Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area,
J. Winthrop Aldrich, Acting Chairman Greenway Council, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area
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Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
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Important Reminders
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Greenway Planning, Greenway Trail, and Heritage Development Grant Applications are Due September 2, 2022. More details.
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Register an Event for the Hudson River Valley Ramble to be Featured on Our Website and Social Media. Submit an Event.
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Does Your Organization Own or Manage a Trail? Designate Your Trail as an Official Part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail System. Learn more.
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This September is the 22nd Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble
The Hudson River Valley Ramble is back for its 22nd annual event series this September. Each year, the Hudson River Valley Ramble brings tens of thousands of people outside to enjoy the Hudson Valley’s distinct cultural heritage and scenic beauty during the Northeast’s most beautiful time of the year. The Ramble provides people of all ages an opportunity to experience the cultural landscape of the Hudson River Valley by hiking a trail, visiting a historic site, or paddling on the river. For a complete listing of events, visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com.
Ramble events are led by naturalists, ecologists, historians, geologists, and trained volunteers from nearly 100 organizations. Events include hikes, walking tours, paddles, festivals, historic site tours, open houses, and family-friendly activities. The Hudson River Valley Ramble celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscapes, communities, and trails throughout the region.
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Kayaker Paddles From Buffalo to Manhattan in 31 Days
In June, the Hudson River Valley Greenway fielded a call from Alan Jay, who just completed paddling the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Waterford with his brother-in-law Michael. The next day Alan would start his solo adventure paddling the mighty Hudson River towards New York City, but he forgot an important tool: his Hudson River Water Trail Guide.
Luckily, the Greenway made arrangements to meet him at the Corning Preserve Boat launch while he was passing Albany to deliver his guidebook. Alan explained how interesting and magnificent his trip on the Erie Canal was and how he was getting an idea on how to use ebb to his advantage on the Hudson.
You might be asking, what is ebb and how does it help Alan? Below the Federal Dam in Troy and to the Atlantic Ocean the Hudson River is a tidal estuary. Tides create currents in ocean inlets and rivers that connect to the ocean, which can create eddies and rough water conditions. These currents are created by ebb (outgoing) and flood (incoming) tidal flows. Alan wanted to use the ebb, which pulls towards the ocean to reduce resistance and provide a boost in speed while paddling.
In 31 days (with stops because of weather), Alan was able to paddle from Buffalo to the Statue of Liberty. Not long after Alan arrived, he got too close to the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. Coast Guard sped toward him with flashing lights to warn him to paddle away from Liberty Island. Alan quickly turned around and paddled toward Liberty Island State Park on the New Jersey shore. All water within 150 feet of Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Ellis Island Bridge are safety and security zones where vessels must have permission to transit through.
Alan is one of many paddlers that take on these strenuous adventures that take time, planning, and caution. Alan and his brother-in-law created an itinerary going through their experiences to help him remember his adventure and to share his experiences with others. You can find their itinerary with pictures here.
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New Drivers Must Now Learn About Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Awareness
On July 15th, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to require new drivers to learn about pedestrian and bicyclist safety awareness as a component of the pre-licensing exam and as a prerequisite for obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle.
This huge win for pedestrians and cyclists requires a pre-licensing course that includes an overview of traffic laws governing motor vehicle operators' duty to exercise care with respect to pedestrians and bicyclists. This legislation also requires that pedestrian and bicyclist safety be added to the Department of Motor Vehicles instruction handbook. Read the full press release.
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Canalway Challenge is in Full Motion
During the first week of July, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor announced that 862 Canalway Challenges have been created (including individuals, teams, and organizations) with 142,994 miles pledged since the beginning of this year's challenge.
The Canalway Challenge is a free program open to people of all fitness levels. Different challenges include 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, 360 miles, and one mile for people with mobility challenges. Participants can complete the challenge in one big trip or many small ones along the NYS Canal System.
