The Bear Report Fall 2009 a MESSAGE from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JIM HALL 400 Years Ago Henry Hudson Passed Through Our Hudson Valley Noting Its Grandeur

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The Bear Report Fall 2009 A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JIM HALL 400 years ago Henry Hudson passed through our Hudson Valley noting its grandeur. Efforts to protect and invest in that magnificence have continued to be a priority of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission since its inception. Our founding families, the Perkinses, the Harrimans, and the Rockefellers created the standard of excellence we resolve to provide each year to over nine million park visitors. There is no shortage of calls for a return to nature and to that end, the revitalization of our State Parks continues to be PIPC’s top priority. Many of our facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) generations ago. Their efforts remind us that when you invest in parks everyone feels better. Undeterred by budget cuts and financial uncertainty, we will continue to find creative ways to raise funds, awareness, and opportunities in order for the Palisades Interstate Parks system to flourish and remain the glorious resource it has been for a century. ~ Jim Hall ~

THE CONSERVANCY HONORS The Perkins Family On Thursday, June 4, 2009 the Palisades Parks Conservancy was privileged to honor the Perkins family, long considered the first family of the Commission. Longtime Hudson River Valley residents, they have blazed a path of philanthropy and action that has yielded dozens of parks, museums, cultural centers, farms, monuments, amusements, and the PIPC Group Camp concept that has served tens of thousands of children of all ages for nearly a century. Their belief in nature as the best medicine of all has had a ripple effect worldwide since George W. Perkins Sr. negotiated the end of the destruction of the Palisades cliffs in the 1900s. The Perkins family represents the backbone of the PIPC since its first days, and their broad generosity and vision has affected the preservation movement in ways impossible to measure. Four generations of Perkins have helped to save over 110,000 acres, many on the edge of the world’s largest metropolis. They saw to the planting of millions of trees and created an extensive nature education program. Recognizing the foresight and contributions of this wonderful family who continue to be instrumental in advancing the mission of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, PPC Board President Joshua Hyman, M.D., Anne Perkins Cabot presented the prestigious Palisades Founders Award to the Perkins family. Anne Perkins Cabot, Palisades Interstate Park Commissioner Emeritus and a Palisades Parks Conservancy Director accepted on behalf of her family. Other family members included: Colin Cabot, Victoria Wilson-Charles, Elizabeth W. Gonzales, Linn W. Kreig, Josie Merck, Bryce O’Brien, Samantha J. O’Brien, Wendy O’Brien, Nancy Perkins, Jennifer Speers, James Stevenson, William B. Thompson, Jr., and Penny Perkins Wilson. Dr. Hyman thanked the Perkins family for, “their broad generosity and vision that contributed to the preservation of natural treasures with recreation for the masses.” It was fitting that the dinner was held on the Hudson River shoreline at the Ross Dock section of the Palisades Interstate Park, Fort Lee, NJ., the foot of the very cliffs George W. Perkins, Sr. fought so hard to save and heal. Equally appropriate was the date commemorating the 100th anniversary of his official dedication of these shores to the public good and founding of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The evening culminated with a magnificent fireworks display illuminating the night sky and the majestic cliffs that would not exist were it not for the fortitude and resolve of the Family Members attending: Linn W. Kreig, William B. Thompson, Jr., Victoria Wilson- Perkins family. Charles, Wendy W. O’Brien, Samantha J. O’Brien, Elizabeth W. Gonzalez, D. Bryce O’Brien Got Art? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Artist’s In the Parks PIPC Celebrates 100 Years The new group, Artists 2009 has been a year-long celebration of the four-hundredth anniversary of in the Parks (AIP) has Henry Hudson’s “Half Moon” voyage that brought him through the Narrows recently been active at into what is now known as New York Harbor and up the Hudson River. With several park events. AIP funding from the Quad Committee, in January the Palisades Interstate Park is raising awareness of the Commission supported the Knickerbocker Ice Festival at Rockland State Park, beauties of our parks along the official launch of the 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial with funds for the Palisades celebrations. Replicas of Fulton’s Clermont and Hudson’s Half Moon were Parks Conservancy (PPC). represented, this time in the form of ice sculptures. Palisades Interstate Park Commission partners Here at the