Andrea Maasik Joins HHLT's Regional River of Words Team

Volunteer for Riverkeeper Sweep 2012 

Living near the Hudson River, we benefit every day from its beauty, wildlife and recreational opportunities. The Riverkeeper Sweep is an opportunity to give back.  Riverkeeper is organizing volunteers for cleanups and other service projects on Sat., June 2, throughout the Hudson River region. 

HHLT Board Member James Hartford is Sweep Leader for the eastern shore in Philipstown.  This is a kayak cleanup, setting off from various points, from 8:00am to 1:00pm.  Contact James by email at James@riverarchitects.com for more information.

Edward Nugent is leading the Sweep (also a kayak cleanup) in Ft. Montgomery.  Volunteers should meet at 8:00am at Mine Dock Rd. For more information, email edward@nugentcm.com. 

As of press time, no local leader had been named for the Donahue Memorial Park region in Cornwall-on-Hudson, but interested volunteers can visit the Riverkeeper Sweep website for more information and to register.

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On Sat., Mar. 31, HHLT completed a conservation easement donation, protecting land that abuts Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Philipstown. This gift builds upon one neighbor's 2009 conservation easement and will soon be followed by a third on adjoining property. Together, these conservation easements will conserve a scenic 30-acre section of East Mountain Road South. They also illustrate how a group of landowners can work together to make a lasting positive impact--protecting not only land, but also wetlands and waterways, from the effects of suburban sprawl.

The natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands, coupled with its proximity to Manhattan, continues to leave this region at risk to significant development. The protection of neighboring parcels adjacent to parkland helps maintain wildlife corridors, protect natural resources and delicate ecosystems, while also creating the benefit afforded to the public through undisturbed forestlands.

"These donations illustrate how individual actions will determine what the Hudson Highlands will offer future generations," said Executive Director Andy Chmar. "It is our belief that those who come after us should enjoy the same beauty that we have during our time as stewards here."

Hudson Valley Farm to School Offers Pilot Program to Beacon Public School

Common Ground Farm and HVFS have partnered to bring the Chef in the Classroom program to the South Avenue Elementary School in Beacon this June.

Through this program, students are given the opportunity to work side by side with a professional chef and create a dish featuring a locally grown vegetable. The students get to sample their dish and name it. It is served in the cafeteria the following week for all the students in the school to try as a "Farmer's Choice" menu item.

For more information about Hudson Valley Farm to School Program, visit http://www.hvfs.org/p/about_23.html, or contact Sandy McKelvey at sandy@odara.com. 
  

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EPF Maintained in NYS 2012-2013 Budget

The Friends of New York's Environment, a broad partnership of more than 100 environmental, public health, agricultural, recreational and urban stakeholder groups, thanked the Governor and legislature on March 27 for maintaining the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $134
million in the state budget.

Enjoy the Tastes of Maple Sugar Season

Warm days and freezing nights, which allow sugar maple sap to flow and stop on a daily cycle, are ideal for sap collection. Trees are tapped throughout the Hudson Highlands as business and homeowners collect sap to make syrup for sale and personal enjoyment. Join the region's sugar maple celebrations and learn about the process which transforms tasteless sap to the amber-colored syrup. It's a real sweet deal.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum: Maple sugaring season begins with a festival on Sun., 3/4, from 10:30am-3pm at the Outdoor Discovery Center, on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Rd, in Cornwall, NY. The festival is free, but tours are $10/adult, $5/child (members, $6 and $3). The tours continue weekends through March 25. For more info, visit http://www.hhnaturemuseum.org/ or call 845/534-5506 x204.
 

Taconic Outdoor Education Center: The NY State Park facility hosts Sap to Syrup on Sun., 3/11 from 9:00am to noon. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and get a hands-on demonstration of tapping trees, boiling sap and producing syrup. And, don't miss the cross cut saw demos. Adults $7, children $5. Call 845/265-3773 for more information.
 

