The fields of the newly conserved BBTT Farm will help ensure a local source for dairy products for generations to come. (photo: Robert Rodriguez, Jr.)

Our campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most has taken another significant step forward with the protection of an additional 470 acres of working farmland in the Town of Stuyvesant (Columbia County). Since 2000, Scenic Hudson has conserved a 3,000-acre "critical mass" of working farms in Stuyvesant. Detailed profiles of all our latest land protection successes -- complete with photographs and downloadable maps -- are available in the land conservation section of our Web site.

Fresh Perspectives:
scenichudson.org launches two blogs
Our Web site, scenichudson.org, has recently been expanded to feature regular postings from some prominent and interesting voices in the Hudson Valley. Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan is contributing "Backyard Matters," a monthly column about the most important environmental issues facing the Hudson Valley. "Planting Seeds" by Francesca Olivieri -- granddaughter of Scenic Hudson co-founder Frances "Franny" Reese -- talks about the challenges and rewards of being an environmentally conscious parent. Look for new voices to be added in coming months. More...

New publications let you share the beauty of the Hudson Valley this holiday season

Scenic Hudson's new calendar and photography book make great holiday gifts.

Support Scenic Hudson and celebrate the beauty of the Hudson Valley with two great gift ideas. The Scenic Hudson Wall Calendar features 13 of the best images from our 2008 photo competition. The Hudson River: A Great American Treasure is a stunning new book from Rizzoli International Publications featuring breathtaking panoramic photography by Greg Miller, a foreword by Bill McKibben and an introduction by Ned Sullivan. Proceeds from the sale of both items will benefit Scenic Hudson.

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

Our congratulations to Denise Doring VanBuren of Chelsea for being the first to respond to last month's "Where in the Valley is Reed Sparling" contest. Denise recognized Reed as being at Mount Beacon Park (Dutchess County). See this page for additional details.

For November 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!

Events & Outings...

Our calendar of events has interesting and unusual ways to get outside and enjoy the Hudson Valley at any time of year.

"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 ...

New Trail Celebration
Date: Saturday, Nov. 15, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Roosevelt Farm Lane (Hyde Park)
Join Scenic Hudson and the National Park Service for a celebration of the restoration and reopening of the 1.8-mile trail linking the Roosevelt home Springwood and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill. More ...

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

Fall Scavenger Hunt
Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Location: Esopus Meadows Preserve (Esopus)
Discover nature’s treasures and other fascinating artifacts while walking along the Hudson River during this family-friendly outing.
More ...

Book Signing
Date: Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 p.m.
Location: Donskoj & Company Gallery (Kingston)
A month-long exhibit of original photographs from Scenic Hudson's new book The Hudson River: A Great American Treasure concludes with a book-signing by photographer Greg Miller.
More ...

Morning Ranger Hike
Date: Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.
Location: Esopus Meadows Preserve (Esopus)
Join a Scenic Hudson ranger for a moderate (2.5-mile) nature walk through the woods to the river's edge. More...

Orienteering 101
Date: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.
Location: Black Creek Preserve (Esopus)
Learn basic compass and map-reading skills during this fun, navigational, point-to-point race. We provide the compass and maps. More...

All-Star Solstice Event
Date: Sunday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Esopus Meadows Preserve (Esopus)
Celebrate winter's arrival with the stars — and moons. We'll use a telescope and star charts to search for constellations, planets and even the moons of Jupiter.
More ...

Ready for Winter? Build It Solar, the renewable-energy site for do-it-yourselfers has a great collection of DIY projects to save energy, money and greenhouse-gas emissions through insulating and weatherizing your home. More...

GIVE THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME — For 2008 and 2009, Congress is allowing individuals 70½ or older with traditional or Roth IRAs to make tax-free gifts directly to qualified charities. More... (photo: Robert Rodriguez, Jr.)