Empowering Local Stewards across the state
Across New York State, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and municipalities are transforming public spaces into more accessible, vibrant, and welcoming places. These local champions are essential to the health and future of New York’s public lands.
PTNY powers this statewide movement by supporting the Friends groups, trail volunteers, Trail Town communities, and local park advocates who care deeply about the places where New Yorkers live, explore, and connect. Through training, grant programs, technical assistance, and collaboration, we help public land stewards grow their impact.
park & Trail partnership grants
This $2.5 million annual initiative–administered by PTNY in partnership with State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation–provides crucial funding to Friends groups and nonprofit organizations that support New York’s public lands.
Trail Towns
Our Trail Town initiative helps New York’s communities embrace the economic, recreational, and cultural benefits of nearby multi-use trails like the Empire State Trail and Genesee Valley Greenway. We work with municipalities to enhance local trail access and wayfinding, support trail-friendly businesses and amenities, promote tourism and outdoor recreation, create bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and more.
volunteer events
Every year, thousands of New Yorkers come together at I Love My Park Day and Canal Clean Sweep to protect and improve the state’s beloved public spaces. These events are more than just service days, they’re a celebration of community, stewardship, and the natural beauty that defines our state.
