October 2020
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
Important Reminders

  • Technical Assistance Grant Applications Due October 19, 2020. More details.

  • I Love New York's Fall Foliage Report. Read now.

  • Museum Association of New York has Provided Links and Resources for New York State Museums During COVID-19. Find out more.

  • Registration is Still Open for GHHN's Virtual Annual Conference and Make it Work: Workshop Series. Register now.

Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell Launch New Website

The Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell Department of Natural Resources and the Environment have launched a new website, Conservation Planning in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. The site compiles information from nearly two decades of biodiversity conservation and land-use planning research and extension by the Estuary Program, Cornell, and partners. The website serves as a clearinghouse of strategies, publications, tools, and information to support local decision-makers throughout the estuary watershed.

You can find information on: 

  • animals, plants, and habitats in the watershed of the tidal Hudson River 
  • natural resources inventories, open space planning, and conservation financing 
  • municipal roles in conservation planning and local policy opportunities 
  • habitat connectivity planning 
  • GIS data, maps, and online tools 
  • successful examples of conservation planning in watershed communities 
  • upcoming events, news, and opportunities to get assistance. 
Run Wild 2020 Meadows & Trails Virtual 5K 

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s (HHNM) Run Wild! Meadows & Trails 5K will be a virtual event this year, spanning from October 1-31st, 2020. You choose the place and time, whether its in your own neighborhood, at a local park, or even on a treadmill at home. If your looking for a real adventure you may also run on HHNM’s official 5K course at the Outdoor Discovery Center (check website for hours).

The Run Wild Meadows and Trails Virtual 5K is a great way to get outdoors with your family to enjoy the cooler fall temps, doing it when and where it’s most convenient for you, all while supporting the Nature Museum’s mission and Animal Ambassadors. More details.
Hudson River Watershed Alliance's Annual Watershed Conference Goes Virtual

The Hudson River Watershed Alliance’s (HRWA) annual conference is moving online to keep everyone safe. The 2020 conference will focus on the needs of watershed groups. In 2019-2020, the HRWA conducted a needs assessment of local watershed partners. This year’s conference will share their findings and provide trainings to meet those needs.

This year’s conference will take place from October 26 to 30, during the afternoons. Things will kick-off off with an introductory panel on October 26, and close with a happy hour on October 30. There will be a plenary session the afternoon of October 27, with a series of three interactive workshop sessions to follow on October 28, 29, and 30. Learn more.
Plastic Bag Ban Begins October 19th, 2020

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will begin enforcement of the State’s ban on single-use plastic carryout bags on October 19, 2020. The DEC continues to encourage New Yorkers to use reusable bags wherever and whenever they shop with the #BYOBagNY campaign, launched earlier this year. Additional information about exemptions to the plastic bag ban, frequently asked questions, and posters, flyers, and tip strips to download, as well as tips for keeping reusable bags clean are available on DEC's website.

For more information about the plastic bag ban, reusable bags, or to file a complaint about entities using single-use plastic carryout bags, visit DEC’s website, email [email protected], or call (518) 402-8706.
NYNJTC's Trail-A-Thon: 100 Miles for 100 Years

On October 19th, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) turns 100. To mark that milestone, they're holding their first-ever Trail-A-Thon. You're invited to take on the challenge of walking, hiking, running, or riding 100 miles to help mark NYNJTC's Centennial. The official challenge is 100 miles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do more–or less! The Trail-A-Thon is about getting outdoors, connecting with nature, and celebrating the Trail Conference's 100 years of service. The event aims to raise awareness and support to continue their mission for another 100 years. Hudson River Valley Greenway Board Member Jane Daniels and her husband have already vowed to take on the challenge. 

All participants will receive a certificate of participation and a Protect the Land You Love sticker at the end of the challenge. Register for free today to set up a personal fundraising page, join a virtual team, and share your reason for accepting this challenge! Jane Daniels, a Hudson River Valley Greenway Board Member and her husband have already vowed to take on the challenge. Will you? Sign up now.
Upcoming Events

*Please note that, while many heritage sites in the Hudson Valley have begun to reopen cautiously due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some sites are still closed or have reduced hours. Please call the individual sites directly to inquire their current status. New York State Parks remain open. While enjoying the outdoors, please follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19.

