New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

The Earth Week spirit is SWEEPING the Empire State, as Canal Clean Sweep gets underway! Thanks to everyone volunteering with PTNY and Canal Corp to help keep our waterways clean. The event continues all weekend -- there's still time to sign up! https://loom.ly/wMOiKv0. (Photos from previous years).

Happy birthday to New York State Parks! 101 years ago today, the State Council of Parks was formed to begin unified planning and budget-making for our beloved public lands. Today, we celebrate 101 years of preserving nature and history and providing recreation opportunities to New Yorkers and those who travel near and far to visit us. This system was built for you, New York, and we invite you to come and enjoy all we have to offer. We'll see you out there!

New York State Parks is hiring lifeguards! With warmer weather arriving and summer closer than it appears, we are seeking individuals of all experience levels to keep New Yorkers swimming safely. With more than 1,000 openings at 70 locations, there are opportunities available to dive into a rewarding summer job in each region of the state. Learn more about the requirements and get started on your application today! https://loom.ly/57Iw0Go

Show your favorite park some love by registering for I Love My Park Day on May 3rd. Parks & historic sites across the state are inviting New Yorkers to help us preserve the beauty that these spaces have to offer! Find an I Love My Park Day event near you. https://loom.ly/QDxzdTg

OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer and New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons raised the Neurodiversity flag high over Letchworth State Park to celebrate Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month! Letchworth State Park is also home to the Autism Nature Trail, the first of its kind in the nation. The Neurodiversity flag was designed by self-advocate and OPWDD Peer Specialist Josh Mirsky. The red and gold colors of the flag symbolize strength and value. The flag was designed in 2022 as part of a contest by New York’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board.

It's Earth Month, and New Yorkers are wondering what they can do beyond the basics to live more sustainably. We asked our Energy and Sustainability teams for suggestions, and here's what they said! 🐛 Use live composting worms to efficiently break down organic matter like food scraps and fallen leaves and convert it to nutrient-rich compost. Worm composting reduces landfill waste, improves soil health, is low-maintenance, and can be done in gardens or containers. 🌱 Make native seed bombs to create self-sustaining gardens and spread wildflowers across meadows, urban landscapes, or hard-to-reach, neglected areas. Mix flower seeds with soil, clay, or peat-free compost. Shape them into balls, let them dry, and then toss! 🚴♂️ Walk or bike to local destinations. If walking or biking is not an option, choose public transportation. 👩🌾 Enjoy some time outdoors with friends and family at a pick your own farm or farmers market where you can find locally-produced vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other goods. This supports local food producers, reduces greenhouse gas emissions due to the transportation of these goods, and has a health benefit, too. 📦 Reduce single-use plastic by purchasing items in paper/cardboard vessels or that are made out of compostable materials. Find locations where you can reuse plastic containers and refill products such as dish detergent, body wash, and lotions. 👕 Donate, don't trash! The thing you no longer need may be the exact thing that someone else has been looking for. On the other hand, if you need something, try out a local second-hand store first.

The Dr. King Statewide Book Drive collects and distributes new and gently used children’s books throughout New York State. Your contribution can make a world of difference! The book drive ends this week. Find a drop-off location near you and learn more at https://loom.ly/lj10emc.

Meet the amphibian crossing guards of Thacher State Park! Last month, 23 intrepid volunteers donned rain gear to record and assist 198 spring peepers, 7 spotted salamanders, and 26 other amphibians of various species with their spring migration. Thank you to all who took part in this -- the world is a better place because of you!

It's time to vote in the USA Today 10Best poll! We're very excited to have three parks in the running. Best State Park: Niagara Falls State Park OR Letchworth State Park Best hiking trail: Watkins Glen State Park Vote daily until May 12 at https://loom.ly/1ErGiDc!

Spring is in the air which means it's time to get offline and get outside! Whether you're hitting the trails or hitting the greens, New York State Parks has opportunities for however you like to play. As part of Governor Hochul's proposed Unplug and Play initiative, we're making it easier for you and your family or friend group to take advantage of the mental and physical health benefits that come with outdoor recreation. Learn more about proposed investments in your community. https://loom.ly/plSn_dM