Monday, June 10 2024, 6:30pm
Ross Dock, Fort Lee, New Jersey
Honoring the 125th Anniversary of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission’s Founding
Welcome to the Palisades Parks Conservancy’s annual benefit to raise essential funds in support of preservation and programming efforts in the Palisades.
This year, we gather beneath the cliffs at Ross Dock in Fort Lee, NJ for a riverside soiree in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the critical preservation of public land and history that it has fostered since its founding.
Please consider continuing your support of this work by making a donation:
Dear Friends,
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission—a pioneering force in American conservation. Formed in 1900 through a bi-state collaboration between New York and New Jersey, the Commission has protected more than 130,000 acres of parkland and historic sites, welcoming more than nine million visitors annually to its cliffs, forests, lakes, and trails.
Tonight we honor not only this extraordinary legacy but also recognize the brave individuals who protect it. We are proud to recognize the Greenwood Lake Fire Department for their courageous response to the Jennings Creek Fire in Sterling Forest State Park. Their tireless efforts, alongside state and federal agencies, helped contain a wildfire that burned over 5,000 acres—an area roughly one-third the size of Manhattan.
As we reflect on the past, we also look to the future. Major investments are underway to enhance the experience of the more than nine million who enjoy these lands each year. This year construction begins on new swimming facilities at Sojourner Truth State Park, picnic and play areas at Bear Mountain, and the rehabilitation of long-shuttered Lake Sebago in Harriman State Park. By the end of this decade these projects will have greatly improved public access and enjoyment of our parks.
The Palisades Parks Conservancy plays a critical role in ensuring the Commission’s parklands continue to thrive. As the official nonprofit partner of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, we raise funds, steward resources, and collaborate with partners to support outdoor recreation and historic preservation across the park system. Our work helps make these treasured spaces more inclusive and more resilient.
The Conservancy continues to grow in capacity and vision. This year we are undertaking a signage update across the New Jersey parks. These new signs will better assist visitors with way-finding by adding modern updates to classic using classic park design. By providing clear and informative signage, we strive to make the parks more accessible and engaging for all visitors. We also now support more partner organizations than ever, funding programs that expand access to nature and history for people of all ages and backgrounds. None of this would be possible without your generosity and partnership.
Thank you for celebrating with us, and for being a vital part of the parks’ next 125 years.
Remy Schwartz, Executive Director
Elizabeth Greenstein, Board President
Celebrating PIPC: 125 Visionary Years
1908: Averell Harriman hands George W. Perkins a $1 million check that helped establish Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks
The Palisades Interstate Park Commission was formed under an interstate compact in 1900 to protect the Palisades from destruction by stone and gravel quarries operating along the western banks of the Lower Hudson River. As the nation’s first bi-state partnership established to protect and conserve natural lands, the Commission’s role expanded through the years to incorporate more state parks and the creation of the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
Today, the Commission manages 30 parks and historic sites in New York and New Jersey spanning over 130,000 acres and serving nine million annual visitors. The Commission’s early work helped inspire the emerging fields of environmental stewardship and education, pioneered the goal of exposing children to nature through its group campgrounds, and served as a model for the growth of the national park system.The Palisades Interstate Park Commission, formed in 1900, operates the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey and the State Parks and Historic Sites in New York’s Palisades Region.
Special Recognition
Greenwood Lake Fire Department
On November 8, 2024, a wildfire ignited in the Jennings Creek region of Sterling Forest State Park, threatening lives, homes and the natural landscape. The fire burned a total of 5,304 acres across New York and New Jersey over 14 days, becoming New York’s largest wildfire since 2008 and presented extreme challenges due to rugged terrain, dry conditions, and unpredictable winds.
Greenwood Lake FD is accepting this recognition on behalf of the 427 fire companies, nearly all of them volunteers, that responded to the Jennings Creek Wildfire by sending more than 1,300 firefighters and equipment to help suppress and successfully contain the fire.
The Greenwood Lake Fire Department and community was located near the epicenter of the fire, and became the critical home base for firefighting efforts.
Liz Van Houten
We are proud to recognize and celebrate Liz Van Houten’s 44 years of exceptional public service at the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Liz served under five esteemed leaders: Nash Castro, Robert O. Binnewies, Carol Ash, Jim Hall, and Joshua Laird.
During her nearly-half century with PIPC, Liz’s work supported the organization through major expansions of the park system and helped to conserve and steward tens of thousands of acres of public lands.
Kevin Tremble
We wish to recognize and honor PIPC Commissioner Kevin Tremble who recently retired from the Conservancy’s Board after 24 years of dedicated service. Kevin was a founding board member of the Conservancy and a passionate proponent of Revolutionary War history in the Palisades region.
Kevin’s has been an ardent champion for Fort Lee Historic Park, and thanks to his efforts that site has received continued investment and improvement over the past decade and leading into the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
We thank Kevin for his tremendous dedication and his continued service as a Palisades Interstate Park Commissioner.
Gala Co-Chairs
Carol Ash
D. Bryce O’Brien II
Jeannette A. Redden
Lucy R. Waletzky, MD
Philip H. White
The Palisades Parks Conservancy is a non-profit supporting the Palisades Interstate Parks a network of 20 parks and 9 historic sites through partnerships with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) to protect the natural and historic resources of the 130,000-acre Palisades Interstate Park system.
Created as a “friends” group in 2001, today we are an independent 501(c)(3) that raises funds, undertakes capital projects, develops partnerships and programs to appeal to a wide range of visitors, and advocates to protect the park system. We are committed to preserving and protecting the rich history and biodiversity of America's first bi-state park system by connecting people, parks and history.
How We Do It:
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We partner with park and historic site staff and community groups to offer direct funding for free and low-cost programs and events across the Palisades Parks System.
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Expanding the audiences of our various parks and historic sites by working with organizations that encourage and support previously undeserved groups in enjoying nature and history in our region.
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Ensuring adequate funding for our parks and sites as well as limiting encroaching developments in our region.
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Identifying new pathways and support projects to improve connections between our parks and lessen the environmental impact of auto transportation in our region.
Staff & Board
Remy Schwartz, Executive Director
Sabeena Prescod, Program Manager
Emily Einhorn, Project & Operations Manager
Elizabeth Greenstein, President
Carol Ash, Vice President
Victor Del Rio, Secretary
Richard Ma, Treasurer
Angela Cristini, Ph.D
Dani Dudek
Joshua E. Hyman, MD
David Kupperman
Erik S. Larsen, MD, FACEP
Holly Leicht
Richard Ma
Kevin Reymond