Published by The Poughkeepsie Journal, by Rita D. Shaheen 

July 18, 2015

A visit to a Scenic Hudson park not only is fun, but can have a powerful effect that lasts a lifetime. Our parks can inspire you to appreciate your community's outstanding natural assets — ridge tops and riverfronts, fields and forests, tidal marshes and historic sites. In addition to fostering a sense of belonging, providing a place you can learn from and help care for, our parks offer excellent opportunities to experience the restorative power of nature.

Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 65 parks, preserves and historic sites in the Hudson Valley, including some in communities that previously had little or no access to the river. To begin your discoveries, visit www.scenichudson.org/parks, where you'll find details about all of these special places. When you arrive at a park, you'll find more helpful information awaiting you at the trailhead kiosk, including a trail guide with a detailed map.

Our popular Parks Guide showcases Scenic Hudson's growing "emerald necklace" of natural areas spanning from the Capital Region to the New York City border. We recently redesigned the guide to make it more reader friendly (while retaining its handy carrying size). The brief descriptions of each park, including key natural features and miles of trails, allow you to find a place that best suits your interests or mood on any given day.

Here are a few suggestions: For mountain biking, try Shaupeneak Ridge or Illinois Mountain. Harrier Hill Park is a great place to sketch the stunning Catskills or enjoy a picnic in its corncrib-inspired pavilion. Saunter through the 19th-century landscape at Poets' Walk Park and take a siesta on one of its hand-crafted benches. Get close to gurgling streams at Black Creek Preserve and Falling Waters Preserve. If you're up for paddling, rent a kayak at Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park or Foundry Dock Park. From the birding tower at RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary (co-owned with Audubon NY), you'll get a bird's-eye view of the marsh's feathered denizens, including bald eagles, while the "outdoor museum" at West Point Foundry Preserve will connect you with the region's industrial heritage. And for spectacular views, nothing beats the summit of Mount Beacon.

A few ABCs: Unless otherwise noted, Scenic Hudson parks are open dawn to dusk year-round. Better yet, they're all free. Several are a short walk from a train station (our website and Parks Guide list these). Dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed and clean up after them. And please stick to the trails at all times — so you won't disturb sensitive and fragile habitats along them. Finally, we encourage groups, businesses or organizations to hold events in our parks. You can download a special event or group permit on our website. Scenic Hudson's River Center at Long Dock Park in Beacon also is available for nonprofit gatherings and events.

Scenic Hudson is committed to making recreational and educational experiences available to everyone. Right now we're engaged in projects in several of our parks to create accessible parking and pathways, benches and overlooks.

It takes financial support and teamwork to create these parks and keep them in good shape. We're grateful to New York state and its Environmental Protection Fund for grants that enable us to make our parks bigger and better. Municipalities and other organizations help manage some of the parks, while volunteers pitch in to build trails and keep them clear. As a park visitor, you're also part of our team —serving as a steward who follows park rules, leaves no trace and lets us know if something needs our attention.

First and foremost, Scenic Hudson parks are family-friendly and good for everyone. Walking in nature promotes physical and mental health. Walk along a riverfront trail or through a quiet forest, notice the beauty all around you — and feel the tension and stress begin to evaporate.

The bottom line is that visiting one of the special places created by Scenic Hudson to connect with the valley's natural treasures is much more than "a walk in the park."

Rita D. Shaheen is Director of Parks for the environmental organization Scenic Hudson, based in Poughkeepsie.