Boating Safety Courses Are Now Back in Session
In-classroom safe boating courses have resumed in New York State. To find a course near you, visit: Safe Boating courses. Please note that students must wear face coverings during courses whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Online course options remain available. For a list of approved online providers, please visit: parks.ny.gov

Download the NYS Parks Explorer App
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has launched a mobile app to provide visitors and prospective visitors helpful information about the variety of destinations, activities and adventures available throughout the Empire State's state parks and historic sites. Learn more.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve's 20 Mile Challenge
Hike 20 miles of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve trail system and enjoy the full range of landscapes, flora, and fauna that the globally rare pine barrens has to offer. Participants can walk the trails on their own or with your family group. Upon completing the challenge, you can claim a reward at the Discovery Center Gift Shop. More info.

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Virtual Race
Enjoy the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail by foot or bike during a beautiful time of year while also supporting the work of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust. This virtual event, from Oct. 17 through Nov. 8, can be done at your leisure. The registration fee for this fundraiser is $25, and registrants will receive a special gift to show WVLT’s appreciation for signing up. Learn more.

Five Rivers "5R Trail Challenge"
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, boasts numerous trails traversing a variety of habitats at the 450-acre property. Participants register with the Friends of Five Rivers and hike five different trails at Five Rivers from Sept. 22 through Oct. 12, 2020, to become Five Rivers 5Rs. Commemorative 5R prizes will be given to all registrants. Read more.

Solar Boat Rides at the Hudson River Maritime Museum
Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Ride aboard Solaris, the Hudson River Maritime Museum's 100% solar powered tour boat! Several ride and tour options per day, including Fall Foliage, Ecology Exploration, Industrial Waterfront, Dual Lighthouse, Lazy Sunday Family, Sunset, and spooky Lantern Cruises! Learn more.

Outdoor Guided Tours at Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Join a 45-minute outdoor guided tour with a museum educator to learn about Thomas Cole and his legacy. Tour tickets include a Thomas Cole National Historic Site exclusive publication and custom postcard featuring artwork from the collection. More info.

Guided Landscape Walk, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
Every Thursday & Sunday: A guided walk through the estate's grounds that explores how the landscape was designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of Staatsburgh's owners, while deliberately hiding the turn-of-the-century technology and labor that made the estate run. Find out more.

Photographs in the Archive: Arranging and Describing Visual Materials (WEBINARS)
October 1: This session will discuss important considerations for the successful arrangement and description of visual materials in order to gain intellectual and physical control, improve accessibility, and provide for preservation. Read more.

Full Moon Paddle and Bonfire, Walton Lake Park, Monroe, NY
October 1: Paddle under the light of the full moon. When you return to shore, you can spread out at the site of Arlene’s yoga by the lake classes for a socially distant beach bonfire. More info.

Managing High-Use Trails: Why Trail Stewards are a Necessity in Creating Safe, Sustainable Trails (WEBINAR)
October 1: Learn how trail steward and trailbuilding programs have worked to make the public better informed, more responsible trails users while protecting the resource. More details.

Wilderstein State Historic Site's Virtual Tea Party (WEBINAR)
October 3: The Tea Party will feature an online program, silent auction, fabulous tea goodies to enjoy at home, and more! Register now.

iForest Sunset Concert, Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, Garrison, NY
October 3, 10, 12: Manitoga's woodland forest comes alive with Pete M. Wyer's iForest - an immersive, multi-sensory sound installation. Read more.

Farm Market, John Jay Homstead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Purchase locally produced healthy food and support local, sustainable agriculture. Find out more.

Walktoberfest: Food and Drink Showcase, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
October 4: Enjoy a socially distanced selection of Hudson Valley food, drink, artisans, and products on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and approach to Walkway Over the Hudson. Join us for tastings, cooking, and cocktail demonstrations, shopping, and more! More details.

