SCENIC HUDSON TRANSFERS HISTORIC CORE OF ROOSEVELT PROPERTY TO NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

(HYDE PARK, New York) - The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is pleased to announce the addition of important lands that were once part of the historic Roosevelt estate. The 334-acre parcel, located in Hyde Park between Routes 9 and 9G, was transferred to the Park Service last week from Scenic Hudson, the largest environmental organization focused on the Hudson River Valley. The addition of this important parcel to the historic site will once again provide a direct link between the main Roosevelt Home and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill.

The property once sat at the center of President Roosevelt's family property and was the site of several tree plantations developed by FDR himself. Following his death the property was the site of Val-Kill Farms which was operated by Eleanor Roosevelt and the Roosevelt's son, Elliot who acquired the property from the estate trustees. But the property was sold, and had been in private hands until 2004 when it was purchased by Scenic Hudson.

Scenic Hudson paid $ 1.6 million for the property, which has since appreciated in value, and sold it to the Park Service for $1 million. The organization is pleased about saving the public an impressive $600,000.

Over the past several years Scenic Hudson has worked with the NPS, Town of Hyde Park and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area to determine future plans for this parcel as part of the Hyde Park Regional Center project. This core acreage will feature a restored Roosevelt Farm Lane to open next year as a first phase of the Regional Center project. Now part of the Hyde Park Trail network the restored Farm Lane will also remain a pedestrian trail as it is presently.

Park superintendent Sarah Olson said the addition of this parcel to the Home of FDR NHS "certainly ranks among the most significant developments in the site's preservation. People will once again be able to experience the property as the Roosevelts did, moving from the big house and the Roosevelt Library and Museum directly to Val-Kill, without going the long way around on St. Andrews Road."

Scenic Hudson Executive Vice President Steve Rosenberg said, "This is really a historic move that has national importance. So many people treasure connections with the FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt legacies. It's gratifying to know that future generations will be able to walk on land that was so personal to one of America's great families. We're also pleased the residents of Hyde Park will have this land to enjoy."

The NPS, in conjunction with Scenic Hudson and the Town of Hyde Park will offer a week-long series of special public programs beginning April 21st to celebrate the preservation of this significant portion of FDR's historic Hyde Park Estate. The programs, designed to coincide with Earth Day, National Park Week and Arbor Day will include forestry-related photography workshops, interpretive talks, and Ranger lead hikes, and a celebratory ribbon-cutting.

The nearby Top Cottage Trail which is also part of the Hyde Park Trail network will officially open to the public Sunday, April 22. For a complete schedule of events visit historichydepark.org.