November 2019
Barnabas McHenry, Chairman Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area 
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
Hudson River Valley Greenway Announces $46,400 in Grants
At its October meeting, the   Hudson River Valley Greenway   approved four matching grant awards totaling $46,400. The funded projects include:

  • $8,500 to Town of Gallantin, for a Comprehensive Plan Review.
  • $9,900 to Village of Athens, for a Town/Village Comprehensive Plan.
  • $10,000 to Village of Valatie, for Kinderhook Creek Shoreline Resiliency Improvements.
  • $18,000 to Village of Ossining, for a Comprehensive Plan.

The next round of Community Grants are due  November 8, 2019 . Information and guidelines are available   here .
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Announces $24,000 in Grants
At its October meeting, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area approved six matching grant awards totaling $24,000. The funded projects include:

  • $2,000 to Albany County Historical Association, for Art Meets History: Family Engagement Program.
  • $2,000 to Friends of Clermont, for Inspired by Our “Clear Mountain”: Landscape, Art and the Livingstons.
  • $5,000 to Hudson River Maritime Museum, for the Mary Powel Permanent Exhibit.
  • $5,000 to Putnam History Museum, for Recreation, Nature and Sports Exhibition.
  • $5,000 to Fullerton Center, for Urban Archive in Newburgh.
  • $5,000 to Yorktown Trail Town Committee, for Interpreting Quarrying in the Town of Yorktown with Signs and Online Resources.

The next round of Heritage Development Grants are due February 7. 2020 . Information and guidelines are available here .
Scenic Hudson Announced the Acquisition of 508 Acres Along the Hudson River
Studies have shown repeatedly that green spaces and trails near urban areas provide myriad benefits—enhancing residents’ physical and mental health, contributing to a reduction in childhood obesity, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving air and water quality, helping to cool nearby neighborhoods, and mitigating crime and vandalism. Taking the first step toward providing a new public park that will allow City of Kingston residents to enjoy these benefits, Scenic Hudson announces the acquisition of 508 acres of forested and former industrial lands along the Hudson River. Some 75 percent of the property lies within Kingston, with the remainder in the Town of Ulster. The land had been slated for a 1,682-unit mixed-use development. Prior to that, it had been the site of a cement mine and processing facility.

The acquisition capitalizes on the development of a dramatic segment of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 750-mile Empire State Trail (also part of Kingston’s Greenline Trail), which will traverse the site’s 1.3-mile riverfront, and other economic development investments the governor has prioritized in the area. The trail will enter the property at the Hutton Brickyards and then lead north through East Kingston to the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. It is scheduled to open next fall. Read more .
Grand Opening of New Upper Esopus Fire Tower at Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center
In 2019, the Department of Environmental Conservation awarded $286,665 for the construction of a historic-style fire tower at the Catskill Visitors Center to add to its amenities. The fire tower offers an introductory fire tower experience to visitors to the Catskills, providing an unencumbered view of the Upper Esopus Valley and surrounding Catskill Mountains. The fire tower is an 80-foot AERMOTOR MC-39, first installed in Venice, Florida, and weighs 18,000 pounds and stands 92 feet high from the ground to the peak of the cab. The tower was recently completed by Dave Vana of Davana LLC, Fire Tower Restoration, of Bloomingdale, New York. Vana purchased the tower in Florida, dismantled it, and transported it to New York, where he reconditioned it, replaced necessary parts, and galvanized the entire structure. The tower will include a map table with an alidade, a pointer used to determine direction by observers locating wild fires from the cab of the tower. In addition, DEC staff constructed a nature trail around the tower and a kiosk with information about all of the Catskill Fire Towers at the base of the tower. For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks, searching for the dangerous, telltale signs of fire. There were 19 fire towers in the Catskill region and 52 in the Adirondacks. Beginning in the 1980s, the State of New York began to phase out the use of fire towers for spotting forest fires, and in 1990, the last five towers still in operation were closed. A Fire Tower Steward will be onsite to provide information on weekends through Nov. 11. Watch the grand opening . Read more .
The Open Space Institute Donated the Hannacroix Creek Nature Preserve to New Baltimore Conservancy
Two decades after first conserving Hannacroix Creek Preserve, the Open Space Institute (OSI) has announced the donation of the property to the New Baltimore Conservancy. The Preserve serves as a popular public recreational resource, and helps to protect water quality in the Hudson River. Located at the northeast corner of Greene County and the southeast corner of Albany County, the 136-acre Preserve contains 2.5 miles of trails and connects to the 40-acre Hudson River Interpretive Trail. Hannacroix Creek, which runs through the property, is an important tributary to the Hudson River and a spawning area for numerous Hudson River fish. Together, the Preserve and the Trail flank either side of State Route 144 as it connects the historic towns of New Baltimore to the south and Coeymans Landing to the north. The Preserve includes the 18th century stone foundations of a mill and houses, as well as the scenic falls of Hannacroix Creek. Diverse bird species inhabit the land, including Louisiana water-thrush, blue-winged warblers, and osprey, which are frequently seen over the river and perching on trees near the water. The land was first conserved twenty years ago, when OSI acquired 65 acres of former farmland. In the years that followed, OSI helped to increase the Preserve to approximately 136 acres, while New Baltimore Conservancy stewarded the property under a management plan. Learn more .
Upcoming Events

