LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. — Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Friends groups from across New York came together this week in Lake George for Power of Partnerships: The 2026 Friends Gathering, a two-day statewide conference focused on collaboration, community engagement, stewardship, and the future of New York’s public lands.
The program featured keynote presentations from Kathy Moser, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Director of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative.
Throughout the two-day gathering, participants explored practical approaches to strengthening Friends organizations and building more effective partnerships. Sessions addressed topics including creating sensory-inclusive spaces and programming, attracting and retaining volunteers, modernizing organizational structures, understanding the impact of Friends groups, building resilient and inclusive communities, transitioning from all-volunteer organizations to staffed nonprofits, centering Indigenous history on public lands, and expanding outdoor education and recreation partnerships.
The conference also created dedicated opportunities for Friends groups to learn directly from their peers. Saturday’s peer circles brought together representatives connected to state parks, state historic sites, DEC sites, and greenway trails to share successes, troubleshoot challenges, and discuss common opportunities.
A central theme throughout the gathering was the importance of building partnerships that benefit both organizations and the communities they serve.
The conference concluded with a Power of Partnerships Panel, featuring Friends organizations from across New York sharing examples of successful collaborations at their sites. Panelists highlighted partnerships involving site managers, community organizations, volunteers, and other stakeholders, demonstrating the many ways Friends groups can work collaboratively to advance programming, engagement, stewardship, and organizational goals.
The gathering also marked an important milestone for the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program, celebrating 10 years of completed grant projects. During the conference, attendees participated in an awards ceremony and helped unveil a Park and Trail Partnership Time Capsule, commemorating a decade of work supported through the program.
In addition to conference sessions, attendees had opportunities to explore the Lake George and Capital Region area through guided field trips. Participants visited Lake George Battlefield Park, Moreau Lake State Park, Fort William Henry, and the Warren County Bikeway, connecting the conference’s themes of partnership and stewardship with the landscapes, history, and recreational resources of the region.
Photos from the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/waizyU9p1N2bD99WA
Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York Paul Steely White said, “Coming together in Lake George has given Friends Groups from Buffalo to Long Island a chance to learn from one another and strengthen the relationships that make this work possible. We’re grateful to have Parks Commissioner Moser and DEC Commissioner Lefton join us, demonstrating commissioner-level leadership that recognizes and supports these local organizations. Over these two days, Friends groups shared what works, wrestled with common challenges, and found new ways to work with their agency and community partners. That’s the kind of exchange that helps move this work forward when everyone gets home.”
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Our Friends Groups and partners are essential in the continued success of our state parks and historic sites. This conference provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, share ideas, and build on the important work we do together. We are grateful for the dedication and support that these groups provide to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen our communities, and help preserve these special places for future generations to enjoy.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is endlessly grateful for the partnerships that have helped us steward public lands and improve and enhance our opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors. Thank you to Parks & Trails New York for working with DEC and State Parks to bring Friends groups and partners together in beautiful Lake George to build on our successes, strengthen relationships, and look to the future for new opportunities.”