Stream PBS Documentary “From Land to Legacy” On Demand
Explore the 100-year history of New York’s state parks and historic sites in the new one-hour documentary, ‘From Land to Legacy; 100 Years of New York State Parks & Preservation.’ Produced by PBS affiliate WMHT, this new film examines State Parks’ impact on communities across New York and the passionate people behind our preservation mission. Featuring staff interviews, historic footage, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Peebles Island Resource Center, this documentary has a little something for the prideful New Yorker in us all.
Check your local PBS affiliate for air dates and times in your area or stream anytime on the WMHT website.
Explore the Funky World of Fall Fungi
Learn about the fascinating, funky, and sometimes frightening world of fall mushrooms in a recent post on our blog! As a Niagara region environmental educator explains, there are all sorts of fungi you can find at New York’s state parks each autumn, like dead man’s fingers, witches’ butter, and turkey tail, just to name a few. As you explore the more than 2000 miles of trails across our state parks, be on the lookout for these eerie and fantastic fall forest friends.
Visit our blog and see if you recognize any of these fun-guys.
Commemorating the Revolutionary War Through New Technology
Revisit the Revolution at Washington's Headquarters with a firsthand look at our new interactive Revolutionary War 250th anniversary video kiosks. Commemorating the Revolutionary War’s semiquincentennial in 2026, these interactive displays will be placed at 20 different locations across New York, highlighting our state’s role in the nation’s founding. Told through 28 stories, you’ll hear and see the perspectives of Washington, Revolutionary soldiers, French allies, women, Native Americans, African Americans, and Loyalists.
Learn more about the new digital kiosks and our plans to celebrate the Revolutionary War’s 250th anniversary.
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140,000 More New Yorkers Flock to State Park Pools
New Yorkers made quite the splash this year as attendance increased by an incredible 35% at state park pools. As more residents put down their devices and got outside to enjoy the summer sun, New York State Parks was ready to meet the growing demand for swimming opportunities with more investments as part of the NY SWIMS initiative. Providing funding for state park and municipal pool programs, NY SWIMS offered free or low-cost access to safely beat the summer heat. As we look forward to next summer, we cannot thank you enough for helping us set yet another attendance record.
Read more about the spike in summer attendance at state parks and learn more on how NY SWIMS will impact your community.
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Expanding Access for Parkgoers of All Abilities
As part of our ongoing efforts to expand access to state parks for visitors of all abilities, we teamed up with Specialized Outdoor Adaptive Recreation (SOAR) and the Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital to host an adaptive hiking event at Minnewaska State Park this September. Utilizing “track chairs” and recently restored carriage roads, hikers who have difficulty walking were able to visit one of the park’s most iconic scenic attractions. Starting at the Sam’s Point Visitor Center, the hike brought participants to the Sam’s Point overlook, providing a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley’s fall foliage.
Learn more about the ways we're expanding access to New York's state parks and historic sites by reading our blog post.
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Be Ready to Set Sail in 2025
Have you received your New York State Boating Safety Certificate yet? If not, this off-season is the perfect opportunity to do so. Beginning in 2025, as a part of Brianna’s Law, all New York residents operating a motorized watercraft must complete a required boating safety course and obtain a New York State Boating Safety Certificate before sailing on our state’s oceans, lakes, and rivers. Make registering for a free safe boating course near you a part of your winter plans and be ready to set sail the moment next spring arrives.
Do your part in keeping New York’s waterways safe and enjoyable for all by signing-up for this free course.
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In celebration of our Centennial, State Parks staff members are sharing their stories on our YouTube channel all year long. In our most recent video, Gabriella Cebada Mora, Director of the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning, recounts how a frightening encounter with nature quickly turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
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In Melissa Ann Miller’s recent story, she waxes on how being park manager at Grafton Lakes State Park has given her the opportunity to live in the park and the positive impact the experience has had on her family.
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Celebrating New York’s Diversity During Latino Conservation Week
Celebrating a commitment to conservation and cultural diversity, Latino Conservation Week provides outdoor recreation opportunities at local state parks and historic sites. Coinciding with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sunken Meadow State Park held an all-day festival, celebrating the cultural and environmental diversity that makes up New York. On our blog, a Long Island region environmental educator takes you inside the annual event attended by hundreds of park-goers.
Read more about this event and Sunken Meadow State Park’s collaboration with Audubon New York on our blog.
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Learn How to Fight the Bite and Mitigate EEE Risk
In response to a confirmed case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in New York State, we are taking proactive measures to protect the health of New Yorkers, including having insect repellent available at our park offices, visitor centers, and campgrounds. EEE is a rare but severe virus transmitted through mosquito bites, and there are precautions you can take to limit your exposure risk. These include wearing long sleeves and socks, limiting your time outside during dusk and dawn, removing standing water around your home, and using insect repellent containing DEET.
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Take Pride in New York’s Public Lands this Weekend
Show your love for New York’s public lands and join us for the first-ever Fish and Wildlife Day this Saturday, September 28! Celebrate New York’s wildlife and take advantage of free fishing or give back to a state park near you. Various state parks are hosting tree plantings, park cleanups, and group birding hikes, granting you the opportunity to take part in caring for your local state park and learn about responsible environmental stewardship.
Help keep New York’s natural lands pristine and register for an event near you.
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All-Aboard! Next Stop, New York State Parks
Are you riding the rails looking for your next adventure? Look no further than New York State parks and historic sites. Throughout a large portion of New York, many state parks and historic sites can be accessed from nearby stations along Amtrak’s Empire Service line. In an article published on the New York by Rail blog, their team of writers suggest a few different locations across New York you can visit by train. Some of the parks and sites accessible by mass-transit include Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Saratoga Spa State Park, Green Lakes State Park, and Niagara Falls State Park.
For the full list and review, visit the New York by Rail blog.
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