PRESERVATION

Gather with Clearwater in celebration of preservation of place, music, and the Hudson River. For nearly 60 years, Clearwater has united the Hudson Valley through education, advocacy, music and sailing to protect and preserve the Hudson River and steward the next generation of environmental leaders. We are proud to recognize long-time and emerging leaders Erik Kulleseid, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and Maya Kalender who are preserving open space, musical history and heritage, and the shared ecosystem of the Hudson Valley.

HONOREES

Erik Kulleseid

Spirit of the Hudson Award

Erik Kulleseid is a nationally respected conservation and public lands leader
dedicated to protecting natural resources and expanding inclusive access to the
outdoors. As President and CEO of the Open Space Institute, he advances land
conservation through partnerships and innovation. His career includes service as
Commissioner of New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation,
Deputy Commissioner for Open Space Protection, and leadership roles at the Trust
for Public Land. As parks commissioner, Erik led transformative projects including
Shirley Chisholm State Park, Sojourner Truth State Park, the Jones Beach Energy &
Nature Center, and the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth-setting a new standard
for welcoming, equitable public spaces.

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

Lifetime Contribution to Clearwater Award

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason are among the most influential duos in American
acoustic music, blending old-time, swing, folk, and original compositions into a
deeply American sound. Longtime musical collaborators and life partners, they
have been central to Clearwater's cultural life-from the Great Hudson River Revival
to community concerts and events. Jay helped shape the Revival's musical
direction, and together they stood alongside Pete Seeger in nurturing the Hudson
Valley's folk community. As founders of the Ashokan Foundation and Ashokan
Center, Jay and Molly have nurtured a unique community through shared
experiences in nature, history, music, and art.

Maya Kalender

Next Generation Environmental Leader Award

Maya Kalender is a freshman at Columbia University majoring in Economics and
Environmental Sustainability, focused on the intersection of environmental health,
policy, and equity. An officer in the university's Sunrise Movement chapter, she is
deeply engaged in advocacy and community organizing. Raised in Nyack, her
commitment to environmental stewardship began through Strawtown Studio
programs and continued as she founded and led environmental clubs in middle
and high school. As a high school junior, Maya was selected for Lamont-Doherty
Earth Observatory's Next Generation of Hudson River Educators Program, where
she received intensive training in Hudson River ecology and led public science
programs.