Innaugural annual Bioblitz in Rhinebeck!

As part of our Town's efforts to become more climate resilient, more ecologically friendly, and to create a healthier environment for us all, we are held a Bioblitz to identify, celebrate and help protect the richness of our local natural resources. This is the first of what will become an annual event for all ages and will grow over time to a face-to-face event and additional activities.

We also hope that you are inspired to get involved in other nature related activities happening in Rhinebeck like helping to develop a new pollinator garden at the Thompson Mazzarella Park, utlizing the Natural Resources Inventory, and working with the Community Garden to establish space to engage young people around natural systems through an outdoor educational experience. See Local Resources Below for more information on these.

Brought to you by Hudson Valley Wild, Rhinebeck Community Garden, Dirty Gaia, Climate Smart Community Task Force, Conservation Advisory Board, Starr Library

Local Resources and Opportunities

Habitat Studies Done by Hudsonia for the Thompson Mazzarella Park and the Town as part of the Comprehensive Plan. There is also a study on Biodiversity for Dutchess County.

Thompson Mazzarella Park Environmental Study In Spring/Summer 2020, a team of graduate students from the Conway School of Landscape Design prepared an environmental study, proposing a strategic range of eco-sensitive innovations to improve climate resilience and visitor experience at Rhinebeck’s Thompson-Mazzarella park including pollinator gardens one of which is being implemented. Learn more by contacting Sue Sie (ssie@mac.com).

Natural Resources Inventory (Village)(Town) The NRI will produce GIS maps and a narrative report cataloging critical habitat, water, soils, topography, and geography, as well as special cultural resources such as view-sheds and agricultural and conservation lands. There will be opportunities for public engagement soon! Contact Carli Fraccarolli (cvf22@cornell.edu).

Youth Engagement at the Community Garden We are working with the Community Garden to establish space to engage young people around natural systems through an outdoor educational experience. If you have ideas on how you might want to use it or get involved contact Izzzy Pronto Breslin (izzy.pronto@gmail.com) or Sue Sie (ssie@mac.com).

Climate Smart Community Task For/Joint Environmental Commitee The CSC Task Force and joint Environmental Committee work on topics such as green house gas reductions, building climate resiliency through nature based solutions, composting, making Rhinebeck more walkable and bikeable, and many more topics! We would love to have your engagement by working on a project, participating in public events, or utilizing our resources. Contact Vanessa Bertozzi (vanbertozzi@gmail.com).

Conservation Advisory Board The CAB has a range of resource guides for making your property more eco friendly and information on the waterfront revitilization program.

Dirty Gaia We believe that many of the social and environmental ailments impacting us today stem from society’s lack of connection to the natural world. Our goal is to inspire our mid-Hudson Valley community to understand and foster the interwoven relationship between our land, its inhabitants and ourselves through food gardens and regenerative practices. We hope to do this by educating our community on sustainable and regenerative growing practices that will benefit nature and all those within her bounds.