News from HHLT: October 2025

Dear friends,

Summer has made its sunny farewells and now autumn is here, putting on fresh new colors every day. It is a joy to live in this landscape, and we're grateful to all of you for collaborating with us on so many important projects in the Hudson Highlands — conserving land, restoring habitats, protecting drinking water, creating recreation opportunities, and so much more.


I'd like to send thanks to everyone who supported our Fall Cocktail Benefit on September 21, 2025. Friends and neighbors enjoyed gorgeous weather, delicious food and drink, and stunning sunset views of the Hudson River at Beacon's Long Dock Park, where HHLT holds an easement that ensures permanent public access for recreation. Our special thanks to this year's benefit committee, board, and partners for their contributions to this lovely annual gathering.


Those who attended the event were the first to hear some wonderful news, which we are pleased to share: HHLT has acquired the final unprotected 138 acres of the historic Cimarron Ranch! This land adjoins HHLT's preserve along Canopus Creek, now totaling 450 contiguous acres of woods and wetlands. "Cimarron" was once a treasured recreational resource in Putnam Valley, but for decades this land has been in private hands and suffering from neglect and misuse — including unauthorized dumping near the creek, which is part of the watershed that provides drinking water to the City of Peekskill. Our long-term goal is to restore the preserve's habitats and look at creating public access for recreation. Your continued support will help us clean up the land and restore ecosystems.


Fall is a beautiful time in the Highlands and a busy time at HHLT! In case you haven't seen it, check out our latest Annual Report. I invite you to read it, and also to join us for the upcoming events described below. Your commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm make all of this work possible. Thank you!


With deep gratitude for your continued partnership,

Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

Read our new Annual Report online!

HHLT's 2024 Annual Report is available to read online or to download from our website. Click here: 2024 Annual Report.


This edition is titled "Celebrating 35 Years And Looking Forward to the Path Ahead." You will find information on key projects in all of our major programming areas, including land and water conservation, stewardship of our preserves and easements, public policy, advocacy, education, and outreach.


Last year was a milestone year in our history so our Annual Report also expresses gratitude to HHLT's founders, leaders, and supporters, including many who have been dedicated friends and allies throughout our 35-year history. Your vision, ideas, hard work, and generosity continue to inspire us today. Thank you!

Make a difference in the Hudson Highlands through community science!


Sign up for our free Follow the Forest workshop on Saturday, October 4, starting at 10 am at Butterfield Library. This community science program teaches volunteers how to assess key connectivity points by using a Wildlife Linkage Assessment Tool, and also how to collect data on wildlife movement between forest habitats and roadway crossings.


The presentation will start at Butterfield Library, and then participants will go outdoors for a hands-on assessment training. This opportunity is structured for ages 16+ and registration is required. HHLT is pleased to partner with our friends at the Housatonic Valley Association on this program. Register here: Follow the Forest

Plant Native Seedlings at Granite Mountain Preserve!


Volunteers, join your forest-loving friends at two fun Fall Planting Days on October 19 and 26 at our Granite Mountain Preserve in Putnam Valley! Together, we'll plant hundreds of native seedlings that will help restore the forest ecosystem.


In partnership with Wild Woods Restoration Project this summer, volunteers potted and cared for 1,596 native seedlings for local forest restoration projects. The plants are now mature and ready to move to their new home at Granite Mountain Preserve!


To participate in fall planting days on October 19th & 26th, register by clicking your preferred date. These events are open to adults and children ages 8+.

Discover how climate change is reshaping northeastern forests in real time. Join us this November for an educational talk led by HHLT board member Dr. Angelica Patterson, Curator of Education and Outreach at Mount Holyoke College's Miller Worley Center for the Environment. To learn more and register, CLICK HERE.

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.


Oct. 5: Boscobel: Legacies of the Hudson Valley’s Landscape Culture **

Oct. 7: Butterfield Library: Family Birding Walk at Little Stony Point **

Oct. 15: Putnam Valley Library: Composting Workshop with Maeve McGee **

Oct. 16: Dutchess Land Conservancy: Native Seed Sowing Workshop **

Oct. 17: Tompkins Corners Cultural Center: Harvest Fest: All ages

Oct. 18: Black Rock Forest: Volunteer Event: Native Planting Day **

Oct. 18: Hudson Highlands Nature Center: Meadows & Trails 5K Run/Walk **

Oct. 21: Butterfield Library: Migrating Birds Movie **

Oct. 24: Various partners: Haunted (Night) Hike @ Little Stony Point **

Oct. 25: Putnam Highlands Audubon: Birdability at Topfield Center**

Oct. 26: Hudson Highlands Nature Center: I-SPY Halloween Trail **

Oct. 28: Desmond Fish Library: Family Science Night: Halloween Potion Party **

Oct. 31: Happy Halloween! Be safe out there, everyone!

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!

Photo credits, top to bottom: Banner (Photo by Davis Connelly); Photos of Katrina, Fall Cocktail Party guests (Gabrielle Gerard Photography); Annual Report (KHCreative);

Follow the Forest Graphic (Housatonic Valley Association); Potting Day Photo (WWRP Staff).


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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