Hudson Valley Birding Trail unveiled
Hudson Valley Birding Trail includes 39 locations in six counties
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced the grand opening of the Hudson Valley segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the State's world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.
The Hudson Valley segment includes 39 locations on public lands throughout six counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. The announcement was made as part of DEC's annual Earth Week celebration and in conjunction with the annual New York State Tourism Industry Association conference in Westchester.
"Spring is a fantastic time of year to visit one of the many sites on the newest segment of the New York State Birding Trail," Commissioner Seggos said. "The Hudson Valley region, with its stunning and historic parks and public lands, unique hawk watches, and sweeping Hudson River views, provides a unique and special birding experience for anyone interested in getting started in this fun, accessible activity."
Birdwatching has quickly become one of New York's fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. The New York State Birding Trail is managed by DEC in collaboration with partners including the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail includes a network of promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.
The Hudson Valley segment of the trail includes 39 locations on a mix of public and private lands throughout Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, and Westchester counties. From Bird Conservation Areas (BCAs) including Hudson Highlands State Park, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve, to the tidal swamps and marshes at Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, and the Mount Peter Hawk Watch that provides a scenic overlook for raptor watching, the Hudson Valley provides unique landscapes and habitats for birding along the Hudson River and beyond. We invite you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to experience birds firsthand by taking the time to visit one of the sites on the bird trail.
"Exploring the Hudson Valley segment of the New York State Birding Trail is a sure way to grow and enrich an appreciation for the natural world," said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. "Our State Parks on the trail offer exceptional places for people to see and learn about a diverse species of birds in their native habitats - and we welcome all to visit."
New segments of the Birding Trail are opened in a phased approach. DEC announced the New York City trail segment in October 2021, the Greater Niagara trail segment in February 2022, and Long Island segment in March 2022, totaling more than 130 birding locations. Once finished, the Statewide Birding Trail will provide birding opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background, across New York State.
To promote the trail as an inclusive experience for all, DEC and partners are working to select sites that are welcoming and accessible by public transportation. Several Hudson Valley birding trail locations are accessible via the Cold Spring-Beacon Trolley Shuttle which runs from Memorial Day to Veterans Day weekend. DEC also continues to solicit input from a wide range of New Yorkers and organizations that represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and is making information available in both English and Spanish. Bird walks will be held in collaboration with organizations working with BIPOC communities.
The New York State Birding Trail map is available at the I Bird NY website and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Additional information on birding, educational and interpretive information, is also available. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.
In addition to state-owned and managed locations for the Birding Trail, publicly and privately managed sites can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Sites all meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, each site will post signage noting it as an official location on the birding trail. For information on the nomination process, see the I Bird NY website.
DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish) (PDFs), and additional resources.
View the map of the Hudson Valley Segment of the Statewide Birding Trail (PDF)
For 141 years, Hudson River State Hospital was home to tens of thousands of individuals suffering from mental illness.
Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The facility grew from a 208-acre parcel in 1871 with seven patients to 752 acres with five dozen separate buildings containing nearly 6,000 patients in 1954. The main building was constructed on a Kirkbride plan, a treating philosophy centered around an ornate building of equal proportions staffed by employees who integrated dignity and compassion into health care. Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The landscape was penned by Frederick Law Olmsted, perhaps best known for the design of New York City's Central Park. Ships for free directly from Arcadia Publishing.
The history of New York is inseparable from the history of sailing on the Hudson River. Beginning with Henry Hudson in 1609 the Dutch and English extended their empires into the Hudson Valley and extracted its bounty via sail.
Control of the Hudson River was a lynchpin for American victory in the Revolutionary War and New York City's 19th-century rise to global prominence was powered by the sailing vessels on its waterways. Upriver, sloops and schooners delivered goods from the nation's interior and international whaling businesses operated from Hudson and Poughkeepsie and Kingston and Newburgh became noted shipbuilding centers. Yacht racing and ice yachting emerged as popular sports among wealthy families like the Astors and Roosevelts. Sailing clubs preserved these traditions into the 20th century. Since the 1960s, activists including Pete Seeger have used sailboats to galvanize a movement to revive the river ecosystem. Today, the river is home to new generations of sailors continuing these traditions into a fifth century.
Steve Schwartz has sailed and captained numerous sailing and motor vessels on the Hudson River since the 1970s. He and James Malchow are both captains on the Hudson River ferry sloop Woody Guthrie. Images in this book, collected from local libraries, historical societies, the New York State Archives, Library of Congress, and private collections, capture the people, places, and ships that have made the Hudson River an important sailing center for over four centuries.