Park, however, ’09 is a double anniversary year as September with these local artists working in “plein 27th marked the 100th year since Commission President George W. Perkins, air,” (outdoor) mediums to highlight PIPC’s Sr. conducted the dedication presenting Governors J. Franklin Fort of New conservation, education, and community Jersey and Charles Evans Hughes of New York with twelve miles of dramatic initiatives. The program creates public exposure Hudson River landscape on behalf of each of their states. The ceremony took for the artists while encouraging creative explo place from the second-floor porch at what was then called the “Old Cornwallis ration of the Palisades region. Headquarters”— now known as the Kearney House. A commemoration of this A portion of the sold artwork proceeds is event took place this past September at the same location. generously donated to the PPC and assists the In 1909, supporters hailed the creation of Palisades Interstate Park Conservancy’s efforts to promote PIPC’s mission Commission as an unparalleled achievement in the conservation of scenic of providing the public access to swimming, and historic resources, and its dedication was viewed as a pinnacle of the hiking, educational programs, and the pure “Hudson–Fulton Tercentennial” festivities. Now we are awed by the vision and enjoyment of our beautiful parks. dedication of individuals like financier J.P. Morgan and organizations like the This past year the AIP program provided park New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs that rallied from a groundswell related art work for a silent auction held at the of public opposition and Knickerbocker Ice Festival, the 2nd Annual Art on fought for decades the 1909 Dedication, the Trail event at Bear Mountain State Park, and destruction being wrought the “birth” of PIPC Hooked on the Hook. Upcoming events include by massive quarry Trim the Trails at Nyack State Beach and a year- operations. end reception at Overlook Lodge where dozens Today’s Palisades of paintings will be on display. Interstate Park Commission Unleashing the potential power of nature and boasts jurisdiction over art in the healing process for our returning 110,000 plus acres of land veterans and their families, AIP is excited to encompassing 20 parks have been awarded a $4,000 grant from Orange and 8 historic sites. It is Arts to train 15 selected members to work as our fervent hope that a teaching artists. The artwork they create will celebration held in 2109 will become part of a traveling exhibit featured at commemorate the vision the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Fort and legacy that we ourselves Montgomery Battle Site, and other historic sites. can help preserve.

BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK: A New Chef at the Inn The Palisades Interstate Park Commission is excited about the possibilities and eager to work with Guests Services, Inc. (GSI) who was contracted in January to manage the Bear Mountain Inn complex, including the 1915 Inn, Overlook Lodge’s 24 guest rooms and catering spaces, the four WPA era six room lake-view stone lodges, Cliff House, food services at the Merry-go-Round, and the picnic grove food pavilion, fondly known as Stand 10. While the Inn is undergoing its own 15 million dollar rehab, Guest Services has started renovations to the other facilities within the complex. Overlook Lodge is experiencing a complete make-over. New brides will be particularly happy to hear that banquet rooms, with spectacular vista views, have been transformed and re-decorated. Guest rooms are modernized with new bedding, baths, and finish treatments. Next in line will be the Cliff House meeting space, and the four stone lodges. Stand 10 has a new menu and a great collection of memorabilia for sale at the gift shop located along its trail side. Guest Services has organized an entire year’s worth of activities for the park patrons. Over the summer, nights at the park sparkled like the stars with special events. The closest thing to a drive-in was our outdoor Movie Night at the Mountain that featured such Classics as Disney’s The Goonies and the all-time summer favorite Grease. A delicious Sunday Brunch is available year-round at Overlook Lodge and the ever popular Oktoberfest was held on weekends throughout the fall. Through this partnership, the Bear Mountain Inn complex will continue to be the site of special events and celebrations in a setting where park visitors can quietly enjoy fresh air, recreation, and the beauties of nature. For information Overlook Lodge Lobby on upcoming events please visit: www.palisadesconservacy.org/calendar or www.visitbearmountain.com. THE PALISADES PARKS CONSERVANCY Financial Report

