The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced 15 grant recipients for its campground and day-use improvement initiative, the Enhanced Visitor Experience (EVE) program that provides money for new amenities and activities for visitors. [Read more…] about State Parks: 15 Campground & Day-Use Improvement Projects
Glimmerglass State Park
America’s Oldest Covered Bridge Turns 200
This year’s 200th anniversary of the Hyde Hall covered bridge in Glimmerglass State Park near Cooperstown in Otsego County, NY, the oldest covered bridge still standing in America, is being celebrated on October 11, 2025. It’s all traceable to George Clarke (1768-1835).
Clarke, whose family property empire included tens of thousands of acres in New York, England, and Jamaica, bought land in Cooperstown in 1817. It was on and above Otsego Lake, eight miles north of Cooperstown and with a commanding, majestic view of the lake and the surrounding countryside. [Read more…] about America’s Oldest Covered Bridge Turns 200
Covered Bridges: Common Questions Answered
Many reasons are offered for covering bridges such as providing shelter during inclement weather or so horses wouldn’t be afraid to cross the water. However, the true reason is much more practical – to protect the structure supporting the bridge. Without protection from the weather, the wooden timbers supporting the bridge would decay more rapidly and eventually collapse. [Read more…] about Covered Bridges: Common Questions Answered
Otsego Outdoor Challenge Marks 5000th Trek
As Lee Ann and Rick Myers of Oneonta completed the Otsego Outdoors Fall Octet Challenge, it marked the 5000th trek Octet participants have completed. A collaborative program of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust and Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego Outdoors connects residents and visitors with year-round recreational opportunities in and near Otsego County. [Read more…] about Otsego Outdoor Challenge Marks 5000th Trek
Traditional Woven Coverlet Symposium Planned
Rabbit Goody and Thistle Hill Weavers have announced that a Symposium on Traditional Woven Coverlets will take place May 1-3, 2015, at Hyde Hall in Springfield, NY. Anyone with an interest in coverlets is encouraged to attend. Participants are especially encouraged to bring their own coverlets and images to share and discuss.
The Symposium hopes to bring together historians, collectors, curators, and enthusiasts for a lively exchange of ideas and information. Goody will also bring a selection of coverlets from her own extraordinary collection to share with the group. [Read more…] about Traditional Woven Coverlet Symposium Planned