Scenic Hudson's Experts
Looking for a source for your next story?
Our experts come from diverse fields that are critical to protecting the Hudson Valley’s health and natural beauty — and they are ready to help. Read our recent press.
Click on the icons below to sort by area of expertise
Click an icon to sort by area of expertise
To request an interview, contact Melissa Attias, Media Relations Coordinator at mattias@scenichudson.org or 845 473 4440 x 289. Make sure to mention your topic and deadline and we’ll do our best to meet it.
To request an interview, contact Melissa Attias at mattias@scenichudson.org or 845 473 4440 x 289.
Ned Sullivan
President of Scenic Hudson
Scenic Hudson’s leader since 1999 and former Maine Environmental Commissioner whose expertise in environmental policy and commitment to partnerships has achieved major victories for communities and the environment.
J. Jeffrey Anzevino
Director of Land Use Advocacy
Certified planner and go-to resource for people concerned about a project’s threats to their community’s natural, cultural, or scenic assets.
Stephen Ballentine
Director of Environmental Advocacy, Government Relations & Public Policy
Attorney focused on environmental advocacy and policy for the Hudson River, renewable energy siting, environmental protection, and land conservation.
Heather Blaikie
Assistant Director of Parks & Community Engagement
Landscape architect focused on uplifting everyday lives by blending ecological and cultural interpretation with community engagement and equitable access through sustainable design.
Annie Christian
Land Project Manager/Agricultural Specialist
Agricultural specialist with expertise in environmental science and public policy who works with farmers to conserve farmland and advance regenerative agricultural practices.
Emily Hague
Director of Land Conservation
Career conservationist with expertise in protecting key lands and natural resources, coordinating land transfers to partners, and ensuring conservation goals are upheld.
Peter D. Lopez
Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy & Science
Former New York State Assembly member and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator with a long-term focus on enhancing public health and safety.
Duane Martinez
Director of Urban Conservation
Urban planner and designer who leads collaborative, locally driven projects focused on park development, climate resilience, and environmental justice in urban areas.
Seth McKee
Executive Director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc. & Land Programs
Peace Corps alum with 30-plus years of conservation experience, and a passion for working with people to strengthen their connections to — and benefits from — land.
Pia Ruisi-Besares
Director of Science, Climate & Stewardship
Forest ecologist and natural resource management professional who researches how to make ecosystems healthier.
Rita D. Shaheen
Director of Parks & Community Engagement
Park planner with three decades of experience creating, managing, and programming places to connect people with the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley.
Alex Wolf
Conservation Scientist
Ecologist with a focus on regional conservation, climate change and resilience, and wildlife, habitat, and ecological issues.
Featured Press Coverage
— Daily Freeman, March 2026 (paywall)
— Times Union, March 2026 (paywall)
— Daily Freeman, March 2026 (paywall)
— Dutchess Magazine, February 2026
— Hudson Taconic Lands, January 2026
— Radio Kingston, January 2026
Latest Land Saves
Albert Family Community Forest, Nassau, Rensselaer County
We partnered with Hudson Taconic Lands to further expand the beloved Albert Family Community Forest in the Town of Nassau, bringing the forest to more than 400 acres. (2025)
Kramme Falls Community Forest, Schodack, Rensselaer County
We partnered with Hudson Taconic Lands (HTL) to protect 80 acres that are home to Kramme Falls, a dramatic waterfall that drains into the Hudson River. HTL plans to create Kramme Falls Community Forest and will manage public access in collaboration with local community members. (2025)
Potic Creek Preserve, Athens, Greene County
We supported the Greene Land Trust (GLT) in protecting 231 acres along Potic Creek in the Town of Athens. This project is GLT’s first land purchase and is expected to open to the public as the Potic Creek Preserve. (2025)
Lodestone Preserve, Southeast, Putnam County
We provided support to Westchester Land Trust (WLT) to conserve 200 acres near the Croton Falls Reservoir in the Town of Southeast. This partnership protects New York City’s water supply and will create WLT's largest preserve and its first in Putnam County. (2025)
Taghkanic Community Forest (Taghkanic, Columbia County)
Scenic Hudson and Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) partnered to conserve 502 acres in Taghkanic, protecting a key piece of the Mid-Hudson Forest Corridor. CLC will operate the property as an accessible nature preserve with future public programming. (2025)
Steepletop (Austerlitz, Columbia County)
Scenic Hudson partnered with New York State and the Land Trust Alliance to conserve Steepletop, the beloved historic home and gardens of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. (2025)
Christiana Farm (Taghkanic, Columbia County)
Scenic Hudson protected 400 prime foodshed acres in a designated agricultural district in the Town of Taghkanic that have been used as a working family farm since at least 1858. (2025)
Olana Viewshed (Greenport, Columbia County)
We protected another 45 acres that preserve the views from Olana, the home of famed Hudson River painter Frederic Church, a state historic site. (2024)
Samascott Orchards (Kinderhook, Columbia County)
Scenic Hudson and Columbia Land Conservancy partnered with the Samascott Family to conserve 535 acres, ensuring this 100 year old family farm it will remain active for generations to come. (2024)
Danskammer Power Plant Expansion (Newburgh)
After six years of opposition, Danskammer withdrew their application for a Title V air permit for a new fossil fuel power plant on the Hudson River. 2024
