Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area,
J. Winthrop Aldrich, Acting Chairman Greenway Council, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area
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Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
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Important Reminders
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Greenway Planning, Greenway Trail, and Heritage Development Grant Applications are Due May 6, 2022. More details.
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Order the Free Empire State Trail Printed Map by Submitting an Email with your Name and Mailing Address on the Contact Us Page on the Empire State Trail's Website. Order now.
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Take a Moment and Fill Out the NYS Bicycling Census. Learn more.
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Saratoga Battlefield Begins $6+ Million Rehabilitation Project
In March, Saratoga National Historical Park will begin a $6-plus million, multi-year project to rehabilitate the interpretive battlefield experience. This important work is being funded through the Great American Outdoors Act.
The project focuses on improving accessibility and interpretation of the Saratoga Battlefield. The work includes rehabilitating the parking areas and pathways at all tour stops to address deferred maintenance, improve accessibility, and replace aging waysides exhibits to enhance the interpretation experience of the battlefield.
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Governor Hochul Announces the New Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County
On February 28th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of Sojourner Truth State Park located in both the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster. This former industrial property includes 500-acres along the Hudson River shoreline and is named in honor of the 19th century African American abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth.
The property includes the Hudson River Brickyard Trail, which is a section of the larger Empire State Trail. The new park offers spectacular views of the Hudson River and the 150-foot cliffs of limestone and sandstone that drew cement production to the site beginning in the 1840s.
Hudson River Valley Greenway Executive Director Scott Keller said, “Sojourner Truth State Park is an iconic Hudson River property that provides unique recreational, open space, and ecological benefits to New York residents and visitors. Future park improvements will enhance public access created by the Hudson River Brickyard Trail completed last year, which is a critical link in the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Empire State Trail in Kingston and Ulster County.” Read more.
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MANY's 2022 Annual Conference: Envisioning Our Museums for the Seventh Generation
Register now to meet and connect with colleagues in beautiful, unique museum spaces including The Rockwell Museum and Corning Museum of Glass. Conference plans include Saturday Workshops, Conference Capstones, special events, and more than a dozen sessions that will advance your professional practice and develop leadership skills. Find out more.
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Volunteer to Help Amphibians Cross the Road!
On the first warm, rainy night in March, volunteers will head out shortly after sunset and assist in helping amphibians safely cross the road. Afterward, the data will be submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to help monitor populations of amphibians. The official date is dependent on weather and amphibian migration but will occur on a day between March 15th – April 15th at 9:00PM. Once you sign up you will be alerted by text or email when conditions look promising. Learn more.
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News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program |
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Important Reminders
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New York State’s Watercraft Inspection Steward Programs Have Begun Recruiting Stewards. Learn more.
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Hudson River Striped Bass Anglers: Volunteer Logbook Program
Do you fish for striped bass in the Hudson River? Whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper, you can be part of the Cooperative Angler Program. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery.
Here's how it works: Fill out a logbook provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) or record your trips on your smartphone using NYSDEC's Hudson River online logbook whenever you fish on the tidal Hudson River. Record general location, time, gear used, what you caught or didn't catch, and return the logbook when you are done fishing. You'll receive an annual newsletter summarizing the recreational fishery information, in addition to the latest news regarding Hudson River regulations and the river.
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Upcoming Events
*Please note that, while many heritage sites in the Hudson Valley have begun to reopen cautiously due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some sites are still closed or have reduced hours. Please call the individual sites directly to inquire about their current status. New York State Parks remain open. While enjoying the outdoors, please follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19.
Download the Hudson River Train Tour App
Between New York City and Albany, a world of history, nature, and culture awaits you. And there’s no better way to experience it all than by riding a train through the Hudson Valley. With the new, free Hudson River Train Tour app, you’ll discover what’s out that train window…and beyond. Learn more.
First Wednesday’s Bird Walk, Dean’s Bridge, Somers, NY
March 2: Join a Naturalist for a walk to view birds like Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Red-shouldered Hawk, Wood Duck, Rusty Blackbird, and more. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 914-302-9713.
Introduction to Trail Assessment Using UTAP and HETAP (WEBINAR)
March 13: This webinar will discuss the assessment work that Beneficial Designs does in regards to the Universal Trail Assessment Process and the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process and how the data is collected and can be viewed by the user. Learn more.
Mid Hudson Astronomical Association Star Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY
March 4: The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association hosts a monthly stargazing party. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars or use those provided by our members. More info.