Niese's Maple Farm: Glen and Doreen Niese participate in the New York Maple Festival and Open House during the last two weekends in March each year. Tour their facilities, located at 136 Wiccopee Rd, Putnam Valley, NY, and you can enjoy maple syrup with breakfast or lunch. Visit http://niesesmaplefarm.com/, or call 845/526-3748 for more information.

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Young Poets Featured in the Poughkeepsie Journal

Poetry created by Garrison students during HHLT's River of Words in-school programs have recently been featured in two Poughkeepsie Journal Sunday editions. Published in the February 5th and 26th papers, they appear in a new section, My Valley, which focuses on environmental news from the Hudson Valley and the world.  

The newspaper is looking for submissions of artwork, stories and poems inspired by nature created by local children and teens. Send them to My Valley Editor Dugan Radwin, dradwin@poughkeepsiejournal.com, or P.O. Box 1231, Poughkeepsie, NY  12602.
 

Congress Agrees on Land Conservation

Three hundred U.S. Representatives, including Rep. Nan Hayworth, have co-sponsored the Conservation Easement Incentive Act (H.R. 1964). If passed, the act will make permanent a recently-expired tax incentive that helps organizations like HHLT work with modest income landowners to conserve important natural or historic resources in our community.

"The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is pleased that Representative Nan Hayworth has joined with so many of her colleagues to make this important conservation tool permanent," said HHLT Executive Director Andrew Chmar. "We have seen firsthand the dramatic impact the incentive has had in helping landowners permanently conserve their property, protecting natural resources and wildlife habitat in the Hudson Highlands, and across the nation. We look forward to working with Rep. Hayworth to get the bill passed."

Raise Your Voice in Support of Local Farms 

Join the growing movement and register for the No Farms No Food Rally, February 15, at the State Capitol, in Albany. Unite with farmers, local foods advocates, community leaders and others to tell Governor Cuomo and the state legislature how much we care about local farms and food.

Meet in person with our legislators and urge them to support funding and legislation to:

• Strengthen New York's Farm & Food Economy
• Protect Farmland & the Environment
• Increase Access to Locally Grown Food 

Register now at http://newyork.farmland.org/no-farms-no-food. A local foods lunch will be served.

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Listen to HHLT Educator Cathy Bakker on the Radio

Cathy Bakker shares her joy of winter hiking with Marilyn Miller during Get Fit Today on Friday, February 3, at 10:00am on  WLNA 1420am.  

"Although the temptation is to stay huddled at home, the Hudson Valley offers beauty in winter that is lost in spring," Cathy explains. "Hikers are able enjoy vistas available only when the trees are bare."

 Listen in on Friday morning to learn tips about staying warm and healthy while enjoying nature's winter offerings.  You can also stream the interview live on Hudson Valley Talk Radio, http://www.hvradionet.com.

Watch Eagles Soar at Croton Point Park

Teatown Lake Reservation hosts the 8th Annual Hudson River EagleFest on Saturday, February 4, from 9am to 4pm.

EagleFest Headquarters and all theaters will be located in heated tents at Westchester County's Croton Point Park, with additional eagle viewing sites located at the Croton train station boat ramp, George's Island in Montrose, and the Riverfront Green in Peekskill.
 

EagleFest coincides with the annual winter gathering of the bald eagle in the lower Hudson Valley and offers participants a chance to observe our national symbol up close in their natural setting. Adults and children attending EagleFest will learn about the bald eagle's natural history, recent recovery, and habitat needs through activities led by local experts and environmental conservationists.

For more information contact the EagleFest Headquarters at 762-2912, ext. 110, or http://teatown.org/eaglefest/index.htm.

Volunteering Opportunities at HHLT

What's your New Year's resolution?  Whether it's to get away from electronic devices, get outdoors or get more involved in your community, HHLT has a volunteer opportunity to fit your interest.

If you have a favorite trail, we'd love to include it in our Take-A-Hike! schedule. If you enjoy working outdoors, you can help with trail maintenance. Have a knack for organization and want to learn more about what we do? Stop by our office--we could use the clerical support.  Perhaps you'd rather volunteer for this year's Family Festival on June 9.  Or, you can help with our forays into social media.
 

