News from HHLT: March 2020
Community Forum on Wildlife Pathways will take place April 26th at BIRE's Water Ecology Center
This year's Community Forum— Keeping Nature Connected: Building Wildlife Pathways in the Highlands—will take place Sunday, April 26th from 1-4pm at Clarkson University's Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries Water Ecology Center at Denning's Point State Park (199 Dennings Ave, Beacon, NY).

Come learn why keeping our lands and waters connected is so important—for us and for our wildlife—and how you can help in these conservation efforts. Our lineup of expert speakers includes:


Plus, representatives from local environmental groups will be on hand to share how our communities are responding to climate change, and what actions you can take to make a difference—NOW.

More information on the forum and online registration is available on our website.
Girl Scouts to lead cleanup at Nelsonville Preserve on April 25th
We are partnering again with the Hudson Highlands Girl Scouts to host an invasive species removal day at Nelsonville Preserve as their annual Earth Day community service event on Saturday, April 25th, from 10am-2pm. The Preserve, which is owned by the Village of Nelsonville and protected by the Open Space Institute, has always been a local treasure cherished by many in our community, but it is threatened by invasive plants. Please join us to help reclaim our community woods! The event is FREE and OPEN TO ALL members of the community.

A big thanks to all our partners for helping to make this community event possible: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Village of Nelsonville, Nelsonville Trails Committee, OSI, NY/NJ Trail Conference’s Lower Hudson PRISM, Sustainable Putnam, and Growing Haldane / Haldane PTA Garden Committee.

More information and online registration is available through Eventbrite.
Attention hikers! New Granite Mountain trail map available
We hope you’ve been enjoying the new trail system at Granite Mountain Preserve! Please be aware the trail blaze colors have recently changed.

Thanks to your feedback, the trail system now includes three same-color loops for hiking: a southern green trail loop, a yellow trail loop to Lookout Point, and a northern red trail loop. We are grateful to our intrepid group of Boy Scouts and volunteers who worked to re-blaze the trails last month.

The new trail map is available below and on our website. Please discard any old paper and digital (Avenza) maps you may have. See you on the trails!
Connect with nature using iNaturalist
Last week, our land team led a training on the popular nature apps iNaturalist and kid-friendly Seek at the Putnam Valley Free Library. If you missed the workshop, you can check out our iNaturalist guides for Apple and Android devices and then experiment using the apps in your own backyard. We're also planning a series of guided iNaturalist hikes on Granite Mountain over the summer during which you can further hone your skills.
Take-a-hike...on Granite Mountain!
Get outdoors and protect nature on a Take-a-Hike! Hikes showcase HHLT’s nature preserve, Granite Mountain Preserve, located in the heart of Putnam Valley. During the 2020 season, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the natural resources and scenic beauty of Granite Mountain through unique hikes, volunteer opportunities and other events. Highlights include:


Vernal Pools Hike | Friday, March 27th
Learn about woodland pools and the critters that depend on these unique habitats while searching for them in Granite Mountain.

Community Invasive Species Clean Up Day | Sunday, August 23rd
Grab your work gloves! Help us protect the native plants and wildlife in the Preserve while learning the importance of good land stewardship and invasive species management. This volunteer effort will be led by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference's Invasive Strike Force.

Birding Walk with Putnam Highlands Audubon Society | Saturday, October 17th
Observe the sights and sounds of the birds that make their homes in the Preserve, like the Yellow-throated Vireo, Great-crested Flycatcher and Indigo Bunting.


The full schedule is up on our website. Please email Ashley Rauch if you'd like to register for any hikes or if you'd like to be notified of pop-up hikes and new volunteer opportunities at Granite Mountain.
LOCAL EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Fresh Air Fund's Sugar Maple Celebration, March 28th
Discover the wonders of Sharpe Reservation at The Fresh Air Fund’s annual Sugar Maple Celebration on Saturday, March 28th at Camp Hidden Valley in Fishkill. This FREE, family-friendly event includes: maple sugaring demonstrations, nature discovery room, planetarium shows, live animal show, local crafts and food market, and their annual maple syrup judging contest. Call 845-897-4320 for more information.
Bedford2020's Earthshot 2030, April 19th
Registration is now open for Bedford2020's Earthshot 2030: Commit to Climate Action summit on Sunday, April 19th. Join over 1,000 neighbors, experts, policymakers, and activists in this earthshot effort and commit to local climate action!

HHLT protects the Hudson Highlands for all of us. You make it all possible.
Thank you for your support!

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust protects and preserves the natural resources,
rural character and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands.

Hudson Highlands Land Trust
20 Nazareth Way, P.O. Box 226, Garrison, NY 10524
(845) 424-3358