Statement of Activities for the year Special Gift Opportunities: ending March 31, 2009 Each contribution to Palisades parks has an impact on the future of this great resource. Many opportunities exist to demonstrate Support and Revenue: leadership support for our rehabilitation and conservation programs. We have listed some ideas below that may inspire you. Individual contributions $ 19,323 Grants $ 30,500 Adopt an Animal. Help feed or enrich our zoo residents. Corporate contributions$ 35,050 Trailside Museums and Zoo specializes in the care of non-releaseable Special events $ 89,237 animals. Other$ 102,465 Conserve our Archive Collection. PIPC has over 100,000 Total support and revenue $ 276,575 photo and paper objects that need to be professionally scanned, stored, and catalogued. Expenses: Restore an Object at One of Our Historic Sites. Project Services Contribute towards the restoration of any one of many important BMInn Restoration$ 113,576 decorative objects found at our eight historic sites. National Purple Heart$ 6,967 Sponsor an Exhibition. PIPC’s goal is to show more of our Trailside Museums $ 34,357 collection on a regular basis. Group Camp Rehab $ 50,792 Plant a Tree or a Garden. PIPC planted thousands of trees, Memorial program$ 6,292 shrubs, and flowering plants as it developed its parks. Many have Grand Walkabout$ 1,065 been lost to storm, age, or disease. Your donation may fund replace- Supporting Services ments at a park or historic site according to planned landscapes. Management and General $ 49,428 Fundraising$ 15,865 Build our Group Camp Library. Purchase a number of Total Expenses $ 278,342 books that will enchant our group campers as we kick-off a Summer Reading Program and inter-camp library. Net Assets: Restore our Minnewaska Carriage Roads. Your Change in net assets contribution can help rebuild Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s 35 Net assets beginning of the year $ 776,399 miles of carriage roads in need of restoration. Net assets, end of year $ 783,405 Build the Grand Entrance into Bear Mountain We need to let visitors know they have arrived and A copy of our most recent audited financial statement State Park. they need to know where to park and find a cold drink. Help sponsor is available upon request by contacting: the main gateway and improved signage into this popular park. The Palisades Parks Conservancy, Inc. Purchase a Memorial Bench. An excellent way to honor a Officers friend or family member and support your favorite park. Joshua E. Hyman, M.D., President Samuel F. Pryor III, Secretary Rehabilitate our Waterfronts. 2009 marks the Hudson Philip H. White, Vice President Arnold S. Moss, Treasurer River’s Quadricentennial. Support the rehabilitation of our docks and waterfront facilities. Board Members NY: Harriman Relief Camps Stephen A. Borg Barnabas McHenry When the spark of enthusiasm touches us through a wilderness Anne Perkins Cabot Ann C. O’Sullivan experience, a first reaction is to share it with another. More often Michael P. Davidson Frederic C. Rich, Esq. Mary Ann T. Fish William Pat Schuber, LLD. than not we share it with children so as to savor their excitement. Deke Hazirjian Catherine B. SidamonE- ristoff This is why camping and recreation are so important to our health Arthur E. Imperatore, Jr. Raymond L. Spitzley and well-being. Since the PIPC was in its infancy, our parks have Erik A. Larsen, M.D. Kevin B. Tremble provided first nature experiences for innumerable children. For the homeless and displaced who attend our group camps every year, they A free-standing 501 (c ) (3) non-profit corporation, the are one of the few constant rays of hope. It is vital that we rebuild our Palisades Parks Conservancy, Inc. , was launched seven decaying group camps, which need millions of dollars of updates. years ago to raise awareness and funds for our heritage sites, parks, organized camps, trails, beaches, and docks NJ: Fort Lee Historic Park in cooperation with the Palisades Interstate Park Perched high above the Hudson River with spectacular views of the Commission for the benefit of the public. This year, George Washington Bridge and Manhattan, Fort Lee Historic Park is pledges from foundations, corporations, and individuals more than just 33 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland with a have helped us to contribute to the Trailside Museums Visitor’s Center and Museum, a reconstructed 18th-Century soldier’s and Zoo scientific studies, the Regional Museums hut and campsite and reconstructed gun batteries. It is the site of a program and facilities improvements, rehabilitation of fort that played an important role in the American Revolution during the Harriman Group Camps, Sterling Forest® State Park the British campaign to control New York City. Projects such as interpretation and trail building projects, public events, upgrading the Visitor Center exhibits, and creating new outdoor and the preservation of the PIPC’s Native American interpretation area are vital to bring the Park to vivid life and provide artifacts and paper archives. many visitors a better understanding of the American Revolution. We gratefully acknowledge the many individuals, foundations, businesses, and corporations who have made charitable donations to The Palisades Parks Conservancy, Inc. between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008

