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

Have Fun at the Ramble!

The Hudson River Valley Ramble's 24th year is full of hiking, cycling, paddling, historic site tours, and more. The Ramble brings thousands of people outside to enjoy the Hudson Valley’s distinct cultural heritage and scenic beauty during the Northeast’s most beautiful time of the year. The Ramble provides people of all ages an opportunity to experience the cultural landscape of the Hudson River Valley by hiking a trail, visiting a historic site, or paddling on the river. For a complete listing of events, visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com.

This year, Ramble events are being led by naturalists, ecologists, historians, geologists, and trained volunteers from over 100 organizations. Events include hikes, walking tours, paddles, festivals, historic site tours, open houses, and family-friendly activities. The Hudson River Valley Ramble celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscapes, communities, and trails throughout the region.

The Ramble is presented by the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and is sponsored by The New York State Division of Tourism “I Love NY”; The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program; The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and The National Park Service.

For more information, contact us at Ramble@HudsonGreenway.ny.gov or call us at (518) 473-3835.

*Photo Credit: Suzy Allman

HRVG is Hosting Cycle Back in Time on the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail

The Hudson River Valley Greenway is hosting its inaugural guided trail ride on Sunday, September 29th! Experience the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail (AHET), a non-motorized “rail trail” suitable for cyclists of all abilities. The group will stop at various points of interest to learn more about the first interurban rail line to use an electrified third rail, the site of the largest amusement park between NYC and Montreal in the early 20th century and get a behind-the-scenes look at the North Chatham Trolley Depot. This leisurely ride will begin at North Chatham and head south to Kinderhook where participants will have time to enjoy ice cream and snacks and - shop on their own. *Please note that event registration is full, but we have created a waiting list for interested participants. Learn more.

Sign Up for GHHN's Annual Conference & Awards for Excellence

At the Greater Hudson Heritage Network's (GHHN) Annual Conference, participants will explore what it looks like to embrace innovation at historic sites, whether that means reenvisioning the stories we tell, utilizing new technologies, or enacting meaningful change in our workplace culture.

The Annual Conference will once again feature the extremely popular "Follow the Speaker" conference format which is designed to help sites engage at a more direct level with presenters. The conference will be a full day of learning, conversation, activities, networking, office hour opportunities with grant funding organizations, as well as a lite breakfast, luncheon, full-day exhibit hall, the Awards for Excellence ceremony and poster session, and more! Register now.

Thomas Cole Announces New Digital Guide

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill has announced the launch of a new digital guide to the site with Bloomberg Connects featuring photos, videos, and audio from world-renowned contemporary artists and curators. The new guide also includes voice audio of Thomas Cole's original writing brought to life by the Hollywood actor Jamie Bell. Find out more.

Registration is Now Open for Path Through History

On the weekend of October 12-14, New York will celebrate Path Through History Weekend. Events will take place throughout New York State. The statewide "Path Through History," initiative links historically and culturally significant sites, locations, and events throughout New York State. This effort to highlight our rich heritage aims to not only showcase the state's history and cultural significance but also promote tourism and economic development in communities across the state. Learn more about registering your event.

Important Reminders

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

2024 Hudson River Symposium: Ecosystem Monitoring

State of Hudson River Ecosystem

October 8, 2024: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook New York

Long-term monitoring surveys provide critical information about different fish habitats, species, life stages, food sources, and environmental conditions of the Hudson River. During this one-day symposium presented by the Hudson River Environmental Society, researchers will discuss the biological monitoring of the past, review current ecosystem monitoring activities, hear about new and innovative ways to monitor biological systems, and learn about efforts to design the next-generation comprehensive ecosystem monitoring program of the Hudson River. Register for the symposium.

Upcoming Events

Rondout Sightseeing Cruise, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY

September 26-29: Tour Rondout Creek Aboard a 100% Solar Powered Boat! Explore the many sights on Rondout Creek and learn about its rich past and connection to the Hudson River. More info.

Brilliant and Bristly Buckmoths, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY

September 27: Join a hike to discover the amazing world of buck moths. The buck moth is a large, beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time in early fall. Find out more.

"Go Back and Get It," a 2-Part Historic House Tour Examining Black Impacts and Experiences, Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY

September 28: In this program, we will use the concept of Sankofa to guide discussions around reconstructing this previously erased history. More details.

Cycle Back in Time on the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail, North Chatham Trolley Depot, North Chatham, NY

September 29: Join the Hudson River Valley Greenway for our inaugural guided trail ride on AHET! Learn more.

The Light in Our Eyes: Youth Visions of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, Athens Cultural Center, Athens, NY

October 4: Commemorate the 150th birthday of this iconic beacon, with student artwork, and poetry, an actor will perform a monologue on the life of Augustin Fresnel, and more. Read more.

