In The News

May, 2018

Parks Cleanup Near the Hudson River Boosts Long-term Preservation

Poughkeepsie Journal

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park also got a spring cleaning on Saturday, thanks to I Love My Park Day. This outdoors initiative — also scheduled for Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Staatsburg and Stony Kill Farm and Environmental Education Center in Wappingers Falls — was held statewide. Parks & Trails New York, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Park Service all took part in I Love My Park Day.

Thousands help clean up LI nature for I Love My Park Day

Newsday

Thousands of volunteers across the state and on Long Island took to their parks Saturday, picking up trash, painting bike racks and trimming brush for the seventh annual I Love My Park Day. There were 8,000 volunteers at the more than 135 participating state parks, historic sites and national parks statewide, including 1,800 volunteers on Long Island, said Alison Jenkins, executive director of advocacy group Parks & Trails New York, which works with the state on the event.

VIDEO: Volunteers Show a Little Love to Their State Parks

Spectrum News

Saturday was a perfect day to head out to the park. Across New York State, thousands of volunteers did just that. It was I Love My Park Day and more than 135 state and national parks as well as historic sites participated, including Green Lakes and Delta Lake State Parks.

April, 2018

Volunteers wanted for I Love My Park Day activities

The Buffalo News

New York will celebrate the seventh annual I Love My Park Day on Saturday with volunteers lending a hand to improve more than 135 state parks, historic sites and public lands, and national parks. The day is coordinated by Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in partnership with local Friends groups and with financial support from AT&T.

Parks, historic sites across New York prepare for "I Love My Park Day"

WKBW--ABC Buffalo

Grant Cottage group hires development assistant

Post Star

One of the grant recipients of our Parks & Trails Partnership Program has put their funding into action by hiring a new part-time staff member.

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.