In honor of New York State Native Plant Month, we’re spotlighting Trout lily (Erythronium americanum). This beloved New York State native blooms each April in woodlands and along stream banks. Its cheerful nodding yellow flower and distinctive mottled leaves make it one of spring’s most charming and recognizable wildflower sights. | |
| News from HHLT: April 2026 | |
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Spring in the Hudson Valley is nothing short of remarkable. The woodlands are waking up, migratory birds are returning, wildflowers are pushing through the leaf litter, and the trails are ready to be enjoyed. I hope you’ll take advantage of everything our preserves have to offer in the coming months, whether that’s a quiet morning hike, an outing with family or friends, or simply sitting somewhere beautiful and enjoying the landscape around you.
As you head out, we do ask that you keep a few things in mind. Mud season can take a toll on trails, so staying on marked paths helps protect both the land and your experience on it. As always, staying aware of your surroundings and doing a quick tick check after every outing goes a long way toward keeping you and your family safe. A little preparation makes all the difference. (Check out our Tick Smart This Spring article below to help you get ready for your next outing)
April is a wonderful time to get outdoors and get involved with community efforts. Earth Day brings with it a full slate of events across the region, including community clean-ups, nature walks, and education programs designed to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. Browse the Earth Day events listed below to find one that's right for you!
With gratitude for your continued support,
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Katrina Shindledecker
Executive Director, Hudson Highlands Land Trust
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Free Earth Week Events Organized by Local Partners This Month:
(More events listed under Upcoming Partner Events below!)
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Tick Smart This Spring: Know Before You Go
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With warmer days just around the corner, many of us are eager to get back outside, whether that means hiking the preserves, tending the garden, or simply enjoying the spring ephemerals as they emerge. But spring also signals the return of one of the region’s most persistent nuisances, ticks. A little knowledge goes a long way, so here are some tips to help you enjoy the season confidently and safely.
You don’t have to wait for spring to be in full swing to start thinking about ticks. The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), becomes active once temperatures consistently climb above 40°F. Milder winters across the Hudson Valley and broader Northeast have encouraged tick populations to grow and spread into areas where they were once less common. The NYS Department of Health actively monitors deer tick populations statewide, and Lyme disease has risen so significantly over recent decades that the EPA now tracks it as an indicator of climate-related health trends. A few reminders to keep in mind before hitting the trails...
On the trail:
- Stick to the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grasses or low shrubs along the edges.
- Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and tuck pants into socks for added protection.
- Use an EPA-registered repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin, or treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
After you’re back inside:
- Do a full-body tick check, paying attention to behind the knees, the scalp, underarms, and waistband.
- Toss clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any hitchhikers.
- Check pets too. Dogs in particular can pick up ticks on even short outings.
Ticks are part of life in this region, but they don’t have to stop you from enjoying it. Stay aware, do your checks, and get outside.
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| Know How to Remove a Tick Properly | | | |
Finding a tick doesn’t have to be cause for panic. As recommended by the New York State Department of Health, use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, and pull upward with slow, steady pressure without twisting or jerking. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water afterward. Keep a small kit handy throughout the season: tweezers, a sealed container or bag for tick identification if needed, and antiseptic wipes. If you develop symptoms like a rash, fever, or fatigue in the days or weeks following a bite, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Resources Worth Bookmarking
| | | Upcoming HHLT Programs & Events | |
Vernal Pool Hike at Lane Gate Preserve!
Saturday, April 4, 10am to 12pm
Join our staff for a FREE family-friendly nature hike exploring one of HHLT's newest preserves while learning about the importance of vernal pools and their significance to our region. Registration is required: CLICK HERE
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Tree ID Hike at Granite Mountain Preserve!
Friday, April 24, 10am to 12pm
Join HHLT staff and fellow nature enthusiasts for a FREE tree and forest ecology-themed hike at HHLT's flagship preserve, Granite Mountain. Pack your lunch and a water, and we will enjoy a picnic at Lookout Rock while learning about the trees and forests of the Hudson Valley! Registration is required: CLICK HERE
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Spring Migration Hike at Lane Gate Preserve
Monday, May 11, 10am - 12pm
Join HHLT staff and partners from the New York Natural Heritage Program and Putnam Highlands Audubon Society for a FREE guided bird walk that takes place at the peak of spring migration. Participants will enjoy a walk through the preserve, while learning to identify and observe incredible bird species in their natural habitat! Registration is required: CLICK HERE
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Family Nature Day
Saturday, May 30, 2pm - 4pm
Join us for an afternoon of FREE, fun nature activities for all ages! Don’t miss "World of Animals", an interactive presentation featuring live raptors, reptiles, and more! Let us know you're coming so we have enough treats for everyone: CLICK HERE
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March has brought rain and warmer days, and with it, the "Big Night" amphibian migration, and our volunteers are rising to the occasion! This spring, 22 dedicated Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings (AM&RC) Project volunteers have already guided 375 amphibians safely across local roads. Species making the journey include spotted and redback salamanders, spring peepers, pickerel frogs, wood frogs, green frogs, and American toads.
As this newsletter goes out, amphibian migration is still underway, and so is the incredible work of our AM&RC Project volunteers. These efforts make a real difference for local wildlife populations that depend on safe passage to reach their breeding habitats. A heartfelt thank you to all HHLT volunteers and partners for your continued dedication to protecting the wild neighbors we share this landscape with!
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Each year, amphibians travel from their winter habitats to their spring breeding grounds. This annual migration is known as "Big Night," though it happens over several nights. Thousands of amphibians must cross roadways to complete this journey, and mortality can be high even when traffic is low. HHLT supports the state's Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project (AM&RC), enlisting local volunteers to help amphibians at key crossings.
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Meet Sheena Raju,
HHLT is very pleased to introduce our newest staff member: Sheena Raju!
Sheena brings experience leading and executing cross-functional projects, with a focus on collaboration, creative problem solving, and delivering thoughtful, impactful results. Now based in Garrison, she is excited to apply her skills to support HHLT’s mission and expand its reach. "I look forward to contributing to HHLT’s work through impactful projects.”
She looks forward to meeting you this spring!
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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!
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Photo credits, top to bottom: Banner (Cory Tiger); Photo of Katrina (Nadia Azizi);
Photo of Hiker's (NYNJTC staff); Wetland Exploration (Nadia Azizi); Group Hiking (HHLT Staff);
Family Nature Day Graphic & Photo (KHCreative Inc., Bridget Goldberg);
Amphibian Close-Up (HHLT Volunteer); Legacy Circle Ad (Davis Connelly)
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
20 Nazareth Way, P.O. Box 226, Garrison, NY 10524
(845) 424-3358
info@hhlt.org
www.hhlt.org
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