
News & Announcements

Public Meeting Notice
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Natural Heritage Trust ("NHT") has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 1:30 pm.

Governor Hochul Announces New York State Parks Centennial Celebration
Governor Kathy Hochul today previewed a year-long celebration of the centennial anniversary of the founding of New York’s statewide park and historic site system to take place in 2024.

State Parks Announces Completion of $3 Million Improvement Projects at Green Lakes State Park
New York State Parks today announced the completion of $3 million in improvements at Green Lakes State Park in Onondaga County. A new cabin camping area and a nearby playground and four-season bathhouse were designed for small groups of children to camp overnight and recreate.

Ladders to the Outdoors Program Returns to Harriman State Park This Summer to Promote Outdoor Participation, Environmental Stewardship
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) are proud to announce the second annual “Ladders to the Outdoors” program at Harriman State Park. Taking place now through Labor Day, the program offers park guests free opportunities to learn about and engage with their natural environment through guided outdoor activities.

Public Meeting Notice
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Natural Heritage Trust ("NHT") has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 11:00 am.

Niagara Falls State Park Welcome Center to Honor Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
Welcome Center in Niagara Falls State Park to open this Summer

Bryan Erwin Named Chair of State Council of Parks
Governor elevates Long Island State Park Commission Chair to leadership post

Public Hearing Notice
The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) will hold a public hearing on Friday, January 20, 2023 to receive public comments on proposed draft resolution and procedures that pertain to the use of videoconferencing by its Board.

Public Meeting Notice
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Natural Heritage Trust ("NHT") has been scheduled for Friday, January 20, 2023, at 10:00 am.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of $9.3 Million Upgrade at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
Upgrades include new Visitor Center, improved parking, and enhanced exhibits. Site is one of last remaining 19th century great estates on the South Shore of Long Island.

Employment Opportunity: Western NY Ladders to the Outdoors Coordinator
The New York State Parks Ladders to the Outdoors Coordinator will implement a new youth recreation program at state parks in the Niagara Region of the New York State Park system.

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $6.5 Million Rehabilitation of the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced completion of a $6.5 million project to improve the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park from Rochester to the village of Avon. Rehabilitation of the 17-mile stretch at the north end of the greenway was supported by a $2.5 million grant from the not-for-profit Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, created after the 2014 death of the former owner of the Buffalo Bills, as well as state and federal funding.

Public Meeting Notice
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Natural Heritage Trust ("NHT") has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 12:30 pm.

2022 Annual Report Now Available
It is our pleasure to report on the activities of the Natural Heritage Trust over the last year in support of our mission to further conservation, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and waterfront revitalization in New York State.

Devil’s Hole State Park Gateway Project Opens
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation announced that work has been completed at the Devil’s Hole State Park Gateway.

Jovia Financial Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular to be held at Jones Beach State Park on July 4
Join us on July 4 for the Jovia Financial Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach State Park for a 25-minute dazzling display that will feature a variety of colors and sights illuminating the sky at Long Island's popular oceanfront park.

Public Meeting Notice
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Natural Heritage Trust ("NHT") has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 1:00 pm.

Free Saturday Nature Bus Service Returns to Capital Region
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC), the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), and local project partners have come together again to offer free Saturday CDTA bus service to connect City of Albany residents to eight natural spaces in and around Albany. The service will start Saturday, May 28 and run through Saturday, September 24.

DEC Announces Opening of Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the grand opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state's world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.

Governor Hochul Announces $5.47 Million Grant from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $5.47 million in grants from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to support improvements to trails in three State Parks in Western New York. The grants will leverage $22.8 million total investment - including $8 million from New York Power Authority and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation