Hi. Thank you so much for lending a hand to support the crucial work of Clearwater, a cause that I care deeply about. 

While traveling with my family in the 1970s and 80s, and years later while working for groups like Environmental Advocates of New York and Riverkeeper, I fell in love with the Hudson River and the communities throughout the Hudson Valley. Now, as a member of Clearwater’s board of directors, I’m helping the organization raise funds to hire a development director as well as to cover the costs associated with a vital sloop restoration project. Would you please join me in this effort and donate here, through my ambassador page? (And please join us onboard the sloop Clearwater. It’s a life-changing experience! The sloop sails from a variety of docks from Albany to New York City, April through October.) 

As you well know, the Hudson River is important to the lives of all New Yorkers. For over 50 years, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. has been a champion of this ecologically and economically important river and has always been at the forefront of the environmental movement. Clearwater worked to pass landmark legislation like the Clean Water Act, and today it provides innovative educational programs, environmental advocacy, and musical celebrations to inspire, educate, and activate millions of people. 

The sloop Clearwater is recognized as America’s Environmental Flagship and is among the first vessels in the United States to conduct science-based environmental education aboard a sailing ship, creating the template for environmental education programs around the world. More than half a million people have experienced their first real look at the Hudson River estuary’s ecosystem aboard Clearwater. In 2004, the sloop Clearwater was named to the National Register of Historic Places for its groundbreaking role in the environmental movement. 

The organization had its beginnings in 1966, a time when the Hudson River was fouled by raw sewage, toxic chemicals, and oil pollution. Musician and activist Pete Seeger along with several friends had the vision to build a majestic replica of the sloops that sailed the Hudson in the 18th and 19th centuries that would bring people to the river where they could experience its beauty and be moved to preserve it. Inspired by that vision, the organization began with the launch of the sloop Clearwater in 1969. 

Today, Clearwater is in the midst of another successful sailing season, bringing high-quality scientific and environmental education to children and adults all along this great river.  

Thank you again for supporting Clearwater! 

Sincerely, 

Kyle