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

Scott Keller, Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway,

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

Important Reminders

• Greenway Planning, Greenway Trail, and Heritage Development Grant Applications are Due November 4, 2022. More details.

• Did You Participate in a Ramble Event this September? We Would Love Your Feedback. Learn more.

Announcement: Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant and Sponsorship Applications Going Online After Next Grant Round

Grant and sponsorship applications for all Hudson River Valley Greenway and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage grant programs, including Community Planning, Conservancy Trail, and Heritage Development Grants will be moving to an online platform starting November 5, 2022. This change is being made in part to help ensure we are receiving complete applications that may then be considered immediately. Currently, incomplete applications must be rejected.

All potential Grantees will be required to submit grant applications on the new online platform in order to apply for funding. The November 2022 Newsletter will have more details regarding this transition. Stay tuned!

Another Successful Ramble

The 22nd annual Hudson River Valley Ramble was a success with over 130 submitted events for the month of September. Events ranged from guided hikes, historic site tours, festivals, and more.

Thank you to everyone who participated in events and a special thanks to event leaders for helping us celebrate the history, culture, and natural resources of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area!

If you haven't already filled out comment cards, please do for a chance to win a prize and help us make the 22nd annual Hudson River Valley Ramble even more of a success.

Lastly, don't forget to like/follow the Hudson River Valley Ramble on Facebook and Twitter!

Governor Hochul Announced Unprecedented $150 Million in Capital Funding Opportunities to Open for Arts and Culture Organizations



On September 29th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new commitment of $100 million in capital funding for arts and culture organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts' (NYSCA) Capital Projects Fund.

This unprecedented investment includes $100 million in new, multi-year funding to facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking. It is the State's largest ever commitment to NYSCA for capital projects for the arts, following on already record-level funding for the arts in the FY 2023 Budget.

The application portal for these opportunities is now open and can be accessed on NYSCA's website, arts.ny.gov. NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the January 12, 2023 deadline. Read the full press release.

Important Reminders

• Register for the Hudson River Watershed Alliance Conference: Climate Change Impacts on Water in the Hudson Valley. Register Now.

Uncommon Fish in Haverstraw Bay and the Tappan Zee

Over the past few weeks of sampling young-of-year striped bass during the annual beach seine, Hudson River Fisheries crews have pulled in some uncommon fish from Haverstraw Bay and the Tappan Zee. With little rainfall until recently, these sites have been fairly salty, ranging from 7ppt (parts-per-thousand) to 15ppt during recent weeks. Two Blackcheek Tonguefish (Symphurus plagiusa), both caught at Tappan Zee sites, were a rare find from the most recent (September 12) beach seine. The Hudson River Fisheries Unit appears to have no record of these fish being caught in either the striped bass or shad (Alosine) young-of-year surveys over the past four decades of sampling. Photo of Blackcheek Toungefish by ElizaBeth Streifender.  See the full story.

Upcoming Events

Beatrice Glow, Daisy Quezada Ureña, Nafis M. White in Conversation (WEBINAR)

Available Now: Independent curator Rebecca Hart leads a panel discussion with three contemporary artists who are featured in Lyndhurst’s “Women’s Work” exhibition. Beatrice Glow, Daisy Quezada Ureña, and Nafis M. White. Find out more.

Weir Tour, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Ossining, NY

October 6: After a brief walk, descend into the Weir in Ossining and explore the original 1842 brick water tunnel and learn its history. More info.

Keeping it Fresh: Colonial Food Preservation, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY

October 8: Join reenactor Tom Hunt for a demonstration on what it was like to prepare for winter in the 18th and 19th centuries. Read more.

Dutch Apple Cruise: Meet The Schuylers, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany, NY

October 9: Meet the Schuylers, hear about squabbles with their neighbors, and learn about shipping and industry along the Hudson on the Dutch Apple Cruise Ship. Learn more.

Slavery, Segregation & Staatsburgh: From Black Service to White Servants, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY

October 10: Join Staatsburgh staff for a conversation about this transition from a Black presence at Staatsburgh during the early 19th century to an apparent absence during the Gilded Age. More info.

Coffee, Conversation, and the Climate (WEBINAR)

October 11: Join Katy Romita of One Small Stone for the start of a 7-week conversation on climate change–and, importantly, how we can be part of the solution. Read more.

Celebrate National Fossil Day, New York State Museum, Albany, NY

October 12: Learn about our state fossil, Eurypterus remipes; see common fossils from New York; and bring fossils from home for identification by the state paleontologist. More details.