We'll be looking for "people power" throughout the year, so please contact Kathy Hamel at 845/424-3358 or kathy.hamel@hhlt.org, and let us know your interests and schedule.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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Environmental Learning Continues Through the Winter in All Mission Area Public Schools

Even if the weather outside is frightful, HHLT's River of Words Educators are able to incorporate the environment into language art and science lessons.

The Poetry Intensive classes, designed by ROW Program Manager Lisa Mechaley and award-winning poet Irene O'Garden, is one example of the innovative programs offered by HHLT to area public schools.  This popular series of three classes can bring place-based learning indoors and plunges children deeply into the satisfying process of writing poetry with a focus on their connection to the Hudson River watershed.
  

To find out more about this and other River of Words in-school activities, contact Lisa Mechaley at 845/424-3358 or row@hhlt.org. 

Celebrate Winterfest, Sunday, Jan. 8

The snow drought continues, but the staff at Fahnestock Winter Park has scheduled lots of fun activities for the Winterfest, this Sunday, Jan. 8, from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

Activities include guided nature and winter bird walks, instructions on setting up a comfortable winter camp site and emergency backcountry shelter, "Hands on Nature Crafts" for children and a workshop on waxing your cross-country skis.  The day ends with a wildlife presentation at 3:00pm.  
  

Suggested donation is $2 for adults and $1 for children.  Sorry, no pets.  Call 845/265-3773 for more information.

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Give a Gift From the Hudson Highlands for the Holidays

If you're looking for last minute gift ideas, stop by our office for some holiday shopping.  We have limited edition Don Nice prints, signed by the artist, for the art lover on your list.  Suggested donation for matted and framed prints are $150, unframed, $100. Quantities are limited!  Or hike in style with HHLT logo gear: caps (s.d. $10), or polo shirts (s.d. $20).  Available while supplies last.

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High Efficiency Home Open House

HHLT's newest board member, James Hartford, and his wife, Juhee Lee-Hartford, of River Architects are showcasing their newest project, a home robust with high-efficiency design elements and on track for LEED certification, on Sat., Dec. 10, from 2:00-6:00pm.

Located at 20 Old Oaks Rd. in Cold Spring, house boasts design features that include passive solar design with triple glazed windows, high efficiency air-source heat pump system, air-source hot water pump, and much more.

For more information or to RSVP, contact info@riverarchitects.com.

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Volunteers Needed at West Point Foundry

Hurrican Irene caused Foundry Brook to jump its banks, opening up a new channel that endangers the ruins at this sensitive archeological site.  Scenic Hudson is looking for volunteers on Sat., Dec. 10, from 10:00am-3:00pm to help build a sandbag wall to keep the water in the Foundry Brook stream bed.  Work will be strenuous, but rewarding.  Call Anthony Coneski, 845/473-4440 x273, or visit www.scenichudson.org for more information.

Coordinating with local public schools and area environmental groups, HHLT's River of Words educators bring a valuable hands-on learning program to students. Philipstown dot info reporter Alison Rooney covered two sites (http://www.philipstown.info/ptwp/?p=19499.)

Not mentioned in the article, the Willow Avenue School 4th grade class studied the Hudson River from its western shore with their teacher, Debbie Gilson, and HHLT Poetry Instructor Irene O'Garden. Irene worked with the students to create a verbal snapshot of the river using each of their five senses. The resulting poems introduced an expressive element to the scientifically charged day. 

Keep Up-to-Date with HHLT Programs and Events on FaceBook and Twitter

Don't miss out on anything. You can keep up with what's happening on our FaceBook page.  Learn about events we've scheduled and get the first word on upcoming programs.
  

We'd also love to hear from you. Tell us about your hikes and travels throughout the Hudson Highlands.  Post your favorite photos, tell us where they were taken and why the spot is special to you. Check out our newest album, "Wintumn."

We're on Twitter too, so come on in and join the conversation.   
 

HHLT Educator Cathy Bakker has put together another snowshoe/ winter hike series through the Philipstown Recreation Department. If you want to try snowshoeing or are itching for a reason to get outside into the bracing winter air, you'll want to sign up for this program. 

