Forests: Field Workshops Fall 2025

Forests cover most of the watershed of the Hudson River estuary, and as residents, we receive an array of environmental and health benefits. But are all forests the same? Forests are dynamic and vary in condition, composition, size, shape, and values. Forests face differing amounts of pressure from invasive species, land use, and climate change.

The Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudsonia Ltd are hosting a field workshop to explore forests and how land-use and conservation planning can help to protect these important ecosystems. The workshop will discuss:

• forest ecosystem services, such as clean water and temperature moderation;

• wildlife use of forests;

• different forest types;

• threats to forests; and

• conservation principles.

The discussion will draw on the Forest Condition Index (FCI), a regional data set published by the New York Natural Heritage Program, DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, and Cornell University. The FCI can be used to understand the values of individual forests within a regional context and to set priorities for conservation and land-use planning efforts.

The program is especially designed for individuals who serve as:

• municipal officials (e.g., elected officials, planning board members, conservation advisory council members);

• land trust staff, board members, or volunteers; and

• others regularly engaged in land-use planning or policymaking (e.g., reviewing development proposals, advising landowners, making land management or regulatory decisions).

Priority registration will be given to individuals who are engaged in municipal planning, conservation, or land stewardship and have less experience related to forests. 

The workshop will be held outdoors. Participants should be prepared to stand for the duration of the workshop and walk approximately 1.5 miles on uneven ground, including approximately 100 stone steps spread out along the way. A specific meeting location for the workshop will be shared with registered participants before the program.

This workshop will be offered at the same location on two different dates (please only register for one):

• Putnam County, September 18th, 2025; 9:00 - 11:30 am

• Putnam County, September 19th, 2025; 2:00 - 4:30 pm

(please save October 17th as a rain date)

The event is free-of-charge but registration is required. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.  Municipal training certificates for 2.5 hours of credit will be available. If you have questions, please contact Lea Stickle, Hudsonia Ltd., lstickle@bard.edu.

This workshop was developed through a partnership with Cornell University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program with funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

You will receive an email confirming your registration. Please allow several days to confirm receipt.