Get to Know the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Preserves, Voorheesville Public Library, Voorheesville, NY

October 13: Sarah Walsh, Associate Director, will host a discussion and share information on the many physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature, local MHLC trails that are beginner-friendly, and ways visitors can have a positive and safe experience outdoors. Read more.

Rocky’s 5K, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY

October 15: Colorful fall foliage is the perfect backdrop for Rocky's 5K. Challenging hills and wide carriage roads make it the perfect race for experienced trail runners and first-timers alike. Learn more.

Winnakee Historic Barns & Working Farms Tour 2022, Old Stone Church, Rhinebeck, NY

October 15: History buffs, families, architecture aficionados, cyclists, and motorcyclists are invited to experience an up-close view of some of the region's most beautiful private and public spaces, highlighting the rural character that Winnakee works to protect. More info.

Catskills Trail Crew Work Trip At Indian Head, Tannersville, NY

October 16: Join the Catskills Trail Crew for some fun in the mud on the Long Path at the base of Indian Head! More details.

Page 73 Playwrights Staged Reading, David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center, Tarrytown, NY

October 19: Playwrights will introduce their work, followed by staged readings of excerpts by a cast of professional actors. Read more.

Art, Ecology, and Olana’s Native Forest (WEBINAR)

October 19: Sean Sawyer, President of The Olana Partnership will discuss how Frederic Church engaged with the emerging field of ecology in the 19th century. Find out more.

Digital Collections in Review: Rethinking Established Systems and Standards (WEBINAR)

October 21: Staff from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will discuss the process of evaluating digital collections system capabilities and metadata standards. More info.

Artillery Ablaze! 2nd NY Regiment & Lamb’s Artillery, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY

October 22: Watch soldiers conducting military drills, and talk with them about how the American Revolution was fought. Visit the 18th-century camp to learn about camp life from staff and the men and women of the 2nd NY Regiment. Find out more.

It Was Dark Back Then, Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, New Windsor, NY

October 22: Go see a 45-minute scary theatrical presentation between 6:00 - 10:30 PM and tour the grounds if you dare. More details.

Revolution on the Hudson, Pierson Par, Tarrytown, NY

October 22: Meet Revolutionary War soldiers, spies & trators, generals, and women. Explore a military encampment, watch blacksmithing, and more. Learn more.

Tuesday Trek: The Short and Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY

October 25: Go for an adventurous, six-mile guided hike to Gertrude's Nose and back on the same route. Learn more.

Outdoors Afterschool, Five Rivers Environmental Center, Delmar, NY

October 27: Meet in front of the visitor center to head out on an adventure. Each week will have a different theme and will include time to explore. Read more.

Orange County Public Meeting on Climate Resilience Planning (WEBINAR)

October 27: Orange County Planning Department is developing a County Resilience Plan to identify climate change risks and vulnerabilities. This is the third public meeting.  More details.

Halloweekend & Day of the Dead, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY

October 29 & 30: Trick or treat this year at the annual Halloweekend celebration and enjoy family-friendly activities! More info.

Haunted Trails, Opus 40, Saugerties, NY

October 29 & 30: On Halloween weekend, when the veil between our world and the other side is thin, the trails have a story to tell... Find out more.

Heritage Spotlight: Van Wyck Homestead Museum, Dutchess County

This Dutch Colonial house was built by farmer Cornelius Van Wyck in multiple phases, beginning with a simple one- to three-room dwelling in 1732 and ending with an elaborate addition sometime before 1757. When Fishkill

was chosen as the site of a supply depot to serve the northern branch of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, the home became the headquarters of the sprawling complex. It was visited by numerous dignitaries, including George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Here also occurred the mock trial of Continental spy Enoch Crosby, upon whose exploits James Fenimore Cooper allegedly based protagonist Harvey Birch in his novel, The Spy. Today, the home contains original woodwork, archaeological relics from the depot, 18th and 19th-century furniture, and portraits by noted itinerant painter Ammi Phillips. Displays also highlight various Colonial crafts, including woodworking and weaving. Learn more.

Project Spotlight: New Lebanon's Comprehensive Plan Revision

The Town of New Lebanon in Columbia County received a Greenway Planning Grant to revise the Town's 2005 Comprehensive Plan and implement recommendations that result from the revision process. The revision process was aided by documents that didn't exist in 2005, including an Open Space Inventory (2014), a Natural Resource Conservation Plan (2017), and maps created by Hudsonia through a grant with the Hudson River Estuary Program. The revision process focused on regional strategies for natural and cultural resource protection, economic development, public access, and heritage and environmental education. One strategy the plan focused on was leveraging the high number of vehicles that pass through New Lebanon on NYS Route 22 and U.S. Route 20 to spark economic development and help the town gain a sense of place by attracting visitors to enjoy the Town's amenities. Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan Revision.