The first hike is slated for Thursday, Jan. 19, and the program runs through Feb. 9.  Contact the Philipstown Recreation Department at  http://www.philipstownrecreation.com or call 845/424-4618 for more information and to register. 
 

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TOEC hosts Nordic Ski Swap and Sale,
November 13

Whether you're clearing old equipment out of your garage or looking for bargains on items you need, you don't want to miss the Taconic Outdoor Education Center's 2nd Annual Nordic Ski Swap and Sale on November 13 from 9:30am to 3:00pm.

During Bear Necessities on Sun., Nov. 6, at 10:00am, you will learn about the area's largest mammal inhabitant, the Black Bear.  Discussions will include how to avoid bear conflicts, hibernation, and bear biology and anatomy. Seldom seen and often misunderstood, Coyotes in the Hudson Valley is the topic of the workshop on Sat., Nov. 12, at 10:00am. Compare coyote, dog and fox tracks, and make a plaster coyote track to take home.

For more information on these and other programs, call 845/534-5506 x204 or visit the website, www.hhnaturemuseum.org.

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Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Offers Two Programs Saturday, October 15

During Artful Autumn Leaves at 10:00am, participants will join Judy Onufer, Environmental Educator, for a walk in the woods to collect leaves to create a leafy collage of imaginary animals in the museum's farmhouse.  This program is recommended for adults with or without children, and children ages 3 and older. Admission: $5/person, members: $3.

"Surburban Foragers," a group of environmentalists, herbalists and wild crafters, will present a Wild Edibles Workshop at 10:30am focusing on wild foods and medicinals, sharing their knowledge of plant identification, do's and don'ts of gathering and cooking, recipe preparation, nutritional and medicinal value, rules and philosophies of foraging and sustainable practices. The program is recommended for adults and interested children over the age of 12.  Pre-paid registration is required. Admission: $20/person, members: $15.

For more information about these and other events call (845) 534-5506, ext 204, or visit www.hhnaturemuseum.org.

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Workshop for Orange County Forest Owners to be Held in Cornwall on October 29

Sponsored by the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, the workshop will provide landowners with information and tools for getting the most out of their woodland, and preserving it for future generations.

Fee of $15 includes lunch and workshop materials.  Contact Kristi Sullivan at kls20@cornell.edu or Laura Heady at ltheady@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

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HHLT Educators Gear Up for the School Year

As local students enter gleaming school hallways, HHLT's Hudson Highlands Regional River of Words team is presenting their teachers with educational programs designed to enrich their understanding of our unique area, and celebrate its natural resources and scenic beauty.

In 2008, HHLT created a regional version of the international River of Words Program, affiliated with the Library of Congress Center for the Book and co-founded by US Poet Laureate Robert Hass.  River of Words has trained teachers, park naturalists, librarians and others to incorporate observation-based nature exploration and the arts into their work with young people.  The HHLT program connects local kids to the Hudson River watershed, their imagination and the world through science, poetry and art.

"We've developed great programs that draw on the kids' imagination, creativity and natural curiosity," explains program manager and interpretive naturalist Lisa Mechaley.  "Our programs develop a child's sense of companionship with nature and cultivate a love of natural beauty through science, art and poetry. The Hudson River, a historic and vital estuary system, is the perfect venue four our place-based education programs."

The River of Words team is well-equipped to bring this extraordinary educational concept to the Hudson Highlands Region.  Lisa Mechaley has 25 years of education experience, including 18 as a science teacher. Pete Salmansohn has also been educating children and adults about the environment for over 25 years through his books, his work at schools and with the Audubon Society. Interpretive naturalist Cathy Bakker completed her Masters in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2008 and has worked as an educator with Stony Kill Environmental Center as well as HHLT. Poetry writing instructor and award-winning author Irene O'Garden rounds out the group, a welcome asset to the otherwise scientifically focused contingent. Various local professional artists, like Simon Draper, Stacey Farley and Barbara Galazzo, also lend their talents to ROW for select visual arts projects and workshops.

