Rockland Lake. Rockland Lake was home to a flourishing ice industry from 1830 to the 1920's, join the historical society for a walking tour of Rockland Lake. Admission is free, but reservations are required.
March 9
Maple Sunday Pancake Breakfast
Come to the Fahnestock State Park to join in a Sugar Maple celebration. Pancake breakfast, and hands-on demonstration of tapping trees, boiling sap and producing syrup. Adults $8 Kids $6. For more information, please call: (845) 265-3773, space is limited.
Jay Heritage Presentation: Speed, Style & the English Country House
Join the Jay Heritage Center in welcoming Curt DiCamillo, a noted authority on English country estates returns to us for his second presentation at the Jay Heritage Center. Following his whirlwind talk about the "real" world of Downton Abbey this past fall, Curt will immerse us in the intoxicating sphere of British horse, auto and airplane racing of the early 1900s. This talk is $15 per person, $10 for Seniors and Free for JHC Members. A Q & A and refreshments will follow the program. For further info, please call: (914) 698-9275.
March 11-12
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Toddler Program: Spring Animals & Nature Together
Children ages 2 -4 and their grandparents/parents/caregivers can explore the world of animals and nature together in this unique program. Especially designed to introduce a different animal each week, this unique program holds the attention of young children by utilizing crafts, songs, movement, stories, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. Pre-paid registration is required for the 8 week-session program. For information call: 845-534-5506, ext. 204
Planning for Growth and Open Space Conservation Webinar
In partnership with National Open Space Conservation Group of the USDA Forest Service and Clemson University, present a webinar series that will showcase NASA's Land-Use/Land-Cover Change Program (LCLUC) program. This program explors how time-tracking of land use observations from space can be used from a planning perspective. Please register here to join the webinar.
March 13
Catskill Creek Water Quality Presentation
Riverkeeper has been testing the Hudson River for fecal contamination and sewage discharges since 2006 and sharing the results with the public. Come to the Columbia & Greene Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension to hear about the results of the Catskill Creek testing and plans to expand this study further upstream. A presentation will be given followed by a question-and-answer session. Cost: Free. Registration deadline: March 11. To register call: (518)622-9820 x0
March 14
Friday Night Skating Under the Lights
Each Friday until April (weather permitting), visit Schodack Island State Park to skate under the lights! Ice skates will be available for a rental fee $2. Hot chocolate, hot coffee, and hot dogs will be available for purchase. For more information, please call: (518) 732-0187.
Hudson River Foundation Winter/Spring Seminars
Migration Ecology of New York Harbor Striped Bass- Guest speaker David Secor of the University of Maryland
March 19
Using Dialogue to Promote Engagement & Enhance Relevance Among Museum Visitors
This full-day, hands-on training session provides an introduction to facilitated dialogue. This interpretive technique allows museums to better connect with their visitors and engage in conversations about critical issues. It has been used with great success at museums like the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. This will be held at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site - Buffalo, New York. For more information, please call: (716) 884-0095
March 20
Kids Ice Fishing Clinic
Ever wonder how to ice fish? Come on up to Moreau Lake State Park for a lesson. No equipment needed! Participants will get a pole in their hand to try to reel up a fish or two. Registration is necessary, please call: (518) 793-0511.
Have a Hoot with Owls!
This is the best time to hear owl calls, as they are more vocal now than at any other time of the year. This hour-long program will include an informational presentation on the characteristics and habits of Saratoga Spa State Park's owls, followed by a night hike where people listen for their calls. Appropriate for all ages. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. To register or for more information about programs, call: (518) 584-2000, ext. 150
Evening Panel Discussion: Albany Fire of 1793
Part of a two-part program which will center on the Albany fire of 1793 and the subsequent investigation and slave executions. Visitors will see and hear people from the period: slaves, wealthy landowners, and freed African Americans all speaking within their social groups about the events while the slaves accused of setting the fire and causing so much destruction await their fate. For more information please call: (518) 434-0834.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Northern Saw-whet Owls Discussion
With Dr. Glenn A. Proudfoot, Visiting Scholar at Vassar College and Mohonk Preserve Research Associate. For nearly 40 years, Glenn has been studying birds of prey and he will discuss current research into migratory pathways of the Northern Saw-whet Owl, and the efficacy and limitations of bird banding as a tool for studying migration patterns. No pre-registration is required, free of charge.
Westchester Municipal Planning Federation Annual Land Use Training
This is the first of three evenings featuring topics of interest to members of planning, zoning, conservation and design review boards. Satisfies the New York State annual requirement for four hours of training.
