New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Western NY

‘Greenway Trails For A Green Future’ Bills Introduced In State Legislature

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New York State CapitolOn Thursday, New York State Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) introduced a package of legislation known as the “Greenway Trails For A Green Future” aimed at modernizing New York’s greenway and multi-use trail system, while improving cyclist and pedestrian safety and growing the tourism and outdoor recreation industries.

Senator Pete Harckham (D-Peekskill) and Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Dutchess/Columbia) are also sponsoring a bill included in the package. [Read more…] about ‘Greenway Trails For A Green Future’ Bills Introduced In State Legislature

Big Cheese Politics: Federalist Cows Need Not Apply

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Illustration of Thomas Jefferson making mac and cheese with a wheel of cheddar (created by AI in 2003)A huge cheese is said to have sealed the election of Thomas Jefferson, who occupied the White House on January 1, 1802, after a bitter contest with his rival, the incumbent president and Federalist leader John Adams. It is an oft-told tale.

Upset by Puritan denunciations of Jefferson, Elder John Leland of the Baptist Church of Cheshire, Massachusetts, organized a communal effort to demonstrate support for Jeffersonian Democracy. [Read more…] about Big Cheese Politics: Federalist Cows Need Not Apply

Protect the Adirondacks Releases New Report On NYS “30 by 30” Law

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Protect the Adirondacks 30 by 30 ReportIn 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the “30 by 30” law that establishes a conservation goal for New York State of protecting 30% of the State’s “lands and inland waters” by the year 2030. [Read more…] about Protect the Adirondacks Releases New Report On NYS “30 by 30” Law

Landmark Society of Western NY Presents Annual Preservation Awards

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Colehill at 3569 North Main Street Road in the Village of Holley, Orleans CountyThe Landmark Society of Western New York presented their annual Preservation Awards at a ceremony at the Rochester Academy of Medicine on Sunday afternoon. Awards were presented to twelve projects, buildings, and individuals that have contributed to historic preservation in the region. [Read more…] about Landmark Society of Western NY Presents Annual Preservation Awards

Please Support New York Almanack’s Annual Fundraising Today

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New York Almanack delivers to you each day. We receive no public funds – we’re supported only by readers like you.

We need your help!  Please DONATE to our annual fundraising campaign to keep New York Almanack publishing. [Read more…] about Please Support New York Almanack’s Annual Fundraising Today

20% in 2023: An Assessment of the New York State 30 by 30 Act

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Protect the Adirondacks 30 by 30 ReportIn 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the “30 by 30” law that establishes a conservation goal for New York State of protecting 30% of the State’s “lands and inland waters” by the year 2030.

This landmark environmental protection legislation enjoyed broad bipartisan support, passing the State Senate by a vote of 58 to 3, and the State Assembly by a vote of 137 to 8. [Read more…] about 20% in 2023: An Assessment of the New York State 30 by 30 Act

Frederick Douglass & Oneonta’s Underground Railroad

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Frontispiece in My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass, 1855On October 29, 1857 Frederick Douglass spoke in Oneonta, in southern Otsego County, NY.

The visit appears in few historical sources, no doubt because it was long-held belief that it was not wise to identify Underground Railroad agents or their locations as a precaution against pro-slavery advocates attacking them. [Read more…] about Frederick Douglass & Oneonta’s Underground Railroad

Forest Rangers Respond to Search, Rescue, Wildfire

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forest ranger logoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.

What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Respond to Search, Rescue, Wildfire