The Hudson River Valley is a powerful place to learn and grow. The region is home to many professional non-profit, federal and state organizations that engage thousands in the history and dynamic ecological systems that affect attitudes and actions toward the Hudson River.  Through experiential education, school children are enlivened through hands-on learning opportunities that dovetail with state learning standards in an interdisciplinary manner while developing a deeper sense of knowledge and purpose in the next generation of leaders.  A multitude of community resources, including historic sites, museums, nature preserves, educational, tourism and charter boats and parks inspire all ages to appreciate and defend the characteristics that make the Hudson Valley unique.  

However, the suburbanization of the Hudson Valley puts the population all too often at risk of loosing touch with the natural and historic identity of the region, just as social inequities threaten to put the very nature of democratic public participation in environmental decision making at risk.  Experiencing the Hudson Rivers natural and cultural assets helps build healthy children, families and communities. It is critical to expand this bounty of the river to all the people.  Environmental Justice Movements on the river offer a green and blue revitalization of depressed inner city communities.  Initiatives such as “No Child Left Inside” and “Teaching the Hudson Valley” are effective existing models that should be supported. Connecting people with the nature and history of the Hudson River is central to building healthy Hudson Valley communities. 

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