New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Putnam County

Numerous Wildfires Reported in Upstate New York

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Patterson fire in Putnam County, April 2023New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers have been busy responding to wildfires as low humid and gusty winds create Red Flag Warnings across much of Upstate.

On Saturday, April 8 at 4:10 p.m., Forest Ranger Sprague responded to a wildland fire on Kuhrt Road in Forestville, in the town of Hanover, Chautauqua County. The local fire department contained the fire before Ranger Sprague arrived about 20 minutes later. [Read more…] about Numerous Wildfires Reported in Upstate New York

Forest Rangers Rescue Lake Placid Skier, Battle Putnam County Wildfire

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forest ranger logoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Rescue Lake Placid Skier, Battle Putnam County Wildfire

Amid Dry Conditions, Wildfires Plague Upstate New York

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February 2023 Fire in MahopacNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers battled at least four wildfires in three Upstate New York counties last week, amid unusually dry winter conditions. [Read more…] about Amid Dry Conditions, Wildfires Plague Upstate New York

From New York To Albany By Hudson River Sloop In 1800

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The Hudson at Tappan Zee by Francis SilvaThe following travelogue, taken from “Visit to the Falls of Niagara in 1800,” was originally published in London in 1826 by John Maude. It was transcribed by Hudson River Maritime Museum volunteer researcher George A. Thompson and additionally edited and annotated by John Warren. [Read more…] about From New York To Albany By Hudson River Sloop In 1800

Lower Hudson Valley State Lands Management Comments Sought

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East of Hudson mapThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of the draft East of Hudson Unit Management Plan for public comment. The plan guides the future uses and management of nearly 6,700 acres of DEC-managed lower Hudson Valley state lands in the towns of Amenia, Beekman, Carmel, Cortlandt, Dover, Kent, LaGrange, Milan, Pawling, Philipstown, Pine Plains, Pleasant Valley, Putnam Valley, Stanford, and Union Vale in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties. [Read more…] about Lower Hudson Valley State Lands Management Comments Sought

NY’s Frank Myers Of The 54th Massachusetts: Correcting The Historical Record

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FO Myers Milltown Cemetery 10.2022 by E Cassidy In the Milltown Rural Cemetery located in the Town of Southeast, Putnam County, NY, there is a small, well-weathered military headstone that offers a faint hint to a story of courage and glory.

There lies a hero from the Civil War, a Black veteran, who didn’t live long enough for post-war decoration or celebration, and one who has regularly been misreported in history books, until now. [Read more…] about NY’s Frank Myers Of The 54th Massachusetts: Correcting The Historical Record

$1.4M For Hudson River Estuary Community Projects

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Students catch fish with seine nets at 'Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor' event in AlbanyNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced grants totaling more than $1.4 million for 23 projects to help communities along the Hudson River Estuary improve water quality and enhance environmental education and stewardship.

The announcement coincides with the 20th Annual ‘Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor,’ where 5,000 student scientists are gathering along the Hudson River and New York Harbor to collect data on the Hudson’s fish and invertebrates, track the river’s tides and currents, and examine water chemistry and quality. [Read more…] about $1.4M For Hudson River Estuary Community Projects

Hudson Valley Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens

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bird watchers courtesy DECNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the grand opening of the Hudson Valley segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the State’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.

The Hudson Valley segment includes 39 locations on public lands throughout six counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. [Read more…] about Hudson Valley Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens

Putnam History Museum Acquires Hudson River Postcard Collection

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In the Highlands of the Hudson postcardHudson Highlands residents Barry and Mary Jean (MJ) Ross have donated their collection of Hudson River postcards to the Putnam History Museum.

The collection is comprised of 240 distinct early 20th century postcards with scenes of the Hudson River Valley – and related views, activities, landmarks, and landscapes – from New York Harbor to the Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Putnam History Museum Acquires Hudson River Postcard Collection