News from HHLT: January 2025

A Heartfelt Thank You

Dear friends,

Thank you for your continued partnership and incredible generosity throughout 2024.

Your commitment to conservation inspires me daily. As I reflect on the past year, I'm deeply grateful for the remarkable community that makes HHLT's work possible. Whether you've shared your expertise, volunteered your time, or provided financial support, you've helped create a lasting positive impact on the Hudson Highlands -- the region's unique landscape, its plants, and wildlife.

Our work has never been more vital, and your partnership strengthens HHLT's ability to conserve and care for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come.

Thank you for being an essential part of HHLT's success

in 2024 and in the new year!

Wishing you a joyful and nature-filled 2025,

Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

Thank You For Joining Us at

Winter Glow at Winter Hill 2024!

HHLT's board and staff send heartfelt thanks to all of our friends and neighbors who joined us for Winter Glow at Winter Hill - our annual family-friendly, end-of-year celebration!

More than 275 revelers gathered to enjoy warm drinks, festive treats, good cheer, and joyous seasonal music by wonderful carolers from the Walter Hoving Home and the Highlands Choral Society, as we lit the 80-foot white pine tree!

We also want to send out a big thank you to our wonderful Community Partners for this year's Winter Glow event:

Jones Farms of Cornwall, NY
M&T Bank of Cold Spring, NY
Plate & Graze Catering of Warwick, NY
Glynwood of Cold Spring, NY
...and, of course, our partners at Winter Hill.

Stewardship Corner

There’s still time to share your thoughts on the future of

Humble Bee Hollow, HHLT's 74-acre preserve in Garrison, NY!

Let us know what would help make this beautiful property special for you.

Take this quick survey and help guide its future: Survey Link

We want to hear from everyone, including frequent visitors, neighbors, and those who haven't yet visited Humble Bee Hollow. The survey tells you everything you need to know, it takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and your thoughts will help HHLT shape this space into a welcoming destination for all.

Please share this survey information with friends, family, and neighbors. With your help, we can create a welcoming space to enjoy nature. For more information about Humble Bee Hollow, click here.

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Meet Robert Delap, HHLT's New Conservation Easement Manager

HHLT is very pleased to introduce our newest staff member: Robert (Bob) Delap, Conservation Easement Manager.

Bob is tasked with the ongoing stewardship of HHLT's conservation easements -- visiting almost 100 properties annually and, whenever possible, acting as a resource for each landowner to help guide how they care for their land and its natural resources.

Bob comes to HHLT with a diverse professional background. Beginning his career working in libraries in New York City, Bob switched paths towards conservation following a 2018 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. He's spent the time since working on, leading, and training trail crews throughout the region, while also earning a Masters degree in Forest Resources Management from Paul Smith's College.

"Working outdoors in the Highlands these past years, I've seen firsthand just how crucial dedicated, consistent stewardship of the land in our region can be. I'm excited to join HHLT's efforts at the tip of that spear."

If you see Bob on a trail run in Fahnestock or out on the town in Beacon with his fiancee, please join us in welcoming him to the team!

UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS

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

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

Jan. 4: Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site - Crafts for all ages

Jan. 10: Howland Cultural Center - Nerd Nite Hudson Valley**

Jan. 11 to Feb. 23: Howland Cultural Center - Bannerman Castle Trust Exhibition

Jan. 12: Hudson Highlands Nature Center - Ice Age Animals, ages 3 & up**

Jan. 16: Putnam History Museum - Virtual Lecture: Union General Daniel Butterfield**

Jan. 20: Desmond-Fish Library - The Origins of Success: Civil Rights Icons**

Jan. 25: Desmond-Fish Library & Putnam Audubon Society: Bird Restoration Projects**

Fjord Trail Public Comment Period Extended

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is currently accepting public comments on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the Fjord Trail until March 4, 2025. The document is available for review here.

For additional information and to access details about the two upcoming virtual public meetings in January, click here.