Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s Spirit of the Hudson Gala

Artwork by: Elinor Kwitney Stapylton

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.

Support Clearwater by joining us at our annual Spirit of the Hudson Gala by purchasing tickets or a journal ad, or becoming a sponsor.

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.