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This shirt features Allison Walker’s "Two Waters Meeting" piece, depicting two ocean tides coming together. “It is a piece about two lives, or two big ideas, coming together. I like wearing this over my heart and lungs, it feels like fresh breath & an open heart!”
Available as a Festival Crop, a Classic Tee or Lightweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
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"Walking on Water" is a recurring theme of Allison Walker’s, depicting the “walking-on-a-tidal-wave nature of spiritual journeys. The deep blue and bright gold represent a journey with range.”
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Design by Peekskill resident Evan Rosen
50% of all proceeds will be donated to The Lenape Center
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Lightweight
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included
• Blank product components in the US sourced from Japan and the US
• Blank product components in the EU sourced from Japan and Latvia
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11x14 inches, matted, unframed, fine art Giclee print. “I try to escape to the beautiful beaches in the New York area. Here’s a scene from a visit to Montauk.”
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One-of-a-kind, cut-and-layered art paper for a three-dimensional effect, unframed, ~20x16." The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and its backdrop as interpreted from Mills State Park.
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Unframed original watercolor. Please note: This item is available for pick-up only. The artist will contact the buyer after purchase to arrange pick-up.
Highland Farm Smoked Venison Snack Sticks are the perfect, farm-fresh protein snack. They are individually wrapped, and easy to pop in your purse or lunchbox.
Includes 30 individually wrapped sticks: 6 - Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Hot Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Cracked Pepper Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Teriyaki Venison Snack Sticks, 6 Venison and Cheddar Snack Sticks
Highland Farm Venison Doggie Treats are a farm-made dried venison meat treat guaranteed to delight your pup! Filled with lots of wholesome venison meat and organs and no junk! Store the jerky strips in the fridge or freezer (since there are no preservatives except for a pinch of salt) and just cut or rip off a piece for your very good pup!
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
The Beast Box is a collection of some of Highland Farm’s most popular cuts. It makes a great gift for the game meat lover in your life!
The Beast Box includes:
Bison Ribeye - 2 x 12oz steaks
Elk Loin Roast - 1 x 12oz portion
Venison Steak - 2 x 12oz steaks
Wild Boar Ribs - 2 pounds
Elk and Bison Bratwurst - 1 pound
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
A limited edition of three of Highland Farm's most popular sweet and savory summer sausages, and a branded logo cutting board. A perfect host/hostess gift for the holidays!
Sausage Flavors: Venison Summer Sausage, Venison and Cheddar Summer Sausage, Elk Burgundy Cheddar Summer Sausage.
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A print of the winning shot from the 2022 HVNY Summer Photo Contest by Amy Mott. 12" x16" lustre finish. Prints made to order.
Updated for 2026! Wildsam Field Guides: Hudson Valley and Catskills leads travelers along the mighty Hudson River, into colorful forests and through mystical mountains with guidance from trusted locals and experts.
Stories from prize-winning writers, past and present
A detailed road trip plan and profiles of 10 idyllic towns
Interviews with artists, preservationists, brewers and hardware store owners
Delightful miscellany from the archives, selective recommendations about authentic Catskills experiences and a deep dive into the world of art history and antique collecting.
Shipping included in price. 128 pages, printed in the USA. 4x6.5” - Back pocket size
Fresh, multi-colored chicken eggs from a flock hatched and raised by hand here in the Hudson Valley. Available for pick-up only from Salt Point, NY; Address will be sent to customer after order.
Quantity available updated daily!
Handmade oyster shell trinket dishes. Not food safe but perfect for jewelry or other trinkets! One of each, as pictured. Price includes shipping.
Enjoy summer in the Hudson Valley all yearlong with a print of Croton Point Park from our 2025 HVNY Summer Photo Contest winner, Matthew Daly. Prints made to order.
For every almost maybe
the ½ loves
the right hearts but the wrong time
the lonely nights
the rainy days
may these pages restore hope in your eyes
and peace in your heart
today, tomorrow and all the days to come
A book of poetry that explores topics such as coping with various emotions, navigating relationships, love, loss, cultivating self-compassion, and more. It highlights the journey of self-exploration, through vulnerability, mindfulness, uncertainty, and a lot of the messy things many of us relate to but often avoid talking about.
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Order a full or drilled-out Emu Egg from a lovingly handraised flock here in the Hudson Valley and impress those Easter guests!
Each egg is approximately 6” in height. The empty eggs are drilled out on either end. Ships directly from the flock in Dutchess County. Shipping costs are included in price.
Full emu eggs for culinary use are available for contact-less pick-up only from the farmstand in Salt Point, NY. Limited availability (through March). Customers will receive pick-up instructions after order confirmation. Email us for more information.
