News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Lori O'Connell, 518-402-8000

DEC Celebrates Nine Years Of SCA Hudson Valley Stewardship

ALBANY, NY (10/10/2008; 1309)(readMedia)-- Hailing the Student Conservation Association's (SCA) Hudson Valley Program, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today recognized the nine years of environmental stewardship work in the Hudson Valley in a ceremony held at the Fresh Air Fund's Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY.

A partnership between SCA, DEC, State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps), the SCA Hudson Valley Program trains young people to be conservation leaders while working to enhance and protect the natural and culturally historic areas of the Hudson Valley.

"SCA members who served in the Hudson Valley have contributed significantly to helping area residents learn more about their natural resources and the issues facing the river," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "As we approach the 400^th anniversary of Henry Hudson's journey up the river that bears his name, we celebrate the role the Hudson River has played in the history of the state and the positive changes we have made in its restoration. The State's partnership with the SCA has proven to be an excellent way for students, residents and visitors to appreciate this national treasure."

SCA staff and former SCA members joined DEC, OPRHP, members' family, and local residents, officials and school staff, to recognize this year's class and the success of the program.

"The members of the SCA represent the next generation of stewards of our state and nation's great natural resources," said OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash. "We at State Parks are very thankful for the service of these young men and women. Their contributions are vital to the success of what is widely recognized as the most wonderful state park system in the nation. Members leave the program with valuable skills and a network of resources that will help them embark on successful careers in conservation - including several who've pursued careers in New York State Parks. But even more importantly, this unique experience instills an ethic of conservation and inspiration for these young men and women to provide a lifelong stewardship of our environment."

The ceremony acknowledged the contributions of the 33 interns who served at DEC facilities, state parks, historic sites, non-profit agencies and other governmental agencies throughout the Hudson Valley. SCA interns serve at individual sites and have a college degree or equivalent field experience. Interns at DEC focused on educating school children and the public

about the natural resources of the Hudson River. Their hands-on interpretive programs included nature hikes, field ecology programs, canoe trips and classroom visits or nearly 100,000 New Yorkers.

SCA members come together regularly to implement large-scale projects or to receive in-service training. Interns receive a modest weekly stipend and housing allowance during their 22- or 44-week term of service. In addition, they are given an education award that can be used to pay for graduate school or to repay student loans.

One of the major service projects was conducted September 15-19 at DEC's Old Place Creek Access Site on Staten Island. SCA members helped restore a tidal wetland, improved trails and planted native species for erosion control. They also had the opportunity to learn fish sampling techniques from DEC biologists, and toured other wetlands that are being restored by the state.

Hudson Valley SCA interns and DEC host sites for this past year were Ben Stafford, Wildlife Educator at Hale Creek Field Station; Bree Zogaria, Canoe Program Assistant at Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR); Mark VanGorden, Environmental Educator at HRNERR; Meredith Taylor, Invasive Plant Educator, HRNERR; Leah Abuza, Riparian Buffer Specialist, Hudson River Estuary Program (HREP); Joana Chan, Estuary Educator at HREP; Willow Eyres, Sarah Conley and Jeff Smith, Environmental Educators at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center; Christy Wurmstedt and Liz Smith, Environmental Educators at DEC's Division of Public Affairs and Education New York City office; Danielle Bastian and Amanda Seibel, Environmental Educators at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center; and Jamie Deppen, Biodiversity Education Intern, Hudsonia.

The SCA is a nationwide force of college and high school volunteers who protect and restore America's parks, forests, and other public lands. Since 1957, SCA's active, hands-on practice of conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save the planet. To learn more, visit www.thesca.org .

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