BREAKING NEW GROUND on Scenic Hudson's newest park

(from left): DEC Region 4 director Gene Kelly; State Senator Steve Saland, Congressman Scott Murphy, Stockport Supervisor Leo Pulcher, Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan, Assemblyman Marc Molinaro and Scenic Hudson Parks Director Rita Shaheen.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy joined Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan as well as state and local officials in a groundbreaking ceremony at Harrier Hill Park, our recently acquired property in the Town of Stockport (Columbia). Construction plans include an open-sided pavilion, an ADA accessible trail, an information kiosk and an improved parking area -- all designed to make it easier for people to enjoy this beautiful spot and its panoramic views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. More...

PCB DREDGING: Your resource for accurate up-to-date information

Continuing media coverage of the massive General Electric Superfund cleanup of toxic PCBs in the Hudson River is raising a number of questions -- and confusions -- in the minds of the general public. Scenic Hudson is committed to making sure you have access to accurate information about the dredging process. With that in mind, we have assembled a page of links to the most up-to-date resources -- including the news release we distributed earlier this week. More...

VIDEO FEATURE: Quadricentennial short-film series now available online

Visit scenichudson.org for a special preview of Josh Aronson's short films that will be airing on PBS this fall.

In honor of the Quadricentennial, Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Josh Aronson has created a series of short films celebrating the people and culture of the Hudson River Valley. The series will begin airing on PBS stations in New York and Albany this fall, but Josh has generously agreed to offer Scenic Hudson members a chance to enjoy a special online preview of the films. More...

Can you identify where Reed Sparling is hiding this month? Visit this page to find out.

Congratulations to Rob Yasinsac of Tarrytown for correctly identifying last month's "Where in the Valley is Reed Sparling?" photo as being at Manitou Point in Garrison (Putnam County). See this page for additional details.

For August we have a new challenge. Once again, the first person to respond correctly will win an autographed copy of Reed's book, Hudson Valley Voyage: Through the Seasons, Through the Years. Happy guessing!

Morning Ranger Hike
Date: Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.
Location: Madam Brett Park (Dutchess)
Join a Scenic Hudson ranger for an easy one-mile hike along the Fishkill Creek to the Hudson River with possible eagle sightings. More ...

Volunteer Work Days
Date: Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 25 and 27, 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Location: Franny Reese State Park (Ulster)
Help us get our newest park ready for it's Oct. 3 grand opening by working with Scenic Hudson staff on clearing and cleaning up trails, lopping branches and removing invasive species. RSVP for Tuesday morning or Thursday evening.

Arm-of-the-Sea Quadricentennial Celebration
Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m.
Location: Habirshaw Park on the Hudson (Westchester)
Scenic Hudson and the Beczak Environmental Education Center present a hands-on learning program followed by a special Quadricentennial performance by Arm-of-the-Sea Theater. More ...

Morning Ranger Hike
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.
Location: Poets' Walk Park (Dutchess)
Join a Scenic Hudson ranger for a moderate (2.5 mile) fact-filled nature walk through our "Romantic landscape park." More ...

Sunset Poetry Reading
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 4:30 p.m.
Location: Poets' Walk Park (Dutchess)
Gather at the gazebo by a small fire, enjoy refreshments and listen to poets read their works as the sun goes down over the Romantic landscape that has been inspiring artists for centuries. More ...

"Bounty of the Hudson River Valley" Outdoor Education Conference
Date: Sept. 24 - 27
Locations: Fishkill and Beacon (Dutchess)
Anyone with an interest in helping children connect with nature is welcome at the New York State Outdoor Education Association's 42nd annual conference. Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan will be a keynote speaker, and conference workshops will be held at three Scenic Hudson parks. Details and registration information are on the NYSOEA conference Web site.

Farmland Cycling Tour
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.
Location: Poets' Walk Park (Dutchess)
Choose a ride length — 15, 25, 40 or 60 miles — pick up a map and hop on your bike for a scenic pedal through the beautiful, rolling terrain of Dutchess and Columbia counties. Riders will pass working farms Scenic Hudson has helped to protect and farm stands offering fresh produce before returning to the park for a post-ride meal. More ...

Your donation will help us continue to preserve the health and beauty of the Hudson River Valley before it's too late. (photo: Robert Rodriguez, Jr.)