Scenic Hudson

Scenic Hudson is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the Hudson River Valley and its natural resources, working closely with The Nature Conservancy, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Hudson River Greenway. Founded in 1963 by a group of local residents, including Alexander Saunders, Bard College professor, and Frances Reese, Poughkeepsie resident, the organization has been instrumental in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in the region, often collaborating with Columbia University, New York University, and Rutgers University. Scenic Hudson has worked with various government agencies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to protect the Hudson River and its surrounding landscape, which is home to numerous National Historic Landmarks, including Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. The organization has also partnered with local communities, such as Cold Spring, Beacon, and Sleepy Hollow, to promote ecotourism and support local businesses.

● History

The history of Scenic Hudson dates back to the 1960s, when a group of concerned citizens, including Nelson Rockefeller, Robert F. Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson, came together to protect the Hudson River Valley from destructive development, such as the proposed Storm King Mountain power plant, which would have harmed the Hudson River and its ecosystem, including the Atlantic sturgeon and American shad. The organization's early efforts were focused on stopping the construction of a Con Edison power plant on Storm King Mountain, which would have destroyed the natural beauty of the area and harmed the local wildlife, including the bald eagle and osprey. Scenic Hudson's campaign to stop the power plant was supported by prominent figures, such as Pete Seeger, John McPhee, and Joseph Mitchell, and was ultimately successful, with the help of the Federal Power Commission and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. This victory marked the beginning of Scenic Hudson's long history of protecting the Hudson River Valley and promoting environmental conservation, often working with organizations like the Sierra Club, The Audubon Society, and the World Wildlife Fund.

● Mission and Activities

Scenic Hudson's mission is to protect and preserve the Hudson River Valley and its natural resources, while also promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation, in collaboration with institutions like Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. The organization's activities include land conservation, water quality monitoring, and environmental education, often in partnership with New York State Department of Education, National Geographic Society, and the Smithsonian Institution. Scenic Hudson also works to promote ecotourism and support local businesses in the region, such as Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson River Maritime Museum, and Bannerman Castle, which are popular tourist destinations and contribute to the local economy. The organization has also been involved in various community development projects, including the creation of Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and the restoration of the Poughkeepsie Waterfront, which have improved the quality of life for local residents and enhanced the region's natural beauty, with the support of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and New York State Department of State.

● Conservation Efforts

Scenic Hudson's conservation efforts are focused on protecting the Hudson River Valley's natural resources, including its water quality, wildlife habitats, and scenic landscapes, often in collaboration with United States Fish and Wildlife Service, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Hudson River Foundation. The organization has worked to protect the Hudson River's water quality by monitoring pollution and advocating for environmental regulations, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, which are enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health. Scenic Hudson has also worked to protect the region's wildlife habitats, including the Hudson River Estuary and the Catskill Mountains, which are home to numerous endangered species, such as the wood turtle and the northern long-eared bat, and has collaborated with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and the National Wildlife Federation. The organization has also been involved in efforts to protect the region's scenic landscapes, including the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which are popular destinations for hiking, biking, and kayaking, and are managed by the National Park Service and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

● Land Preservation

Scenic Hudson's land preservation efforts are focused on protecting the Hudson River Valley's natural and scenic resources, including its farmland, forests, and wetlands, often in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. The organization has worked to protect the region's farmland by promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting local farmers, such as those in Dutchess County and Ulster County, which are known for their apple orchards and wineries. Scenic Hudson has also worked to protect the region's forests and wetlands, including the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River Estuary, which are home to numerous plant and animal species, such as the black bear and the river otter, and has collaborated with organizations like the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the United States Forest Service. The organization has also been involved in efforts to protect the region's scenic landscapes, including the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Walkway Over the Hudson, which are popular destinations for tourism and recreation, and are managed by the National Park Service and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

● Environmental Advocacy

Scenic Hudson's environmental advocacy efforts are focused on promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Hudson River Valley, often in collaboration with Sierra Club, The Audubon Society, and the World Wildlife Fund. The organization has worked to promote environmental regulations and policies that protect the region's natural resources, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, which are enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Scenic Hudson has also advocated for renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region, including the development of wind power and solar power, which are supported by organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The organization has also been involved in efforts to promote environmental education and community engagement in the region, including the creation of environmental education programs and community outreach initiatives, which are often partnered with institutions like Columbia University, New York University, and Rutgers University. Scenic Hudson's environmental advocacy efforts have been recognized by numerous organizations, including the Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Hudson River Foundation, which have awarded the organization for its outstanding work in protecting the Hudson River Valley and promoting environmental conservation.

Category:Environmental organizations