Sign up for the Canalway Challenge to Trace History, Track Miles, and discover more than 500 miles of waterways and trails! Visit www.canalwaychallenge.org for more info.
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News From Our Partners at the Hudson River Estuary Program |
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Important Reminders
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Check Out NYSDEC's New Video: Where Does Our Water Come From and Where Does it Go? Watch Now.
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NYSDEC Awards $255,240 to Reduce Localized Flooding and Improve Habitat
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has awarded $255,240 in funding for two projects to develop regional municipal management plans and designs to improve inadequate road-stream crossings (culverts and bridges) at priority sites for flood mitigation and/or stream habitat for fish in Ulster and Rensselaer counties. Funding for these projects is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program in partnership with the New England Water Pollution Control Commission.
Ulster County was awarded $125,464 to develop an interactive map and prioritization web tool to allow county and municipal decision-makers to address current and future inadequate road-stream crossings.
Trout Unlimited was awarded $129,776 to identify priority road-stream crossing replacement projects that reconnect high-quality aquatic habitats and improve community flood resiliency and road infrastructure condition within the town of Berlin, Grafton, and Brunswick in Rensselaer County. Read more.
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Upcoming Events
*Please note that, while many heritage sites in the Hudson Valley have begun to reopen cautiously due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some sites are still closed or have reduced hours. Please call the individual sites directly to inquire about their current status. New York State Parks remain open. While enjoying the outdoors, please follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19.
Going to an Event by Train? Download the Hudson River Train Tour App!
Between New York City and Albany, a world of history, nature, and culture awaits you. And there’s no better way to experience it all than by riding a train through the Hudson Valley. With the new, free Hudson River Train Tour app, you’ll discover what’s out that train window…and beyond. Learn more.
Baldwin Memorial Lean-To Work Trip, Mount Tremper, Phoenicia, NY
August 4-8: Trail Conference Catskills Lean-to Crew Leader Eric Friedman will be leading a work trip to the Baldwin Memorial Lean-to on Mount Tremper to make some much-needed improvements following damage from the winter season. Learn more.
Kingston Public Sail, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY
August 5: Explore the Hudson River for two unforgettable hours aboard America’s Environmental Flagship, from historic riverfront towns, with live music from local Hudson Valley artists. More info.
Community Day, FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Hudson, NY
August 6: You are invited you to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, and the diverse community in Hudson with new exhibits opening, exciting demonstrations, and lots of surprises, it’s a party you won’t want to miss! Read more.
Caves and Karst, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
August 6: You will travel to the east end of the Indian Ladder Trail and descend to the Minelot Falls area to observe the limestone layers and the resurging underground streams. More details.
Create Your Own Badge Of Military Merit, Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh, NY
August 7: In honor of the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, the public is offered a take-home craft opportunity - make your own Badge of Military Merit. Find out more.
Champlain Canalway Cycling Carnival, Hudson Crossing Park, Schuylerville, NY
August 7: Come for a family fun, action-packed afternoon. There will be games and lots of fun! Learn basic bicycle maintenance, helmet fitting, and riding skills. Read more.
Mossy Glen Summertime Loop Hike, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
August 9: Join an Environmental Educator, for a 3.5-mile loop hike on the Mossy Glen Footpath and Lower Awosting Carriage Road. More info.
Full Moon Hike, Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY
August 11: Join this full moon program to hike through the park and talk about all things nighttime like nocturnal animals and what goes on outside while we sleep. More details.
Vanaver Caravan SummerDance Performance, Opus 40, Saugerties, NY
August 12: A performance from the remarkable young people who take part in Vanaver Dance’s weeklong program at Opus 40. Read more.
Free LIVE MUSIC Concert, Taconic State Park, Millerton, NY
August 13: Town of Northeast Millerton Library Presents Twilight Music on the Pond Concert Series with The Mia Brazilian Jazz Ensemble. Learn more.
