IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Greenway Planning and Trail Grant Applications are Due by November 1, 2024. MORE DETAILS >>.

RSVP for the Hudson River Valley Greenway's October 9th Board Meeting at the Henry A. Wallace Center in Hyde Park by Emailing HRVG@HudsonGreenway.ny.gov



NEWS

Greenway Announces Higher Limits for Community Planning Grants!

The Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program provides matching grants to Greenway Communities and Compact Communities. Greenway Communities are eligible to receive funding to develop plans or projects consistent with the five Greenway criteria: natural and cultural resource protection, economic development, public access, regional planning, and heritage and environmental education. Higher amounts are awarded for inter-municipal projects.

The Greenway Communities Grant Program provides grant funding to help communities develop and implement a vision for their future that balances Greenway criteria of economic development considerations with resource protection and promotion objectives. Awards with a single municipal applicant are capped at $20,000. Awards for projects with multiple municipal applicants are capped at $30,000.

The Greenway Compact Grant Program provides funding for projects that develop, approve, and implement a compact strategy consistent with the Greenway criteria and the Greenway Act. These grants are eligible to receive up to $50,000 for projects that develop, approve, and implement a compact strategy consistent with the Greenway criteria and the Greenway Act.

Upcoming Application Due Date: Nov 1, 2024. LEARN MORE >>.

Another Successful Ramble!

The 24th annual Hudson River Valley Ramble was a success with over 175 submitted events for the month of September. Events ranged from guided hikes, historic site tours, festivals, and more.

Thank you to everyone who participated in events and a special thanks to event leaders for helping us celebrate the history, culture, and natural resources of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area!

If you haven't already filled out comment cards or our online survey, please do so for a chance to win a prize and help us make the 24th annual Hudson River Valley Ramble even more of a success.

Last, don't forget to like/follow the Hudson River Valley Ramble on Facebook.

HRVG Hosted its Inaugural Trail Ride on AHET

On September 29th, the Hudson River Valley Greenway hosted its inaugural trail ride on the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail as part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. The event was a success with perfect weather and a great participant turnout. Participants got a behind-the-scenes look at one of the few surviving trolley depots on the Albany-Hudson Trolley Line in North Chatham, info on the history of communities along the trail, and a historical overview of the Village of Kinderhook by Mayor Dorene Weir. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ALBANY-HUDSON ELECTRIC TRAIL >>.

Governor Hochul Announced 763 Acres Added to Clarence Fahnstock Memorial State Park

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the addition of 763 acres to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam and Dutchess counties helping conserve a scenic and undeveloped parcel in the Mid-Hudson Valley and one of the largest privately-owned undeveloped blocks in the Hudson Highlands region. The protection of these lands as part of the New York State Park system was a unique opportunity to safeguard sensitive natural resources and represents a valuable addition for accessibility and future recreational improvements. 

The addition of these acres also supports the State's goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030, in line with the global 30 x 30 Initiative to protect the world’s lands and waters. READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE >>.

News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program

Important Reminders

Register Now for the 2024 Hudson River Watershed Alliance Annual Conference.

NYSDEC Announced $1 Million Available for Hudson River Estuary Watershed Communities

$1 million in competitive grant funding is now available for projects to help communities within the Hudson River Estuary watershed improve resiliency and water quality and enhance Hudson River access. The grants are funded by the State's Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program. Two Requests for Applications (RFAs) are available: Tributary Restoration and Resiliency and River Access. Deadline: December 1, 2024. LEARN MORE ABOUT WATERSHED COMMUNITY FUNDING >>.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BOARD MEETING FOR THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY

October 9 | Henry A. Wallace Center, Hyde Park, NY | The joint Board Meeting for HRVG will highlight our recent work, is a chance to meet our new Executive Director, Andy Kitzmann, and hear success stories from our grantees. RSVP NOW >>.

NATURAL MEDICINES (WEBINAR)

October 10 | In this webinar, learn about gathering, drying, preservation, and uses of the medicinal plants used by the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Tribe, both past and present. LEARN MORE >>.

GUIDED LANDSCAPE WALK

October 11 | Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY | 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 >>.

YONKERS WATERFRONT WALKING TOUR

October 12 | Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers, NY | Learn why Philipse Manor Hall was built where it is, why the Munsee had a village in downtown Yonkers, and how the Yonkers waterfront has changed over time on this guided tour. MORE INFO >>.

FLAG CHANGING CEREMONY

October 13 | Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY | The American Legion Post 739 organizes and presents monthly Flag Changing Ceremonies on the Walkway to honor our region’s veterans and their service to our country. MORE DETAILS >>.