Invasive Plant Management Tips and Techniques Workshop, Welch Trail Education Center, Harriman, NY

October 5: In this workshop, you will learn to help protect native plants and wildlife by learning how to identify and remove invasive plants. More details.

State of Hudson River Ecosystem, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY

October 8: During this symposium, you will look at the biological monitoring of the past, review current ecosystem monitoring activities, hear about new and innovative ways to monitor biological systems, and more. Learn more.

Board Meeting for the Hudson River Valley Greenway, Henry A. Wallace Center, Hyde Park, NY

October 9: The joint Board Meeting for HRVG will highlight some of our recent work, include presentations from partner organizations, and more. RSVP now.

Flag Changing Ceremony, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY

October 13: 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, Manhattanville University, Purchase, NY

October 15: The conference will be a full day of learning, conversation, activities, networking, office hour opportunities with grant funding organizations, and more. More info.

Tree Identification Walk, Gardiner Library, Gardiner, NY

October 18: Join a Park Educator, for a tree identification walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Read more.

Mountain Ave and Nelsonville Cemetery Tour, Mountain Avenue Cemetery Gate, Cold Spring, NY

October 19: 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, Henry A. Wallace Center, Hyde Park, NY

October 22: 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, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain, NY

October 26: Come to the bear den to make bear treats, then watch the bears explore their den full of Halloween-themed enrichment. Learn more.

Heritage Spotlight: Montgomery Place at Bard College, Dutchess County

Montgomery Place was built in 1804 by Janet Livingston Montgomery, the widow of Richard Montgomery, the first general officer killed in the Revolutionary War. In the 1840s (and again in the 1860s), Alexander Jackson Davis reconstructed the house, turning the federal-style home into a Classical Revival mansion, adding porches, urn-capped balustrades, and one-story wings. The open porch on the house’s north side is considered the first outdoor room in America. With advice from Andrew Jackson Downing, the 434-acre grounds also went through changes, and an arboretum was planted, scenic trails and carriage roads were laid out, and gazebos and rustic seats were sited for viewing the mountains, river, and a nearby waterfall. In the 20th century, a series of formal gardens were planted. Both trails and gardens have been restored, and the grounds are available for a stroll, hike, or picnic. Bard College purchased the property in 2016 and it is now part of Bard's nearly 1000-acre campus.  Learn more.

Project Spotlight: Town of Easton Comprehensive Plan - Phase I Visioning



The Town of Easton in Washington County received a Community Planning Grant to complete a Phase I: Visioning Report to update their 1984 Comprehensive Plan. A comprehensive plan for the Town of Easton was completed in 2008 but was never adopted. In that time, the Town has undergone significant shifts in agriculture and economic needs, along with new pressures for solar farms. In addition, homes and property within Easton have been purchased at higher rates since the pandemic. Through Phase 1, the Town of Easton sought to achieve balanced and diversified community input by utilizing various outreach methods to solicit participation. Including engaging the community in meetings, focus groups, surveys, and interviews. Phase 1 will allow the Town to evaluate progress made over the last 40+ years, identify gaps, prioritize the community’s next steps, and leverage future funding opportunities. Learn more about the Visioning Report.

Greening Your Business: Manage Your Waste Effectively

Prevent waste, maximize resources, and increase efficiency. Give your company a competitive edge by implementing solid waste reduction and recycling into your everyday business practices. Generators of hazardous waste may also save money by using these resources to reduce hazardous waste. Learn more.

More Grant and Funding Opportunities

2024 Good Jobs Challenge

The Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. The awardees funded by the Good Jobs Challenge expand opportunities across diverse populations, regions, and communities, focusing on coordinated and comprehensive approaches to removing systemic barriers for workers through support services such as childcare and transportation, and opening doors to a variety of paid on-the-job training opportunities. Deadline: September 27, 2024. More details.

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program

The RCP Program focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals. Deadline; September 30, 2024. Read more.

Bridge Investment Program, Planning and Bridge Project Grants

The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibility to create opportunities for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds. Alongside states and federal lands management agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and local and tribal governments can also apply directly to FHWA, making it easier to advance projects at the local level that meet community needs. Deadline: October 1, 2024. Learn more.

Technical Assistance Grants

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 

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 info.

Heritage Collections Care Consortium - Emergency Management for Heritage Collections Scholarship 

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.

The Council on Library and Information Resources - Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives Grant Program

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

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

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

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

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

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 Westchester and Putnam 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. 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.

RuggedRidge 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.

Kevin M. Burke, Chair, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,

Co-Chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Margaretta “Meg” Downey, Chair, Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Co-Chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Andy Kitzmann, Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway,

Director, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area