Peace Conference, Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
November 1, 2, 3: Attend the Peace Conference which is devoted to peacebuilding and celebrating the history of peace conferences at Mohonk Mountain House. More info .

Woodland Path Oil Painting Workshop, Thacher State Park, NY
November 2: Paint an autumn woodland path with local accomplished artist and teacher Karen Woodin. Participants of all skill levels will receive instructions on various oil painting techniques and complete their own 16 x 20 painting to take home. Read more .

Sunrise Fire Tower Hike, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY
November 3: Start the day off by watching the sunrise over the green mountains from one of the best views on the Rensselaer Plateau, the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower. Learn more .

Interpreters as Storytellers: Shaping the Narrative, Sharing the Story (WEBINAR)
November 6: Participants will gain insights into identifying the structure or "bones" of any story and how they can enrich their tour programs by applying this view of story structure to a range of stories embedded in their tours. More details .

Sensory Hike: A Quiet Hike Through the Woods, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
November 6: An equestrian trail ride and lunch at beautiful Rockwood Hall. Ride at your leisure on a marked course, and the enjoy a catered buffet lunch overlooking the Hudson River. Find out more .

Fall Family Fun Program, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
November 6: The Friends of Five Rivers is offering programs at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center for preschoolers (ages 2–4). Learn more .

Homeschool Program: Fall Foliage and Art in the Park Hike to Echo Rock, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
November 7: Come join other homeschoolers at Minnewaska State Park Preserve for an afternoon of nature discovery! Come prepared to learn about a topic of natural history, play exciting games, take a hike, make crafty creations, and have fun with new friends! More info .

First Thursday History Talks, Hart Cluett Museum, Troy, NY
November 7: In the 1870s a small group of Troy businessmen became landowners in North Dakota. Learn how this came about, what became of the land and how 130 years later, a re-connection was made with "Troy Farm, ND". Read more .

Ramapough Lenape Heritage, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
November 9: Come to a lecture and book signing by author and archaeologist Edward Lenik featuring his latest book, Ramapough Lenape Heritage! More details .

Herb-Infused Holiday Candles, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
November 9: Just in time for the holidays! Using dried herbs, create aromatic and colorful homemade beeswax candles. Find out more .

Collectors Tour, Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center, Garrison, NY
November 9: Enjoy a late afternoon tour of the House, Studio and Woodland Garden with a special focus on Russel Wright's iconic designs for the American table and the relationship with the architecture and landscape of Manitoga. More info .

Veterans Day Wreath Laying and Guided Tour of the Hall of Honor, New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor, NY
November 10: Veteran’s Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of combat in World War I. Since 1954, it has been known as Veteran’s Day to honor all those who have served in the Armed Forces. In keeping with this tradition, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will conduct a brief ceremony and wreath laying. Read more .

Veterans Day, Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, Walloomsac, NY
November 11: The battlefield will host a commemoration ceremony to mark Veterans Day. Learn more .

Your Excellency's Dog Kennel at Mount Vernon is as Good a Quarter as that I am now in at Edmonston House, New Windsor, NY
November 11: First-person program where visitors interact with the general as if they were from 1782. Find out more .

Cars in Communities, SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY
November 13: This panel discussion will focus on the development of new planning approaches to guide the use of cars in our small cities, towns, and villages. In an era of rapid technological change and new thinking about the potential impacts of evolving transportation options, the impacts on community development will be discussed. Read more .

Proposal Writing Training Workshop, Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburgh, NY
November 13: Learn how to write an effective, concise proposal for ecological, environmental, and human dimension research focused on the Hudson River. This four-hour free event will introduce participants to HRNERR, its research projects and fellowship and internship programs. More details .

A Public Forum on Bicycle Sharing and Shared Mobility, Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY
November 15: The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council’s Mid-Hudson South Transportation Coordinating Committee announces the next Lower Hudson Valley Mobility Advisory Forum event. Find out more .

Flag Changing Ceremony, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
November 17: The American Legion Post 739 organize and present monthly Flag Changing Ceremonies on the Walkway to honor our region's veterans and their service to our country. More info .