MANY Discussion-Checking Your Closets: Incorporating Queer Narratives in Historic House Museums (WEBINAR)
October 5: How should you include LGBTQIA+ diversity in your historic house? Danielle Bennett, John-Duane Kingsley, and Frank Vagnone will present case studies of historic houses that have embraced queer narratives and offer insight into how to begin thinking about including LGBTQIA+ content in your historic house museum. Read more.

Animal History, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Bear Mountain, NY
October 6: Join an educator from Trailside Museums and Zoo for a tour focused on the historical significance and folklore of some of our native New York animals. To register, please email [email protected] OR call 845- 786-2701 ext. 293

Breakfast Lecture: Finding and Addressing PFAS (WEBINAR)
October 8: Beginning with their development and use, and potential impacts to human health, lecturers will then describe how PFAS compounds behave and move in the environment, and what is currently understood about how to deal with them from a regulatory and remediation standpoint. More info.

Colonial Carpentry, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
October 10: Carpenters were working at Fort Montgomery throughout 1776 and 1777 constructing barracks, storehouses and fortifications. Learn about the electricity-free, tools and techniques they used to build this Hudson River fort. Read more.

Sawmill River Heritage Tour, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, NY
October 10: Join the staff of Philipse Manor Hall on this walking tour of downtown Yonkers. Learn more.

Sunset Tour, Untermyer Park and Gardens, Yonkers, NY
October 11: Enjoy a 90 minute evening tour of the gardens. Register now.

"Nailing the Audition" A Master Class with Isabelle McCalla of The Prom (WEBINAR)
October 13: Learn audition techniques and song or monologue presentations from one of Broadway's brightest stars!  Read more.

Conducting a Basic Inventory (WEBINAR)
October 14: This webinar will discuss the process and principles for carrying out a basic inventory of your archival, library, or museum collections. More details.

Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association Monthly Star Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, NY
October 16: 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.

Family Explorer Tours, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
October 17: Discover Olana's designed landscape and unique architecture on an outdoor walk filled with family-friendly discussion and activities. More info.

MANY Virtual Tour: Ten Broeck Mansion (WEBINAR)
October 19: The Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany, New York was built in 1798 for Brigadier General Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer. This tour will provide a glimpse into their life in Albany and will include an exploration of documents and objects related to the period. Learn more.

Hulda’s Night - The Legends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
October 22: On "Hulda's Night" a small group gathers and is guided through the woods where they will meet Mother Hulda and hear her tell her story. Read more.

It Was Dark Back Then, Knox Headquarters State Historic Site, Vails Gate, NY
October 24: From 7:00 - 10:30 PM tour the grounds by night if you dare. In the spirit of 18th century Gothic literature, costumed interpreters from the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox's Headquarters State Historic Sites submit for your approval a haunting tale. Find out more.

Shooting Ghosts: The History of Spirit Photography, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
October 25: Come to Clermont and hear Historic Interpreter, Zachary Veith, discuss the invention of what was known as Spirit Photography. Register now.

Don't Ghost the Arts! A Virtual Halloween Party (WEBINAR)
October 27: The Arts Council of Rockland is inviting you to a Halloween costume contest, paper cutting demo, baking demo, and art raffle. More info.

Fall Foliage Scenic Views Hike, Sam's Point Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
October 31: Join Becca Howe-Parisio, Interpretive Ranger, for a five-mile hike on the relatively flat High Point Carriage Road. On this hike, we’ll check out a magnificent view of the Catskills and Gertrude’s Nose. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam’s Point at 845-647-7989.  

