In The News

April, 2018

Community cleanups were a job well done

Lockport Journal

It took long enough but the weather finally broke this past weekend, allowing dozens of volunteers in places like Lockport, Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda to get outside and do some much-needed spring cleaning. In Lockport, the weekend featured the third annual Lockport Clean Sweep, which coincided with a statewide Canal Clean Sweep effort involving other communities along the Erie Canal, including North Tonawanda.

How will funding for parks' capital projects be used?

Spectrum News

SPECTRUM NEWS VIDEO: Focusing first on New York state, this year's budget includes $90 million in funding for capital projects for the New York State Parks system. It also includes $500,000 for the Park and Trail Partnership Program, a grant program for grassroots "Friends" organizations. Alison Jenkins from Parks & Trails New York and Audrey Bent from Friends of Schodack Island State Park join the show.

NYS's I Love My Park Day Returns May 5

Chronogram

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, at over 120 state parks, historic sites, and public lands across New York, volunteers and stewardship groups will gather to care for our commons. I Love My Parks Day, sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York, was launched seven years ago as an annual event to clean up and spiff up public outdoor spaces and to build awareness around the recreation opportunities.

NYS State Canal System Celebrates 100 Years with Canal Clean Sweep, Part of Earth Day Observance

WAER 88.3 - Syracuse

The 100th year of the New York State Canal System was celebrated over the weekend with at least 100 Earth Day Events. The “Canal Clean Sweep” had volunteers at sites along the 524 mile canal putting some gloves on and getting to work just ahead of the canal season. Parks and Trails New York Spokesperson James Meerdink said he appreciates their hard work.

I Love My Park Day reason enough to get reacquainted with a local park, historic site

Poughkeepsie Journal

Article encourages Hudson Valley residents to participate in the annual statewide volunteer cleanup event listing multiple New York State parks and historic sites throughout the region where events will be taking place.

Editorial: Show love for parks by pitching in

Press Republican

In a few weeks, area residents have an opportunity to show how much they appreciate local assets that bring them closer to nature. The state parks scattered around the North Country are showcases for some of the key attractions of the place we live. They have accessible hiking trails, beautiful lakeside vistas, programs for adults and children and camping or swimming opportunities.

Volunteers Sought for Canal Clean Sweep

The Recorder

Fort Hunter – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is participating in the 13th annual Canal Clean Sweep and is hosting volunteers that would like to lend a hand. Each year, members of local and state organizations along with other volunteers from the community assist in some “spring cleaning” along the Erie Canal corridor.

Like the Tour de France, only in kayaks - an Erie Canal proposal

Democrat & Chronicle

Parks & Trails New York is involved in two projects among the seven finalists for proposals that will spur tourism and visibility for the Erie Canal. This article focuses on a potential kayak/canoe competition that could attract participants nationwide and from overseas.

Parks & Trails New York applauds Cuomo, State Legislature for 'significant' funding for environment and parks

Niagara Frontier Publications

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo and members of the State Legislature for their "extraordinary leadership in supporting state parks and protecting clean water and other vital shared green spaces. The 2018-19 state budget agreement secures New York's position as a national leader in the protection of natural resources, and the advancement of tourism and outdoor recreation."

Parks & Trails New York applauds Cuomo, State Legislature for 'significant' funding for environment and parks

Niagara Frontier Publications

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo and members of the State Legislature for their "extraordinary leadership in supporting state parks and protecting clean water and other vital shared green spaces. The 2018-19 state budget agreement secures New York's position as a national leader in the protection of natural resources, and the advancement of tourism and outdoor recreation."

State Park Investments Continue; Local Clean Up Days on the Horizon

Oswego County Today

It takes more than state funding, however, to have a great park. Local volunteer groups and individuals play a big part in annual cleanup efforts, for example, with the annual I Love My Park day. This year, I Love My Park Day will be held on May 5. Last year, more than 8,000 volunteers took part in more than 250 projects at 125 state parks, historic sites and public lands throughout the state.

Friends of Clark Reservation receive grant for Nature Center

Eagle News Online

The Council of Park Friends of Clark Reservation State Park has been awarded an $8,500 matching grant from the Park and Trail Partnership Program to improve the exhibits at the Clark Reservation Nature Center. The Friends group will have to raise an additional $1,500 in matching funds, for a total of $10,000 for the project.

March, 2018

Volunteers sought for ‘I Love My Park Day’ event at north country parks

Watertown Daily Times

HENDERSON — Volunteers are being sought for the upcoming “I Love My Park Day,” which is scheduled for May 5. North country parks taking part in the day include Westcott Beach State Park, Henderson, the Black River Trail in Watertown, and the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center at Wellesley Island State Park.

Letter: Trails bring health benefits, spur economic development

Buffalo News

An approving response from PTNY's Executive Director, Robin Dropkin, to an article acknowledging the preference of trails over other recreational infrastructure of Buffalo metro area residents.

Governor Cuomo Encourages New Yorkers To Sign Up For The Seventh Annual "I Love My Park" Day

LongIsland.com

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that registration is now open for the seventh annual I Love My Park Day, to be held on May 5, 2018 at state parks, historic sites and public lands across New York. The event, sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York, is a statewide event to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise awareness and visibility to the state outdoor recreation assets and their needs.

Friends of Letchworth awarded grant for CCC planning document

Livingston County News

The Friends of Letchworth State Park has received a grant from New York STate and Parks & Trails New York to help with ongoing efforts to preserve the Civilian Conservation Corps legacy in the park. The grant, for $12,530, will be used to fund a planning document and two architectural project reports that will allow the Friends group to more effectively manage and fund its CCC preservation projects, officials said.

Winona Forest Gets $19k State Grant

Watertown Daily Times

The Winona Forest Recreation Association will receive $19,082 for the rehabilitation of multi-use trails in the Winona State Forest, designed specifically to increase public access and significantly enhancing the users’ experience. The rehabilitation of the trails will attract new users, increase tourism dollars, while growing the local economy.

Friends Group Gets Grant for Wilton Event

The Saratogian

Friends of Grant Cottage has obtained a $19,500 state grant to help fund an organizer’s salary for a major Civil War encampment scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11-12 on Ballard Road. U.S. Grant Cottage Civil War Weekend is one of many events planned in coordination with the Town of Wilton’s year-long bicentennial celebration in 2018.

State Awards Nearly $10,000 Grant to Johnson Hall

Fulton County Express

Friends of Johnson Hall have been awarded $9,905 for a historic floor cloth for the front hallway of the Johnson Hall State Historic Site. According to a release, the “painted carpet” is a reproduction that will help protect the original wooden floor from heavy wear by visitors and will complete the restoration of the decorative finishes on the first floor of the site. Funds will also be used to produce a detailed color booklet, postcards and a website update.

Friends of Thacher gets $4K from state to attract more members

Altamont Enterprise

The Friends of Thacher Park is looking for more members and just received $4,080 from the state to help with recruitment. The local grant was among $450,000 awarded to 21 organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York State parks, historic sites, and public lands. This is the first time grants are being awarded to DEC Friends groups, according to a release from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.