Press Releases

March, 2022

Village of Brockport Selected for Empire State Trail Town Program

(BROCKPORT, NY) – Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Canal Corporation, and the Village of Brockport are excited to jointly announce that Brockport has been selected as the pilot community for the new Empire State Trail Town program. The program will help Brockport benefit from its location along the Erie Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail.

January, 2022

Statement on FY2023 Executive State Budget Proposal

(ALBANY, NY) - Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY 2023 State Budget proposes the most ambitious investment in parks, trails, and the environment in decades by increasing the Environmental Protection Fund to a record $400 million, increasing the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act to $4 billion, and proposing a $200 million capital investment in State Parks.

Registration Open for Cycle the Erie Canal 2022 — Popular tour across New York State scheduled for July 10-17

ALBANY, NY – Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 24^th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an opportunity to bike across New York State on part of the Empire State Trail 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 10-17, 2022.

PTNY Statement on 2022 State of the State Address

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