September 2014

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Barnabas McHenry, Chair Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area

Sara Griffen, Acting Chair Greenway Conservancy, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area

Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director Greenway, Acting Director National Heritage Area  

 

In This Issue

What's New?            Upcoming Grant Opportunities        Regional Events 

Heritage Spotlight              Project Spotlight                Green Tip Of The Month 

What's New?New

The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area presents its 2014 Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble, each weekend in September. Now in its 15th year, the Hudson River Valley Ramble brings people outside to enjoy the Valley's distinct cultural heritage and scenic beauty during the Northeast's most beautiful time of the year. Events include guided hikes, cycling and kayaking tours, historic site walks, festivals and river explorations. With more than 200 events being offered this year, there is something for everyone. The Ramble is produced by the Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area in partnership with nearly 200 organizations that host Ramble events. Visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com to find an event! 


  

Hudson River School Featured on US Postal Service American Treasures Stamps

The Hudson River School is the subject of 2014 series of American Treasures stamps from the United States Postal Service. This year's series of Forever Stamps features paintings by Hudson Valley artists Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, Frederic Edwin Church, and Thomas Moran, who helped give America its first major school of art in the 19th century. These stamps are available at the Museum Shop of Olana, a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area site, and are a great way to enjoy and promote the beauty and cultural heritage of the Hudson Valley.


 

Re-enactment Day at Constitution Island

Courtesy of Bob Fagan/USIAVIDEO
Reenactment Day on Constitution Island was once again a rousing success this year, welcoming about 450 attendees and participants to this popular annual event. Reenactment Day 2014 featured food and drink, children's games, storytellers, and speakers - but the real highlight was the great variety of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and impeccably authentic reeanactors putting on an all-day show in full uniform. Making special appearances this year were "General George Washington" and aide-de-camp "David Humphreys", "President and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln", Confederate Lieutenant General "James Longstreet", and reenactors representing the 5th New York Regiment of the Continental Line from the American Revolution, the American Civil War-era Zouaves of the 5th New York Volunteer Regiment, and artillery from the 6th New York Independent Battery. These units were joined by cadets and instructors from United States Military Academy Hellcats drum and bugle corps, and the Black Knight rifle drill team. 
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is proud to support the Constitution Island Association in this important living history event. 
Heritage SpotlightHeritageSpot

DutchLady

Dutch Colonial Heritage in the Hudson River Valley

2014 is an important anniversary year commemorating two bookending events in Dutch colonial history in New York: the founding of Fort Nassau at the site of present-day Albany in 1614, and the British capture of Nieuw Amsterdam - the settlement that would become the City of New York - only fifty years later. The Hudson River Valley is undoubtedly the greatest heir to the legacy of the short-lived New Netherlands colony, and museums, architecture, historic sites, and other vestiges of the region's enduring Dutch legacy can be found along the Hudson at every turn. From the earliest surviving colonial structures, to the latter-day homes of prosperous Dutch families and the lasting influence of Dutch style on local architecture, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area offers an abundance of destinations celebrating the Dutch Age of Discovery found nowhere else in the world. 

 

2014 is the perfect year to discover the Dutch heritage of New York by visiting any number of National Heritage Area sites and events as part of the 15th annual Hudson River Valley Ramble. Experience 18th-century Dutch New York with the Tappantown Historical Society's Annual Colonial Day at the DeWint House, the Colonial Dutch Homestead at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum, the Harvest Faire at Crailo State Historic Site, or witness the traditional Dutch family life of the Broncks at the Bronck Museum, just some of the many Dutch heritage events featured in the 2014 Hudson River Valley Ramble. 

 

To learn more about this important chapter in American history, explore "The Hudson: The River that Defined America", an interactive map courtesy of National Geographic.
Project SpotlightProjectspot

Glass Lake Public Fishing Access Area

The Town of Sand Lake has just opened a newly constructed fishing and boating area on one of the most treasured natural resources in the seven lakes district of Rensselaer County. The Glass Lake Public Fishing Access Area was completed in July and affords recreational boaters and fishermen an attractive and professionally designed access point to this scenic lake near the outlet of the Wynantskill Creek. The parking lot, cross walk, signage, fencing, and ADA-compliant footpath that comprise this recreation area were constructed and landscaped by Albany engineering and firm Barton & Loguidice. The Glass Lake Public Fishing Access Area was funded in part from a $7,500 Greenway Communities Grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway.