Evening Battlefield Lantern Walk, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY
August 13: Follow in the footsteps of the attacking American forces as the sounds of musket and cannon fire from the British camp echo around you. Walk with a guide and learn the details of the battle. Find out more.
The Great Connector Series: Double Dog Dare, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
August 14: On the bridge, Lynne Melaccaro from the SPCA will present How Communities Can Partner With Animal Shelters. More details.
I Bird NY- Early Morning Bird Walks, Five Rivers Environmental Services, Delmar, NY
August 18: Celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the birds of Five Rivers, including the fall migration. Read more.
Interpretive Walk for Children: The World of Horses at Staatsburgh, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
August 19: Join a children's hike on the grounds of Staatsburgh and learn the many roles that horses played on a Gilded Age estate. More info.
Bee Day, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
August 20: Meet the beekeeper at the Homestead's apiary to learn more about bees and beekeeping. Learn more.
Caves and Karst, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
August 20: Starting with the karst display, participants will come to understand the development of Thacher Park's unique landscape and the terms associated with them. Read more.
Landscape Highlights: A Walking Tour of Clermont’s Grounds, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
August 21: This moderate walking tour will take you to sites of interest all over the property. A great introduction to the property and the history of Clermont! Find out more.
Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association Monthly Star Party, Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY
August 26: Join this stargazing party in the West Beach parking lot. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars or use those provided by members. More details.
Military Arts Day, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, NY
August 27: Join a day-long presentation of 18th century "military arts". There will be cannon firings, while the troops of the 5th New York Regiment conduct their infantry drill and construct defensive works. More info.
Byrdcliffe Artist Residency Open Studios, Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, Woodstock, NY
August 27: Come experience work in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, writing, sound, and more, all amidst Byrdcliffe’s historic campus nestled in the Catskill mountains. Learn more.
Young at HeArt: Outdoor Artmaking Tour, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
August 30: During this eight-session course, participants will be invited to explore Olana's famous views, making art at the sites and viewpoints once experienced and designed by Frederic Church himself. Find out more.
Make Your Case and Tell Your Story: A Workshop to Build Grant Writing Skills (WEBINAR)
August 30 & 31: In this participatory workshop, the Museum Association of NY's Executive Director will guide attendees through the grant writing process to build skills and develop insights, including analyzing guidelines, outlining narratives, writing statements of need, and developing budgets. Read more.
Sunset Yoga, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
August 31: Relieve stress during an outdoor yoga session where you will explore the connection between breath and movement and learn the fundamentals that will help keep your practice safe and sustainable. More details.
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Heritage Spotlight: Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Orange County
On October 6, 1777, British, Loyalist and Hessian forces attacked Fort Montgomery and nearby Fort Clinton. The defending American Patriots, outnumbered 3 to 1, fought desperately until driven out of their forts at the points of the enemy bayonets. Visitors can learn about this important military post at the site’s museum, which showcases original artifacts and weapons as well as large-scale models of the fort and the attack. Archeologists have revealed many of Fort Montgomery’s remains, including stone foundations of barracks, the gunpowder magazine, and eroded redoubt walls. There is a spectacular view of the Hudson River from the Grand Battery, where reproduction cannons stand guard and are occasionally fired by the fort’s staff. The past comes alive at Fort Montgomery with living history demonstrations of artillery, musketry, music, and camp life activities. Learn more.
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Project Spotlight: Town of Bethlehem Comprehensive Plan Update
The Town of Bethlehem in Albany County received a Greenway Planning Grant to update its 2005 Comprehensive Plan, which was the Town's first ever comprehensive plan. This update identified potential infrastructure investments, revised zoning regulations to protect ecologically-sensitive areas, confronted climate change by setting goals to become more environmentally sustainable, and more. Many members of the community have addressed concerns of dramatic population growth in recent years. The plan specifically addressed increased population growth by building out an analysis of high, medium, and low growth scenarios based on zoning district designations and allowable land uses and density. The goal of this strategy was to understand the potential number of housing units, commercial and industrial space, loss of agricultural lands and open space that could occur and to identify future impacts on the Town's sanitary sewer, potable water, roadway capacity/traffic, schools, community services, and stormwater management. The goals and recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan Update help inform any potential Town Code changes that serve to maintain the quality of life and character that residents enjoy. Read the full plan.
