The Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area invite Hudson Valley communities to become part of an exciting regional event &#8212- the Hudson River Valley Ramble. Now in its 12th year, the Hudson River Valley Ramble is a variety of walks, hikes, paddles, biking tours and other events throughout 13 counties, and is designed to showcase the scenic, natural, historic and cultural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area . This year, the Ramble will be held on four weekends: September 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, 2012.
Ramble events are led by naturalists, ecologists, historians, geologists and trained volunteers from participating groups, which last year included over 150 environmental, land conservation, trail groups, heritage sites and historic preservation organizations.

“In 2011, over 120,000 people participated in Ramble events and we expect a great turnout again this year,” said Mark Castiglione, Acting Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway. “If it’s September, then it’s time to Ramble. The event provides people of all ages an opportunity to experience the cultural landscape of the Hudson River Valley by hiking a trail, visiting an historic site or paddling on the river. The Ramble demonstrates that celebrating our natural and cultural resources also provides a big boost to our regional economy.”

The Hudson River Valley Ramble is funded in part through the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) program. The HRVNHA program was established by Congress in 1996 and is funded through the National Park Service and Department of the Interior. The mission of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is to recognize, preserve, protect and interpret the nationally significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley for the benefit of the Nation. The Hudson River Valley Greenway is the management entity for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

The 2012 Ramble Sponsors Are:

The Hudson River Valley Greenway- The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation- The National Park Service.

Visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com for more information about the Ramble

Visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com for information about the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Visit www.hudsongreenway.ny.gov for more information on the Greenway

Visit www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4920.html for more information on the Hudson River Estuary Program

Photo: 2012 Hudson River Ramble at Fort Crailo, in Rensselaer.