WVLT Launch of the Wallkill Valley Pollinator Pathways (WEBINAR)
October 31: The launch kicks off with a “virtual” viewing of the film Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home, an inspiring documentary narrated by Doug Tallamy, a renowned author and a leader in the movement to restore our biodiversity through home landscapes. Learn more.
Heritage Spotlight: Albany Rural Cemetery

Prior to 1841, interments were taking place throughout the City of Albany. Many of these burials were taking place adjacent to individual churches or in the city's 1801 State Street Cemetery (now Washington Park). A growing problem with flooding at the State Street cemetery led to the establishment of an association in 1841 that was charged with the purchase and development of a "rural cemetery" outside the city limits. The landscape surveyor was told to create a community based on the natural beauty of the location with the ability for visitors to stroll through the landscape of trees, streams, fountains, and pathways. In 1844, Albany Rural Cemetery was officially dedicated and in 1866 the Albany Common Council passed a resolution authorizing the disinterment, transfer, and re-interment of all remains at the State Street cemetery and churches located within the city. Those interments from church graveyards were in a section known as "Church Ground." In 2002, development at the former site of the Albany Poor House resulted in relocation of interments from this site which also included interments from the Albany Orphanage, Albany Jail, and unclaimed bodies from the city and Hudson River. Today the cemetery is considered to be one of the most beautiful and historic cemeteries in upstate New York. It includes 467 acres of landscaped grounds and burial sites of many locally and nationally recognized figures throughout history. Maps and guides are provided to direct visitors to areas of significance. Learn more.
Project Spotlight: Schuyler Mansion Visitor Curator Experience

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site received a Heritage Development Grant to create the Schuyler Mansion Visitor Curator App. The objective of this app was to stray away from the normal interpretation found in a historic home and instead engage visitors with technology. Using an iPad visitors engage in the process of choosing 1790s decor for the mansion's Best Parlor. Visitors can choose from a library of appropriate digital design elements and determine the way in which the home may have been presented to illustrious guests in Colonial times, such as Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and aristocrats from France. The app can also be populated with artwork of Schuyler artifacts so that visitors may create their own room arrangements based on historic scenarios, such as Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler on the occasion of their wedding. Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site is open, but all tours will be an Open House format (guided tours are not possible at this time).
Hunt Smart and Safe

Hunting is a sustainable food source and venison can even be donated to feed the hungry. Learn more.
Grant and Funding Opportunities

Heritage Development Grants
This annual grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the HRVNHA's website. One notable departure for this round is that staff time is eligible to be reimbursed, but only if that staff time is for the direct development of programming or interpretation, as identified in the grant application. We will be accepting applications with a November 6, 2020 submittal deadline, particularly focused on creating virtual tours and programming. Please note, that there is a new budget form with the application packet. Applicants should not use an older version of the budget form.

National Heritage Area Sponsorships 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. Sponsorship's will have an additional focus on events promoting the 19th Amendment and/or Women's in History in the Hudson Valley for the year 2020. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the HRVNHA are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.

Technical Assistance Grants (TAG)
With the financial support of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and other partners, the Preservation League of New York State is pleased to offer Technical Assistance Grants (TAG). TAG Awards are designed to provide funds for short-term, standalone projects that advance the preservation of historic sites, museums, opera houses and theaters, arts facilities and other culturally important institutions that are located in historic buildings and structures that are open to the public. These professional studies include: building conditions surveys, engineering/structural analyses, feasibility/reuse studies and specialized building conservation studies. Deadline: October 19, 2020. Find out more.

National Trust Preservation Funds
Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for preservation projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. Grants generally start at $2,500 and range up to $5,000. Deadline: October 1, 2020. Find out more.

Humanities New York's Action Grants
Action Grants offer up to $5,000 to implement humanities projects that encourage public audiences to reflect on their values, explore new ideas, and engage with others in their community. Deadline: October 1, 2020. Read more.

Legends & Lore® Marker Grant Program
Does your community have a great piece of folklore that should be shared? Legends & Lore is designed to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore as part of our heritage. This grant will be to create a Legends & Lore Marker. Deadline: October 2, 2020. More details.

