May 2, 2025
(Albany, NY) Fourteen Hudson Valley communities and organizations were awarded a total of $833,178 in matching grants from the Hudson River Valley Greenway for projects that create new trail connections, enhance community walkability, and support a variety of heritage projects. The grants were awarded by the Hudson River Valley Greenway Board of Directors at their March 12th meeting in Newburgh.
“Our partner’s awarded projects will improve recreation, preservation, and support heritage tourism by improving regional trails and boosting cultural resources. The Greenway is thrilled to support the region’s communities through these grants,” said Andy Kitzmann, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program provides funding to communities and non-profit organizations within the Greenway Area for recreational trail projects. Eligible project categories include: trail construction, planning and design; trail rehabilitation or improvement; trail education or interpretation. Funding for this program was provided through New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund. $803,238 was awarded to the following 8 organizations:
$250,000 to the City of Albany, Albany County, for the Tivoli Preserve Trail Enhancement Project.
$250,000 to the Open Space Institute, Ulster County, for the Lake Awosting Carriage Road Reconstruction.
$140,000 to Hudson Taconic Lands, Rensselaer County, to build a trail bridge over the Wynantskill in the City of Troy.
$64,890 to the Village of Highland Falls, Orange County, to plan a trail and amenities at the Highland Falls Preserve.
$39,388 to the Hopewell Depot Museum, Dutchess County, to install a water bottle refill station/drinking fountain along the Empire State Trail.
$30,705 to the Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association, Orange County, to repair trails damaged by a July 2023 storm.
$20,000 to the Bannerman’s Castle Trust, Dutchess County, to make accessibility improvements to the Bannerman Island Historic Trail.
$6,455 to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Westchester County, to rehabilitate Anthony’s Nose Trail.
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Heritage Development Grant Program funds projects that showcase the area’s history and contribute to the regional heritage tourism economy of the Hudson River Valley. Funded projects feature a range of engaging programming and initiatives aimed at connecting people with the region’s history and historic resources. Funding for this grant program was allocated through the National Park Service. $29,940 was awarded to the following 6 organizations:
$7,500 to the Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany County, to develop a digital guide and companion book for “The Hudson River School: Landscape Paintings.”
$7,500 to the Thomas Cole House, Greene County, to market and promote the 200th Anniversary of Thomas Cole’s first trip to the region in 1825.
$5,000 to the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, Dutchess County, for the “Rhythm of Nature: African Drum and Garden Education for Middle Schoolers program.
$5,000 to the Sing Sing Prison Museum, Westchester County, to market and promote “Sink or Sing: A Walking Tour about Crime, Punishment, & Labor in the Hudson Valley.”
$3,500 to the Albany County Historical Association, Albany County, for “Road to Revolution: 1775 and Beyond – Ten Broeck Mansion Special Tours and Exhibits.”
$1,440 to the Albany Pine Bush, Albany County, to research and document Indigenous connections to the Albany Pine Bush.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway awards grants and event sponsorships at various times throughout the year. Greenway grants are competitive and prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to program staff for assistance in applying and to explore our grant opportunities for criteria, current Greenway priorities, and submission deadlines.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway is a unique state-sponsored program that partners with communities and nonprofits to advance projects and initiatives that result in natural and cultural resource protection, regional and local planning, economic development, public access to the Hudson River, and heritage and environmental education. To learn more about the Greenway, please visit Hudson River Valley Greenway.