News from State Parks, October 2018

New State Park to Honor Brooklyn Trailblazer Shirley Chisholm

A new State Park in Brooklyn will be named in honor of Shirley Chisholm, a Brooklyn-born trailblazer who was the first African American Congresswoman, as well as the first woman and African American to run for President. The 407-acre park, to be the largest state park in New York City, will fully open in the summer of 2019. 

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Helps Enhance Trails and Niagara Gorge Access

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation generously awarded a $6.5 million grant to State Parks to enhance hiking and biking in Western New York.  The grant will result in more than 20 miles of new and improved trails – including 13.5 miles of Empire State Trail near Buffalo and 7.4 miles of the Niagara River Greenway Shoreline Trail in Niagara County. The funding will also help install trailheads, kiosks, benches and bike racks along the Empire State Trail from Buffalo to Rochester and to reconstruct historic stairways and trails along a section of the Niagara River Gorge in Devil’s Hole State Park. The 750-mile Empire State Trail will span New York State from Buffalo to Albany and New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada and when completed in 2020, it will be the longest state multi-use trail in the nation. Learn more.

Pictured is Hannah Windslow, AMCS Field Biologist and Education Coordinator at Orient Beach State Park explaining how her organization responds to injured sea life that washes up on Long Island’s beaches.  Seals, turtles, and porpoises are often found to have been injured by waste such as plastic balloons, straws, bottles and “ghost” fishing gear.  By participating in the beach clean-up, youth become vested in protecting the animals that share our marine environment. 

Steve Biasetti, the Group for the East End’s Director of Environmental Education, demonstrates how to safely pick up a horseshoe crab (Limulus Polyphemus) and discusses the features and habits of this animal, which is now receiving increased protection from New York State. The beach walk was the first of a series of interactive educational events by the Group for the East End at Hallock State Park Preserve and Orient Beach State Park. Photo credit: AMCS 

Charging Stations to Increase Allegany State Park Accessibility 

Allegany State Park has two new electric wheelchair/scooter charging stations thanks to the Cattaraugus County Livable Communities Consortium. The stations can be used by individuals living with disabilities who may need to recharge the battery on their wheelchair or scooter. Stations are placed at high use patron areas adjacent to accessible trails in both Allegany’s Red House and Quaker areas. These devices will further promote accessibility at Allegany and add to the overall positive experience that our patrons have during their visit. The consortium was awarded funding to purchase the charging stations from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) Improving Health in People Living with Disabilities Grant.  

Check Out Our Newest Cottages at Heckscher State Park

Enjoy fall in a gorgeous new waterfront cottage located on Long Island’s south shore! Heckscher State Park now has five new cottages with options to sleep 2-6 people available for reservation. Each are furnished with full kitchen, living area, bathrooms, heat and hot water on the inside, and screened-in porch, picnic tables, and fire pit with furniture for outdoor fun. Plan a getaway today! Learn more

Plan Your Fall Trip in New York

The I Love New York fall foliage report is now available for the 2018 season.  Autumn is one of the most impressive times to visit New York, and the foliage report provides suggested travel destinations, weekly event listings, and prime locations to view the spectacular colors of fall. The complete fall foliage report is available at: I Love NY

Behind the Scenery with Jean Rock, Taconic Region Business Office

How long have you been with the agency? I started with State Parks in 1985 with a small hiatus from 1995 until 2001 to raise my children, so I have over 30 years with the Taconic Region.

What does someone in your position do? In my current role, I handle the region's seasonal workforce hiring and work plans and seasonal progress reports. I oversee Worker’s Compensation and ARS reporting, the Regional Audit Team, financial stationery, and the Central Stores team, and help out wherever is needed most.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen or done? For several years in the 1990’s I played a supporting role as Yorky the Bear, Park's mascot. In that costume, in the summer, it was sweltering; but it was a very cool part of my 'unofficial' job duties to promote NYS Parks to the younger generation. 

Is there a destination in the park/region you’d recommend to someone?  There are so many spots in my Region I just love; Staatsburgh SHS at Christmas time, Clermont SHS at Halloween, the Walkway over the Hudson during peak fall foliage, the Norrie Point gazebo right on the Hudson River at the height of summer. There is no way to pick just one!

What inspired you to work in the park system? I started in 1985 as a part-time Park Police dispatcher to fund my college degree. I quickly fell in love with the Agency, its mission and the Region's people and facilities. In 1989, I moved outdoors working at the Norrie Campground, and then found my way to the Regional Business office where I've been ever since. I have a career where I can truly say each day, “I love coming to work.” 

Share Your Park Photos for a Chance to Win!

State Parks and the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are holding an online photo contest to highlight the best of New York’s great outdoors including state campgrounds, parks, forests, trails, nature centers, historic sites and other favorite destinations.    

Enter your best shots now through November 30, 2018 for a chance to win gift cards and park passes as well as a grand prize that includes a Nikon DSLR camera with lenses and accessories.  The five entry categories are: Camping Life; Points of Interest; On the Trails and Off the Beaten Path; Connecting with the Outdoors; and Day Trips and Other Adventures. Finalists will be determined by a combination of top votes through social media and a selection committee. Additionally, one lucky photo will win the People's Choice prize for receiving the most votes across all categories.

Everyone is encouraged to check out all the categories and vote for their favorite photos. Contest entry and information regarding rules, eligibility and prizes, is available at www.nyphotochallenge.com.