Press Releases

September, 2019

Applications now being accepted for $1M in Grants to Improve State Parks, Trails, Historic Sites and Public Lands

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), with support from Governor Cuomo and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the fifth round of competitive grants through the NYS Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The grants, this year doubled to $1million, are available to organizations, typically referred to as “Friends groups,” that support parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.

March, 2019

New Yorkers call on Legislators to Advance “Trails Across New York” Agenda, Extend Empire State Trail to Long Island

Grassroots trail groups travel to Albany to call for coordinated planning, sustainable funding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety policies to grow New York’s multi-use trail network. Outdoor enthusiasts and grassroots trail groups from across the state gather today in Albany for Trails Advocacy Day, a day of legislative advocacy on behalf of New York’s growing multi-use trail network.

January, 2019

Registration Open for Cycle the Erie Canal 2019

ALBANY, NY – Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 21^st annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an unforgettable opportunity to bike across New York State and take in the rich history of the legendary canal that transformed America. The eight-day, 400-mile recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany is scheduled for July 7-14, 2019

Parks & Trails New York Applauds Governor Cuomo’s Historic Investment in Parks, the Environment and Grassroots Friends Groups in Budget

Parks & Trails New York commends Governor Cuomo for advancing policies that protect New York’s environment and provide New Yorkers with greater access to the outdoors. The Governor’s proposed budget builds on last year’s unparalleled commitment to parks and the environment and significantly strengthens its impact by proposing to ban single-use bags, expand the bottle bill and foster greater grassroots citizen engagement through expanded support of the Park and Trail Partnership Program in the Environmental Protection Fund.

October, 2018

Parks & Trails New York Honors AT&T with the George W. Perkins Award

NEW YORK CITY, NY – Parks & Trails New York is pleased to present the George W. Perkins Award to AT&T for the company’s commitment to strengthening communities, protecting the environment, and improving lives through its community initiatives. Marissa Shorenstein, AT&T’s President of the Northeast Region, will be accepting the award.

April, 2018

I Love My Park Day Partners Encourage New Yorkers to Give Back

(Albany, NY) Elected officials join Parks & Trails New York and representatives from AT&T at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site today to encourage all New Yorkers to register to volunteer on Saturday, May 5, 2018 for the statewide I Love My Park Day.

More than 100 Canal Clean Sweep Events Scheduled across New York State to Celebrate Earth Day

Volunteer groups across New York State are making final preparations for the 13th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, with most events scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 20-22, 2018. More than 100 Clean Sweep events have been scheduled across the 524-mile-long Canal System, providing opportunities for residents to give back to their local communities and to show pride in a unique cultural and recreational resource.

Parks & Trails New York Applauds Governor Cuomo for Significant Funding for Environment and Parks

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) today praised Governor 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.

March, 2018

New York State, PTNY Announce $450,000 in Grants to State Parks, Forests and Historic Site Partner Organizations

New York State and Parks & Trails New York today announced $450,000 in state grants to 21 organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York State parks, historic sites and public lands. These dedicated groups raise private funds for capital projects, perform maintenance tasks, provide educational programming, and promote public use through hosting special events.

New Yorkers call on Legislators to Continue Historic Revitalization of State Park System

(Albany, NY) New Yorkers from across the state are coming together at the State Capitol on March 5, 2018 for the 12th annual Park Advocacy Day to urge policymakers to protect and preserve New York’s state parks. Representatives from more than 40 park Friends groups, environmental organizations, local parks, and educational organizations will make the case for state park funding. Parks & Trails New York and the Open Space Institute jointly organize Park Advocacy Day.