Press Releases

May, 2023

Governor Hochul Announces $1.8 Million in Grants Awarded to State Parks, Trails, Historic Sites and Public Lands Partner Organizations

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $1.8 million in grants to support 28 not-for-profit organizations involved with stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands, the highest amount awarded in the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program history. The grants support partner group efforts to raise private funds for capital projects, engage in maintenance and beautification projects, provide educational programming, and host special events that promote public use of the parks.

Parks & Trails New York announces funding for Genesee Valley Trail Towns

Parks & Trails New York today announced the recipients of $50,000 in grants to support communities participating in the Genesee Valley Trail Town initiative. Grants will provide amenities for residents and visitors along. Genesee Valley Greenway State Park and in nearby villages and towns

Parks & Trails New York Celebrates Budget; Regrets Missed Investment for Public Lands Experiencing Record Visitation

(ALBANY, NY) – Parks & Trails New York is alternately pleased and disappointed by the recently-passed FY 2024 State Budget. While the budget includes critical funding for New York’s public lands–experiencing continued record-breaking visitation since the pandemic–the amount allocated to capital infrastructure does not meet the need, nor the necessity of these spaces for community well-being and health. An important opportunity for our leadership to maintain capital investment at $250 million for our state parks, historic sites, and public lands has been missed.

April, 2023

Canalway Trail System received over 10 million visits during COVID-19

ALBANY, NY – The Erie Canalway Trail and the Champlain Canalway Trail continue to receive high levels of use year after year, according to the newly released Who’s on the Trail 2022: Canalway Trail report from Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC). PTNY estimates that the Canalway Trail system as a whole receives roughly 3.55 million visits per year, based on longitudinal count data from electronic counters installed at 24 locations along the Erie and Champlain Canalway Trails over the past five years.

March, 2023

Call for Volunteers for the 18th Annual Canal Clean Sweep

New York’s Largest Earth Day Celebration Along the Canalway Kicks Off Friday, April 21. Volunteers are encouraged to register today, as groups across New York State prepare for the 18th Canal Clean Sweep, to be held April 21-23, 2023. Canal Clean Sweep is an annual clean-up event held across the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail.

February, 2023

Parks and Trails New York Announces New Executive Director

(ALBANY, NY) – Paul Steely White is the new executive director of Parks and Trails New York. The appointment comes after an extensive search started in November 2022 when PTNY’s long-standing visionary leader, Robin Dropkin, announced her retirement.

January, 2023

Statement from Parks & Trails New York on Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2023 State of the State

(ALBANY, NY) - At today’s State of the State address, Governor Hochul charted a path for continuing the great investments in recent years that New York State has made in our parks, public lands, and environmental stewardship over the past decade.

Registration Opens for Cycle the Erie Canal 2023

ALBANY, NY – Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 25th 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 9-16, 2023. There is also an option to ride only the first four days from Buffalo to Syracuse.

December, 2022

Brockport Empire State Trail Town Action Plan Released

New report summarizes Brockport’s activity as the first Empire State Trail Town, and outlines recommendations for village to harness visitation to the Erie Canalway Trail to support and advance local tourism and the outdoor recreation economy

Long-Time Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin to Retire in 2023

(ALBANY, NY) – Parks & Trails New York announced the planned retirement in 2023 of its long-time Executive Director, and distinguished environmental advocate, Robin Dropkin.