Projects & Programs
The NHT directly supports projects and programs that enhance state park facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, preserve historic and cultural assets, and protect natural resources.
Ladders to the Outdoors
The Natural Heritage Trust has partnered with New York State Parks and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to launch Ladders to the Outdoors; a new program that works to address the lack of equitable access to outdoor recreational spaces, equipment, transportation and skills development in underserved communities at five state parks in Western New York. This program enables NYS Parks to provide equipment and instruction free of charge to local youth, as well as transportation through a partnership with Connect Kids to Parks. Program offerings will include swimming, hiking, biking, boating, camping, and sports. Help the NHT to bring this program to other regions in our state by donating to Ladders to the Outdoors today.
Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park
The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) at Letchworth State Park is a first-of-its-kind experience in nature designed for visitors on the autism spectrum and with a range of abilities—appropriate and enjoyable for all abilities and ages. The ANT is made possible through a public-private partnership between Letchworth State Park, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Perry Central School District, Camp Puzzle Peace and the Natural Heritage Trust. The Trail opened on October 1, 2021 and has welcomed over 4,000 guests of all ages and abilities.
Capital District Nature Bus
The Natural Heritage Trust has partnered with New York State Parks, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC), and the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), as well as other local partners to offer a free Saturday CDTA bus service to connect City of Albany residents to eight natural spaces in and around Albany. The Nature Bus travels to the Albany Pine Bush and Albany Water Departments’ Six Mile Water Works, David’s Trail at the Bender Melon Farm Preserve, Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, Albany County Rail Trail Veterans Memorial Park, DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, MHLC’s Normans Kill West Preserve, Albany County Rail Trail Slingerlands Trailhead, Hilton Park, and Thacher State Park.
Adventure NY
The Adventure NY initiative was launched in 2017 to enhances access for New York families and visitors to the great outdoors. It includes funding to improve public access to state land and water, upgrade campgrounds and facilities, and increase public awareness and information about all the outdoor recreation opportunities available in New York State. Several programs fall within the Adventure NY initiative that aim to directly connect New Yorkers to nature, stewardship, and introductory outdoor experiences that are accessible for individuals and families from all backgrounds. Programs include I Bird NY and the NYS Birding Trail; Outdoors Day events; and I Love My Park Day. Donations will support these critical programs and expand opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors.
Shirley Chisholm State Park Bike Library
The Bike Library loans free bikes with helmets so park visitors can explore 10 miles of car-free paths with beautiful vistas in the park. The Library will also offer bike riding classes for all ages—Learn to Glide and Ride—plus two annual Bike Swaps. In addition to donations to support the program, the Bike Library also accepts donations of bikes and supplies
Camperships
The Natural Heritage Trust, in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, aims to lower barriers to summer camp programs and connect children with nature, conservation and ecology. Camperships enable students who would not otherwise be able to afford camp to spend a week participating in outdoor educational and recreational experiences through hands-on activities and stewardship projects at one of DEC's four summer camp locations.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a program designed to teach outdoor skills to women. These programs provide participants with information, encouragement, and hands-on instruction in outdoor skills such as fishing, shooting, archery, hunting, trapping, outdoor photography, map and compass, survival, camping, canoeing, and outdoor cooking. Funds raised will be used to provide scholarships for women that otherwise would be unable to attend.