After a nationwide search, the not-for-profit decided to go no further than its own backyard and promote veteran land conservation director Seth McKee to the post of executive director of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and land programs. At the same time, Scenic Hudson hired Raul “Rocci” Aguirre as its new executive director of Policy, Advocacy and Science.
About 30 minutes long, the film details the history and ecology of the lower portion of the creek, with a focus on Saugerties, where the Esopus meets the Hudson. Sweeping overhead shots of the creek and surrounding woodlands, as well as historic postcards and paintings, help illustrate interviews with a dozen or so local historians, artists, naturalists, and others whose lives and work have brought them into contact with and contemplation of the creek.
Woodstockers curious about their wild neighbors will be interested in the findings of a new local study.
The scaled-back proposal focuses on the Shawangunk Ridge, Wallkill corridor, Plutarch and Clearwater woods and wetlands. Most of the referenced area is already regulated (such as wetlands) or protected (for example, the ridge).
The opportunity for Gardinerites to sign onto a plan to purchase cheaper, greener electricity via Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) came closer to reality last week, when the town board authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with Katonah-based Joule Community Power to serve as Gardiner’s administrator to implement a CCA program.
Deer-hunter numbers are declining, and existing hunters should be given more opportunities to keep the population sustainable, which reduces damage to forest ecosystems and agriculture and minimizes vehicle collisions. That’s the overall takeaway from the DEC’s draft ten-year deer management plan.
Beavers serve as nature’s hydroengineers, creating ponds and lakes, diverting streams, slowing stormwater runoff and designing landscapes that welcome a myriad of waterfowl and fauna. Not the least of these is the great blue heron, which can often be seen perched in or around the beaver lodge at the Mill Brook Preserve in New Paltz.
The concept of households subscribing to a solar farm is known as community solar and it can benefit energy use of municipalities too.
I’m periodically asked if I’ve seen evidence among the stars of a Creator. I always dodge such questions, directed my way for over 30 years. They arise because many, when searching for the Big Picture in this huge confusing universe, think astronomers may have a heightened perspective of what’s going on.
Kingston Land Trust acquires six acres of abandoned quarry and forgotten wilderness improbably inserted within the Kingston city limits.