Press Releases

May, 2017

New Bike Friendly Certification for Canalway Trail Businesses Rolls Out

Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation launch new bike friendly business certification program along Canalway Trail; release initial list of certified businesses.

I Love My Park Day Celebrates New York’s State Park System

ALBANY, N.Y. – More than 125 New York State Parks, Historic Sites and public lands are hosting volunteer events today, Saturday, May 6, as part of the sixth annual I Love My Park Day. I Love My Park Day is a valuable statewide event that improves and enhances New York’s state parks, historic sites and public lands while bringing visibility to the entire state park system and its needs. More than 8,000 volunteers are expected to pitch in on cleanup, improvement, and beautification projects.

April, 2017

Volunteers Ready for Spring Cleaning on the NYS Canal System

Volunteer groups across New York State are making final preparations for the 12^th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, with most events scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 21-23, 2017.

Health, Environment, and Recreation Groups Applaud Funding for 750-mile Empire State Trail in Final NYS Budget

ALBANY – The final New York State FY18 budget represents a major step forward for tourism, health, and recreation with the inclusion of $200 million in landmark funding to build the nation’s longest multi-use trail, the 750-mile Empire State Trail.

PTNY Applauds full funding for Empire State Trail in NYS budget

ALBANY – The New York State’s FY18 budget deal represents a major step forward for tourism, health, and recreation with the inclusion of $200 million in landmark funding to build the nation’s longest multi-use trail, the 750-mile Empire State Trail.

Volunteers Sought for Canal Clean Sweep

Volunteer groups and individuals are invited to participate in the 12^th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, scheduled for the weekend of April 21-23, 2017.

March, 2017

New Yorkers call on Legislators to Get Rolling on Empire State Trail

Outdoor enthusiasts and grassroots trail groups from across the state gather today in Albany for Empire State Trail Day, a day of legislative advocacy on behalf of Governor Cuomo’s proposal to build the nation’s longest multi-use trail.

January, 2017

Registration Open for Cycle the Erie Canal 2017

Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 19^th 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, 2017. This year also marks the beginning of the bicentennial celebration for the Erie Canal.

Parks & Trails New York Applauds Governor Cuomo’s Historic Commitment to Complete Erie Canalway Trail and Create Empire State Trail by 2020

Parks & Trails New York, the state’s leading nonprofit advocate for parks, trails, and greenways, applauds Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposal, announced today in his State of the State Address, to create the Empire State Trail by 2020. Completing and connecting unfinished sections of the Erie Canalway Trail and Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail System will create the nation’s longest multi-use trail, securing New York’s place as a national and international destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism.

New Report Highlights Impact of Friends Groups

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the state’s leading advocate for parks and trails, today released You Gotta Have Friends. The report summarizes the results of a census of the non-profit Friends organizations that support New York’s state parks and historic sites and demonstrates that these grassroots groups are poised to make an even greater contribution to the renaissance of the New York State park system.