Nancy Abraham and Arnold Moss Robin Dropkin Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association Joan M. Alter Dugan, Colthart and Zoch, P.A. Dorothy and Gary Humphrey Jane Alexander and Edwin Sherin Christopher J. Elliman Hyde Park Rotary Club American Conservation Association Timothy Englert Family Joshua E. Hyman, M.D. Austen-Stokes Ancient Americas Natly and Robert Esnard Anne E. Impellizzeri Foundation, Inc. Janice B. Evans Arthur E. Imperatore, Jr. Artists in the Parks William M. Evarts Arthur E. Imperatore, Sr. Joel Balin Dr. and Mrs. Armand Fasano Edward G. Imperatore Bank of America Herbert Feinberg Inserra Supermarkets Carlene and Stuart Bassell Bonnie and John Ferraiolo Gale and John P. Jurasek Rose Ann and Louis Bates Mary Ann T. Fish JustGive Catherine Bertini Jakob Franke David J. Kasparian Robert O. Binnewies Friends of Rockland Lake, Inc. Beverly Keitz Stephen L. Bloom Friends of the West Caldwell Ellen Kimmel Catherine M. and Calvin C. Blauvelt Public Library Kingston Sunrise Rotary Club Elizabeth M. and Ronald A. Blauvelt Marilyn and C. Bruce Gambardella Trish and David Kirkpatrick Andrew Blum Marie. L. Garibaldi Kathryn and Adam Kislevitz Monica and Stephen A. Borg Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Kenneth Kreiser Sandra and Malcolm Borg James Gebhards Gary A. Lapayover Donna and William Brown Glen Gidaly The Lautenberg Foundation Joan C. Brooks Lesley B. and Thomas S. T. Gimbel Constance Lee Susan and Leonard Bussanich Sibyl R. Golden Marianne and Rochard Leese Anne Perkins and Francis Cabot Deborah Goldstein Martha and Ira Lieblich Ann Marie and Dominick Cassar Edward Goodell Town of Lloyd William G. Cavanagh Gallya Gordon Congresswoman Nita & Stephen Lowey Cavanaugh Capital Management Susan and Stephen L. Gordon Town of Marlborough Katharine M. Chapman William Gorlin McCarter and English, L.L.P. Chapman Family Foundation Barbara and Wes Gotluck C and D Mclean Daniel Chazin The Gramercy Park Foundation, Inc. Jamie McDonald Ronnie Coffey Greenway Conservancy Trails John McGinley Sylvia and Albert Cohn Robert Grize Barnabas McHenry Hon. Connie Coker & Erik Larsen, M.D. The Frank J. Guarini Foundation Malcolm McLaren Kevin J. and Helen Dalton Collins David Guilfoyle Rosemarie and Dr. Donald Merino Consolidated Edison Lila and Bruce Halstater Doris Metraux and John Deans Commissioners of PIPC James Hanson II Carolyn and George Milne The Community Foundation of Louisville Alan Hantman The Mohonk Preserve Hon. Harriet D. Cornell Marjorie L. Hart The Mosaic Fund Keith J. Cornell Gladys & Roland Harriman Foundation David Mortimer J. Fletcher Creamer Deke Hazirjian M & T Bank Wanda Davenport & Martin Cohen Thomas Heagney John A. Mueller Michael P. Davidson Michael Hegarty National Heritage Trust Maria and Joseph DeChristoforo Betty Hedges The Nature Conservatory Helen and Kenneth DeGhetto David Herrick The Neel Foundation Susan and Victor DelRio Highland Rotary Club, Inc. Zsuzsanna and Robert Neff James D. Demetrakis Highlands Environmental Research Institute New York Community Trust Sandra Diana Glenn Hoagland NY-NJ Trail Conference JoAnn and Paul Dolan Hudson Highlands Land Trust NY Waterway Harold Dorn Hudson House O’Donoghue’s Elaine M. Drew Hudson River Improvement Fund Maureen and Robert Ogden “Here, within sight of our great throbbing city, is a little world of almost virgin nature, which has been rescued for the people.” ~ George W. Perkins, Sr. 1909

Armand Pohan Storm King Adventure Tours Port Authority of NY & NJ Jenepher Stowell Kathryn A. Porter Summit Area Public Foundation Portofino Cafe Mary Sutherland Claire Insalata Poulos Elisabeth C. Tapley Samuel F. Pryor, III S. T. Thomas Elizabeth and Emerson Pugh Virginia and Charles Tonneson Jeannette and David Redden Frances Treanor Frederic C. Rich, Esq. Kevin B. Tremble Robert A. Roe Associates, Inc. Marshall B. Tycher Wendy and Larry Rockefeller Donna Uher Rockefeller & Co., Inc. United Water New York Edward P. Salzano United Way of Orange County Petrina and John Scalice United Way of Sullivan County Susan Scher United Way of Ulster County David T. Schiff Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D. William Pat Schuber Walkill School of Art Richard Schwartz Carol A. Weiss Suzanne and Howard G. Seitz Philip H. White Kristin G. Seiz Anna and Basil C. Williams Anne and Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff Penelope P. Wilson Valerie M. & John J. O’Keeffe, Jr. Catherine and Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff Audrey L. Wolf Ann C. O’Sullivan Jeffrey H. Shapiro Patricia Wooters Kenneth Parkinson Sharon Shaw Margaret J. Wort Palisades Medical Center Jennifer P. Speers Mary and John Yrizarry Parks & Trails New York Raymond L. Spitzley Jean Zambrano Albert John Perotti Allison and Leonard Stern H. Neil Zimmerman Francis W. Peverly Carol H. Stix & Herbert Hochberg Lloyd P. Zuckerberg

FYI — Donations can be designated to the Palisades Parks Conservancy through your local United Way.

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission is a bi-state, Watch for our new online Newsletter and public agency. The Governors of New York and be sure to check out our sites, New Jersey have been extremely supportive. programs, and news about our many events But, as greater numbers visit our places, the need for and celebrations by continual rehabilitation has accelerated. logging on our Web site: That is why the non-profit Palisades Parks Conservancy, Inc., created seven years ago, mounted a campaign to upgrade www.palisadesparksconservancy.org facilities that need a face-lift: the Bear Mountain Inn, the Trailside Museums and Zoo, the Fort Lee Historic Park, our 32 Group Camps, and Minnewaska Carriage roads are priorities. Great progress has been made on all fronts. We are very pleased with the strong response we have received from individuals, corporations, and foundations. TheThe PalisadesPalisades ParkParkss ConservaConservancy,ncy, Inc. BearBear MoMountainuntain StStateate Park—AdmPark—Administrationinistration BuildingBuilding 30063006 Seven LaLakeskes DriveDrive P.O.P.O. BoxBox 427427 Bear Mountain, NY 10911-0427 Bear Mountain, NY 10911-0427 845 786-2701 845 786-2701 Become a Friend on FaceBook! Become a Friend on FaceBook! STATE PARKS Robert John DREW A Natural Choice A Gift—A Legacy During the great depression, the fields and mountains Trailside Museums and Zoo received of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission became a an extremely generous and much appre retreat for those seeking peace in the midst of chaos. In ciated gift bequeathed from the estate comparison, while our current economic crisis may not of Robert John Drew of Camano Island, be as daunting, the parklands that compose the PIPC are Washington, who passed away this past certainly a refuge for many. December. Born on January 23, 1923, Managing more than 110,000 acres of open space, the Drew was a true lover of the outdoors. Palisades Park system now includes twenty parks and He enjoyed hiking, fishing, skiing, eight historic sites, in eight counties with jurisdiction drawing images of nature, and felt a in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Warren in New Jersey, deep connection with the environment. and Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster in New York. As a child, he explored the wilderness The Commission offers a wide variety of open space, of Bear Mountain State Park and was a recreational facilities, museums, and nature centers and frequent visitor to Trailside. He spent plays a leading role in preserving the environment and many days exploring the vastness of natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, its Palisades, these 5,000 acres, a place that profoundly affected his life. and the Highlands. Joining the U.S. Army infantry in 1940 and being a skiing enthusi An affordable opportunity for recreation and solace, ast as well as fluent in German landed him a transfer to a post in the this is a great time to visit the parks, a natural choice for state of Washington as part of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Mountain fishing, hiking, camping, education programs, or just Regiment, the first Army unit set up to conduct winter and mountain enjoying plain fun in the splendor of the great outdoors. warfare exercises. After his military commitment, Robert known as For more information about PIPC’s parks and historic “Johnny” to his army buddies, graduated from Columbia University. sites, please visit www.palisadesparksconservancy.org He and his wife Helen returned to Washington State where he and www.njpalisades.org. worked as a medical representative for 20 years. Not feeling career fulfillment, he returned to school to earn a degree as a substance abuse counselor. It was in this capacity that his love for the outdoors, hiking, and mountain climbing became an important asset as a treatment of alcoholics. Incorporating his belief in the splendor and healing aspect of nature into his therapy approach enabled a successful path to recovery for many. His love for nature and fond childhood memories of Trailside Museums and Zoo led him to bequeath half of his multi-million dollar estate to it. This gift ensures that future generations will continue to find inspiration at the nation’s first riverfront facility that combines museums, educational programs, nature trails, and a zoo. We are incredibly surprised and grateful not only by the generosity of Robert Lake Awosting— J. Drew, but by his commitment to the vision of the Palisades Park Minnewaska State Park Preserve Commission.