Upcoming Grants and Other OpportunitiesGrants

Greenway Communities Grant Program

Financial assistance (approximately $5,000-$10,000) to designated "Greenway Communities" within the Greenway Area. Projects funded under this program include those that relate to community planning, economic development, natural resource protection, cultural resource protection, scenic resource protection, and open space protection. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by 5:00 PM: December 5, 2014; February 6, 2015; May 8, 2015; September 11, 2015.


 

Greenway Compact Grant Program

Funding for municipalities that develop, approve, and implement a regional compact strategy consistent with the Greenway criteria and the Greenway act. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by 5:00 PM: December 5, 2014; February 6, 2015; May 8, 2015; September 11, 2015.


 

Hudson River Improvement Fund 2014 Call for Proposals

The Hudson River Improvement Fund supports projects that promote and enhance the public use and enjoyment of the natural, scenic and cultural resources of the Hudson River and its shores. Awards are primarily directed to physical projects that require capital construction, development or improvement. The Fund is particularly interested in projects that will have a lasting positive impact on waterfront access, education and habitat restoration. Deadline: September 15th. For more information, visit www.hudsonriver.org/hrif or call (212) 483-7667.


 

National Trust Preservation Funds - October
Grants from the National Trust Preservation Funds encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for planning and education projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for particular projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private and public sectors. Grants range up to $5,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar match. Full eligibility requirements and grant guidelines, along with a link to our application, can be found at www.preservationnation.org/funding. Deadline: October 1st.
 

EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grant
The Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the availability of funding to eligible entities to develop area-wide plans for brownfields assessment, cleanup, and reuse. The proposal submission deadline is September 22nd. More information on EPA's BF AWP Grant program can be found here.


 

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

This program from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides funding for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of docking, mooring, and other facilities for transient, recreational boats 26 feet or greater in length. Deadline: September 19. For more information, see the Tier 1 and Tier 2 grant pages.


 

2015 Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise Program

The Department of Commerce announces the solicitation of proposals under the Ecological Effects

of Sea Level Rise (EESLR) Program to improve the management of regional and local ecosystem effects of sea level rise and coastal inundation through targeted research on key technologies, natural and nature-based infrastructure, physical and biological processes, and model evaluation. Deadline: November 18th. More information on the EESLR Program can be found here.

 

Museums in Action 2015: Museums Mean Business - Call for Proposals
The Museum Association of New York (MANY) is soliciting session and workshop proposals for its April 2015 annual conference in Corning, New York. The theme of the upcoming conference is the museum as an economic engine. For more information, visit the MANY conference website.

Master of Science in Engineering Management Program at Clarkson University
Clarkson University's Master of Science in Engineering Management program is expanding this fall. The two-year, 30-credit hybrid program, designed for rising at-work professionals, focuses on building expertise in project management, financial management, quality management, and operations management. Students meet with faculty in-person at the start of each semester and continue interactions online, building a sophisticated learning community with Web-conferencing, email, social media, and other innovative technologies. For more information, visit the program website.


 

Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities

The Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections (SCHC) grant program of the National Endowment for the Humanities helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration and prolong the useful life of collections. Deadline: December 3rd. For more information, visit the program website


 

Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (Ongoing)
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invite municipalities and non profit conservation organizations to apply for Farmland Protection funding. Prequalification for all not-for-profits is required; all municipalities interested must register on the State's new Grants Gateway website.

New York State Conference of Mayors Grant & Award Opportunities (Ongoing)
New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials provide access to several ongoing grant and award opportunities. NYSCOM shares several links to federal, state, private foundation, and corporate grant and award programs.
Regional Events events

Calendar of Events: September 2014

 

September: The Hudson River Valley Ramble

The 2014 Hudson River Valley Ramble, a month-long weekend events program organized by the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, continues for its 15th year. For details, visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com.

 

September 7
Lichens and Mosses Hike at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join naturalist Eric Van Deusen on a trek to find lichens and mosses along the banks of the Peter's Kill at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Call (845) 255-0752 for required registration and further information.

September 17 and 18
Conference: Water Resources Infrastructure - A Critical Piece of Community Development, at Honor's Haven Resort, Ellenville
The Community and Regional Development Institute and NYS Water Resources Institute present this conference on water resource infrastructure, including discussions and workshops to inform decision-making in support of sustainable community and economic development. For more information, visit the Cornell University Community and Redevelopment Institute.