March 22
Celebrating the Wonderful World of Maple Syrup
Experience a taste of the "sweet world of maple sugaring" as part of the New York Maple weekend at Agroforestry Resource Center at the Columbia & Greene Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension. The event will provide an opportunity to learn about sugar mapling procedures, including demonstrations in our own sugar shack, fun "maple syrup" taste testing, and displays of antique maple sugaring equipment. Cost: Free. For further information call: (518) 622-9820 x0
March 23
The Muse Politic: A Musical History of the Forming of Our Nation
The Jay Heritage Center will present Priscilla and Grant Herreid who will perform dances, ballads, and songs familiar to the Founding Fathers. Together with colleagues, Andrew Rutherford and Leah Gale Nelson they'll present a patriotic program like no other.
March 25
Beatrix Farrand Garden Association: Hands-in-the-DIRT Workshop series
Join the volunteer gardeners at the Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield for their Hands-in-the-DIRT Workshop series on Vine Pruning from 10am-12pm. Workshops are free of charge. To reserve a space, or for more information, please call: (845) 229-9115 x2023.
March 26 Webinar for landowners in the Upper Hudson Valley: Woods in Your BackyardThe Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension are pleased to announce a webinar series and field trip for landowners with smaller properties in the Upper Hudson Valley. The series are held Wednesday evenings, March 26, April 2, and April 9. This is a great opportunity to learn about and assess your property's forest and water resources, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal, and ways to improve each through simple stewardship practices. Please register online at dnr.cornell.edu/ext/pwt/bio by March 14, 2014. March 28 Toms River. A Story of Science and Salvation Dan Fagin, Director of the Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program at New York University, will discuss industrial pollution, water contamination, and cancer epidemiology in a New Jersey beach town. More information: Kali Bird, (210) 724-9611 March 30 Tragedy and Triumph: Early Civil Rights in Rockland The Rockland County Historical Society hosts a tour with Travis Jackson. Dr. Jackson was entering the fourth grade when Thurgood Marshall came to Rockland County to help in the desegregation of the Hillburn schools. Dr. Jackson will lead this informative walking tour around the village of Hillburn and describe the important civil rights event that took place in 1943. Admission is free, please call for more information and to make reservations, (845) 634-9629
Talking Textiles with Virginia Whelan, Filaments Conservation Studio Come to the Jay Heritage Center and meet Virginia Whelan, a textile conservator and sole proprietor of Filaments Conservation Studio, based outside Philadelphia, PA. She specializes in historic needlework and fine textiles offering conservation consultation and treatment of a variety of textiles including samplers, silk-on-silk and painted silk embroideries, needlework and wool-work pictures, flags, and banners. Participants are encouraged to bring a photo of their treasured family sampler or heirloom American flag.
March 30-April 1 The Museum Association of New York will holding this year's annual conference in Albany. Tours, workshops, discussion, and exhibitions will be held throughout the event. Early bird registration has been extended through March 7th.
April 2 Webinar for landowners in the Upper Hudson Valley: Woods in Your BackyardThe Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension are pleased to announce a webinar series and field trip for landowners with smaller properties in the Upper Hudson Valley. The series are held Wednesday evenings, March 26, April 2, and April 9. This is a great opportunity to learn about and assess your property's forest and water resources, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal, and ways to improve each through simple stewardship practices. Please register online at dnr.cornell.edu/ext/pwt/bio by March 14, 2014.
Ongoing Events: Claude Mirror Project A new installation by artist Alex McKay at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site lets you see Thomas Cole's favorite view at any time of day, any season of the year, in all kinds of weather, as reflected in a 19th-century optical device called a "Claude Mirror." Staatsburgh State Historic Site: Downton Abbey Themed Tours Join the Staatsburgh State Historic Site for a Downton Abbey themed tour. In honor of the new season, the site's Downton Abbey themed tours will return on Saturdays for the winter months. Beginning on January 4, 2014 and continuing through March 29, 2014. Reservations are required so please call 845-889-8851 ext. 300 to reserve a spot. Friday Night Skating Under the Lights Each Friday until April (weather permitting), visit Schodack Island State Park to skate under the lights! Ice skates will be available for rental for $2. Hot chocolate, hot coffee, and hot dogs will be available for purchase. For more information, please call Phone: (518) 732-0187. 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 Month |
Supporting your local food recovery program
 Each year, roughly a third of all food production for human consumption is wasted. This equates to 1.3 billion tons of food. In the United States, we toss out/waste 34 millions tons of food according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Grocery stores, bakeries, and other food providers throw away tons of food on a daily basis. In response, food recovery programs run by homeless shelters or food banks can collect this food and use it to provide meals for the hungry, helping to divert food away from landfills and into those who need it the most.
-Encourage your local farms, restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries to donate left over un-purchased food by partnering with a local food bank or homeless shelter.
-Go through your cabinets at home and donate any non-perishable canned and dried goods to your local shelter or food bank.
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The E-Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to friends of the Hudson River Valley
Questions or comments?
Email us or call (518) 473-3835
Be sure to visit the websites for the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the
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