News from HHLT: April 2022
HHLT and Volunteers Help Amphibians Safely Navigate Seasonal Migration on the "Big Night"
Photo credits: HHLT (top left), Sophia Vechnyak (top right), Brian R. (bottom left), HHLT (bottom right)
Why did the salamander cross the road?

Each spring when the weather conditions get warmer and wetter, amphibians embark on a grand seasonal migration from their overwintering habitat toward their spring breeding grounds.

This journey is called the “Big Night," although it usually happens over several rainy evenings in early spring. When temperatures rise above 40 degrees, frogs and salamanders thaw out of their frozen wintry sleep and start hopping and crawling toward their preferred mating ponds. On a busy Big Night, amphibians can flood local roadways (pun intended). Dark and rainy conditions make them very hard for drivers to see, leaving them vulnerable to injuries and fatalities.

That’s why HHLT works with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and local volunteers to help amphibians safely cross local roadways. In late March, during a surprise downpour, we got some extra help. Katrina Shindledecker, HHLT’s Executive Director, and Nicole Wooten, HHLT’s Director of Natural Resources, were driving away from a Putnam Highlands Audubon Society event when slight sprinkles turned into heavy rain. Katrina and Nicole quickly parked and started helping frogs cross the road. They were thrilled to see many fellow party-goers coming to their aid—even though their party-appropriate attire was not exactly rainstorm-appropriate!

“Putnam Highlands Audubon is such a great partner!” Katrina said. “No one balked at us holding up this long line of cars. Instead, they jumped in to help, inching their cars forward when it was safe.”

This incredible natural phenomenon—and the many volunteers that came out to assure safe passage for these creatures—remind us of the responsibility we have to help wildlife cope with the challenges posed by the built environment.

Want to learn more about how you can help migrating amphibians? Visit the DEC's Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings resource page or contact HHLT.
From Built to Grown: Justice in Agriculture
Photo credit: Christine Ashburn
Demetrius James was born and raised in the Bronx, and after moving to the Hudson Highlands, he was inspired to bring green space to built environments and advocate for the reclamation of public space for agriculture in New York's urban food deserts. To do this, James is creating Project Oasis, which will address the need for urban agriculture and food apartheid solutions in many parts of New York City.

Learn more about Project Oasis and the work being done to make urban areas greener and healthier for future generations in the latest issue of Relearning Highlands History.

Meet the Author: Demetrius James; educator and writer, was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Currently living in Orange County, Demetrius is an aspiring urban farmer and is developing Project Oasis: an agricultural education program that strives to rebuild communities.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Hosts Highlands Lights at The Former Garrison Golf Club
The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) has partnered with local groups, including HHLT, to create Highland Lights, a celebration of art and nature at the former Garrison Golf Club. HVSF welcomes community members to attend a series of workshops where attendees will learn how to make beautiful paper lanterns inspired by nature and the works of Shakespeare. The lanterns will be displayed during a twilight procession along the paths of the golf course being held April 17. Learn more about the workshops and parade here.

And read about how HHLT recently protected 57 acres of the former golf course here.
Celebrate Earth Day at Community Events
Community groups and organizations across the Highlands region are hosting events to celebrate Earth Day and give Mother Nature a little extra love. Here are a few that we've got our eyes on:


Whether you attend an event or celebrate Earth Day on your own, we hope you find time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of spring in the Hudson Highlands!

And be sure to check out these other upcoming community events:


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