LEADING THE WAY: Scenic Hudson becomes one of the first accredited land-protection organizations in the U.S.

We are extremely proud to announce that Scenic Hudson is one of only 39 land trusts nationwide to be accredited by the independent Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Of the almost 1,700 land trusts in the nation, Scenic Hudson was one of the first to meet the commission's national quality standards after an extensive external review of our management, systems and policies. "We're honored that our 45-year track record in saving land and creating parks up and down the river has received this 'gold seal' of credibility and professionalism," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. More...

These and other downloadable activities are available from the education pages of our Web site.

One of the highlights of our annual Parks Festival this summer was the series of "Park Quests." Participants in these fun, scavenger hunt-style activities used a printed guide to make some fascinating discoveries about the natural world while searching for one-of-a-kind "Quest Stamps." People had so much fun doing these quests that we decided to make downloadable versions available online so that everyone can experience our parks in this fun and informative way. More...

Call for Volunteers
Scenic Hudson joins the Olana Partnership and Columbia Land Conservancy in inviting volunteers to assist with Olana’s Inaugural Viewshed Tour on Saturday, November 1, 2008. For this special day, 12 landowners in Columbia and Greene Counties have agreed to open their properties to the public in order to celebrate the beauty which surrounds Olana's 250-acre 19th-century American Picturesque landscape. Volunteers will be trained to guide the public through the private properties and highlight the natural and cultural features. More...

Can you identify which Scenic Hudson Park Reed Sparling is visiting this month? Visit this page to find out.

Our congratulations to Fran Platt from New Paltz for being the first to respond to last month's "Where in the Valley is Reed Sparling" contest. She recognized Reed as being at Shaupeneak Ridge (Ulster County). See this page for additional details.

For October we have a new challenge. Will you be the first person to respond correctly and win an autographed copy of Reed's book, Hudson Valley Voyage: Through the Seasons, Through the Years? Happy guessing!

Fall Outings...

Check our calendar of events for some great ways to enjoy the Hudson Valley during this beautiful season.

Morning Ranger Hike
Date: Thursday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.
Location: Mount Beacon (Beacon)
Join a Scenic Hudson ranger for a strenuous (3-mile) hike to Mount Beacon's spectacular summit. More...

Hawk Watch
Date: Saturday, Oct. 18, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Fishkill Ridge (Beacon)
Enjoy spectacular views and challenging rock scrambles during a five-mile trek across Fishkill Ridge while hawks and falcons soar overhead. More ...

Pumpkins on Parade
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.
Location: Foundry Dock Park (Cold Spring)
Join us to carve your own pumpkins prior to Cold Spring’s Halloween parade, then come back to Foundry Dock Park to watch our second annual jack-o’-lantern flotilla.
More ...

Tree Planting Workshops
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25 & Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.
Locations: Poets' Walk Park (Red Hook, 10/25) and Hudson Highlands Gateway Park (Cortlandt, 11/1)
Help us plant native trees and shrubs in our parks as part of the NYSDEC "Trees to Tribs" program to reduce erosion and help improve water quality. RSVP for Oct. 25 or Nov. 1.

Morning Ranger Hike
Date: Thursday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.
Location: Black Creek Preserve (Esopus)
Join a Scenic Hudson ranger for a moderate (2.5-mile) nature walk through the woods to the river's edge. More...

"Give a Hoot" Owl Hike
Date: Friday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Shaupeneak Ridge (Esopus)
Hunt for owls and learn about their distinct calls and other identification tips during this one-mile night-time trek.
More ...

Spooky, but Green Dig into a closet or hit a thrift store for creative, earth-friendly Halloween costumes. The Green Guide has some clever DIY ideas for costumes or try your hand at some "Eeeko-decorations."

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.)