Press Releases

August, 2021

Gov. Cuomo Announces $900,000 in Grants to State Parks, Historic Sites, and Public Lands Partner Organizations

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $900,000 in grants to support 30 not-for-profit organizations involved with stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.

July, 2021

More than 300 cyclists to make 400-mile cross-state bicycle trip

ALBANY, N.Y. – More than 300 cyclists are crossing New York State via the Erie Canalway Trail between Buffalo and Albany as part of the 23 rd annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York. Cyclists from 34 states, DC, and Israel have turned out to experience one of our nation’s most significant and historic heritage regions.

April, 2021

10th I Love My Park Day Celebrates New York’s State Parks, Historic Sites and Public Lands

ALBANY, N.Y. – More than 120 New York State parks, historic sites and public lands are hosting volunteer events this weekend, Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2, as part of the tenth annual I Love My Park Day. I Love My Park Day, organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York is a popular statewide event that improves and enhances New York’s beloved outdoor spaces, while bringing visibility to the entire state park system, and its needs. More than 5,000 volunteers are expected to roll up their sleeves on cleanup, improvement, and beautification projects.

New York’s Largest Earth Day Celebration Kicks off Friday, April 23

Volunteer groups across New York State are making final preparations for the annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, with most events scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 23-25, 2021. 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.

NYS Budget Shows Sustained Commitment to Protecting Environment

(ALBANY, NY) - Parks & Trails New York praised the Legislature and Governor for passing a SFY 2021-22 budget today that establishes an environmental legacy for generations to come, demonstrating a sustained commitment to shared greenspace and public health.

Governor Cuomo Encourages New Yorkers to Sign Up for the 10th Annual 'I Love My Park' Day

"More people than ever before are enjoying the beautiful and natural treasures New York State has to offer," Governor Cuomo said. "I Love My Park Day is a great opportunity to give back to our incredible park system, and I encourage New Yorkers to sign up and volunteer at a participating park or historic site in their area to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy these amazing resources." Register today at ptny.org/ilovemypark

March, 2021

Canalway Trail System drew more than 4 million visits in 2020, a 27 percent increase over 2019

ALBANY, NY – Use along the Erie Canalway Trail and Champlain Canalway Trail increased in 2020, according to the 2020 Who’s on the Trail report from Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC). The Canalway Trail system as a whole saw an estimated 4.2 million visits in 2020, including just under four million visits to the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail between Albany and Buffalo and approximately 288,000 visits to the 90-mile Champlain Canalway Trail between Waterford and Whitehall.

January, 2021

PTNY Statement on 2021 State-of-the-State Address

(ALBANY, NY) - At this week’s State of the State address, Governor Cuomo highlighted some of the great investments that the state has made in protecting our outdoors over the past decade, transforming our state’s park system and completing the visionary Empire State Trail project. We are excited by the many initiatives he proposed to continue this work.

April, 2020

NYS Budget Reflects Commitment to Protecting Parkland and Open Space

Parks & Trails New York thanks Governor Andrew Cuomo and Legislative leaders for passage of the FY 2020-21 budget that avows the importance of preserving our natural environment and providing safe, high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities. Major highlights from the budget include $110 million in capital funding for State Parks, a $300 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), and the historic $3 billion “Restore Mother Nature” Environmental Bond Act.

March, 2020

New Yorkers Call on Legislators to Continue Historic Revitalization of State Parks System

ALBANY, NY—New Yorkers from across the state are coming together today at the State Capitol for the 14th annual Park Advocacy Day to urge policymakers to protect and preserve New York’s state parks. Nearly 85 representatives from more than 40 park Friends groups and environmental 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.