News from HHLT: August 2025

Dear friends,

August has arrived. The hot, sunny days are perfect for paddling on the river or lake, and cooler evenings inspire friends and family to gather around the grill or campfire. It is a lovely time of year.

Over the past several months, HHLT staff have been actively working with conservation partners and researchers to study the habitats, plants, and animals on HHLT preserves. The studies have confirmed that these protected lands support remarkable biodiversity and hold tremendous ecological significance. This research guides HHLT's conservation work and will be the foundation for stewardship projects now and into the future.

For example, HHLT staff and interns have been working with a dedicated corps of volunteers this summer. Together, during the Thursday "Out-of-Office-Hours" volunteer days, they have completed 60+ hours of hands-on stewardship work at the preserves, tackling everything from trail maintenance to habitat restoration. Their collective efforts have made a real difference. Thank you!

Your support helps make all of this possible. As we look toward the future of conserving and caring for the lands and waters of this region, we hope you'll join us to celebrate the ongoing conservation of the Hudson Highlands at our Annual Fall Cocktail Party on September 21. We look forward to seeing you there! Details below.

With deep gratitude for your continued partnership,

Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

Stewardship Corner

Wildlife Thrives at HHLT Conserved Properties!

We’re thrilled to announce the completion of a comprehensive wildlife and habitats study, conducted in partnership with the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) on HHLT preserves. NYNHP maintains the official database of New York’s natural communities and rare species. As the state’s leading scientific authority on tracking and protecting biodiversity, their ecological assessments provide us with a roadmap for protecting and enhancing the natural areas stewarded by HHLT staff.

Key Findings: HHLT lands showcase impressive biological diversity, with researchers documenting and mapping more than 38 different habitat types. The study revealed thriving forest systems, particularly outstanding oak woodlands that support healthy native plant communities despite some invasive species challenges. Wildlife surveys uncovered exciting discoveries, including several bumblebee species and rare butterflies. The research team catalogued an impressive array of life: more than 300 plant varieties and 70 different insects and spiders, proving that even areas with past disturbances can recover to support rich ecosystems. As NYNHP researchers noted, the sheer number of specialized species found "demonstrates the ecological importance" of these recovering landscapes.

This critical research was made possible by funding from the John J. and Frank Sparacio Foundation and from New York State’s Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP), an initiative of the Environmental Protection Fund, administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Next Steps: The study identifies promising opportunities to expand our restoration work, particularly through pollinator-friendly native plantings and meadow restoration that will create lasting environmental benefits. Interested in learning more about HHLT’s preserves? Reach out to our Preserve & Natural Resource Manager, Cory Tiger, at cory.tiger@hhlt.org.

For more information reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Nadia Azizi, at nadia.azizi@hhlt.org.

Collaborating with Partners

Invasive Species: Exploring Paths of Entry

TOMORROW, Friday, August 8, 10 AM to 11:30 AM

Join our talented land interns Tim and Labibah for an engaging interactive workshop at Desmond-Fish Library, where you'll discover the fascinating world of invasive species. This unique indoor/outdoor experience combines learning with hands-on fun for the whole family! Click here to register & learn more!

Forest Therapy Workshop at HHLT Preserves

Saturday, August 16, 10 AM to 12 PM

Join the Hudson Highlands Land Trust and certified forest therapy guide Valerie Smith from Sugar Maple Counseling

for a FREE wellness workshop at HHLT preserves. Only a few spots left! Click here to register & learn more!

UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS

Click on the links below for more information about these upcoming events.

Note: A double asterisk (**) indicates pre-registration or tickets are required.

August 9: Howland Public Library: Wild & Bright Reptile Program: All ages**

August 9: Hudson Highlands Nature Center: Full Moon Hike: Ages 3+**

August 9: Putnam Valley Library: Repair Cafe**

August 11-16: Stony Kill Foundation: Butterflies & Blooms Event: All ages** August 16: Cornell Cooperative Extension PV: Sugarloaf Hill Guided Hike**

August 22: Black Rock Forest: Archaeology Volunteer Event**

August 22: Julia L. Butterfield Library: Peter Kuper Presents, Insectopolis**

August 23: Fjord Trail: Invasive Strike Force Volunteer Day**

August 28: Westchester Land Trust: Wilderness Walk @Zofnass Family Preserve**

Did you know that August Is National Make-A-Will Month?

Having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the people and causes you care about. A thoughtful estate plan ensures your wishes are honored—and for many, it’s also an opportunity to create a lasting legacy through a planned gift.

If you’ve already included the Hudson Highlands Land Trust in your will or trust, we’d love to know and thank you. Please reach out to Davis Connelly at davis.connelly@hhlt.org or (845) 424-3358 x 7.

Your legacy can help ensure that the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands flourish for generations to come.