For fans of Alison Espach and Claire Lombardo, a poignant and thought-provoking debut novel about the fraught bond between mothers and teen daughters, the ripple effects of a tragic event in a small town, and the search for meaning after loss.
What if the only way forward is to let go of everything you know?
Kate’s life in the Hudson Valley seems picture-perfect: a thriving career as a realtor-slash-momfluencer, a devoted husband, and a strong bond with her brilliant teenage daughter, Indie. But when Indie’s best friend dies suddenly, their idyllic small-town haven begins to crumble. Kate and Ethan lose their footing, and Indie, alone in her grief, falls down an internet rabbit hole of nihilism and existential despair.
As Indie searches for meaning in a world that feels random and cruel, Kate struggles to reconcile her carefully curated online persona with the raw, unyielding grief tearing her family apart. When long-buried family secrets rise to the surface, she is forced to confront unsettling truths that challenge everything she thought she knew—about marriage, motherhood, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Told in the dual voices of a mother and daughter grappling with loss, No One You Know is filled with poignant observations on parenthood, best friendship, class and political divides, infidelity in a small town—and the bitter truth that death can touch everything we love.
Release date: January 20, 2026. Shipping is included in all prices.
Each piece is uniquely handcrafted, featuring four hand-rolled polymer clay beads in a coordinated black and gold colorway. No two necklaces are the same – gold foil accents create one-of-a-kind swirls and shimmer in every bead.
These lightweight statement necklaces are designed to be both stylish and versatile, perfect for dressing up casual outfits or adding a touch of glam to evening wear.
Beads measure approx. 1/2" each
Strung on a 30" elastic gold-tone cord – adjustable to your perfect length
Comes in a black organza gift bag – ready to gift or keep
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One-of-a-kind botanical art made using real dried flowers: Daisy, yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace, hyacinth & seasonal blooms.
Handcrafted baroque-style frame – made from poured, painted, and sealed resin.
Size: 4" wide x 3.125" high
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Support Hudson Valley artists and makers on the HVNY Marketplace – with a gift card!
Purchasing this digital gift card creates a unique code. The gift card recipient can enter this code at the HVNY Marketplace checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total. This gift card never expires.
Pack a picnic in a HVNY Jumbo Tote! 100% heavy cotton canvas tote with bottom gusset screen printed by Mass Artisan in Hopewell Junction
Limited supply! Shipping’s included!
All items ship for free directly from their makers – HVNY merch ships from our headquarters in Dutchess County.
This is the story of five towns located in New York s Hudson River Valley that met their demise as quickly as they were established. From the icehouses of Rockland Lake to the Ashokan Reservoir towns to the brick quarries of Roseton, only traces of these once vibrant settlements can now be found. Camp Shanks, one of World War II s most significant military compounds, was erected in 1942 but was quickly abandoned at the war s end. Last Stop USA, as it was known, played host to over one million soldiers and welcomed patriotic visitors like Frank Sinatra and Shirley Temple. In this collection of images, local authors Wesley and Barbara Gottlock revive the spirits of these bygone communities and celebrate a lost way of life." (162 pages)
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For hundreds of years throughout the world amusement parks have appealed to "the kid in all of us." Starting in the 1870's, a bourgeoning population along the Hudson River Valley and in New York City created a need for recreational outlets. With the valley's natural beauty, its access to waterfront cities, and its proximity to the nation's largest metropolis, entrepreneurs were quick to respond.The mass appeal of large parks such as Coney Island and Palisades Amusement Park has been documented thoroughly. The authors highlight some of the lesser known amusement parks, now largely forgotten, that entertained millions into the 20th century. (188 pages)
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The “Sockette,” sculptures are all made from socks! These contemporary soft sculpture characters are elaborate versions of the traditional sock doll. “The Sockettes” are sophisticated creatures, both human and animal. Each unique sculpture is hand-made with intricate features and a diverse selection of patterns, textures and materials, the combination of which assist in producing a creature that comes to life with its own distinctive personality and individual story.
Each Sockette takes 98-99 hours to create!
Size of each Sockette:
“Dolly’ is 24.5”Hx17”Wx 5”D
“Myrna” is 23.5”Hx15”Wx5”
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This snazzy set of coasters will be the talk of your next cocktail party. A wholly Earth-conscious gift, these four different species of owls have been hand-silkscreened on to upcycled scrap leather, and water treated for longevity.
4” round, set of 4 pieces, gift boxed
Genuine leather
Waterproof treatment for performance and longevity
Handmade in New York
Limited edition
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Escape, in your head at least, to the riverside with this 100% chino cotton twill low-profile hat with adjustable strap and antique buckle. Made to order. Shipping’s free.