Vernal Pools: The Valley’s Special Spring Amphibian Habitat

“Fairies” no bigger than a human fingernail, frogs returning to life after a winter suspended in ice, salamanders assembling for an underwater congress. What might sound like a scene invented by Lewis Carroll or Hayao Miyazaki is really just a...

Three Reasons This Land Save is a Plus: Hudson Highlands

The Hudson Highlands are an ecological powerhouse and a hiker’s paradise. To increase opportunities for people and wildlife to benefit from these magnificent mountains, Scenic Hudson recently partnered with the Hudson Highlands Land Trust to protect 71 forested acres —...
A bald eagle perches in a tree. (Photo: Mike Oates)

#FlightWatch: Local Eagle-Spotting

Few things in life draw the sort of deep-sigh feeling of awe as the sight of a majestic eagle soaring overhead. The experience can be inspirational, motivational, even spiritual. Even at a distance, a bald eagle perched on a broad...

#WildlifeLove: Why Bobcats Are So Fierce

Extremely shy and secretive, bobcats are one of the hardest mammals to spot in the Hudson Valley. But with bare trees and perhaps a blanket of snow, your chances improve of glimpsing one of these beautiful creatures that resemble a...

#FlightWatch: On Cold Days, Go Gull-Spotting

You might see a seagull over the Hudson River and think it’s amazing that these birds have come 50 or 100 miles upriver from the ocean. Here’s the thing: The birds we see in the Hudson Valley are not really...

#WildlifeLove: Talking Wild Turkey

Currently flocking in valley cornfields, wild turkeys lead extraordinary lives. We’ve assembled some fun facts about the habits and history of one of North America’s largest birds — including the amazing comeback they’ve made in New York State.  Fossils of...

From Alpaca to Sweater: HV Fiber Farming

Sheep and goats are classic Hudson Valley grazers, and in the past few years, a handful of regional farmers have added adorable llamas and alpacas, too. These South American natives, members of the camelid family, are not only lovable, but...

Quiz: Do You Know Fall’s Most Vibrant Leaves?

The Hudson Valley is famous for its fall foliage, best seen across rolling hills, apple orchards, and riverside mountains. Everyone loves taking it all in from a panoramic view, of course. But a great way to deepen your appreciation for...

#WildlifeLove: Eight Ways Skunks Might Surprise You

It turns out skunks do a lot more than create a big stink. Here’s the shocker: They often help humans smell better, by yes, contributing to your fancy perfume. Here are some amazing reasons why these little stinkers deserve more...
Crab apples

The Apples of Your Ancestors’ Daydreams

Centuries-old apple varieties that were almost pushed out by industrialization have started to get popular again in the Hudson Valley as farmers and cider makers recover more robust, flavorful fruits.  While loads of Gala or Honeycrisp may pop to mind...