Happy New Year! As we look back on 2025 and a year of remarkable projects and partnerships, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate the successes you made possible. Thank you!

Each acre we’ve conserved and cared for last year represents so much more than preserved woodlands and wetlands. It’s clean water for our communities, vital habitat for wildlife, and a natural ally in our effort to create a climate-resilient landscape. From absorbing carbon dioxide and storing it deep in roots and soil to filtering the air we all breathe and the water we drink, these landscapes are actively working to support healthier ecosystems and communities.

Your support made significant achievements possible this year, from conserving land to restoring land. For example, we also celebrated a milestone acquisition: the final 138 acres of the former "Cimarron Ranch" property in Putnam Valley. This completes a 450-acre preserve of unbroken forest and wetlands along Canopus Creek. The property is now entering a restoration phase as we assess damage, remove debris, and develop plans to heal the land and restore it as a source of community pride. This will build on HHLT's partnership with the New York Natural Heritage Program to complete ecological community mapping, biodiversity inventories, and breeding bird surveys across HHLT preserves. These findings will guide our long-term stewardship and restoration priorities for years to come. (These projects represent a portion of our work in 2025. Click the image below to hear HHLT staff share more highlights from an extraordinary year of conservation.)

Thank you for being part of this work. Together, conserving and caring for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come.

With gratitude for your continued support,

Reflecting On A Big Year

As we close out an exciting year, our team wanted to share what made 2025 so memorable. From protecting critical habitats and advancing restoration efforts to deepening our partnerships with the community, this year has been filled with meaningful milestones.

In the video above, you’ll hear directly from HHLT staff about the conservation achievements that inspired them most and the projects we’re eager to pursue in 2026. Click the image to watch!

Snapshot NY:

Volunteer Opportunities at HHLT Preserves