Last month, we launched a new series—Relearning Highlands History—about the history of the land we work to conserve. Our first story is of Chief Nimham and the Wappinger Tribe’s challenge to the Philipse Patent, covering what is now Putnam County. Look out for the next article in the series, introducing stories of slavery in our region that many people don’t know about, later this month.

With this series and other new diversity initiatives, we join land trusts across the country that are stepping up to tackle historic influences on land access, use and ownership. Andrew Bowman, the president of the Land Trust Alliance, addressed the importance of this work during his keynote speech at this week's Rally, during which he also recognized HHLT's efforts.

You can read Andrew's full statement on our Facebook page.

There's still time for you to become a Nature Time star! Throughout the rest of this month, we invite you to visit your favorite public open space in the Hudson Highlands—or even your own backyard—and make your own Nature Time video. A great opportunity to get outdoors, get creative, and, most importantly, have fun with the whole family!

Participation is FREE and every video submission is eligible for a prize. Videos and photos should be submitted to Ashley Rauch by October 31st. Read more about the challenge on our website or in The Highlands Current. We can't wait to see the Hudson Highlands through YOUR eyes!

Over the past several months, we have been working with The Chazen Companies and leaders from the Village of Cold Spring on a water supply study for the Village's water district. As part of this study, we looked at the current capacity of the district to service both current and potential future water demands. Along with Chazen, we presented our findings during this month's Village Board meeting. You can watch a recording of the meeting and download the full water report to learn more about our local water supply.

Granite Mountain Preserve will be closed from November 21st through November 29th for the 2020 deer hunting program. During that time, only hunters with valid HHLT permits will be allowed to access the Preserve. The Preserve will be reopened to visitors on Monday, November 30th.

Please visit our website for more information on the deer hunting program. Thank you to the hunters for helping to manage the deer population in Putnam Valley and to the community for respecting this temporary closure.

Climate Smart Philipstown, the Ecological Citizens Project and the Philipstown Garden Club are hosting a FREE webinar on reducing the carbon footprint of your home to zero on Tuesday, November 10th, at 7pm. The program will be led by David Green, an Oxford educated physicist and Harvard MBA who successfully converted his own home to a zero carbon footprint and saved money in the process. He will share his specific recommendations and a few key changes you can make to your homes now to drastically reduce your home's energy needs and reduce carbon emissions. All participants will receive a free copy of David's eBook, "Zero Carbon Home." Register via Eventbrite.