2024 GHHN ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

October 15 | Manhattanville University, Purchase, NY | The conference will be a full day of learning, conversation, activities, networking, office hour opportunities with grant funding organizations, and more. MORE INFO >>.

FULL MOON HIKE

October 17 | Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY | Join an educator for a guided hike to learn about the nocturnal wildlife of the park, as well as the mythology and history behind the Hunter's Moon. FIND OUT MORE >>.

TREE IDENTIFICATION WALK

October 18 | Gardiner Library, Gardiner, NY | Join a Park Educator, for a tree identification walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. READ MORE >>.

MOUNTAIN AVE AND NELSONVILLE CEMETERY TOUR

October 19 | Mountain Avenue Cemetery Gate, Cold Spring, NY | Learn the stories of the deceased, from the first European settlers in Philipstown to the 19th-century immigrants who listed their countries of origin in the headstone, Civil War veterans, poets, and more! FIND OUT MORE >>.

HUDSON RIVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE CONFERENCE

October 22 | Henry A. Wallace Center, Hyde Park, NY | The day will include presentations on groundwater, planning to protect sources of drinking water, emerging contaminants including PFAS, policy opportunities, and more. REGISTER NOW >>.

BOO AT THE ZOO

October 26 | Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain, NY | Come to the bear den to make bear treats, then watch the bears explore their den full of Halloween-themed enrichment. LEARN MORE >>.

SCENIC, AUTUMN HIKE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

October 27 | Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY | Join an all-day-long, eight-mile hike on a combination of gently sloping carriage roads and rugged footpaths. MORE INFO >>.

MOREAU LAKE KAYAK

October 29 | Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY | Join an educator on a peaceful morning paddle around Moreau Lake. READ MORE >>.

TRICK-OR-TREAT AT CLERMONT!

October 31 | Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY | Come for the candy, and stay for the photo ops at their spooky-cute Halloween photo stations! FIND OUT MORE >>.

HISTORY HIKE: MT. NIMHAM

November 2 | Mount Nimham, Carmel, NY | Led by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County, this hike will explore the ways that the mountain’s past has played a role in its environmental present. MORE DETAILS >>.

LIFE IN THE EASTERN WOODLANDS

November 3 | Putnam History Museum, Cold Sring, NY | Learn about Indigenous daily life as it was before permanent European settlement. Handle key artifacts such as bark baskets, cups, bowls, stone axes, and more. LEARN MORE >>.

KEEP HIKING! ORTHOPEDIC INSIGHTS & GENTLER TRAILS FOR AGING JOINTS (WEBINAR)

November 6 | Join, Angelo Mannino, MD and renowned author, for tips on finding gentler trails and orthopedic insights to keep you hiking strong through your later years. REGISTER NOW >>.

Constitution Island, Putnam County

Located on a strategic curve in the Hudson River, Constitution Island was fortified by the American army in 1775. Dubbed “Fort Constitution,” the fortifications were unfinished when British troops destroyed them in 1777. The following year, Polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko designed Fortress West Point as a series of forts and redoubts on both sides of the river. In the 19th century, Anna and Susan Warner lived on the island in a clapboard house. The two women were survivors, who had to earn their own way after the loss of the family’s fortune. They became renowned authors. Susan was famous for her novels, especially “The Wide, Wide World,” considered the first American bestseller. Mrs. Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, on behalf of Anna Warner, presented Constitution Island as a gift to the Nation but with the expressed intent that the land be preserved as a historic landmark forever linked to the U.S. Military Academy that she and her sister Susan loved. LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSTITUTION ISLAND >>.

Village of Cold Spring Zoning Code Update

The Village of Cold Spring in Putnam County received a Community Planning Grant to update their zoning code. The Village had two prerequisites to gain approval for its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, which included updating various chapters in the zoning code and the Historic District Review Board's (HDRB) standards. The updates to the zoning code were focused on walkability, access to transit, mixed-uses, and compact building design, among other features. The HDRB updated standards included tighter guidelines when reviewing changes in the exterior architectural features of new construction, renovations, and structural improvements within the limits of the Village’s Historic District to preserve the character. Also, the Zoning Map was updated to reflect modifications in Zoning Districts. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF COLD SPRING >>.

Photo Credit: Gregory Phillips

Take "Charge" of Your Battery Disposal

Today, batteries are everywhere and power almost everything. Many contain toxic metals that can be released into the environment when improperly disposed of. Therefore, it’s important to know about the different types of batteries and how to manage them post-use. Remember, batteries do not go in home recycling bins when they are no longer usable. LEARN MORE >>.

GRANT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Grant | Deadline: October 16, 2024

The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Grant Program provides planning assistance to rural communities and small towns to help leverage the power of the growing outdoor recreation economy to revitalize main streets, diversify economies, improve people's health, and preserve and protect natural resources. Deadline: October 16, 2024. READ MORE >>.