NEH's Dialogues on the Experience of War Program
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers the Dialogues on the Experience of War (Dialogues) program as part of its current initiative, Standing Together: The Humanities and the Experience of War. The program supports the study and discussion of important humanities sources about war, in the belief that these sources can help U.S. military veterans and others think more deeply about the issues raised by war and military service. Dialogues is primarily designed to reach military veterans; however, men and women in active service, military families, and interested members of the public may also participate. Deadline: October 14, 2020. More info.

Roadside Markers Commemorating Transportation Canals
This roadside marker program commemorates the historical significance of transportation canals in the United States. Grants cover the entire cost of a cast aluminum marker, pole and shipping. Letter of intent is due by October 16, 2020. Learn more.

Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants are made to forward-looking organizations who develop and implement creative place-based projects. The grants range from $2,500 to $12,000 and will be awarded to municipalities, not-for-profits with a 501(c)(3) designation, and federally-recognized Native American tribes within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Deadline: October 24, 2020. More details.
 
Community Arts Grants (Columbia, Greene, and Scoharie County Only)
The Community Arts Grants Program funds artists and organizations who are seeking to creatively engage their communities through projects in the arts in Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie Counties. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded annually in three project areas: Community Projects, Artist Commissions, and Arts Education projects. Deadline: October 28, 2020. Read more.

IPM Partnership Grants
The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center announces the availability of funding through its IPM Partnership Grants Program. Up to $200,000 in total will be available for 2021, with a maximum of $50,000 per award, to fund projects that foster the development and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) methods. The program supports three project types: IPM Applied Research, IPM Working Groups, and IPM Communications. Deadline: November 12, 2020. More info.

IMLS Inspire! Grants for Small Museums 
A special initiative of the Museums for America program. These grants are designed to help small museums implement projects that address priorities identified in their strategic plans. Inspire! has three project categories: Lifelong Learning, Community Anchors & Catalysts, and Collections Stewardship & Public Access. Deadline: November 16, 2020. More details.

NYSL Discretionary Grant Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials
This NYS grant program 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. For questions about the program, contact Barbara Lilley at  [email protected]. Deadline: November 20, 2020. Learn more.

Archival Workers Emergency Fund
The Society of American Archivists Foundation announces the creation of the Archival Workers Emergency Fund (AWEF) to support archival workers experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to financially vulnerable and at-risk workers. All U.S.-based archival workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to apply to the fund. Due to the unpredictability of the crisis and times of acute need, applications to the fund will be considered on a rolling basis up to December 31, 2020. Find out more.

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 14, 2021. Read more.

ECNHC's Event and Festival Sponsorship Program
Cultural, heritage, and recreational events within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor deliver $1.3 billion in economic benefits to communities. In partnership with NYS Canal Corporation, we are offering competitive sponsorships up to $500 for events or festivals taking place from May through November. Municipalities or nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations are eligible. Next round of applications: February 20, 2020. More info.

Artist Emergency Fund (Columbia and Greene Counties Only)
CREATE Council on the Arts is facilitating an emergency fund for artists living in our region (Greene and Columbia County) who have been financially impacted by the Coronavirus and require immediate support. Grants of $50 will be administered to artists who have lost income due to the virus in order to supplement costs of basic necessities including groceries and rent. Find out more.

Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Reimbursement Program
The Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Reimbursement Program is an innovative partnership between New York State and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) focused on incentivizing the reduction of food waste in the state. The program provides reimbursement to New York State businesses, municipalities, or not-for-profits that generate, haul or recycle large amounts of food waste to offset the cost of select technologies and equipment that promise to reduce or divert that food waste from landfill or incineration. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. More details.

Chronogram Media Community Grant Program for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
This grant program aims to support marketing programs for a variety of Hudson Valley minority and women-owned small businesses, virtual events, and regional nonprofits. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, commitment to social change, and alignment with Chronogram Media’s values. Accepted partners will receive a number of benefits and increased exposure through Chronogram Media's various platforms. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. More info.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program
This program will provide eligible groups the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund their next trail improvement related project, which could range from trail clean-up, trail restoration, trail expansion, to name a few. Learn more.

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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