Hudson Highlands Land Trust

06/05/2026

It's , and here in the Hudson Highlands, rolling ridgelines, river shores, forests, and open fields remind us every single day why conservation work matters.

Today, we pause to celebrate and reflect. Conservation isn't just about protecting landscapes. It's about honoring the wildlife that calls this place home, investing in the future generations who will carry this work forward, and recognizing the Indigenous peoples and original stewards who have nurtured and protected these lands since long before us. The Hudson Highlands are a treasure, and what we do here is part of a much larger story being written across the planet. Get outside, explore the trails, and take a moment to appreciate what surrounds you. And with coming up, there's no better time to visit HHLT preserves or local parks near you! 🌍



Photos by Cory Tiger

06/05/2026

We're thrilled to celebrate the NYS Senate confirmation of Kathy Moser as the 9th Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation! 🎉

Congratulations, Commissioner Moser! 👏🌲

06/03/2026

Join us TOMORROW alongside the Wild Woods Restoration Project for our June Bioblitz at Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring, NY ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/15fzTVTKzm5CGV6h9 ). The goal is to document as many plant, animal, and fungi species as possible in a single day. All experience levels are welcome, including families with young children. Drop in for an hour or stay for several! Participants will use iNaturalist (a free app on your phone) to log observations that feed directly into HHLT's project record. Jolly Cow ice cream will be provided to all contributors. We hope to see you there! 🔎🌿

To learn more or register for a time slot, visit: https://hhlt.org/june-bioblitz-at-lane-gate-preserve/

📅 Mark your calendars for our June BioBlitz! Join HHLT and Wild Woods Restoration Project on June 4th (8am to 6pm) for a day of community science at Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring, NY.

Spot and document as many species of plants, animals, and fungi as you can in a single day. Download the free iNaturalist app, and your sightings will count toward HHLT's preserve data. No experience needed, just an interest in learning more about the natural world around you! For more information, visit https://hhlt.org/june-bioblitz-at-lane-gate-preserve/

06/03/2026

HHLT is grateful to the Open Space Institute and its supporters for investing in the next generation of conservation leaders through the Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards!🌿

These incredible students will be making a real difference here in the Hudson Valley! Tackling issues ranging from soil health and carbon storage to environmental justice, historic preservation, arts-based tourism, and watershed education, a testament to the creativity, passion, and dedication of this year's award winners. Congratulations to all seven 2026 recipients, and a huge thank you to OSI for making opportunities like this possible. We are especially excited to welcome John Cross as HHLT's 2026 summer intern!

05/22/2026

Spring migration has been in full swing at HHLT preserves!🐦🦆

Last week, we had a fantastic morning at Lane Gate Preserve, hosting a spring migration bird walk with partners Putnam Highlands Audubon Society (PHAS) and New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP). Participants were treated to a diverse range of sightings, including the Solitary Sandpiper (pictured below), reflecting the rich biodiversity at Lane Gate Preserve. A big thank you to PHAS and NYNHP for co-leading the walk and sharing their expertise, and to everyone who joined us!

Interested in exploring Lane Gate Preserve? Don't miss our upcoming BioBlitz on June 4, co-hosted with Wild Woods Restoration Project! Open to all experience levels, participants will work together or on their own to document as many plant, animal, and fungi species as possible in a single day. To learn more, visit: https://hhlt.org/june-bioblitz-at-lane-gate-preserve/



Photos by Nadia Azizi & Cory Tiger

05/20/2026

Hudson Valley Gives is today, May 20! Support conservation in the Hudson Highlands by participating at www.hvgives.org/organizations/hudson-highlands-land-trust

We hope you will join us in the effort to conserve and care for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come. Your support helps ensure a future for the Hudson Highlands where wildlife thrives in a healthy, connected, climate-resilient landscape and people can enjoy equitable access to nature’s benefits!

05/13/2026

Meet the Dot-tailed Whiteface Dragonfly! Keep an eye on local wetlands this summer because you might spot one of New York’s most recognizable dragonflies! The Dot-tailed Whiteface (Leucorrhinia intacta) is easy to identify by its small black body, bright face, and yellow dot on its tail. Active from early May through late August, it favors calm, vegetated water bodies including ponds, lakes, bogs, marshes, and slow-moving streams across New York State.

Don’t let their small size fool you. Adults actively hunt mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects, playing a valuable role in keeping wetland ecosystems balanced!


Photo by Cory Tiger

05/08/2026

📅 Mark your calendars for our June BioBlitz! Join HHLT and Wild Woods Restoration Project on June 4th (8am to 6pm) for a day of community science at Lane Gate Preserve in Cold Spring, NY.

Spot and document as many species of plants, animals, and fungi as you can in a single day. Download the free iNaturalist app, and your sightings will count toward HHLT's preserve data. No experience needed, just an interest in learning more about the natural world around you! For more information, visit https://hhlt.org/june-bioblitz-at-lane-gate-preserve/