September 20
Bus Daytrip: Historic Cemeteries in Ramapo
The Historical Society of Rockland County presents a daytrip by bus to the historic cemeteries of Ramapo, including Brick Church, West Ramapo, and Iron Works. For more information, call (845) 634-9629, or email info@rocklandhistory.org.

September 20 and 21
Harvest Festival at Knickerbocker Mansion, Schaghticoke
These day-long events include the Hudson River Valley Ramble historic Devil's Chimney Walk, breakfast and dinner, mansion and cemetery tours, and baked goods and harvest produce for sale. For more information, call (518) 664-1700 or visit www.knickmansion.com

 

13th Lower Hudson Valley Native American Heritage Celebration, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park

The Redhawk Native American Arts Council will host The Lower Hudson Valley Native American Heritage Celebration at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, in Yorktown Heights. This fall solstice event is the largest Native American gathering in the Lower Hudson Valley and hosts over 1,000 Native American artists, performers and educators from across the Americas. For two days, they will be demonstrating the finest in Native American song, dance, drumming, food, art and crafts. 

 

September 21
Mushroom Identification Walk at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join trip leaders from the Mid-Hudson Mycological Society on an educational, non-foraging mushroom identification walk along the Beacon Hill Carriage Road at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Call (845) 255-0752 for required registration and further information.

September 21
Vanderbilt Mansion Landscape and Garden Tours
In this program, interpreter-guides will discuss the history of the gardens, Vanderbilt ownership, and the ongoing work by the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association in maintaining garden plantings. For more information call (845) 229-7770 or visit www.vanderbiltgarden.org.
(also October 19)

September 27
PALMAS Performance at Manitoga of the Russel Wright Design Center, Garrison
Artist Melissa McGill presents a site-specific sound installation of flamenco-inspired music, song, and dance in the beautiful setting of the Russel Wright Design Center. Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com.

September 27
Northeast Dutchess Community Days at Innisfree, Millbrook
Residents of select Northeast Dutchess County communities will offered free admission to Innisfree Garden, a Chinese-style landscape garden in Millbrook. For reservations and more information, please email office@innisfreegarden.org.

September 28
Discover Ancient Lake Minnewaska at Minneswaska State Park Preserve
Join Vassar College professor Kirsten Menking for a glimpse into the climate history of the Hudson Valley, including a presentation on fossil evidence and a walk to look for evidence of past glaciers. Call (845) 255-0752 for required registration and further information.

September 28
Rensselaerville Cycling Festival, Rensselaerville
Named one of "The 11 Best Gran Fondos in America" by Men's Journal, the Rensselaerville Cycling Festival includes not only a bike ride, but barbecue, a festival market, live music, brewing demonstrations, fun for kids, a guided hike of the Huyck Preserve, and prizes. For details and registration, visit www.rensselaervillecycling.com.

Ongoing Events

 

Clermont's Imagined Histories: Photographs, Paintings, and Sculptures by Robert Hite at Clermont State Historic Site

Clermont State Historic Site presents an exhibition of artwork by Guggenheim Fellow winning artist Robert Hite. Hite's paintings, sculptures, and photographs will be on display at both the visitor center and the historic mansion. Opening reception on September 7. For more information, visit www.friendsofclermont.org. Through October 13th.

 

Master, Mentor, Master: Thomas Cole & Frederic Church 

On view April at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. This is the first exhibition to explore one of the most influential teacher-student relationships in the history of American art - that between the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, Thomas Cole (1801-1848) and his most celebrated student and successor, Frederic Church (1826-1900). Through November 2nd.
 

Prospect of America: Selections from the Edgar Holloway Art Collection at the Rensselaer County Historical Society, Troy
At the urging of Rev. Thomas Phelan, English artist Edgar Holloway spent three summers in the 1970s documenting the imperiled historic buildings and street scenes of the Collar City in watercolor and etchings. These works are now on display at the Rensselaer County Historical Society. For more information, call (518) 272-7232 or visit www.rchsonline.org. Through December 20th. 


October

The next Board Meeting of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley will be held on October 8, 2014, at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home.

 

To have your event included in future editions of the newsletter and on hudsonrivervalley.com, please enter upcoming event information here.
Green Tip Of The MonthGreenTip

Make Hiking Safety a Priority This Fall

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference reminds hikers that not only is fall a wonderful time to explore outdoors, it is also hunting season in the Northeast. Remember to wear blaze orange when hiking and know the areas where hunting is permitted. Read more of their tips for hiking safety here.


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