GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOTS: Online Photo Contest Captures Hudson Valley's Magic

"Poets' Hill" by Rich Michaels of Saugerties is one of nearly 200 submissions to our online photo competition.

Between now and Monday, June 30, you can share your favorite photographs and inspire others by entering Scenic Hudson's online photo contest. Images that celebrate the beauty of the Hudson River Valley can be uploaded into one of six online galleries. If you're a photographer, this is your chance to be creative, inspire others and compete to win camera equipment from Artcraft Camera & Digital of Kingston, New Paltz and Poughkeepsie. Nonphotographers are encouraged to browse the galleries and vote for their favorite images.

GEAR UP: Scenic Hudson Members Save 20% at EMS on April 18-19

Download this coupon to get your 20% Scenic Hudson member discount.

We're pleased to announce a special benefit to Scenic Hudson members: On Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, Eastern Mountain Sports is offering our members a special 20% "Club Day" discount on everything in the store. In addition, EMS is donating 1% of all Club Day sales to help the environment. This is a great chance to save money on the gear you need to enjoy the outdoors this spring while supporting a good cause. More...

Gov. David Paterson will be addressing a group of environmentally minded citizen activists at this year's Earth Day Lobby Day

GET ACTIVE: Participate in the Annual Earth Day Lobby Day in Albany

On Tuesday, April 15, join hundreds of activists in Albany in calling for stronger laws protecting our air, water and land and meet Gov. David Paterson, who will deliver opening remarks.

This annual event, coordinated by Scenic Hudson and a coalition of environmental organizations, is a great chance for individuals to come together and show their support for some of the most important issues facing New York State and the Hudson Valley. More...

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

Congratulations to Ron Rosen from Poughkeepsie for correctly identifying last month's "Where in the Valley is Reed Sparling" photo as being at Black Creek Preserve in Esopus (Ulster). See this page for additional details.

For April we have a new challenge. Once again, the first person to respond correctly will win an autographed copy of his new book, Hudson Valley Voyage: Through the Seasons, Through the Years. Happy guessing!

Hudson Valley Outings: 2008

Scenic Hudson has a full calendar of events planned to get you outdoors this spring.

Spring Birding Series
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 a.m.
Location: RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary (Catskill)
Learn and practice basic birding techniques with Audubon New York educator Larry Federman on the trails of the Hudson River's largest tidal swamp forest.
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Morning Ranger Hike
Date: Thursday, April 17, 10 a.m.
Location: West Point Foundry Preserve (Cold Spring)
Join a Scenic Hudson ranger for an easy (1/2 mile) fact-filled walk touring the ruins of the historic West Point Foundry and the adjacent tidal marsh.
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Earth Day Cleanups
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 9 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Location: Mount Beacon (Beacon)
Celebrate Earth Day by helping Scenic Hudson staff with two sessions of cleanup and trail maintenance at Mount Beacon park. RSVP for morning session or afternoon session.

Weeknight Trail Run
Date: Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Location: Shaupeneak Ridge (Esopus)
Join us for a casual 3.5-mile guided "Fun Run" scheduled on the rugged trails of Shaupeneak Ridge.
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Spring Dog Walk
Date: Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.
Location: Poets' Walk (Red Hook)
Bring your "best friend" and enjoy a stroll with magnificent Hudson River views while receiving tips from a professional dog trainer.
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Poughkeepsie resident Kerry Decker recently posted an unusual film clip documenting a 1903 steamboat ride along the Hudson River.

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.)