Annual Report 2008

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SOUND INVESTMENT Yields Powerful, Lasting Results

In turbulent economic times, we're all looking to invest in organizations we trust. Because of its proven leadership and consistent achievement of tangible outcomes, Scenic Hudson is my top philanthropic priority.

President Ned Sullivan (left) and Board Chair Frederic C. Rich.Vickie Muller

Scenic Hudson has a track record of saving land along the Hudson River from inappropriate development and creating parks that bring people to its shorelines. These range from a small waterfront park in downtown Yonkers that's now a magnet for Westchester County schoolchildren to more than 2,000 acres of critical natural lands in the Hudson Highlands. And when Scenic Hudson wins a battle to stop sprawling development, we know the public—both in the valley and New York City— will beneﬁ t from access to the river, cleaner air and water, reduced traffic and healthy local food.

Scenic Hudson has a visionary plan -- Saving the Land That Matters Most -- to protect another 65,000 acres that meet the state's highest standards for scenic, ecological and agricultural lands worthy of conservation. Collaboration with 16 local land trusts as well as government agencies is part of our road map for success. By conserving the region's world-class beauty, Scenic Hudson is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth based in part on recreation and tourism. I can't think of a better way of commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of discovery.

Scenic Hudson's farmland program has conserved nearly 8,000 acres of rich agricultural land in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Columbia counties. The wonderful foods from these farmlands are trucked short distances to farmers' markets and restaurants from New York City to Albany. The world-class farmlands of the Hudson Valley will play a critical part in a sustainable future for New York City.

Our supporters' charitable dollars are highly leveraged. Last year Scenic Hudson protected nearly 1,400 acres while bringing in more than $6 million in new state funds to be reinvested in land.

Please join me in supporting the organization that is having the single greatest impact in saving New York City's great green backyard and the place many of us call home.

-- Frederic C. Rich, Board Chair

Download Scenic Hudson's 2008 Annual Report (PDF/2.6MB)