HHFT also conducted a volun- teer-assisted baseline FQA at Breakneck Ridge’s Upper Overlook, where volun- teers collected field data and gained hands-on experience in plant identifica- tion and ecological monitoring. Prelimi- nary results showed a forest understory with moderate ecological integrity and a strong foundation of native plant species. With these FQAs underway, HHFT’s NRM program is grounded in scalable science-based monitoring, laying the foundation for our future work. Stewardship Through Volunteer Efforts and Partnerships We were excited and grateful to see HHFT’s volunteer corps grow signifi- cantly in 2025. Working at Upper Over- look alongside HHFT staff and partners from Trillium Invasive Species Manage- ment, volunteers learned about removal methods, prioritization, and how these actions connect to long-term monitoring goals. Volunteers hand-pulled hundreds of square feet of invasive Asiatic day- flower (Commelina communis) over the course of the season, helping create room for local, native competitors to reestablish and increase biodiversity. Scaling up our work with partner organizations, HHFT collaborated with NYS Parks Regional Stewardship team, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, and Hudson Highlands Land Trust on both stewardship and monitoring efforts. HHFT also joined the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LH PRISM) as a partner organization. Membership connects HHFT to a regional network of land managers, researchers, and practi- tioners, while providing access to shared resources, early-detection initiatives, applied management guidance, and partner meetings with seminars centered on real-world conservation challenges. The knowledge and partnerships gained through LH PRISM strengthen HHFT’s ability to make informed adaptive management decisions as our NRM efforts expand. Investing in Native Seed and Restoration Capacity The groundwork for long-term resto- ration capacity continued to be laid in 2025 through the development of HHFT’s native seed nursery program. In partnership with Trillium Invasive Species Management, HHFT conducted on-site native seed collection efforts so we can sow, grow, and raise plants with the genetic integrity and local adapta- tions needed in their eventual home along the Fjord Trail. Plants grown from these seeds will be adapted to Hudson Highlands region soils, climate, and seasonal conditions, as opposed to commercially-available seed sourced from distant locales, which may be poorly suited to the site. This effort has been significantly strengthened by the work of Trillium ISM botanist Molly Marquand, whose expertise has helped transform ecological theory into site-specific restoration guidance. Molly developed detailed plant community profiles for the entire Fjord Trail corridor, ensuring seed collection and planting efforts are intentional and targeted. This enables restoration actions to meaningfully contribute to site quality improvements, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. Looking Ahead in 2026 As the Fjord Trail takes shape, we will continue to build on the strong scientific foundation, meaningful partnerships, and dedicated stewardship practices fostered in 2025. FQA monitoring will expand to additional priority sites along the Fjord Trail corridor, with follow-up surveys at Little Stony Point and Upper Overlook to capture seasonal and year-to-year change. These repeat assessments will begin to reveal ecological trends that will allow us to refine management tech- niques and prioritize areas with the greatest ecological return. Our volunteer stewardship program will grow with more opportunities to be involved and trained in native seed collection and processing, plant identifi- cation, and monitoring protocols. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit hhft.org/volunteer. We can’t wait to continue this work together! H U D SO N H IG H L A N D S FJ O R D T R A IL A N N UA L R EP O RT 2025 1 1
