Introduction to Hudson Valley Habitats and Biodiversity Conservation

Thursday, March 2, 2023
1:00 PM 2:30 PM

From tidal wetlands to grasslands, large forests, and rocky crests, the Hudson Valley is home to diverse habitats that support abundant fish, wildlife, and plant species, and provide numerous benefits to local communities. Despite comprising just 10% of the state’s land area, the Hudson Valley supports nearly 90 percent of the bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species that live in New York. The region is also one of the fastest growing in the state, making conservation of this rich natural heritage even more urgent.

Yet the region’s biodiversity is incredibly vulnerable, and many species and habitats lack protection under state and federal regulations. Local governments have significant authority in determining land use and conserving natural resources. Town boards, planning boards, conservation committees, consultants, and residents all play a critical role in protecting habitats, today and for the future. This webinar will present:
• key characteristics of major Hudson Valley habitats, their importance to common and imperiled species, and current threats,
• the benefits of intact habitats for Hudson Valley communities,
• biodiversity conservation principles,
• existing state and federal protections, and
• local strategies for conserving nature through land-use planning, policy, and decision-making.

Speakers:
Ingrid Haeckel, Hudson River Estuary Program/ Cornell University
Gretchen Stevens, Hudsonia Ltd.