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Dear friends,
As we welcome May and Mother's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on precious family memories. Last month, I had the joy of traveling with my mother, sister, and nephews to a lake in the Virginia foothills. We hiked daily at a local park, an experience that will stay with me forever. Everyone deserves the opportunity to create such memories, whether with parents, grandparents, or cherished friends. This is precisely why HHLT's mission supports a vision where wildlife thrives in a healthy, connected landscape AND people enjoy equitable access to nature's benefits.
We are grateful to those forward-thinking individuals who came together decades ago to create HHLT and laid the groundwork for conservation in our region. Their foresight and dedication established a legacy that continues to guide our work today. The Hudson Highlands' unique location, geology, and topography have created a region rich in diverse habitats and species that these conservation pioneers recognized as worthy of protection for generations to come.
This month, I encourage you to venture outdoors, explore new places, and connect with the natural beauty surrounding us. As the landscape transforms into vibrant shades of green and spring blooms unfold, there's so much to see, explore, and learn right in your own backyard.
Thank you for your passion and commitment to protecting this landscape we all love.
In gratitude,
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Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
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Katrina & family exploring trails. | P.S. I hope you'll join HHLT in celebrating Family Nature Day on May 31, featuring free, fun, nature-themed activities for the whole family! (Details Below) | |
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Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Douglas H. Banker
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of Doug Banker, a founding force behind the Hudson Highlands Land Trust. In March 1989, Doug and his wife Sarah opened their home to a meeting of twenty-one visionaries determined to protect the Highlands' natural resources and scenic beauty — a moment that sparked our enduring mission.
Doug was the inaugural president of HHLT, guiding the organization through its early development. During his tenure, HHLT completed 25 conservation easements within its first ten years, effectively safeguarding over 677 acres of land, including the well-known North Redoubt. Doug’s quiet leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to community-driven conservation left a profound and lasting impact.
Doug’s legacy lives on in every acre preserved and in the spirit of stewardship he helped instill. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sarah and the entire Banker family. His vision will continue to guide and inspire our work for generations to come.
-The Hudson Highlands Land Trust staff & board
| | | | Collaborating with Partners: | | Highland Lights Illuminates Humble Bee Hollow | | |
The trails of Humble Bee Hollow came alive with artistic illumination on Saturday, April 26, as community members gathered for the 4th Annual Highland Lights Celebration. This year's event featured stunning lanterns designed around the "Microcosmos" theme, drawing attention to the vital but often overlooked insects and invertebrates that sustain our ecosystem. Lanterns, large and small, depicting dragonflies, bees, and other critters, were inspired by wildlife surveys conducted by the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) at HHLT preserves.
HHLT extends heartfelt thanks to our partners, Hudson Valley Shakespeare and Processional Arts for bringing this year’s theme to life at HHLT’s preserve with such creativity and artistry! And thank you to all participants who made this celebration a success and helped highlight the importance of even the smallest creatures in our environmental community.
| | Micocosmos, Photo courtesy of Hudson Valley Shakespeare. Photos by Jeff Mikkelson. | | Stewarding the Lands & Waters of the Hudson Highlands | | Last month, HHLT staff partnered with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) to train their 2025 Trail Stewards on vernal pools - which often appear as mere muddy areas during dry months, but provide crucial breeding habitats for spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and spring peepers. During the training, teams located these temporary wetlands, identified amphibian egg masses, and learned how to educate hikers about protecting these biodiversity hotspots. The Trail Stewards will establish weekend education stations where vernal pools are close to trails, helping hikers understand the importance of these delicate habitats. Look for Trail Stewards on popular Hudson Highlands trails throughout the hiking season and say hello! | | |
Please welcome Davis Connelly as HHLT's new Director of Impact and Engagement. Davis will be working with the HHLT team to expand and enhance our outreach programs and will play a major role in strengthening our relationships in the community.
Davis is a trained environmental educator who, for years, used his communication skills and passion for the environment at Roads to Success in New York City. Most recently he work at BRAC-USA, an international nonprofit focused on addressing poverty in Bangladesh. Davis and his young family have made their home in the Highlands and he is excited to turn his efforts back to his biggest passions: protecting wild spaces and inspiring communities to embrace nature. “I am so pleased for the opportunity to bolster the efforts of HHLT and, by extension, a network that shares my enthusiasm for the nature of the Highlands.”
I look forward to introducing you to him - in person - later this spring.
-Katrina
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Saturday, May 31, from 2 pm to 4 pm
Winter Hill: 20 Nazareth Way
Garrison, NY 10524
Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs to join us for an afternoon of fun nature activities for all ages at this FREE event! It's our way to say "Thank you!" to our supporters, volunteers, and community.
Don't miss "World of Animals," an interactive presentation by the amazing Brian Robinson featuring live raptors, reptiles, and more! Plus hands-on learning activities with HHLT staff and our partners, and ice cream!
Click Here to RSVP: Family Nature 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 (Ardith Bondi); Katrina & Family (Friendly Mountain Biker); Katrina (HHLT Staff); Douglas Banker (Clinton Funeral Home Obituary);
Highland Lights (Jeff Mikkelson); Trail Stewards (HHLT Staff); Family Nature Day
Graphic (Kirsten Heincke); Family Nature Day (Bridget Goldberg).
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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