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Don't Let that K-cup End Up in the Landfill
In the last decade, single-serve coffee makers using plastic coffee pods have made it into the homes of millions of Americans. They are quick, nearly mess-free, and overall super convenient, but they are not environmentally friendly. What are the solutions? There are reusable coffee pods, you could ditch single serve, or find a company that recycles plastic coffee pods. This NPR article discusses this issue in more detail. Check it out.
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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 September 2, 2022. More details.
Hudson River Valley Greenway Community Grant Program
Matching grants are available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: September 2, 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 September 2, 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.
Hudson Estuary Trees for Tributaries Program
Do you know of a stream that could benefit from having more trees along it? The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program offers free native trees and shrubs for planting along the tributary streams in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Deadline: August 1, 2022. More info.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Grants Program
The UAIP competitive grants initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Projects may target areas of food access; education; business and start-up costs for new farmers; and the development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production. Deadline: August 2, 2022. More details.
NEA's Our Town Creative Placemaking Grant Program
Through project-based funding, the program supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities. Our Town projects advance local economic, physical, or social outcomes in communities, ultimately laying the groundwork for systems change and centering equity. These projects require a partnership between a nonprofit organization and a local government entity, with one of the partners being a cultural organization. First Deadline: August 4, 2022. Find out more.
Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program
The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. There are three deadlines for this which are as follows:
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Large Bridge Project Grants must be submitted by August 9, 2022.
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Bridge Project Grants must be submitted by September 8, 2022.
Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants
Up to $65 million in funding is available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for fish passage projects that will remove in-stream barriers. This funding will support transformational projects that reopen migratory pathways and restore access to healthy habitats for fish around the country. In collaboration with NOAA, selected partners will use these funds to implement locally-led removals of dams and other in-stream barriers to rebuild sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species, enhance watershed health, and improve economic vitality. Deadline: August 15, 2022. More info.
School Bus Rebates: Clean School Bus Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Deadline: August 19, 2022. Learn more.
NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program
Support of up to $7,500 is available for conservation treatment
of paintings, works on paper (including individual drawings, watercolors, prints, or photographs), textiles (including costumes, domestic textiles, and upholstery), furniture, frames, sculpture, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects. Deadline: September 1, 2022. More info.
Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants
Up to $85 million in funding is available for habitat restoration and coastal resilience through the NOAA FY2022 Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity. This funding will prioritize habitat restoration actions that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, use natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms, promote resilient ecosystems and communities, and yield socioeconomic benefits. This funding opportunity will invest in projects that have the greatest potential to provide holistic benefits, through habitat-based approaches that strengthen both ecosystem and community resilience. Deadline: September 6, 2022. Find out more.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. In fiscal year 2022, up to $1 billion is available. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Deadline: September 15, 2022. More details.
Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Underserved Communities
Up to $10 million in funding is available for habitat restoration and resilience awards for underserved communities through NOAA’s FY2022 Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Underserved Communities Notice of Funding Opportunity. Through this funding, NOAA will engage underserved communities in habitat restoration activities that promote resilient ecosystems and communities. It will provide capacity for these communities to more fully participate in developing future transformational habitat projects. This engagement is intended to ensure that communities are integral to the visioning and decision-making for coastal habitat restoration projects affecting their communities, and that the benefits of such projects flow back to underserved communities. Deadline: September 30, 2022. More info.
Marine Debris Removal Grants
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $56 million to fund projects that remove marine debris to benefit marine and Great Lakes habitats and communities. This competition focuses on two priorities: removing large marine debris and using proven interception technologies to capture marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. Deadline: September 30, 2022. Learn 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.
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.
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.
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