Climate Resilience in the Hudson River Estuary

The value of open space has just gone up

Dedicated hikers and trail enthusiasts may have noticed the recent spike in foot traffic on our favorite trails in the Hudson Valley. With everyone’s plans canceled due to fears of the coronavirus, even the most lightly traveled footpaths are experiencing a renaissance of activity. State parks in the Catskills, wildlife sanctuaries, historic sites ­­-- it seems everywhere you turn people are rediscovering the simple pleasures of sun, forest, and a healthy dose of Spring mud. 

#RecreateLocal - Safely and Responsibly: During the COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors locally and connecting with nature (while social distancing) is a way to help maintain physical and mental health. For ideas to connect with nature while social distancing, see our recreation guidance and online resources for kid-friendly nature exploring.

We’d like to take this moment to celebrate our open space and the value it has. To learn more about a local community’s decision to prioritize natural, open spaces by designating "CEAs," view our latest Adaptation Inspiration short video:

VIDEO LINK: Conserving Nature in Your Community (English captions)

VIDEO LINK: Conserving Nature in Your Community (Spanish captions)

This video highlights how conservation planning can help communities build a more resilient future. Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs) are areas designated by a community that have exceptional qualities like ecological value, a beautiful natural setting, or cultural significance. The beautiful Town of Wawarsing in Ulster County, NY adopted the Critical Environmental Area designation for two ecologically-important resources in the community after completing a natural resources inventory and open space plan. Thanks to this work, any potential impacts to the quality of these critical areas must be considered during environmental review.

Please help us share this video

• Conserving Nature in Your Community with English captions: https://tinyurl.com/cscvideoCEA
• Conserving Nature in Your Community with Spanish captions: https://tinyurl.com/cscvideoCEAsp

To learn more

• Check to see if you’re a Climate Smart Community
• Read about Critical Environmental Areas and view maps of existing CEAs in New York 
• Check out the Town of Wawarsing’s Open Space Plan (PDF)
• Learn about creating a Natural Resources Inventory for your community

Calling all current and future users of Kingston Point

Please take and share this public survey to provide your input on the City's effort to "create a well-connected and resilient riverfront park that can remain viable as a public and natural asset for decades to come." Click here for more background information on this Weaving the Waterfront project.

Resilience Roundup: News and projects from around New York

• Communities are becoming “climate smart” with the Hudson Estuary Watershed Resiliency Project
• DEC announces 14 new certified Climate Smart Communities, half of which are in the Hudson Valley!

Local climate last month

This past 2019-2020 Winter season was the 7th warmest winter on record. Data provided by Natalie Feldsine and the 124-year records from Mohonk Lake NOAA Cooperative Weather Station.

Visit our website, Adaptation Inspiration videos and other Resources for Resilience, or email us at hvclimate@dec.ny.gov

Please invite your friends and colleagues to join our newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/ClimateNewsletter