News from HHLT: June 2026 | |
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As we head into summer, getting outside is the perfect way to take advantage of these June days where daylight stretches into the cool Hudson Valley nights. As the Director of Conservation at HHLT, and as a mother of three active girls, I am always thinking of ways to get people outside, exploring and engaging with nature -- and the Hudson Highlands has plenty of opportunities for just that.
Field season is in full swing at HHLT, and we invite you to join us whether it's on trail maintenance days where volunteers get hands-on experience caring for the land, or guided hikes led by knowledgeable local naturalists. There are many opportunities to get involved at HHLT and our preserves, no matter your background or experience level. These outings are fun, impactful contributions that support the long-term health of HHLT conserved lands, provide environmental education, and offer a great way to connect with others in the community.
One of the highlights this summer is our BioBlitz taking place TODAY! This is a community-wide effort to document as many species as possible in a single day at HHLT's Lane Gate Preserve. Whether you are a budding naturalist, a seasoned birder, or someone who simply enjoys being outside, the BioBlitz is a great way to get involved. The information collected will contribute directly to an understanding of biodiversity at Lane Gate Preserve. Read on for other events and ways to get involved with HHLT this June.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events or at HHLT preserves this summer!
With gratitude for your continued support,
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Carrie Hilpert
Director of Conservation, Hudson Highlands Land Trust
| | Join Us TODAY at Lane Gate Preserve! | |
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Join HHLT staff and Wild Woods Restoration Project for a community BioBlitz at Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring, NY, TODAY from 8am to 5pm! Participants of all ages and experience levels are invited to document as many plant, animal, and fungi species as possible in a single day.
Using iNaturalist, a free app that connects naturalists and scientists worldwide, participants will log observations that contribute directly to HHLT's project record. Whether you spot a wildflower you've never noticed before or a familiar bird returning for the season, every sighting counts, and all participants are welcome!
Heading out to HHLT preserves this spring through summer? HHLT's other preserves are open year-round and every observation you log there adds to the picture of what's thriving across our public lands. Get out, explore, and track your data HERE.
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Upcoming HHLT Programs & Events
In Partnership with Wild Woods Restoration Project
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Potting Days with HHLT & Partners
June 15, 29 & July 11, 10am - 12pm
Join us for Potting Days this June and July as we plant native seedlings with the Wild Woods Restoration Project. This year, we'll be hosting sessions in Putnam Valley, Brewster, and Garrison, NY -- sign up for one or come to all three! Seedlings will support restoration projects this fall at HHLT preserves and other public lands. Registration is required: CLICK HERE
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Guided Plant ID Hike at Lane Gate Preserve
Sunday, July 19, 9am - 11am
Spend the morning learning to identify plants with experts from Wild Woods Restoration Project at Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring, NY. Participants will enjoy a slow paced walk through the preserve, while learning to identify and observe native plant species! Registration is required: CLICK HERE
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| | Invasive Species Awareness Week | |
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Did you know June 8-14 is New York State National Invasive Species Awareness Week? Across New York State, conservation organizations, land trusts, and nature centers are marking the occasion with hikes, volunteer days, webinars, family activities, and more, and we're proud to be part of that work right here in the Hudson Highlands.
Invasive species present ongoing challenges to native ecosystems, disrupting forest understories and the food webs that support local wildlife. That's why HHLT is proud to continue working alongside partners Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LHPRISM) and the New York New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) Invasive Strike Force to support removal and restoration efforts at our preserves throughout the field season.
| | | There are many ways to learn more and get involved this week and beyond. To explore resources provided by HHLT and partners, visit: HHLT Resource Page, LHPRISM, NYISAW. | | |
HHLT Out-Of-Office-Hours Are Back!
Join us every Thursday starting June 11, through August to remove invasive plants and participate in cleanups at HHLT preserves. This volunteer series is open to everyone! Simply show up, sign a waiver, and spend time outdoors with HHLT staff and community partners as we steward the lands we all love.
Although not required, feel free to bring your own gloves and any landscaping equipment you enjoy using (hand shears, loppers, etc.). HHLT will also have tools and gloves available for use. Visit hhlt.org to stay up to date on which preserve we will be tackling each week!
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Celebrating HHLT's 2026 McHenry Award Recipient: John Cross | |
We are thrilled to congratulate the seven recipients of the Open Space Institute's 2026 Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards! In honor of Barney McHenry's contributions and accomplishments, the Open Space Institute has established and administers this award to celebrate his leadership and foster future leaders in the Hudson River Valley, providing financial support to promising young leaders and exemplary projects that make significant contributions to environmental conservation, environmental justice, historic preservation, tourism, and the arts in the Hudson River Valley.
We are especially excited to welcome back John Cross as HHLT's 2026 summer intern; John has been a dedicated HHLT volunteer for many years, and we are thrilled to see his commitment grow into this opportunity. Thank you to the Open Space Institute and its supporters for investing in the next generation of conservation leaders, and for making opportunities like this possible right here in our community!
"It's been almost a decade since I found a clearing with a stream where I hoped to remotely capture the wildlife stories around me, amongst the shimmering trees of the newly formed Granite Mountain Preserve. Since then, my first film-related work with HHLT a few years ago, fostered my love for the area into a desire to act on it, so I am honored to be back here to learn about their public policy and land acquisition operations, while contributing my new perspectives to the continued inspiration that is this conservation mission." - John Cross
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Thank You For Joining Us! | |
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at Family Nature Day on May 30!
From the live animal show to ice cream on the lawn, the event brought out the best of
our community, and we were so excited to see so many families turn out to enjoy an afternoon of fun, nature-themed activities!
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated HHLT volunteers
who helped make this event such a success!
Special appreciation to our partners,
Putnam Valley Library (Putnam Valley), Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County (Brewster), and Hudson Highlands Nature Center (Cornwall), for participating. We would also like to thank Robinson Wildlife, En Español Service (Poughkeepsie) for providing translation services during the event, Adams Fairacre Farms (Wappingers Falls), and Jolly Cow Ice Cream (Kingston) for providing delicious ice cream and treats. Thanks to everyone who made it such a wonderful day!
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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 (Bridget Goldberg); Photo of Carrie (Nadia Azizi);
BioBlitz Photo (Cory Tiger); Potting Days (Nadia Azizi); Solomon's Seal Photo (Cory Tiger); Invasive Species Photos (HHLT 2025 Land Interns); Fall Cocktail Benefit Ad (HHLT Staff);
Family Nature Day Photos (Gabrielle Gerard Photography); HHLT 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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