Pathways to Prevention, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
November 19: This series supports New York State Parks priority to encourage healthy outdoor recreation. Participants will participate in a 20-minute talk by a doctor or specialist in the Wagon House Education Center, and then hike and seek advice from experts on Olana's carriage roads. Read more .

Yoga and Meditation Class, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY
November 23: Simple chair yoga and meditation practices can help us release stress, relax, feel healthier and calmer. It helps us sleep better, and can ultimately help shift our perspective, enabling us to feel more in charge of our lives, and have a more compassionate, inclusive and empowered view of the world. More info .

Croton Reservoir & Dam Hike, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
November 24: Easy 2-mile (total) hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Learn more .

What's In a Name? Interpreting Thomas Cole's "Course of Empire", Thomas Cole State Historic Site, Catskill, NY
November 24: Dr. Alan Wallach explores Cole's epic series and how it embodies the artist's concern about the future of the United States. More details .

Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association Monthly Star Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY
November 29: Astronomical Association hosts a monthly stargazing party in the West Beach parking lot. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars or use those provided by our members. Find out more .

Wreath Making Program, Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY
November 30: Come to Moreau and join Jean, a friend’s member, while she teaches you, assists you and creates some of her own beautiful creations. More info .

Thematic Tours: John Jay & Gouverneur Morris, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
November 30: New York Revolutionary Gouverneur Morris died on November 6th, 1816. Often referred to as the "Penman of the Constitution," Gouverneur Morris is frequently forgotten among the Founding Fathers. This tour will explore Morris's political career, his vibrant personality and his close friendship with John Jay. Learn more .
Heritage Spotlight: West Point
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is America’s oldest military school and the nation’s oldest continuously occupied military post. In 1778, engineers for the Continental Army designed fortifications here to stop British ships attempting to sail upriver, including an iron chain that was stretched across the water. In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed an Act of Congress establishing a military academy here. Among the school’s alumni are Ulysses Grant, Robert E. Lee, Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and H. Norman Schwarzkopf. The West Point Museum contains the largest diversified collection of military artifacts in the United States, including items from ancient Egypt to the War on Terror. Galleries highlight West Point history, the U.S. Army in peace, American wars, warfare since the Ancient World, and the history of weaponry. Displays feature George Washington’s pistols, Hermann Goering’s baton, and a World War I tank. Learn more .
Project Spotlight: Interpretive Signage at Untermyer Park & Gardens
The Untermyer Gardens Conservancy was awarded a Heritage Development Grant to support the design, fabrication, and installation of interpretive signage to illuminate the history, architecture, and horticultural design of historic Untermyer Park and Gardens. In September 2019, five interpretive signs were installed to explain the history and design of the Walled Garden, the Temple of Love, the Vista, and the Gate House and illustrate Samuel Untermyer's place in history. These signs were composed of metalphoto, a photosensitive, anodized aluminum. Before this grant there was no interpretive signage on the property, as the restoration of the garden had only been underway for 7 years. Before the establishment of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, very few people visited the site at all. The signage will now help educate the many visitors to the site. Learn more about Untermyer Park and Gardens .
Green Tip of the Month: Make Your Thanksgiving a Little Greener
Buying local (whenever possible) is a great way to lessen your impact on the earth for several reasons. First off, local food means fewer food miles, which in turn means lower greenhouse gas emissions. Conventionally grown food travels roughly 1500 miles from the farm to the plate of the consumer, compared to just 50 miles for local products. As a result, conventionally grown food uses anywhere from 4 to 17 times more fuel and emits 5 to 17 times more CO2 than local food does. Local, small-scale farms also tend to practice more sustainable farming methods like polyculture, no-till farming, and using compost as a natural fertilizer. Learn how to make your Thanksgiving greener !
Grant and Funding Opportunities

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: November 8, 2019 . More info .

Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program
This grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. This year's application emphasizes connections to the Empire State Trail, and makes funding available for Water Trail projects. Applications are due  November 8, 2019 . More  here.

Heritage Development Grants
The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) are pleased to announce the availability of $25,000 in matching grants through the 2019 Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Heritage Development Grant Program.This annual grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the HRVNHA and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the  Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area's website.  Deadline:  February 7, 2020.

National Heritage Area Sponsorship's Available
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complementing the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.

Teaching the Hudson Valley Explore Awards
These matching grants are intended to create opportunities for students to explore the history, environment, and culture of the Hudson River Valley, connecting their studies to significant places. They encourage students’ appreciation for and stewardship of their communities and cultures, and connect teachers with site educators and place-based learning. Eligible expenses include transportation and admission fees to eligible Hudson Valley locations for school groups. Read more .

