Two Ways to Give Back

It’s the perfect season to get outdoors and do some spring cleaning . Parks & Trails New York has two annual events coming up that give you and your family, friends, and co-workers a chance to pitch in and give back to New York’s parks and trails.

The Canal Clean Sweep has been bringing people together to help enhance the Canalway Corridor and Trail for 11 years. This year, on the weekend of Earth Day, April 22 – 24, volunteers will gather at over 100 sites along the historic canalway for a myriad of projects, from clearing brush to updating signs. Last year’s ten-year anniversary event had over 150 community groups participate, and Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Canal Corporation hope to bring out even more New Yorkers this year to improve and celebrate this important state resource.

Another chance to roll up your sleeves is the fifth annual I Love My Park Day. The event has gained momentum every year, and 2015 is looking to be our biggest year yet! Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are thrilled to announce that we have added locations in both the Adirondack and Catskill Mountain regions, plus National Park sites. Volunteers from all corners of the state will be able to help prepare their favorite park for the busy summer season. Projects range from planting flowers and constructing picnic benches to cleaning up beaches and clearing trails. With over locations to choose from, I Love My Park Day is a great opportunity to practice stewardship of our beloved parks, and create lasting memories with family and friends.