top
seasons-greetings-header3.jpg     

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

December 2013

 greenback logo
 

Visit our website  

Support our work
 


 Like us on Facebook
 Follow us on Twitter

Links to Articles
Season's Greetings
DEC Invasive Species Regulations
Enjoy the Outdoors
In Memoriam

Coming Events

Feb 8
Philipstown Winter Carnival
HHLT and Philipstown Recreation Dept.
Garrison, NY

 

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

P.O. Box 226
20 Nazareth Way
Garrison, NY  10524
845/424-3358

[email protected]

 

Andrew T. Chmar

Executive Director

 

Katrina Shindledecker
Director of Land Preservation 

  

MJ Martin

Director of Outreach and Development

  

Kathy Hamel

Membership and Public Policy Coordinator

Matt Decker
Stewardship Coordinator 

Dear Friends,
 
The lighting of the holiday tree at Winter Hill marks the passing of another year.  At the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, 2013 was filled with collaboration, communication and growth.
 
  • Our partnerships with individual private land owners, local municipalities and other conservation organizations have allowed us to significantly increase the amount of conserved land in the Hudson Highlands.  By the end of the year, we expect to have directly preserved over 450 additional acres in the Highlands--a record for a single year!
  • We've expanded our programming in exciting new ways, increasing the awareness of the importance of natural landscapes to a broader public, while bringing environmental education to children across our mission area.
  • And, our staff has grown in order to better protect the natural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands through increased stewardship, advocacy and outreach.
 
We're poised to make an even bigger impact in 2014, and, with you in our corner, there's no telling how far we can go!
 
Please act now and contribute to the Land Trust as 2013 draws to a close, so we can continue this momentum.  Making a tax-deductible gift online is quick, easy and secure.
 
We wish you all the best the holiday season has to offer.  Thank you for your support today and always,
 
The HHLT Board and Staff

 

DEC's Proposed Regulations Take Aim at Invasive Species

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing new regulations to control invasive species by reducing the introduction of new species and limiting the spread of existing populations.  The proposed regulations include a list of prohibited species, including the black swallow-wort pictured here.  It will be unlawful to knowingly possess with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce any of the species listed.  The regulation language, including the list of regulated species can be found on the DEC website.

 

Public comments can be submitted on or before December 23rd by emailing [email protected].  More information about the proposed regulations can also be found here.
 

(back to top)
 

Plan Ahead and Enjoy the Outdoors this Winter

Winter is a wonderful time to be outdoors--ice skating, skiing or sledding.  And, hiking (or snowshoeing) on a familiar trail in the winter months offers a different experience from your warm weather excursions that you won't want to miss. 

  

When you getting ready for a trip outdoors, please remember that temperatures can drop quickly and you want to be prepared.  Dress in layers (a synthetic or wool base layer is best), and don't underestimate the amount of food and water you'll need.  Your body is working hard to keep you warm.

 

If you're not an experienced winter hiker, stick to trails you know and make sure you'll be home well before the sun sets. It may be best to plan in terms of time outside instead of distance travelled if you're hiking with small children.  There's lots to see in winter--like frozen berries or birds' nests once hidden by leaves--and you'll want to give them time to enjoy it all.  Be safe and have fun!
 

(back to top)
 

HHLT Mourns the Loss of Two Loyal Friends 

Bill Evarts was a dear friend, director and founding board member of HHLT.  Bill was a passionate advocate for land conservation in the Hudson Highlands and beyond.  In spring of 2012, he and his wife, Helen, finalized a conservation easement that completed the preservation of their entire 130-acre property in Philipstown.  Several years prior, they donated 40 acres to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and Appalachian Trail corridor.  Everyday, we are inspired by Bill's memory to protect the natural resources, preserve the scenic beauty and appreciate the rural character of the region he loved so much.  For more on Bill's rich life, please see his obituary.

 

Jim Lovell was an active member of the community and a good friend of HHLT.  Jim, along with his wife Nancy Montgomery, Philipstown Deputy Supervisor, treasured the beauty and history of the Hudson Highlands.  They chose to raise their three sons by a lake in the woods of the North Highlands where they could enjoy the outdoors together as much as possible.  Jim loved nothing more than to canoe, swim and hike with his sons and dog, Scout.  Jim, a native of Garrison, is also survived by a grown daughter, Brooke.  For more on Jim's life, please see his obituary.

 

(back to top)
 

Paramount Continues Seasonal Discount to HHLT Members.

Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill is offering HHLT supporters 20% off all shows this month.  We invite you to take advantage of this wonderful benefit this holiday season.  Visit paramounthudsonvalley.com for up-to-the minute show details, or call the box office at 914/739-0039.  Mention code HHLT13 and save on entertainment.

 

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based, accredited, non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to the protection of the natural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands.