Hudson River Valley Ramble
September 21-22

Guided walking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking and equestrian events. Explorations of the Hudson River estuary

The Third Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble will feature 122 guided walking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking and equestrian events, and explorations of the Hudson River estuary by boat on the weekend of September 21-22.

Sponsored by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) and Hudson River Valley Greenway, the Ramble takes place throughout the 10 counties of the heritage area that extends from just north of New York City to the Capital Region.

"Rambles" are led and interpreted by naturalists, ecologists, geologists, historians and trained volunteers from the participating groups which include nearly 100 environmental, land conservancy, trail and historic preservation organizations on the national, state and local level. Events are offered on every ability level, many are "family-friendly," and most are free.

The "Hudson River Estuary Trail" For nearly half its 315-mile length, the Hudson River is an estuary, an arm of the sea where the ocean's salt water meets fresh water running off the land. From New York Harbor, the Hudson River Estuary reaches 153 miles north to Troy, creating a rich ecosystem pulsing with life vital for much of the Atlantic coast. Its waters and tidal marshes provide a habitat for more than 200 species of fish, and a nursery for key commercial and recreational species such as striped bass, American shad, bluefish and blue crab. Bald eagles, herons and other waterfowl feed on the Hudson's bounty while nesting and in migration.

The "Hudson River Artists' Trail" features a series of walks and hikes that go to the same scenic vistas that gave birth to America's first school of art, the Hudson River School. Several walks take place at Olana, the home and landscape of noted Hudson River artist Frederic Church, including a sunset walk on Sunday at 6 p.m.

The "Revolutionary War Trail" offers a series of events in the Hudson Highlands area. A hike follows the path the British took in 1777 to attack Fort Montgomery, while the battle will be vividly described on a walk of the fort led by military historian and retired Army Colonel James Johnson. Other walks follow the escape route Benedict Arnold took to evade capture, explore Constitution Island where Revolutionary War fortifications still exist, and visit the battlefield at Stony Point and Rochambeau's headquarters in Greenburgh.

"Walks and Talks on the Grounds of the Great Estates" explores the landscapes of eight noted Hudson Valley estates including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, Vanderbilt Estate, Montgomery Place and Locust Grove, former home of Samuel F.B. Morse. The walks are sequentially timed so that people can progress from one to the other during the weekend.

Some Ramble Events in Ulster County

Rondout Waterfront Historic District
(845)339-0720
Join Rob Sweeny on this 19th-century walk of Rondout and its rich legacy of commercial buildings, cast-iron storefronts, homes and churches built by the "melting pot" of national groups that migrated to this thriving maritime village, now a National Historic District and Kingston's lively waterfront area. Sweeny, whose family roots are in Rondout, brings a personal touch to this Friends of Historic Kingston walking tour. 1.5 mi. Moderate.

From I-87 exit 19 (Kingston), exit traffic circle to I-587; go thru intersection to L on Rt. 32S (B'way); continue down to waterfront. Meet at Visitor Center, 20 Broadway. Historic trolley linkage with Stockade District.

Five Locks Walk, Delware & Hudson Canal
Hear the fascinating story of America's first private million-dollar enterprise, the D&H Canal (1828-1898), a National Historic Landmark. Then walk the towpath from locks 16-20 to view snubbing posts, a loading slip, locktenders' cottages and remnants of Roebling's suspension aqueduct. 1 mi. Moderate. (Tour museum with working lock model and special children's exhibit: adult $3; child $1.)

From I-87 exit 19 (Kingston), Rt. 28W to Rt. 209S, approx. 10 mi. to Stone Ridge, L on Rt. 213E approx. 2 mi. to High Falls, R on Rt. 6A (Mohonk Rd.) to museum on left.

Clearwater "Walk And Wade"
(845)454-7673 ext. 106
Enjoy a 3-hour "hands-on" exploration of both the aquatic wildlife and forest ecology at Scenic Hudson's Esopus Meadows Point Preserve led by educators from the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Meet at 9 am for tea/coffee and a musical and informative introduction, followed by a one-hour moderate hike in the Preserve's diverse woodlands to learn about tree species, vernal pools and forest ecology. Then strap on waders to seine for fish and crabs in the shallows of the Hudson River, populated in September by many juvenile fish migrating south. Fish collected will be put in aquariums and discussed. 2 mi. Moderate. From south, take Rt. 9W north; R on River Rd. opposite El Paso Winery; 1.5 mi. to Preserve on right.

From north, 9W south thru Port Ewen; L on River Rd. just past cemetery; 2.5 mi. to Preserve on left. Pre-registration not required. (845)454-7673x106.

Complete Ulster County Ramble 2002 Event Listing

Some Ramble Events in Dutchess County

Tivoli Bay Trails
At the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, learn about coastal wetland ecology as you hike with Reserve Manager Betsy Blair on a woodland trail that follows the cascades of Stony Creek tumbling down through a hemlock ravine, to a tidal marsh and panoramic views of North Tivoli Bay, the Hudson River and Catskill Mountain Range. 1.5 mi. Moderate. Meet at Tivoli Village Hall.

Hudson River Floating Adventure
800)453-6665
Board the R/V Estuary Steward, a "floating classroom," for a two-hour exploration of the Hudson River and its natural resources with the Dutchess County Academy of Environmental Studies. Viewing microscopes afford a close-up look at river life, and you can try your hand at trawling and a plankton "pull." $10 per person.

From Rhinebeck, Rt. 9 south to Staatsburg, R on Old Post Rd. to Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park. Meet at Dutchess Community College Environmental Center. Pre-registration required: 800-453-6665.

Arm Of The Sea Performance - "At The Turning Of The Tide"
(800)453-6665
The Hudson Valley's premier eco-logic theater company presents a performance spectacle celebrating this quintessential American river and birthplace of the modern environmental movement. Vivid life-size puppets tell the story of the Hudson River Estuary, the arm of the sea that reaches from New York Harbor to Albany. The production features a rich array of visuals including dozens of mask and puppet figures and live music. www.armofthesea.org Sponsored by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Hudson River Estuary Program. Donations accepted. Bard College Student Center, Community Room. Seating on first-come basis.

From east side of Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, turn L on River Rd. and continue to Bard College Campus

Complete Dutchess County Ramble 2002 Event Listing

Ramble 2002 Event Listing for all Hudson River Counties

For a complete program guide, call 800-453-6665, visit www.hudsonvalleyramble.com, www.hudsongreenway.state.ny.us, or e-mail: ramble@highlandflings.com. Major sponsors of the Ramble are Scenic Hudson, Inc., HVNet, Pamal Broadcasting and the Westchester County Office of Tourism.