We are delighted to announce that we have conserved a 16-acre priority property in Fishkill through an easement agreement with the property owner. The undeveloped property possesses scenic open space, forested lands, wildlife habitat, and two streams—all of which are now permanently protected.

Notably, this conservation easement is our first that recognizes the cultural significance of the property. Like much of the land in our mission area, the property is part of the ancestral lands of the Lenape and Delaware Nations, and it has even yielded artifacts attesting to their presence. The current property owner had a longstanding connection with the land, and he wanted to recognize its historical significance, in addition to permanently protecting it from development. So we worked with the landowner to add language to the easement that honors and protects the Native American heritage of the site. We hope to incorporate similar cultural terms into more easements going forward.

We launched the Relearning Highlands History series as part of our commitment to share and amplify stories of and from People of Color in the Hudson Highlands. Now a year after we first envisioned the series, we want to take the project one step further and bring these important stories “to life.” So we have begun to lay the groundwork for a digital heritage trail that will highlight sites relevant to the history of Black and Native Americans in the Hudson Highlands. This heritage trail will include historic sites east of the Hudson River spanning from Peekskill to Beacon, and create linkages to the existing African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County to the south, and the Dutchess County Equality Trail to the north.

Read more about the proposed Black and Native American Heritage Trail for the Hudson Highlands, including potential "stops" along the trail, on our website.

June 6 - 12 is the eighth annual New York Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW), sponsored by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. ISAW is an annual educational campaign to promote knowledge and understanding of invasive species and the harm they can cause, and empower people to help stop the spread.

This year, the week-long campaign features numerous in-person and virtual events. Another great way to get involved is by volunteering with your local Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM).

Speaking of invasive species, we are sad to report that Beech Leaf Disease has been identified at our Granite Mountain Preserve in Putnam Valley. The disease, which is caused by invasive nematodes (microscopic worms), is not very well understood and there is no known cure. It usually kills trees within a few years.

If you spot the telltale deep green stripes on any beech tree leaves in your area, please report your findings using nature apps like iNaturalist or iMapInvasives to help track the spread of the disease. You can also email photos and location information to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov.

Read more about Beech Leaf Disease, and how you can help stop the spread, in this Highlands Current article featuring our Director of Natural Resources, Nicole Wooten, and Brent Boscarino, the Invasive Species Citizen Science Program Coordinator for the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

This summer, Black Rock Forest (a partner in our New York Highlands Network) will once again welcome students between the ages of 11 and 15 for week-long learning experiences in nature at their "living laboratory" in Cornwall. Summer Science Camp will focus on understanding nature through observation and investigation. Classes are led by expert scientists and provide opportunities to explore college and career possibilities in the natural sciences while having fun outdoors.

Summer Science Camp is operating under a reduced schedule this year, with three week-long sessions between July 12th to July 30th. More information is available on the Black Rock Forest website. Class size is limited this year, so be sure to save a spot for your budding scientist soon!