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OSI Shares Tools to Save Forests for Carbon

Forests have a tremendous natural capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide, making them powerful assets in efforts to limit the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions. But when forests are cut down, their ability to absorb carbon is lost forever. The Open Space Institute (OSI) led an update of national forest carbon data to ensure land trusts, government agencies, and others have access to up-to-date information. Available on OSI’s website, these free tools are making it easier for practitioners to identify high-carbon forests at risk of loss and increase the climate benefits of conservation.

A New Bridge on the Appalachian Trail

A new pedestrian bridge in New York’s Harriman State Park will benefit hikers trekking the Appalachian Trail, thanks to an ongoing collaboration between OSI and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. For the eighth year running, OSI and West Point joined forces to give civil engineering cadets hands-on design and construction experience, while also expanding public access to nature and improving infrastructure at state parks in the Hudson Valley.

Tom Kempner, OSI's Conservationist of the Year

OSI recently celebrated Tom Kempner as Conservationist of the Year in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to improving outdoor recreational access for all. Kempner played a major role in OSI’s successful efforts to bring the New Jersey Greenway to fruition. Today, Kempner and his family’s foundation are backing OSI’s efforts to bring rail trails and greenways to communities across the Northeast. Kempner said, “Seeing OSI’s work on the New Jersey Greenway validated my decision to support them, and it made me want to do even more.” 

OSI Invests in Young Leaders

Four exceptional students will receive OSI’s 2025 Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards for projects that enrich local communities and protect natural and cultural resources in New York’s Hudson Valley. This year’s McHenry honorees will lead efforts to mitigate toxic algal blooms in New Paltz, preserve historic textiles in Garrison, promote urban agriculture in Albany, and investigate stream health in Poughkeepsie.

Visiting a Small Island with Big Impact

In recent years, OSI has saved more than 600 acres on and around Waties Island, an undeveloped barrier island just a stone’s throw from buzzing North Myrtle Beach. Earlier this month, OSI’s President and CEO, Erik Kulleseid, joined staff and a generous project supporter on a trip to Waties to see OSI’s progress in conserving a beautiful and rare landscape that also shields inland communities from flooding and storms.  

OSI's Expertise Shines at Major Conferences

Since its earliest days, OSI has worked not just to save land, but also to support and guide fellow land trusts and others in conserving land for the greatest impact through educational sessions, technical support, research, and more. Recent conferences in New York and North Carolina showcased OSI’s leadership and expertise, with staff presenting on topics ranging from rail trail development to managing conservation easements.  

Apply Now: Land & Climate Catalyst Grants

The Land and Climate Catalyst grant program, jointly offered by OSI and the Land Trust Alliance, supports the integration of climate science with land protection and stewardship efforts. Since 2020, OSI and the Alliance have awarded more than $1 million in grants and technical assistance to land trusts, state or federally recognized tribes, and others. Apply by June 16.

Protecting Clean Water in New York State

Last year, when OSI protected a vital water source for 29,000 residents and businesses in Newburgh, New York, critical support was provided by New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Recently, that effort was showcased by a statewide advocacy group as an example of the EPF’s effectiveness, bolstering the successful push by OSI and others to increase the EPF to a historically high level in the recently approved state budget.