Drop-in Maple Sugaring Basics, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
March 5: Learn about the complete process of maple sugaring from identifying the correct trees, using traditional tools to tap a tree and collect sap, to processing the sap until it becomes the tasty treat that we desire most. Find out more.
Winter Forest Therapy, Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, Selkirk, NY
March 5: Ready to unplug, relax, and reconnect with nature? Join Forest Therapy Guide Diane Kavanaugh-Black for a quiet stroll. Read more.
The Unsinkable Margaret Beekman, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
March 6: You will hear from Margaret Beekman Livingston herself as she shares what it was like to be from two influential and local families, to mother ten children, and to see this house burned and rebuilt. More info.
Beyond Secretaries, Hostesses, and Cooks: The Power, Humility, and Compassion of Women who Battled to Save Wilderness (WEBINAR)
March 8: Michelle L. Reilly, Ph.D from the Fish and Wildlife Service will share her insights behind the women involved in the early days of the conservation movement. Find out more.
Women In Science: Reaching Local Communities with Equity, Access, & Inclusion in Environmental Education (WEBINAR)
March 9: The speaker will discuss her journey into her career path, working with local schools and students, and how bringing more equity and inclusion into our field is the best way to really work with and in our communities. Learn more.
Understanding Antiracism as Collecting Organizations (WEBINAR)
March 10: This program will cover the very basics of what antiracism is, how we talk about it, its history, and how we can use the principles of antiracism to create more robust and engaging organizations. More details.
Using Geographic Data to Map, Analyze, and Interpret Archaeological Sites (WEBINAR)
March 10: Join archaeologist Heather Clark as she explains the mapping process from start to finish using the historic O’Donnell farmstead site in Dutchess County as an example. More info.
Patching + Mending with Vintage Quilts, Glebe House, Poughkeepsie, NY
March 12: Join Farewell Frances’ Carly Scheck to mend, patch, or embellish your favorite shirt or pair of jeans. Find out more.
Croton Reservoir & Dam Hike, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Cortlandt, NY
March 13: This an open-air 2 mile/2-hour loop hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Learn more.
Maple Sugar Celebration, Taconic Outdoor Education Center, Cold Spring, NY
March 13: The sap will be flowing and there will be pancakes on the griddle, as TOEC hosts its annual Maple Sugar Celebration! More details.
Hidden in the Archives: Stories of New York’s Forgotten Female Figures (WEBINAR)
March 15: Hear accounts about some interesting, lesser-known 19th century New York women that were found in historical repositories throughout the state. More info.
The Sweeter Side of Five Rivers, Fiver Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
March 19: Drop in and join us for an introduction to maple sugaring, from tap and sap to syrup. Read more.
Signs of Spring iNaturalist Hike, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
March 20: Learn about the signs of spring at Thacher Park with iNaturalist! Register now.
Silent Night: Hike with Mike, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
March 23: This is a night hike, after the park has officially closed and will last 1-2 hours. Find out more.
Knee High Naturalist, Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY
March 24: This children's event is story time with an environmental educator. More info.
Trail Run: Hook Mountain & Hudson River, Rockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage, NY
March 26: Experience 360-degree views from high atop Hook Mountain, and Hudson River views from the cliffs and water's edge on this trail run. More details.
Nature on the Move, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Wilton, NY
March 28: Enjoy nature with others who are looking to get outside. Learn more.
What's For Dinner?, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY
March 31: This program is designed for children to learn about food chains and how energy from food travels through an ecosystem. More info.
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Heritage Spotlight: New York State Museum, Albany County
Discover New York State’s history from the Ice Age to today. With over 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, the Museum has a variety of exhibitions exploring topics like Native Peoples of New York, the history of New York City, and the September 11 attacks. Free public programs are also offered, from educational programs to talks with historians and scientists. Popular exhibitions include the Cohoes Mastodon, Adirondack Hall, the Iroquois Longhouse, and a working historic carousel. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30AM – 5:00PM, and closed for all state-observed holidays. Learn more.
