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Scenic Hudson Honors Land Conservation Groups
Scenic Hudson honored 13 local, regional and national land trusts at its gala at Listening Rock Farm in Wassaic, Dutchess County, on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Scenic Hudson saluted the groups for their outstanding work in safeguarding critically important land and scenic wonders throughout the Hudson Valley. Scenic Hudson credits the land trusts with preserving and enhancing the assets that inspired the Hudson River School painters in the 19th century, that earned the region its designation by Congress as a National Heritage Area, and that provide hope for a sustainable future in the 21st century. The gala is one of three events Scenic Hudson is hosting in May and June to celebrate the partnerships that will enable the organization to complete its campaign to Save the Land that Matters Most.
In speaking of future partnerships, Mr. Sullivan stated that the groups are collaborating with Scenic Hudson on its Saving the Land That Matters Most initiative to protect 65,000 threatened acres throughout the Hudson Valley that have been deemed by the state to have the highest scenic and/or biological significance.
The land trusts being honored include two local entities:
Audubon New York: Dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats, this state program of the National Audubon Society has been a conservation leader, through advocacy and education, since 1996. The group manages 11 sanctuaries and nature centers, including four in the Hudson Valley - Constitution Marsh, Garrison (Putnam County); RamsHorn- Livingston Sanctuary, Catskill (Greene); Rheinstrom Hill, Craryville (Columbia); and Buttercup Farm, near Pine Plains (Dutchess). Local chapters manage additional sanctuaries throughout the region.
Especially noteworthy in its success, Audubon New York secured passage of legislation creating the state's Bird Conservation Area program. The group's current goal is to ensure protection of critical bird habitats threatened by global climate change and other causes. In addition to land protection and stewardship, Audubon New York is promoting smart growth measures and connecting more people to the wonders of nature through education.
Hudson Highlands Land Trust: Working to protect the natural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the iconic Hudson Highlands, this group was founded in 1989. It has directly protected over 1,300 acres in Philipstown and Putnam Valley through conservation easement donations. Additionally the Hudson Highlands Land Trust can claim a lead role in protecting several thousand more acres through partnerships with other regional land-conservation organizations- including Scenic Hudson- and New York State.
While land conservation continues to be the central tenet of the group's mission, it is extremely proud of the great strides made in the areas of public policy, outreach and education. Partnerships with local municipalities, schools, community groups and other conservation organizations have proven to be of enormous benefit. By 2011 these conservationists are seeking to protect over 2,000 acres.
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. Today with more than 20,000 ardent supporters, they are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. www.scenichudson.org
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