WHAT HAS THE PPC BEEN UP TO? An Update From the President Despite government and economic headwinds, the Conservancy had many successes and accomplishments this past year. We are grateful to receive several grants and donations as we continue to strive to fulfill our vision “to maintain continued public access and the preservation of the natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources of the Palisades Interstate Park system.” One of the events the Conservancy supported this year was the Knickerbocker Ice Festival held at Rockland Lake. Aside from being a wonderful mid-winter family event, it served to educate the public about the rich heritage of the local ice harvesting business. The Conservancy also sponsored the Xenon lights that splayed across the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area from Bear Mountain State Park to Beacon in celebration of the 225th anniversary of the evacuation of the United States of America by British troops. Six additional beacons spread the news as far as Princeton, NJ. The corridor was symbolically lit to replicate the original signals used by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The Conservancy supported the Trailside Museum’s science programs, art exhibits, and music festivals throughout the year and the 2nd annual People for Trails Hike-A-Thon held at Bear Mountain State Park in early October. Despite the rain, the number of participants and funds raised increased from last year all in support of the rehabilitation of the Appalachian Trail. We welcomed to our board two new members. New Yorker Bryce O’Brien is the great great nephew of George W. Perkins, Sr. and anxious to follow the family tradition of supporting the Palisade’s Parks. And from New Jersey, Victor Del Rio plans to advance a focus of the Conservancy: athletic opportunities for children and their families. Palisades Parks Conservancy is committed to fulfilling its mission to provide financial support and volunteers for the parks of the PIPC and it is my privilege to serve as President. ~ Joshua Hyman, M.D. ~ Beacon Light Project Photo by RobYasinsac www.yazcountry.com/rob/night/ UPDATE ON GRANTS AND AWARDS Austen Stokes Foundation $20,000 – This donation represents the first substantial gift dedicated to the preservation and study of the PIPC’s massive archives, housed at Iona Island. The Foundation’s primary focus is the preservation and study of Pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The rich history of Native American habitation within the PIPC’s holdings has led to the discovery of many rock shelters and artifacts. This gift provided funds to make modest physical improvements to the archives and purchase a computer that will be used to catalogue the collection and input information into a secure, protected data base. In addition, a limited amount of field work at identified rock shelters will be done. 11th Century Pottery found in the Jim American Conservation Association Meade rock shelter $50,000 – The ACA, founded in 1958 by Laurance S. Rockefeller whose family has supported the PIPC’s vision for decades, has designated their latest gifts to the repair of 35 miles of carriage roads in the picturesque Minnewaska State Park Preserve, visited by more than 250,000 visitors each year. This unique area’s carriage roads take you to the top of the Shawangunk Mountains, commonly known as “The Gunks,” offering a panoramic view of the mid-Hudson Valley below. The roads allow visitors to travel to some of the most beautiful, remote areas of this environmental treasure. By its nature, the carriage road system channels traffic along selected routes, thereby protecting the diversity of life Battlement Terrace found on the ridge of bedrock. Carriage Trail 1931 2008 Recreational Trails Program The Summit at Bear Mountain $120,000 – The Palisades Parks Conservancy, Inc. in partnership with the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference, received this funding to develop a half-mile diverse, recreational, all-terrain access trail. Designed to be ADA compliant, the trail will enable all park visitors passageway to the magnificent view shed of the Bear Mountain State Park summit.

