Celebrate and Protect New York’s Wildlife

Celebrate New York’s incredible wildlife and join Parks & Trails New York for Wildlife Day, a special event dedicated to connecting communities with the animals and habitats that make our parks and trails so vibrant. Whether it’s birdwatching, habitat restoration, or educational programs, Wildlife Day offers opportunities to learn, explore, and take action to protect the diverse species that call New York home.

A group of volunteers pose for a photo.

Why volunteering matters

Volunteering on Wildlife Day helps protect critical habitats and supports the conservation efforts that keep wildlife populations healthy and thriving. Your participation in activities like planting native species, removing invasive plants, or monitoring wildlife contributes directly to preserving ecosystems and maintaining the balance of nature. Stay tuned for 2026!

A man holding a trash bag smiles next to a sign reading 'If you carry it in, carry it out.'
A group of volunteers and a leashed dog walk along a trail in the woods, picking up litter.
A DEC Staff Member helps a child catch a fish.
A volunteer holds a trash bag as he walks along a pedestrian bridge.
A volunteer points at a trail map.