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CONNECTING SEVEN TRAILS, 20 COMMUNITIES, AND 250 MILES OF TRAIL ACCESS

In New York’s Hudson Valley, where OSI has protected more than 100,000 acres of the most scenic and at-risk land in the eastern U.S., recent efforts have extended to making that land more welcoming and accessible to the public. Now, OSI is turbocharging this commitment by announcing a three-county vision plan connecting seven trails into a singular, off-road trail network that would span more than 250 miles and link more than 20 communities throughout Ulster, Sullivan, and Orange Counties. OSI’s Growing Greenways: West of Hudson Greenway Trails Vision Plan outlines opportunities to promote physical activity and public health, create new community linkages, boost economic activity and tourism, expand non-motorized transportation options, and advance more equitable access to the outdoors.   

 

OSI HELPS SECURE FORMER ADIRONDACK RAIL LINE

A new OSI partnership sets the groundwork for future creation of a 30-mile, multi-use trail in the heart of the Adirondacks. A $2.7 million loan from OSI to a local railbiking tour company was key to securing purchase of the former rail line. The new partnership will preserve current tour operations, maintain the potential for future commercial rail use, and allow for potential creation of an all-season trail.

OSI AWARDED $1 MILLION FOR NY TRAIL DEVELOPMENT

OSI has been awarded $1 million to improve and increase public access to the outdoors at two popular recreational destinations in New York State, Schunnemunk State Park in Orange County and along the emerging Adirondack Rail Trail in the Village of Lake Placid. The state grants are leveraging private dollars being raised by OSI to design and build a new multi-use trail at Schunnemunk and a new trailhead in Lake Placid.

 

CARBON STORAGE IN TENNESSEE

As part of its work conserving forests that can safely harbor atmospheric carbon, OSI announced the protection of 620 acres in Tennessee’s biologically rich Appalachian Mountain region. The need to permanently protect the property was critical to the former owner: “I believe large portions of the southern Cumberland Plateau warrant preservation so that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area.”

OSI BLACK RIVER STORYMAP HONORED

The Open Space Institute’s Black River Experience StoryMap has been specially honored as a “Top-10 Community Favorite” out of more than half a million projects of its kind in 2022. Global mapping company Esri cited OSI’s use of innovative storytelling techniques in developing the StoryMap, which shows the need for, and potential benefits of, the OSI-led Black River Initiative in South Carolina.

 

OSI AWARDS BOOST HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITIES

Ten Hudson Valley community organizations are recipients of OSI’s 2023 Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund grants. Nearly $70,000 was awarded to Hudson Valley groups to support environmental education initiatives that engage communities, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and support access to healthier food choices, particularly in Newburgh, Beacon, and Peekskill. 

SECURING A BELOVED NEW ENGLAND RIDGELINE

Thanks to funding from OSI, one of the last unprotected properties along a scenic ridgeline in southern Vermont is now permanently protected from development. Protection of Hinton Woods marks the fifth OSI-supported addition to “Windmill Ridge,” contributing to a block of protected land that spans more than 1,000 acres and plays an important role in regional forest carbon storage.

 

Contact Us

Photo Credits: Greenways: Greg Miller; ADK Rail Line: Bill Amos; NY Parks: Greg Miller; TN Carbon: Kristen Hanratty;
SC Black River: Mac Stone; Malcolm Gordon Greg Miller; Hinton Woods: Abigail Weinberg.

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