Dear [[First_Name]],

We know these are troubling economic times, and folks are looking to invest in organizations they can trust. We have a proven track record and a visionary plan that stands to benefit all the people of the Hudson Valley. You can be assured that a gift to Scenic Hudson is a sound investment that will yield powerful and lasting results.

Scenic Hudson has a visionary plan to protect 65,000 acres of the most important land along the river -- the "must save" landscapes that meet New York State's highest standards for ecological, scenic and agricultural values. The downturn in the real estate market provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to protect these lands in collaboration with 16 local land trusts and government agencies.

The lands we are working to protect provide:

• tremendous recreational values
• strength to our tourism industry
• a hedge against global climate change
• a proven draw for new businesses to locate in the region due to its beauty and parkland

We're also protecting farmland at a time of skyrocketing food prices and a growing commitment among families to buy local. In an open letter in The New York Times to the next President of the United States, author Michael Pollan urged him to forge new agricultural policies "to improve the resilience, safety and security of our food supplies…this means promoting regional food economies both in America and around the world." With the support of members like you, Scenic Hudson has now protected a growing farm belt in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess and Columbia counties that will help ensure a safe nearby source of food for residents of the Hudson Valley and New York City.

We can't do any of this without your help! Your financial support is essential to our success!

Please make a special tax-deductible year-end gift to Scenic Hudson today.

So now, more than ever, an investment in Scenic Hudson will be one of the safest you can make and provide you, your family and community with an unbeatable return. Despite the pressures you face on so many fronts, I ask you to be generous in your investment in Scenic Hudson at this critical time.

Warm regards,

Ned Sullivan
President

P.S. Save trees and time by going paperless and donating online now!