GET READY TO RAMBLE! 12th ANNUAL HUDSON RIVER VALLEY RAMBLE

September Event Celebrates Cultural Landscape

(Albany, NY)—The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Hudson River Valley Greenway, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program is encouraging residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond to get ready for the Twelfth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble, scheduled for September 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25.

Nearly 200 events for the 2011 Hudson River Valley Ramble have been posted on the Ramble website so be sure to visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com to find an event near you!

The 12th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble features events stretching from the Capital Region to New York City. Participants will have the unique opportunity to enjoy guided walking, hiking, kayaking and biking experiences, estuary explorations and historic site tours that highlight the significant historical, cultural and natural resources found throughout the Hudson River Valley.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey said, "For over a decade the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Hudson River Valley Greenway have used the Ramble as an opportunity to showcase the rich history and natural wonders of our Hudson River Valley. In each of the past 11 years, families from across New York and beyond have enjoyed the vast array of recreational opportunities provided by the Ramble, including guided hikes, bike tours, walks, historic site tours and river explorations. This year's ramble is yet another opportunity to experience all the valley has to offer."

"In 2010, over 160,000 people participated in Ramble events, and we expect a great turnout again this year," said Mark Castiglione, Acting Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway. "If it's September, then it's time to Ramble. The Ramble embodies the spirit of "geotourism" and is part of a sustainable economy that embraces and celebrates our natural and cultural resources. The event provides people of all ages an opportunity to experience the cultural landscape of the Hudson River Valley by hiking a trail, visiting an historic site or paddling on the river."

Congressman Paul Tonko said, "The Hudson Valley region is blessed with a variety of historic, natural and cultural resources that are among the most stunning and significant that our nation has to offer. I invite everyone to explore the Hudson River and enjoy our history and heritage by visiting the many communities that dot the region. This year's Hudson Valley Ramble is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the many reasons why we call New York State home."

Congressman Chris Gibson said, "Throughout my 24 year career in the Army, my family and I lived in many different places. However, no matter how far my travels in the military took me away from the Hudson Valley, and my hometown of Kinderhook, I always knew this was home. Like other native residents of the Hudson Valley, I grew up with a deep love and respect for the beauty of our landscape and the rich history that surrounds us. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our region during the Hudson River Valley Ramble and I know that they will enjoy the opportunity to explore the region and attend the special events that are planned."

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, "The Hudson River Valley is a wonderful recreational and educational resource for residents and visitors alike. The Ramble is a great opportunity for everyone to explore what this special region has to offer both on land and in the water. The Ramble also showcases the rich history of the Hudson Valley as well as its diverse wildlife. DEC is proud partner in this year's events."

Commissioner Rose Harvey, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said, "With its sweeping vistas and dramatic history, the Hudson River Valley is an incomparable place to experience and explore. The Hudson River Valley Ramble is a great opportunity to discover the historic sites, parks, trails and waterways that define this incredible landscape. State Parks welcomes visitors to join us for the 2011 Hudson River Valley Ramble to celebrate the rich heritage and natural beauty of this great landscape."

Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson, said, "The Hudson Valley hosts a world of outdoor fun and exploration for every season. For fall, the Ramble highlights a huge assortment of opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the world-class natural beauty and recreation that makes our region special. We're proud Scenic Hudson parks are part of the Ramble with events that offer everything from a riverside concert to a guided kayak outing to a farmland cycling celebration. So join the Ramble for an outdoor experience you'll long remember."

Sarah Olson, Superintendent, Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, said, "The Ramble is chock full of opportunities for people to enjoy America's Great Outdoors. In these post-Irene times, people will appreciate new ways to experience the Hudson Valley more than ever. We congratulate the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area for bringing us another exciting Ramble."

"Don't miss the 2011 Hudson River Valley Ramble," Mary Kay Vrba President of Hudson Valley Tourism stated. "With fall upon us there is a wide variety of events and programs, guided hikes and walks and many opportunities to make memories and explore this magnificent valley. Enjoy your ramble!"

All Ramble events are led by naturalists, ecologists, historians, geologists and trained volunteers from participating groups, which include nearly 200 environmental, land conservation, trail groups, heritage sites and historic preservation organizations. Events are offered for all abilities, most are free and many are family oriented. For a complete listing of events, visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com, where events can be searched by region and theme. Copies of the program guide may also be downloaded and printed from the web site.

The Hudson River Valley Ramble is sponsored by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA). The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area program was established by Congress in 1996 and is funded through the National Park Service and Department of the Interior. The mission of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is to recognize, preserve, protect and interpret the nationally significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley for the benefit of the Nation. The Hudson River Valley Greenway is the management entity for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

The 2011 Ramble is presented in partnership with the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the National Park Service and is sponsored by the NY-NJ Trail Conference , JetBlue Airways, and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Turkeybush Fund.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. To date Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 50 parks, preserves and historic sites up and down the Hudson River and conserved more than 30,000 acres.

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