HVNY News + Notes

Free nature bus offers rides to popular Ulster County destinations: Explore Ulster County's natural treasures and destination favorites like Sam’s Point, Ashokan Rail Trail, Walkway Over the Hudson, Minnewaska, and the Catskills Visitor Center, to name a few with a ride on the Ulster County Nature Bus program, kicking off on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The program is entirely free, and residents can take buses from Kingston and Ellenville to a park or preserve along three different routes to enjoy a morning or day out of doors. The full bus schedule can be found here, with destinations for people of all abilities and ages. A joint program of UCAT and the Ulster County Department of Tourism, the Nature Bus will run on scheduled Saturdays through mid-October.
The program was initiated by the Ulster County Executive's Office to expand opportunities for our residents, including those without a car or who do not drive, to visit the County's pristine natural treasures and outdoor recreational destinations. With an estimated 7.5-percent of Ulster County residents lacking car ownership, and even higher percentages in urban centers like Kingston and Ellenville, this program helps fill a gap in access while providing all residents with the chance to take a fun and free excursion and connect with nature.
To get a ride, visit https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/nature-bus
Care about daycares in Rhinebeck? The Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday April 23, 2024 at 5pm on the proposed zoning code change to allow for Daycare Centers in the Village of Rhinebeck within the gateway zoning district and the Village center zoning district. The public hearing will be held in person at Rhinebeck Village Hall, 76 East Market Street.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will conduct a nationwide prescription drug collection on Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collections will be held at many locations around the state and are the best way to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription drugs. For more information and locations, visit DEA’s National Take Back Initiative webpage.

Phoenicia Elementary to close, seeks funding for farewell party: After 60 years, the Phoenicia Elementary school will close at the end of the 2024 school year. Teachers, staff and admins are planning a Farewell Fair on June 8. But, since school district funds can only be used to support educational programs, organizers are looking for help raising money for the send-off celebration: https://phoeniciapta.memberhub.gives/phoeniciafarewell/Campaign/Details
This week’s New York Blooms Report: iloveny.com/things-to-do/nature/blooms/