Hudson Highlands Land Trust

May 2016

Visit our website

www.hhlt.org

Support our work

Donate Now

Links to Articles

HHLT Conservation Stewardship Manager

Thank you!

Grants Support Land Conservation

Future of Oak Forests

Deer Management Meetings

Summer Science Camp

Coming Events

May 7
The Future of Oak Forests

Cary Institute
Millbrook, NY

May 10 & 12

DEC

Public Meetings on Deer Management

Various Locations throughout the State

May 14

Historic Highland Falls Walking Tour, an HHLT Take-A-Hike! Event

West Point Visitors Center

Highland Falls, NY

Jun 5
Save the Date:

Community Picnic Honoring HHLT Executive Director
Andy Chmar

Winter Hill

Garrison, 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 Conservation

MJ Martin

Director of Outreach and Development

Kathy Hamel

Outreach and Public Policy Manager

Jonathan Leitner
Membership and Program Manager

HHLT Welcomes New Conservation Stewardship Manager

We are pleased to announce that Nicole Wooten will be joining the Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) staff in June as our new Conservation Stewardship Manager.

"Nicole brings a combination of natural resources management experience and field work to the position of Conservation Stewardship Manager that will be integral to the continued success of HHLT's land conservation initiatives," said HHLT Executive Director Andy Chmar.

Nicole holds Bachelors of Arts degrees in Environmental Studies and English from the University of North Carolina and is currently completing her studies at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies to obtain a Master of Environmental Management.

We look forward to introducing Nicole to our conservation easement landowners and members.

Thank you for your votes!

Because of our supporters' enthusiastic participation in a recent grant competition, HHLT's River of Words environmental education program was awarded a $1,670 grant from the Pig Difference Foundation.

The funding will support the ROW program's involvement in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's A Day in the Life of the Hudson River, a citizen-science program geared for students.

We thank you for voting and sharing. We truly would not have received this funding without you.

(back to top)

HHLT Receives Grants that Support Local Land Conservation

Last month, HHLT was awarded two New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) grants that help underwrite the conservation of 50 acres in Putnam County.

The grants support the protection of the O'Connell Boulder Field Preserve, located within the watershed of the Peekskill Hollow Brook, part of the Peekskill and Cortlandt drinking water system; and the expansion of the Putnam Highlands Audubon Society's Watergrass Sanctuary, which provides diverse habitats for nesting and migrating birds and other wildlife. Both projects, completed in 2015, provide for public access, with the assurance that the properties will forever provide scenic enjoyment while permanently protecting local natural resources.

(back to top)

Cary Institute Offers Forum on Oak Forests, Sat, May 7

When mature oaks are lost through harvest, age, or disturbance they are often replaced by other types of trees.

On Saturday, May 7, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will be hosting a special forum on the topic.

Attendees will discover the factors that threaten oak regeneration and explore the importance of oaks to wildlife. Through an interactive panel, participants will gain firsthand knowledge about how private forest owners and land managers can make a difference.

The event will take place at the Cary Institute Auditorium located at 2801 Sharon Tpk. (Rt. 44) in Millbrook, NY. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online or call (845) 677-7600 x121.

(back to top)

DEC Hosts Public Meetings on Deer Management, May 10 and 12

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host a webinar "New York Deer Management Update" the evenings of Tuesday, May 10, and Thursday, May 12. Both nights will have the same content. The public is invited to participate on either night by connecting online or by joining DEC staff at locations throughout the state.

The webinar is designed to inform New York deer hunters and the general public about current issues in deer management and to set the stage for updating DEC's Management Plan for White-tailed Deer in New York State.

The presentation will be simulcast online and to a number of meeting venues where participants will meet their regional DEC deer biologist. After the presentation, DEC staff will be available online and in-person to answer questions and discuss public concerns about deer management.

For instructions about how to connect online, for the list of locations where the meetings will be hosted by DEC staff, and for updates on this process, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/57795.html.

(back to top)

Still Time to Register for Black Rock Forest 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 focus is on understanding nature through observation and investigation. Morning and afternoon classes allow students to study interesting subjects without the pressure of a grade. Classes are taught by real 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. Offerings include classes on birds, reptiles, engineering, writing, art and more.

Black Rock Forest Summer Science Camp is a Day Camp and runs from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. For more information, email Kate Terlizzi, visit blackrockforest.org or call 845-534-4517 ext 18.

(back to top)

Join HHLT for a Historic Highland Falls Walking Tour, Sat., May 14

Take a walk through the Village of Highland Falls and learn of its rich history and local legends. Led by HHLT Honorary Director and local history enthusiast Jean Wort, the free walking tour will provide insights into an area that was integral to the nation's birth, witnessed the industrial revolution, and inspired Hudson River School artists. Pre-registration is required. Please email info@hhlt.org for more information.

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.