Stony Point Light House Quad/Heritage Area Grants $38,000 – OPRHP celebrated of the Hudson-Fulton Quadricentennial marking the 400 years since Henry Hudson sailed into the New York Bay on the Half Moon and traveled up the river later named for him. The NYS Quadricentennial Commission and the HRV National Heritage Area funded events held at all the PIPC heritage sites and Rockland Lake State Park. These special activities, lectures, and family fun days were designed to bring our history to life and encourage families to embrace and preserve the rich stories found throughout the region. With 2009 winding down, so are the Quad events. For more information visit: www.ExploreNY400.com. Rockland County Conservation Association $15,000 - Before disbanding and at their final board meeting, The Rockland County Conservation Association (RCCA) voted to dispense its fund balance. Since the group originally formed in support of the PIPC, they made this generous donation to the PIPC to fund initiatives based at Rockland Lake State Park. PIPC staff agreed that the monies would best be spent for the planned but until then unsponsored butterfly garden to be located at the Rockland Lake Nature Center. Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners program and 4-H Youth Development broke ground at the Nature Center and created a new garden with a broad variety of over 100 butterfly attracting plants. Cornell Cooperative Master Gardeners Leveraging the generosity of the RCCA’s grant to procure additional donations of materials and expertise will enable the PIPC to redesign the Nature Center’s entrance and enhance the visitor experience at this valuable site. Arts in Orange Community Grant $4,600.00 –The Arts in Orange Community Grant, part of the New York State Council of the Arts Decentralization Program, financed local musicians to play our Summer Concert Series at the recently renovated Trailside Museums and Zoo Amphitheatre. The goals of the concert series were threefold: to provide a fun and free arts experience to our community, to celebrate the diversity of our region, and to introduce the public to the amphitheatre as a terrific program space. Many of the concerts were presented adjunct to larger festival events at Trailside, including the annual Earth Day commemoration, the June Solstice Celebration, and the Bird Festival environmental education program. For more information about any of these annual special events, please contact Trailside Summer Concert Series Trailside at (845) 786-2701 ext. 265. The Palisades Parks Conservancy, Inc. NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID Bear Mountain State Park - Administration Building NEWBURGH, NY P.O. Box 427 PERMIT #8604 3006 Seven Lakes Drive Bear Mountain, NY 10911-0427 Printed on Recycled Paper

Grateful for Special Tributes PPC Thanks Our Legion of Volunteers for 100 Years of We accepted with heavy hearts the generosity of the Blauvelt family Service and Dedication who named the Palisades Parks Conservancy as the designee for contributions in memory of their beloved William “Bill” Blauvelt. An organization is only as strong as the support it Having worked diligently as a laborer at Bear Mountain State Park, Bill receives and the Palisades Interstate Park is no earned promotions to Superintendent of Rockland Lake, Lake Welch, exception. This past spring, Earth Day coincided with and ultimately Bear Mountain. In 1995, Bill retired after 53 years of the recognition of National Volunteer Week. For over a dedicated service. A much-loved colleague, we hundred years we have depended upon the passion and remember Bill for his kindness, passion, and persistence of many who volunteered their time and commitment to the Palisades Interstate Park energy and without whom there would be no PIPC. Commission that he so treasured. Time is a precious commodity, and may be the greatest gift one Bench Placed by Our bench program continues to inspire. Friends of Kevin Golden Recently, a group of friends honored Kevin can give. From the volunteerism Golden’s memory by placing a rustic style bench together with a name of the NJ State Federation of plaque atop Bear Mountain near the serene setting of Perkins Tower, Women’s Clubs a century ago, to positioned where his friends and family can come to reflect and think the New York-New Jersey Trail SCA Volunteers of him at one of his special places. Similarly, the family of Ford Porter Conference, Artists in the Parks, Schreiber placed a memorial bench in his honor at the Bear Mountain Keep Rockland Beautiful, the Trailside Docent program, Ridge. Sharon Guilfoyle was memorialized by her husband John PIPC League of Naturalists, and countless other with a bench at Schunnemunk Mountain State Park. And to celebrate organizations, corporations, and individuals today, John Zacherle’s 90th birthday, Sharon Shaw raised funds to present giving volunteers have been at the core of our success. her friend with the gift of a memorial bench. It is positioned near Lake The return on this investment can be seen by anyone Kanauwaukee, an area John loves to visit. hiking through one of our magnificent state parks or Whether these gifts ease the burden of a loss or help celebrate a experiencing our history preserved at any of our historic special milestone event, we are grateful that memories will live on sites. On behalf of all of us in the PIPC’s 110,000 acres through dedications to the parks. we say thank you for 109 years of heart and dedication.