EPA's WaterSense Products Program

WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent, third–party certification and meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance. When you use these water–saving products in your home or business, you can expect exceptional performance, savings on your water bills, and assurance that you are saving water for future generations. Just look for products bearing the WaterSense label at your local retailer. Check it out.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program

This grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. There is a new application for this program. Applicants should not use an older version. Applications are due November 4, 2022. More details.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program

Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: November 4, 2022. More info.

Heritage Development Grants

This grant program offers funding for programming, interpretation, and marketing projects that support the mutual goals of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and applicants. Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $7,500. Grant program guidelines and applications are available on the HRVNHA's website. Please note that staff time is eligible to be reimbursed, but only if that staff time is for the direct development of programming or interpretation, as identified in the grant application. We will be accepting applications with a November 4, 2022 submittal deadline. There is a new application for this program. Applicants should not use an older version.

National Heritage Area Sponsorships Available

The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complimenting the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage, and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the HRVNHA are eligible to apply. There is a new application and budget form that must be used and can be found on our website. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or 518-473-3835.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program

The EJ TCTAC Program provides grant funding to eligible applicants to establish technical assistance centers across the nation providing technical assistance, training, and related support to communities with environmental justice concerns and their partners. The new technical assistance centers will provide training, assistance, and capacity building on writing grant proposals, navigating federal systems such as Grants.gov and SAM.gov, and effectively managing grant funding. Deadline: October 4, 2022. Read more.

Regenerate New York Forestry Cost Share Grant Program

The purpose of this grant program is to support the regeneration of forests so they may continue to deliver vital services such as mitigating climate change, protecting air and water quality, and supporting the economy. Through Regenerate NY, landowners can apply for financial assistance for projects on their land that support the establishment and renewal of healthy forests. This is a cost share reimbursement program, so all costs must be incurred by the landowner or fiscal sponsor before they can be reimbursed.

Deadline: October 7, 2022. Read more.

Community Air Monitoring Capacity Building Grants

The Community Air Monitoring Capacity Building Grants will provide eligible not-for-profit community-based organizations located in or serving disadvantaged communities in Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Capital Region , Bronx, Manhattan, Rochester, Syracuse, Mount Vernon/Yonkers, Brooklyn, Queens, and Hempstead ​in developing or strengthening programs focused on reducing exposure and improving public health in communities most impacted by air pollution. Organizations can receive up to $100,000 in funding for, but not limited to, the development or strengthening for existing programs focused on reducing exposure and improving public health in communities most impacted by air pollution or supporting community engagement in the state's air monitoring program. Deadline: October 12, 2022. More details.

Arts Alive 2023 Grant Funding

The Arts Alive Grant category is one of ArtsWestchester’s most effective means of supporting arts activity for Westchester and Rockland County’s geographically, economically and ethnically diverse population. This funding opportunity helps to ensure that residents throughout Westchester and Rockland have access to the arts in their communities, particularly in areas where access is limited. Only available to artists and art organizations in Westchester and Rockland Counties. Deadline: October 18, 2022. Read more.

Rural Energy for America Program

This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Deadline: October 31, 2022. More info.

African American Civil Rights Grant Opportunity

The program will document, interpret, and preserve sites and stories telling the full story of the long struggle for African American civil rights from the transatlantic slave trade onwards across two separate grant funding opportunities. The NPS 2008 report, Civil Rights in America, A Framework for Identifying Significant Sites, will serve as the reference document in determining the appropriateness of proposed projects and properties. Deadline: November 8, 2022. Find out more.

DHPSNY Planning & Assessment Services

Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) offers Planning & Assessment Services in four major areas. These services are designed to support New York organizations in improving and advancing program efforts while forming strategies for future growth and development. DHPSNY’s Planning & Assessment Services consist of Archival Needs Assessments, Preservation Surveys, Condition Surveys, and Strategic Planning Assistance. In each instance, the services aim to improve adherence to best practices and are tailored to an organization’s unique circumstances. Deadline: November 11, 2022. Learn more.

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation. Deadline: November 15, 2022. More info.

2023 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants

The EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes, and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. Deadline: November 22, 2022. More details.

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program

Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) and the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) are seeking applications for the 2022 Community Planning Technical Assistance Program. The program offers CDTC and CDRPC staff time and expertise to local governments undertaking small-scale community planning initiatives. Only eligible for municipalities in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties. Deadline: Rolling basis until December. Find out more.

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.

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 

State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More info.