Hudson Highlands Land Trust

March 2014

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www.hhlt.org

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Links to Articles

Free Community Forum

HHLT Accreditation Renewal

Black Rock Forest Summer Camp

Sap to Syrup Celebrations

Call for Citizen Scientists

Coming Events

Mar 9
Maple Sunday Pancake Breakfast

Taconic Outdoor Education Center
Cold Spring, NY

Mar 8 & 9, 15 & 16,
22 & 23

Maple Sugar Tours Hudson Highlands Nature Museum's Outdoor Discovery Center

Cornwall, NY

Mar 15
North American Amphibian Monitoring Program Training
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Cornwall, NY

Apr 27
HHLT's Free Community Forum on Energy Conservation Hudson Highlands Country Club

Garrison, NY

Oct 10

HHLT's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Boscobel
Cold Spring, NY

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

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

info@hhlt.org

Andy 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

Jonathan Leitner
Program and Database Associate

HHLT Presents Free Community Forum on Energy Conservation, Sun, Apr 27

On Sunday, April 27, the Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) will host a community forum on residential and community energy conservation at the Highlands Country Club, Rt. 9D, in Garrison, NY. The free event, scheduled from 11:00am to 4:00pm, will feature a morning panel and two afternoon break-out sessions.

The panelists will present information on four aspects of energy conservation, including NY State guidelines, money-saving tips for homeowners, options for retro-fitting homes or building energy-efficient houses, and community conservation. After lunch, break-out sessions will allow attendees to interact and learn about the morning topics in greater detail.

Participants will receive a complimentary lunch and have the opportunity to browse informational exhibit tables during breaks.

The forum is open to the general public and free-of-charge, but registration is strongly recommended, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be accepted on a space available basis the day of the event. Email info@hhlt.org for more information or to make a reservation.

HHLT Awarded Accreditation Renewal by Land Trust Accreditation Commission

We are pleased to announce that HHLT has achieved renewed land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

"This achievement demonstrates our commitment to permanent land conservation that benefits the entire community," said HHLT Executive Director Andy Chmar. "We are especially pleased that the Commission has determined that we are in full compliance, and wants to use our policies and procedures as a model for other conservation organizations."

Now in its 25th year, the Hudson Highlands Land Trust is dedicated to the protection of the natural resources, scenic beauty and rural character of the Hudson Highlands. The Land Trust has partnered with private landowners and conservation groups to directly protect over 2,100 acres of land within its mission area, which includes the Towns of Cornwall, Highlands, Philipstown and Putnam Valley, and the villages located therein.

For more information on land conservation, conservation agreements and land stewardship, contact the office at 845/424-3358 x3 or visit hhlt.org.

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Black Rock Forest Offers Summer Science Camp

Black Rock Forest Consortium welcomes middle and high school students this summer for authentic, week-long learning experiences in nature, working directly with scientists and artists. The program gives children an understanding of nature through scientific observation and investigation.

Classes are developed and taught by subject experts and provide an opportunity to explore college and career possibilities in the natural sciences while having fun in Black Rock Forest, a private 4,000 acre preserve in Cornwall, NY, or on the Florida coast. Students are able to explore subjects of interest without the pressure of a grade.

Offerings include classes on birds, turtles, insects, trees, writing, art and even marine biology. Review the brochure, or visit blackrockforest.org for more information and to register online.

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Local Education Centers Celebrate Maple Sugaring Season

Taconic Outdoor Education Center Maple Sunday Pancake Breakfast, Sun, March 9

Join the Taconic Outdoor Education Center's sugar maple celebration at its facilities in Cold Spring on Sun., March 9, from 8:30am to noon. Activities include a pancake breakfast, and hands-on demonstration of tapping trees, boiling sap and producing syrup. Tickets are $8/adult and $6/child. Contact paul.kuznia@parks.ny.gov or call 845/265-3773 for more information.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Offers Maple Sugar Tours Weekends in March

Learn about maple sugaring practices past and present. On March 8 & 9, 15 & 16, and 22 & 23, museum educators will guide small groups on 60-minute tours through the forests, teaching all about maple sugaring. Tours leave the museum's Outdoor Discovery Center in Cornwall every half-hour from 10:30am to 3:00pm. Tickets are $10/adult and $7/child (museum members: $7/adult and $4/child. Visit the website for more information.

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Become a Citizen Scientist for the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

You can contribute to a nationwide effort to monitor frog and toad populations, an important part of the process to protect them and their habitats.

Cornell University and the Hudson River Estuary Program are offering a training program for anyone interested in joining the program on Sat., March 15, from 9:30-11:30am at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall. Free refreshments will be provided. Contact Casey Eganey if you plan to attend.

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Hudson Fjord Trail Meeting Well Attended

Residents, elected officials, park representatives and others filled the Chalet on the Hudson in Cold Spring on Weds, Feb 12, to share ideas on a proposed trail to connect the Cold Spring and Beacon train stations.

HHLT is pleased to be working with NY State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Scenic Hudson, Open Space Institute, and elected officials from Philipstown and Beacon because the trail will highlight the beauty of this area, help local businesses and create a unique experience of the Hudson River for residents and visitors alike.

Coverage of the meeting can be found in Philipstown.info, the PCNR and the Journal News.

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HHLT Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Geocache/Scavenger Hunt.

To commemorate the Land Trust's 25th anniversary, we are hiding 25 geocache boxes throughout our mission area to highlight the Treasures of the Hudson Highlands. Coordinates will be posted on our website and mailed to members this spring. Site descriptions will also be available for "low tech" treasure hunters.

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.