On Saturday, October 4, hundreds of volunteers across New York State rolled up their sleeves to care for the land, water, and wildlife we all depend on as part of Wildlife Day.

Organized by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation, this annual event celebrates New York’s natural heritage through hands-on stewardship and environmental education.

From building bird boxes and planting pollinator gardens to clearing invasive species and cleaning shorelines, Wildlife Day volunteers made a real difference at over 20 locations statewide–all while learning how to protect the habitats that support wildlife of all shapes and sizes.

“The health of our state depends on the vitality of the wildlife that call New York home,” said PTNY Executive Director Paul Steely White. “By protecting the habitats that sustain everything from eagles and turtles to the smallest pollinators, we ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder and connection to nature that inspires us today.”

Highlights from Across the State

Here’s a snapshot of the incredible work that took place on Wildlife Day:

• Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (Buffalo): Volunteers took part in bird walks and conservation talks, with free bird-friendly coffee samples to kick off the day.
• Hamlin Beach State Park (Monroe County): Community members built wood duck and bat boxes, planted native trees, and learned about local species from park educators.
• Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve (Seneca County): Native seed collection efforts led by Montezuma Audubon will help restore key habitats across the wetlands complex.
• Minna Anthony Common Nature Center (St. Lawrence County): Volunteers built bat houses, cleaned pollinator plots, and removed shoreline debris.
• Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County): After pollinator garden clean-up and birding, guests enjoyed a full Harvest Fest complete with crafts, vendors, and barn tours.
• Gantry Plaza State Park (Queens): In a unique urban twist, participants learned to fish, surveyed East River eels, and tested water quality—all in one afternoon.
  

From Albany to the Adirondacks, the Hudson Valley to Long Island, Wildlife Day brought together seasoned conservationists and first-time volunteers to give back to New York’s public lands and the creatures who call them home.

Thank you to every volunteer who made Wildlife Day a success. New York’s wildlife is better off because of you.