On Sunday afternoon, September 15, New York State Parks partnered with Audubon New York to host the second annual Latino Conservation Week event at Sunken Meadow State Park attended by hundreds of patrons. The goal of the event was to increase accessibility of coastal education and outreach messaging, including Audubon New York’s shorebird conservation outreach to the Latine community on Long Island. Towards this goal, four Spanish language interpreters lent their services to make this a bilingual event.
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Share Your Story: Gabriella Cebada Mora And The Haunting Cry Of The Wild
Throughout 2024, our staff have celebrated the Park and Historic Site Centennial by recounting moments in their careers through the Share Your Story project. Ladders to the Outdoors Statewide Coordinator KeJuan Harmon reflected on his upbringing in a disadvantaged community and what it means to provide children of a similar background with their first outdoor experiences. Environmental Educator Conrad Baker recalled his awe at seeing neurodiverse visitors connect with nature through the nation’s first Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park. And Melissa Ann Miller looked back fondly on the experience of raising her children within Grafton Lakes State Park.
In this latest staff account, Gabriella Cebada Mora shares how her defining State Parks moment began with something simple but profound: a sound. Cebada Mora is the Director of the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning, “basically the environmental wing of the agency,” she explained. Having limited experience with wildlife initially, she first moved to the Albany area for her career and was eager to get outdoors. To become acquainted with the region and with the agency, she visited Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort, roughly 40 miles north of the city.
It was there, by the lake, that she heard the eerie sound.
“I absolutely freaked out. I was like, ‘what is that?’ Sounds like a rabid dog. Maybe it’s a chupacabra. Maybe I should go inside,” she said, laughing.
After her initial fright had passed, she noticed that none of the people around her seemed distressed by the loud, haunting cry that had pierced the air. A fellow park employee pointed out the source of the sound: a common loon, gliding on the lake.
“That absolutely blew my mind, that an animal I had no idea about could sound like that. It was just embedded in my soul. It was the most haunting sound I’ve heard in my life, and now I actively seek it out,” she said.
For those who spend a lot of time hiking, camping, or birdwatching, Cebada Mora’s story may seem unremarkable and routine: a simple bird cry, leading to a pleasant conversation with a team member nearby. But in addition to leaving her with an affection for loons, the experience illuminated the greater purpose of the agency and illustrated how Cebada Mora’s daily work forges connections and affects lives.
“Being there and being able to have that in-person connection with wildlife and with other people is just truly an experience that Parks provides to everybody,” she said.
Now that you’ve experienced Gabriella Cebada Mora’s story, we invite you to share yours. Use the online form, email stories@parks.ny.gov, or post on social media using #NYStateParksStory and tell us about a memorable moment you experienced at one of our parks or historic sites.
– Written by Kate Jenkins, Digital Content Specialist, Public Affairs
Fall Fungi, Frightening or Fantastic?
Fall fungi comes in a wide range of appearances, often in striking shapes and colors. Due to the moist air of autumn in New York State, our parks and trails abound with opportunities to see them in all their uniqueness. Many of them have fantastically creepy names or appearances, just in time for the spookiest time of year.
Read on to meet some eerie and funky fall fungi to search for on your fall hikes and walks!
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A Summer of Centennial Celebrations
Across New York State, visitors took time during the summer to cherish the lands they love by attending events honoring the system’s Centennial. Our parks and historic sites held numerous activities celebrating the 100-year anniversary , which ranged from community commemorations and canalside concerts to kayak parties and other festivities. This sampling demonstrates the breadth of unique experiences available to visitors, with more to come as we approach the final months of 2024!
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Share Your Story: Melissa Ann Miller on Living at Grafton Lakes State Park
Many people who visit state parks and historic sites year after year think of them as a second home. But Grafton Lakes State Park is truly home to park manager Melissa Ann Miller.
Grafton Lakes has always been a special place for Miller. As a child, she visited frequently. She has worked there for 20 years and lived in the park for over a decade, raising her family on site. She moved in when her oldest son was two years old, and her youngest son has never known any other home.
“He was raised here… born, raised, done every activity in the park, been a part of everything. Even knowing that we ever lived in another place just blows his mind,” Miller said. “He’s 11… he can’t even fathom.”
As one of several Parks employees who lives permanently at their park or historic site facility, Miller has a unique perspective and story to share.
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 