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Project Spotlight: Mary Powell Permanent Exhibit
The Hudson River Maritime Museum received a Heritage Development Grant to update and expand its permanent exhibit on the steamboat Mary Powell. This multi-pronged approach to the exhibit was originally planned, including an on-site permanent exhibit, a companion online exhibit, and a reprint of Donald C. Ringwald’s Mary Powell book, originally published in 1974 and now out of print. Due to staffing challenges and cash flow issues, the planned reprint of the Ringwald book did not go forward as planned. Instead, a printed exhibit guide and catalog were developed and completed in January of 2022. This beautifully designed new publication introduces the public to the Mary Powell, her impact, legacy, and cultural importance in the Hudson Valley. It includes short contextual articles on Donald C. Ringwald, the construction of the Mary Powell, her captains and crew, what it was like to travel aboard the passenger steamboat, how her career ended, her scrapping, and nostalgia around her “death,” as well as her lasting legacy in the Hudson Valley. Learn more about Mary Powell.
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Bike to the Bar on St. Patrick's Day
When you head out for the pub this year on St. Patrick's Day, join the growing movement of bike-only commuters and cycle there instead of driving to slash your greenhouse-gas emissions. However, remember to limit your alcohol intake. Learn more.
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program
Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: May 6, 2022. More info.
Heritage Development Grants
This grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the HRVNHA's website. One notable departure for this round is 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. We will be accepting applications with a May 6, 2022 submittal deadline, particularly focused on creating virtual tours and programming. Please note, that there is a new budget form with the application packet. Applicants should not use an older version of the budget form.
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 May 6, 2022. More details.
National Heritage Area Sponsorships Available
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While 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. Sponsorships will have an additional focus on events promoting the 19th Amendment and/or Women's in History in the Hudson Valley for the year 2020. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the HRVNHA are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.
City of Albany Small Business Facade Improvement Program
The program is a matching grant program designed to assist small businesses throughout the City of Albany, providing business owners the opportunity to reinvest in their properties with exterior renovations. Deadline: March 11, 2022. Find out more.
Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Program
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts: State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel. The state tourism grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future. Deadline: March 15, 2022. More info.
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. A wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program. Deadline: March 15, 2022. Find out more.
Build Back Better Regional Challenge
The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is designed to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. Phase 2: EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, to implement those projects. Deadline: March 15, 2022. Learn more.
DHPSNY Spring Planning & Assessment
Conducted virtually, DHPSNY Planning & Assessment Services are tailored to your organization’s unique circumstances. Each service aims to improve adherence to preservation best practices and can be utilized to obtain additional funding, increase the accessibility and use of your collections, and more. DHPSNY services are offered free of cost to qualifying New York institutions. Deadline: March 18, 2022. More details.
Tibor T. Polgar Undergraduate Fellowship
This program provides a summer grant ($5,500 for each fellowship) and research funds (up to $1,500) for up to eight undergraduate students to conduct research on the Hudson River, under the guidance of a faculty mentor (mentors to receive a $1,000 honorarium). Deadline: March 21, 2022. Learn more.
Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities
The EPA announced the availability of funds to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants of greatest concern in communities with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will award funds to support community and local efforts to monitor their own air quality and to promote air quality monitoring partnerships between communities and tribal, state, and local governments. Deadline: March 25, 2022. Find out more.
NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure & Amenity Support
This program supports capital improvement projects, acquisition of equipment and tourist amenities that enhance tourism and recreational assets along the NYS Canal System (Canal waterways and Canalway Trail). Funds are intended to support projects that fall below the New York State Consolidated Funding Application, with a funding maximum of $24,000. Deadline: April 1, 2022. More info.
Buffer in a Bag Program
The Buffer in a Bag program provides organizations and private landowners with free tree and shrub seedlings to help establish or improve a stream buffer on their property. Deadline: April 11, 2022. Find out more.
NYSDEC's Community Forest Conservation Grant Program
The grant program’s goal is to assist communities in the conservation of local forests to create opportunities for public access, help protect natural areas from development, and encourage sustainable management of forested lands. Deadline: April 13, 2022. Read more.
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the RAISE grant program. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. Deadline: April 14, 2022. Learn more.
The Trail Fund
This grant program was created to assist the trails community with funding to support maintenance, research, and stewardship training needs. Deadline: April 15, 2022. Find out more.
NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program
Support of up to $7,500 is available for conservation treatment
of paintings, works on paper (including individual drawings, watercolors, prints, or photographs), textiles (including costumes, domestic textiles, and upholstery), furniture, frames, sculpture, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects. Deadline: June 1, 2022. More info.
Major Collaborative Archival Initiatives
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) of the National Archives supports projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Deadline: June 8, 2022. More details.
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation. Deadline: November 15, 2022. 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.
New York State Assembly Grants Action News
State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More info.
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