New York State Discretionary Grant Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials
The New York State Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials provides $500,000 each year for preserving materials in the collections of libraries, archives, historical societies and similar agencies. The grant awards for 2020-2021 will be limited to a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $40,000. Deadline: November 8, 2019 . Find out more .

DHPSNY's Fall 2019 Planning & Assessment Services
Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) currently offers Planning & Assessment Services in four major areas. These services are designed to support New York organizations in improving and advancing program efforts while forming strategies for future growth and development. DHPSNY’s Planning & Assessment Services consist of Archival Needs Assessments, Preservation Surveys, Condition Surveys, and Strategic Planning Assistance. In each instance, our services aim to improve adherence to best practices and are tailored to an organization’s unique circumstances. Deadline: November 15, 2019 . More info .

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to help small museums implement projects that address priorities identified in their strategic plans. Deadline: November 15, 2019 . Read more .

Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries
Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries (APP) is a special initiative of the National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program. The goal of this initiative is to support projects that strengthen the ability of small and/or rural libraries and archives to serve their communities and to build grantee capacity through participation in a community of practice. Deadline: December 2, 2019 . More details .

Park & Trail Partnership Grants
The program is administered jointly by Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and is designed to:
  • Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands.
Deadline: December 3, 2019 . More info .

Farmer Grants provide research funds for commercial farms to explore new ideas in almost any aspect of production, marketing and other topics that influence successful farming in the 12 Northeast states and D.C. Reviewers look for innovation, potential for improved sustainability and results that will be useful to other farmers. Deadline: December 3, 2019 . Read more .

Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Your community or organization may be interested in this funding opportunity, which can be used for tree inventories, tree plantings, management plans, maintenance, and education for community tree stewards. Grant funds are available from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and are managed and allocated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC regional urban foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. Deadline: December 4, 2019 . Find out more .

Urban Birds Mini-grants
Mini-grants help finance creative events that integrate the arts, gardening, community participation, and of course Celebrate Urban Birds’s citizen science project. We hope that these events, or series of activities, will inspire others to organize similar events in their communities. All applicants will receive free training, materials, and resources to bring their ideas to life; including proposals that we are unable to fund. Organizations that work with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds required. The mini-grants range from $100 to $750. Deadline: December 31, 2019 . Find out more .

Wal-Mart Foundation: Community Grant Program
Through the Community Grant Program, Wal-Mart associates are proud to support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations. Awarded grants range from $250 to $5,000. Deadline:  Dec. 31, 2019 . More details .

Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
Preservation Assistance Grants help small and mid-sized institutions—such as libraries, museums, historical societies, archival repositories, cultural organizations, town and county records offices, and colleges and universities—improve their ability to preserve and care for their significant humanities collections. These may include special collections of books and journals, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, moving images, sound recordings, architectural and cartographic records, decorative and fine art objects, textiles, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, furniture, historical objects, and digital materials.  Deadline  January 15, 2020 . Find out more  here .

EcoSolution™ Grants
Grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. EcoSolution™ Grants are available to educators working with youth in the United States. Deadline: January 15, 2020 . More details .

EcoTech™ Grants  
This grant program was created to combat the notion that students needed to choose between “the screen” or “the green” and to encourage educators and students to explore the role technology can play in designing and implementing solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We believe that technology can present innovative ways to address environmental challenges – and that when dealing with digital natives, we do ourselves a disservice by asking them to unplug. EcoTech™ Grants are specifically offered to engage children in inquiry-based, STEM-related projects that leverage technology and/or use nature-based design to address environmental problems in local communities. Deadline: January 15, 2020 . Read more .

Collections Assessment for Preservation Program
The Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program is a joint effort of IMLS and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation to help small and mid-sized museums better care for their collections. A CAP assessment is a study of an institution’s collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as its collections care policies and procedures. The assessment involves a site visit by collections and building assessors, who spend two days touring the museum and interviewing staff and governing officials. The assessors then prepare a comprehensive report that outlines recommendations for improving collections care. Deadline: February 1, 2020 . Find out more .

Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program
The primary objective of the program is to provide grants to Agriculture Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to market value-added agricultural products. Deadline: March 20, 2020 . More details .

Community Economic Development Projects Grant
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will award approximately $13.6 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) for well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low-income. CED grants will be made as part of a broader strategy to address objectives such as decreasing dependency on federal programs, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in urban and rural areas. CED projects are expected to actively recruit individuals with low-income to fill the positions created by CED-funded development activities, to assist those individuals to successfully hold those jobs and to ensure that the businesses and jobs created remain viable for at least one year after the end of the grant period. Deadline: May 26, 2020 . More info .

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 
State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More info .
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