News from HHLT: April 2025 | | |
Dear friends,
Spring has sprung into life, and we invite you to join HHLT in celebrating the incredible transformations happening right outside our doors. Listen closely, and you'll hear the world awakening – migrating birds singing their return, spring peepers calling on rainy evenings, and the gentle buzz of insects emerging from winter's rest.
These vibrant sights and sounds remind us that nature's wonders continue whether we're watching or not. But our collective efforts can make a real difference in preserving and protecting the natural world around us. April is National Volunteer Month, and HHLT is shining a light on the dedicated people who help safeguard native plants and animals while also improving local habitats. From helping amphibians safely cross roads to maintaining preserve trails and assisting in invasive species removal and native plantings -- volunteers are the heart of our conservation mission. Thank you for all you do to help care for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands!
Whether you are a volunteer, supporter, friend, neighbor, or all of the above, I hope to see you on the trails this spring. Come explore, learn, and reconnect with the natural world.
In gratitude,
| |
Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
| |
|
P.S. Earth Day is April 22!
Many of our partners and local organizations are hosting events to raise awareness about conservation issues. We invite you to join local cleanups throughout the region and be part of this important work.
Learn more below.
| |
|
| |
Upcoming Volunteer Days Hosted by HHLT Partners
April 5: Hudson Highlands Nature Center Volunteer Day.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Outdoor Discovery Center, Cornwall, NY.
April 22: Day of Action at Black Rock Forest.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Black Rock Forest, Cornwall, NY.
April 26: Newburgh Community Clean-Up Day.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at New Harbors Green, Newburgh, NY.
April 26: Peekskill Annual Parks Clean-Up Day.
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM at Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill, NY.
April 26: Dutchess Land Conservancy Trail Work.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Dover Stone Church Preserve, Dover Plains, NY.
April 26: Green Beacon Coalition Earth Day Clean Up.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at multiple sites in Beacon, NY.
| | | | Thank You for Supporting the Amphibian Crossing Project! | | |
Heartfelt appreciation goes out to the dedicated 27 volunteers who have helped 536 amphibians safely across local roadways during this spring's migration! Local Project volunteers have successfully assisted a diverse range of amphibian species, including spotted salamanders, spring peepers, pickerel frogs, wood frogs, green frogs, leopard frogs, and American toads.
Annually, these remarkable creatures embark on a critical journey from their winter shelters to their spring breeding locations. While often referred to as "Big Night," this migration takes place over multiple evenings. These amphibians face significant challenges crossing roadways, with potential traffic-related risks threatening their survival. HHLT continues to support the state's Amphibian Migration & Road Crossing Project (AM&RC), mobilizing community volunteers to provide assistance at strategic crossing points.
As this newsletter goes out, the Big Night migration continues, and so does the helpful work of AM&RC Project volunteers! Thanks to all HHLT volunteers and partners who help us protect local wildlife!
| | What's the buzz at Humble Bee Hollow? | | |
You might notice some changes at Humble Bee Hollow – and that's great news! HHLT is actively transforming 74 acres of former golf greens and fairways into healthy habitats. So don’t be surprised if certain areas look a bit rough or newly trimmed—it’s all part of the restoration process. Additionally, our partners at the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) will continue the work they began at the preserve in 2024, studying the pollinators and insects now calling the Hollow home. This spring, their research expands to include surveys of breeding birds—key indicators of a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
Spring also brings one of the season’s most enchanting events: the 4th Annual Highland Lights Procession, taking place on Saturday, April 26 to be held at Humble Bee Hollow. HHLT is thrilled to host this magical event in partnership with Hudson Valley Shakespeare and the Processional Arts Workshop. This celebration of light and nature will feature luminous representations of local insects inspired by the biodiversity found at HHLT preserves and across the Hudson Valley.
Throughout April, you can join collaborative weekend workshops to create these oversized illuminated lanterns. Workshops welcome participants of all skill levels, ages 8 and up. To participate, CLICK HERE. We also invite you to join us at Putnam Valley Library on April 22 for an all-ages mason jar lantern making workshop. Registration is required, CLICK HERE.
As we continue planning the preserve's future,
Humble Bee Hollow is becoming a special place where nature can flourish and people of all ages can connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways.
| |
|
NYNHP conducting
species surveys at
Humble Bee Hollow.
| A bumblebee is feeding on the nectar from a milkweed plant. | | |
|
| |
Saturday, May 31, from 2 pm to 4 pm
Winter Hill: 20 Nazareth Way
Garrison, NY 10524
Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs
and join us for an afternoon of fun nature activities for all ages at this FREE event!
It's our way to say "Thank you!" to our supporters, volunteers, and community.
Don't miss "World of Animals," an interactive
presentation by the amazing Brian Robinson featuring live raptors, reptiles, and more!
Plus hands-on learning activities with HHLT staff and our partners, and ice cream!
Click Here to RSVP: Family Nature Day!
| | | | |
HHLT conserves and cares for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands,
so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come.
You make our work possible. Thank you for your support!
| | |
Photo credits, top to bottom: Child with Lantern Photo (Jeff Mikkelson);
Photo of Katrina Shindledecker (HHLT staff); Volunteers at HHLT Preserves (HHLT staff); Big Night Photo 1 (HHLT staff); Big Night Group Photo (Allison Barone);
Humble Bee Hollow Photos (HHLT staff); Family Nature Day Graphic (Kirsten Heincke); Family Nature Day Photo (Bridget Goldberg).
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
20 Nazareth Way, P.O. Box 226, Garrison, NY 10524
(845) 424-3358
info@hhlt.org
www.hhlt.org
| | | | |