River of Words programming is offered free of charge to the Cornwall, Ft. Montgomery/ Highland Falls, Garrison, Haldane and Putnam Valley school districts.  School administrators, educators and parents who are interested in learning more about HHLT's educational programs should contact the office at 845/424-3358 or info@hhlt.org.

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HHLT Invites You to Enjoy the Beauty of the Hudson Highlands this Fall

Two Take-A-Hike! Programs Scheduled for September 

HIGH ROPES ADVENTURE - Join John Stowell and the Taconic Outdoor Education Center team on Sunday, September 18 to test your family's teamwork skills on the TOEC's high ropes course. Conquering this course together is sure to make for an exciting and unique autumn afternoon outing. This activity is appropriate for adults and children entering 7th grade and older. Space is limited. Meet: Sept. 18, 1:00pm, Taconic Outdoor Education Center, Cold Spring, NY Duration: 3 hrs. Level: Moderate/Difficult

BREAKNECK RIDGE CHALLENGE (a Hudson River Valley Ramble) - On Saturday, September 24, HHLT Staffer and Friends of Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands State Parks President, Katrina Shindledecker, leads this this exhilarating trek. Not for beginners, this steep loop trail rewards hikers with the most dramatic views of the Hudson Highlands. Meet: Sept. 24, 1:00pm, Rte. 9D, north of Cold Spring, NY Duration: 3 ½ hrs.

Level: Difficult

HHLT Take-A-Hike programs are free, but pre-registration is required.  Call 845/424-3358 or email info@hhlt.org to make a reservation. 

12th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble

Celebrate the region's history, culture and natural resources with "Ramblers" from around the state and other parts of the country.  Whether you're interested in a challenging hike, bike ride or paddle, an inspiring walk through the grounds and homes of some of the Valley's notable artists, authors, and Great Americans, a trip back in time to experience the significant role the region played in the Revolutionary War, or a family-fun festival or river exploration, the Hudson River Valley Ramble offers something for everyone! Visit the website to find an event that fits your interests and your schedule. 

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Public Hearing on West Point Foundry Preserve Scheduled for Tues., Aug. 9

As part of the site plan review process with the village of Cold Spring Planning Board, a public hearing on Scenic Hudson's plans for improvements to the West Point Foundry Preserve has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, at 7:30pm at the Foundry School Museum, located at 63 Chestnut St. in Cold Spring.

Scenic Hudson representatives and design-team members will give a brief overview of the project with a slide presentation and 3-D models of the proposed interpretive elements. After the presentation, the discussion will be open to public comment.

HHLT applauds Scenic Hudson's work to improve the West Point Foundry Preserve to make it a world-class destination for residents and visitors alike.  We hope you will come to the meeting, learn about the plans, and offer your support.  The latest illustrated site plan can be seen here.  

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To explain her position, Rep. Hayworth said, "The Clean Water Act has been instrumental in restoring and protecting our nation's lakes, rivers, and wetlands.  One of the greatest treasures in our District is the Hudson River, which is both an environmental and cultural resource for not only New York, but our entire nation. The Hudson has benefited significantly from the positive benefits of the Clean Water Act and it is important that we preserve the great strides that have been made in cleaning up the river."

If H.R. 2018 (Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act) becomes law, it will reverse many key provisions of the Clean Water Act by appointing the states, rather than the EPA, as the ultimate arbiter of water quality standards and final authority on Clean Water Act permits. The result would be a patchwork of state water quality standards that the EPA would be powerless to modify or prevent, even if it found a state-issued Clean Water Act permit to be questionable.  One state's decision to opt out of implementing federal water quality standards has far reaching consequences. Not only are citizens of the communities near polluters affected: downstream communities in other states also suffer from the pollution flowing into their drinking water supplies from states willing to adopt scientifically indefensible water quality standards that sacrifice public health for corporate profits.

We commend Rep. Hayworth for her principled defense of the Clean Water Act and encourage our members to contact their Senators to reject this new act and safeguard the current balanced approach to improve water quality across the nation, protecting the public health and economic benefits of cleaner waters. In addition, we ask that you contact the White House and urge the President to veto the legislation if it reaches him.

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