As a rower and coach for the Survivor Rowing Team with Cortlandt Community Rowing Association, Melissa experiences the Hudson’s beauty, strength, and vitality firsthand during every practice and race. This season, she’s rowing 300 km (185 miles) for Paddle for Our Hudson.

“The Hudson is not only a place for recreation and healing, but a critical ecosystem that supports fish, birds, and countless other forms of life.” Melissa says, “Efforts to keep the river clean are essential not just for those of us who row on its waters, but for communities and ecosystems across New York State. Caring for the Hudson is a shared responsibility.”
A proud Clearwater member for decades, Melissa first experience with Clearwater was the Great Hudson River Revival, and her children later participated in Young Men and Young Women at the Helm Empowerment Programs.

More about Melissa

Q: What inspires you to Paddle for Our Hudson?

A: As a rower and a rowing coach for the Survivor Rowing Team with Cortlandt Community Rowing Association, I am proud to support Clearwater’s mission to protect and preserve the health of the Hudson River. Our team is deeply connected to the beauty, strength, and vitality of this waterway—we experience it firsthand during every practice and race. The Hudson is not only a place for recreation and healing, but a critical ecosystem that supports fish, birds, and countless other forms of life. Efforts to keep the river clean are essential not just for those of us who row on its waters, but for communities and ecosystems across New York State. Caring for the Hudson is a shared responsibility with far-reaching impact, and I stand with Clearwater in ensuring its future remains vibrant and sustainable.

Q: Where are you paddling during the challenge?
A: Most of meters will be rowed near the Cortlandt water front or neighboring Lake Meahagh.

About Paddle for Our Hudson

Paddle for Our Hudson is Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s annual paddling challenge and fundraiser where paddlers compete against eachother and themselves to log miles to raise awareness and funds to support Clearwater’s mission to protect the Hudson River and steward the next generation of environmental leaders through education, advocacy, sailing, and music.

Whether on a canoe, kayak, rowboat, or stand-up paddle board, all are welcome to Paddle for Our Hudson! Paddle can be completed from anywhere, miles do not need to be logged in the Hudson River or Hudson River Watershed – paddle for our Hudson from near or far.