Technical Assistance Grants | Deadline: October 18, 2024

The TAG Program provides support for planning studies or analyses of New York State’s historic resources that serve an arts and/or cultural function. TAG funds consulting reports only, completed by architects, engineers and/or other design and preservation professionals. These grants do not fund capital construction costs, architectural plans and specifications, schematic designs, or construction documents. Pre-app Deadline: October 11, 2024. Final Deadline: October 18, 2024. MORE INFO >>.

Northern Border Regional Commission Grant Program | Deadline: October 18, 2024

The Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) four-state region. The Catalyst Program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives that will: modernize and expand water and wastewater systems; revitalize transportation infrastructure; establish workforce development programs and facilities; grow outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies; and construct new childcare and healthcare facilities. Only available in Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington County. Deadline: October 18, 2024. MORE DETAILS >>.

Heritage Collections Care Consortium - Emergency Management for Heritage Collections Scholarship | October 20, 2024

This scholarship aims to train collections care professionals in developing an emergency management program for collections. It also provides training on wellbeing and resilience to better prepare heritage responders to cope with emergencies and disasters. The application is open to all heritage professionals worldwide responsible for emergency preparedness in museums, libraries, archives, and historic houses. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be actively involved in emergency planning and response in your organization. Deadline: October 20, 2024. LEARN MORE >>.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Formula Grant and Voucher Program October 31, 2024

The purpose of the EECBG Program is to assist eligible state, local, and tribal governments in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency, and build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities. This program will award $8.8M to local governments, state-recognized tribes, or teams of these communities. Deadline: October 31, 2024. FIND OUT MORE >>.

The Council on Library and Information Resources - Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives Grant Program | Deadline: October 31, 2024

Open to collecting organizations in the US and Canada, this program supports efforts to digitize material related to “hidden” histories of women; BIPOC communities; LGBTQ+ communities; immigrants; incarcerated, disenfranchised or enslaved persons; individuals with disabilities, etc. Applicants may request between $50,000 and $300,000. Deadline: October 31, 2024. READ MORE >>.

National Historical Publications and Records Commission - Archival Projects Grants Deadline: November 7, 2024

Successful projects of this program will improve online public discovery and use of historical archives, especially collections relating to BIPOC communities or the founding of the US. Applicants can request up to $150,000 and projects can last one or two years. Funds can be used to process, re-house, and/or digitize records as well as any other activities that helps make collections more accessible online. Deadline: November 7, 2024. FIND OUT MORE >>.

Institute for Museum and Library Services Grants | Deadline: November 15, 2024

The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has just announced the latest cycle of several grant opportunities for museums. 

• Museums for America is the largest program, offering grants of up to $250,000. 
• Inspire! is specifically for smaller museums and offers grants from $5,000-$75,000.  
• There are also Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture and Museum Grants for African American History Culture. Funds from these programs can be used for conservation treatment, digitization, collection surveys and assessments, and more.  

Deadline: November 15, 2024. MORE DETAILS >>.

Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program | November 21, 2024

The EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy. Applications will be accepted until November 21, 2024. LEARN MORE >>.

National Scenic Byways Program Grants | Deadline: December 16, 2024

This grant opportunity will result in the award of up to $26.95 million of FY 2023 and FY 2024 funds in grants to States and federally recognized Tribes to implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways®), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program. The purpose of the NSBP is to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Deadline: December 16, 2024. MORE DETAILS >>.

Candevra Foundation Grant Program | Deadline: June 1, 2025

The Candreva Environmental Foundation is a New York state-based organization that provides seed money for local environmental education initiatives and projects that engage young people in environmental service. Awards of up to $500 can be used for materials, printing costs, student and teacher travel, communication costs, and other project-related expenses. Grants are limited to Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, and Westchester Counties. Deadline: June 1, 2025. FIND OUT MORE >>.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. Rolling deadline. 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. Rolling deadline. LEARN MORE >>.

Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program

The Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program by RealTruck is for all who wander off the beaten path, whatever travel method they choose. Since our shared lands are used by hikers, bicyclists, trail runners, and motorized vehicles, we created this initiative to protect public trail access for everyone. Fueled by its mission to create, protect, and maintain – RealTruck will donate up to $5,000 per organization depending on the needs and scope of the project. Grants are designated for use toward education, stewardship, legal fees, or any other activity advocating the conservation of public and private land, as well as access to recreational trails. Rolling deadline. MORE DETAILS >>.

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 

State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. MORE INFO >>.

hudsongreenway.ny.gov | hudsonrivervalley.com