Orange County Courier Journal Statistical Report for 2025 & New Projects in the Works

At the Courier Journal Headquarters, we are very proud to share the official analysis of our increase in readership during the year of 2025.

As a relatively new media resource we are particularly proud of several factors

that are shown below. Of particular importance and smile-making is the

overall 2025 readership number of 64,866 times that primarily local community members not only took the time to go to our website and read important news, but stayed at the site for almost 7 minutes, indicating likely serious absorption of the topic. Not only that, but our so-called "Bounce Rate" of 89.8% means that they are committed members of our news site and story contents.

During the past 30 days, our readership (at 5,321) indicates that we are on track to at least replicate that yearly total readership of 64,866. It is notable that during this past year, as Editor I have made a particular effort to emphasize our hyper-local events and news, although when events create the importance of sharing neighboring towns, County, New York, Federal and occasional worldwide news articles that I consider of special importance, we include them as well. This makes the total readership especially important to me, and I want to thank each and every individual who is a Courier Journal friend, and especially our group of loyal advertisers who allow this important local function to continue.

If you are a potential new local advertiser, please bear in mind that while initial

readership is usually more local, those individuals often hold very important jobs and responsibilities in their field especially regarding environmental, safety, and official outreach positions. And as such, they share significant Courier Journal topics with colleagues and other people they think would be interested. As "cornerstone" members our current advertisers have a very special rate of $250 for 6 months of unlimited ads and stories related to their business.

Back to significant leaders in our shared interests, imagine my surprise (as a passionate protector of our spectacular local views and nature sites), when I was invited to the Celebration of the Grand Opening of the Moodna Trestle area's new Schunnemunk Meadows Trail (which includes a portion along our historic Moodna Creek). During that celebration I had the opportunity to meet and discuss the future of our Blooming Grove/Washingtonville/Salisbury Mills trail sections with Annie Bergerin and Kathy Moser. Annie is the official Director of Connectivity, which synchronistically happens to be my Number One interest as well emphasizing to all of the individuals and businesses and officials along the way the importance of this new Trail and nature protection, and the opportunities for businesses along the way to offer things that this new clientele members of the numerous hiking groups and nature and environmental advocates who will add to the numbers of local residents already using; portions at the new Moodna Trestle trails, behind May's Field and very soon at the new County Park where it will connect with the Heritage Trail. Kathy Moser, who was with the Open Space Institute when I met her several months ago has since been named the New York State Parks Commissioner. These are two individuals who can be immensely influential in shaping our future as a continuing significant area of environmental and tourism region and ensureing that City dwellers continue to think of us when they tell a partner or friend "Hey honey, let's take a ride up to the Country".

One of the thrills of my 20-year efforts in this regard was to meet Annie Bergerin and Kathy Moser, incredibly significant environmental partners and it was an honor to be invited to bring a Presentation of my Goals and Accomplishments. so far in this regard. It is a hefty project and will probably require 2 more months to complete.

You will soon be seeing stories about my continued efforts in this regard by meeting with those who can ensure the continued protection of the Route 94/Round Hill views of the Round Hill Marsh and Round Hill Mountain, which includes an important Biodiversity Corridor, and the full local view of the Schunnemunk Ridge (including Woodcock Mountain at the Northeast end. (yes this is located across from my farm, so I also may have some personal bias (as well as some upfront insight about the potential risks), as well as believing that this view is important for the Town of Blooming Grove's future. This view already has some protection, but it my belief that it must be strengthened, and I have a plan for how it can be done.

Round Hill and Schunnemunk as viewed from Round Hill Road and Route 94

We are tremendously appreciative of our community support, and thankful for the local businesses we have been able to support in their growth this year, and we encourage you to consider participating by taking one of the few remaining $250 6-month Sponsorship Ads, before their cost increases at the beginning of Spring.

Thank you all again,

Please look forward to an outstanding 2026 - we can do it!

Edie Johnson, Executive Editor of the Orange County Courier Journal

Contact me at ejreporter@gmail.com (with advertising in the Courier as the subject.)

STATISTICS ABOUT READERSHIP DURING THE YEAR 2025