Dear Scenic Hudson Member,

What's your favorite sign of spring? The first shadblow blossom in the woods? The first daffodil in your garden? Your first bike ride? The first sight of a Great Blue Heron flapping lazily over a marsh? Opening day of fishing season? I love all of these, but for me, spring truly begins the first time I launch my kayak for the new season.

And each year when I get back out on the river, I take a moment to marvel at how far we've come since Scenic Hudson got its start in 1963, with a group of committed citizens rallying together to save Storm King mountain. We've preserved thousands of acres of land, halted harmful industrial mega-projects, successfully reshaped inappropriate residential development and created parks that connect people with the river in dozens of communities. Today, we're engaged in protecting 65,000 more acres of "the land that matters most" -- irreplaceable landscapes that must be saved for future generations. 

It's a long journey -- and we still have a long way to go -- but today's river is cleaner and greener than it has been for well over a century. So here's my advice: get outdoors and enjoy the river this Earth Day. It's a great time of year to visit one of Scenic Hudson's 28 parks and preserves. I bet as soon as you get down to the water the beauty of the river will inspire you to renew your commitment to preserving the Hudson and the beautiful landscapes that surround it.

In the coming months, we will let you know about ways you can help protect the natural beauty of our river and its valley -- and the unique character of our towns. In the meantime, have a happy Earth Day,

Sincerely,

Ned Sullivan
President
Scenic Hudson