Crailo State Historic Site (also known formerly as Fort Crailo) on the Hudson River in Rensselaer, once the Van Rensselaer family’s fortified home, has reopened to the public.
[Read more…] about Fort Crailo State Historic Site Has Reopened
State Parks
State Launches ‘Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local’ Campaign
DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) have launched PLAY SMART * PLAY SAFE * PLAY LOCAL Campaign to encourage safe, responsible and local recreation this summer.
The campaign invites people to take the pledge, and promise to use common sense to protect themselves and others when enjoying the outdoors. [Read more…] about State Launches ‘Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local’ Campaign
241 Acres, New Trail Added to Catskill Forest Preserve
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the acquisition of 241 acres in the Catskills, including 208 acres adjoining existing Forest Preserve lands in the Bluestone Wild Forest that is expected to preserve open space and expand recreational opportunities.
The purchases of the two properties were made possible through a partnership with the Open Space Institute (OSI) and $758,000 from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). [Read more…] about 241 Acres, New Trail Added to Catskill Forest Preserve
Comments Sought On Statewide Greenway Trails Plan
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning have announced the release of the Draft Scoping Document for the Draft Statewide Greenways Plan and Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for public comment. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On Statewide Greenway Trails Plan
Comments Sought On State Historic Preservation Plan
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Division for Historic Preservation have announced the release of the Draft Scoping Document for the Draft New York State Historic Preservation Plan (2021-2025) and Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for public comment. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On State Historic Preservation Plan
State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
NYS DEC and State Parks are encouraging New Yorkers to engage in responsible recreation by recreating locally, practicing physical distancing, and using common sense to protect themselves and others.
Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State facilities are closed, most trails, parks, grounds, and forests are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. [Read more…] about State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
State Parks Adds Interpreter of African American History
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced that noted culinary historian, interpreter and editor Lavada Nahon has joined the Bureau of Historic Sites staff as the Interpreter of African American History. [Read more…] about State Parks Adds Interpreter of African American History
Celebrate Historic Sites With A First Day Hike
New Yorkers can greet 2020 with a choice of 85 guided hikes at state parks and public lands, including the state’s historic sites.
Now in its ninth year, the annual First Day Hikes program includes a variety of events, from hikes to fire towers in the Adirondacks/Catskills, along parts of the historic New York City drinking water system in the Hudson Valley, waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region and historic forts along the Great Lakes, and more. [Read more…] about Celebrate Historic Sites With A First Day Hike
Friends Groups Boost NY State Parks, Historic Sites
A 2018 survey of New Yorks State parks and historic sites’ Friends organizations details the support and programs these groups provide to the state parks system. Among the findings, is that Friends groups raised more than $17 million in private funds, and contributed nearly 132,000 hours of volunteer labor.
A Friends group is a group of individuals who work to support, steward and promote a park or historic site or multiple sites. They come in a variety of sizes and approaches from all-volunteer groups, to those with paid staff responsible for generating funds for operations and renovations. [Read more…] about Friends Groups Boost NY State Parks, Historic Sites
State Parks Seeking Partners at Knox Farm Site
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has released a request for proposals (RFP) for private-sector businesses to partner in the adaptive reuse, improvement and/or operation in Knox Farm State Park, located in East Aurora, Erie County, NY.
Submitted proposals must demonstrate relevant experience, expertise, programmatic alignment and resources to construct, equip, outfit and operate the designated spaces and develop compatible, quality programs, events or concessions in collaboration with Park management upon completion of necessary capital improvements. Buildings included in the RFP include the Main Horse Barn, the White Frame Stable, the Green House and three garages. [Read more…] about State Parks Seeking Partners at Knox Farm Site