2024 Centennial Celebration, Share Your Story

Your Unforgettable Moments At State Parks

1 Comment

Memories need a sense of place, and for a century, New Yorkers have discovered it at a New York State park or historic site. With more than 250 parks, each as diverse and beautiful as the memories they host, it’s no wonder so many people hold moments at a state park dear. Whether they’re milestones like a wedding or graduation, or a simple annual family tradition, the parks have been backdrops to the scenes of the lives of millions for 100 years.

There are more memories in our parks than pine needles on trees in Moreau Lake State Park and grains of sand on Jones Beach. It’s our privilege to share with you three of these precious memories.

Continue reading Your Unforgettable Moments At State Parks →
Park Projects, Stewardship

Trash Talk: All In On Waste Diversion At Green Lakes

Leave a comment

You may have already known that cardboard boxes and cans can be recycled into new products, but did you know that your hot dogs and hamburgers can be too?

On July 1, Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville launched a large-scale pilot waste reduction initiative, featuring food scrap composting, improved signage, public education events and coordination between regional staff and staff on the ground, including and the newly created sustainable operations team.

The dream team: SUNY Climate Corps members Emily Bridgeford, Savi-Cartier Stewart, and Sanskar Narang.
Continue reading Trash Talk: All In On Waste Diversion At Green Lakes →
Camping, Family Fun, Lodging

Camping 101: A Guide to Getting Out There

3 Comments

New to camping or haven’t gone since you were a kid? Thinking about how to prepare for or what to expect during an overnight trip might be overwhelming, and we get it! Used to creature comforts at home, trying something new or unpredictable always feels intimidating.

But what if, with a little help, what seems challenging turned out to be calming and therapeutic, refreshing and well worth it? Studies show that spending time outdoors and offline fosters positive mental health, improves resiliency, and relieves depression, anxiety and stress, particularly among our young people.

A parent and child relaxing in their tent during a camping trip.

Here at New York State Parks, we firmly believe in the benefits of the outdoors, and we don’t want nervousness or confusion to stand in the way of you and your loved ones having an incredible camping experience. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. In this post, we’ll shell out some rock-solid guidance on:

  • what to pack (including an updated version of our checklist!)
  • campground etiquette
  • fun and easy recipes to try
  • the differences between Parks and DEC campgrounds

Camping is an affordable way to enjoy nature in new ways. Here’s hoping we’ll #SeeYouOutThere.

Continue reading Camping 101: A Guide to Getting Out There →
Cool Science, Park Personnel, Research, safety

People and Safety Procedures Behind Water Quality Testing at NY State Parks

2 Comments

As New York splashes the summer away, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to make sure our beaches are swim-ready.  

Meet the Water Quality Unit: Lauren Gallagher, Sarah Moss, and Veronica Mileski at a statewide convention. Since this photo was taken, Lauren Badinger has joined the unit as a seasonal assistant.

Consisting of three permanent staff and a summer intern, the Water Quality Unit at New York State Parks is charged with coordinating water sampling at the 75 monitoring stations at 49 beaches throughout New York State. Based in Albany they work closely with other agencies to report and track their results.  

Guests enjoy Hamlin Beach on Lake Ontario, one of the 49 beaches monitored by our Water Quality Unit.

Water Quality Unit team members all agree that this is a job hiding in plain sight. While it’s essential to public health and appreciated by millions every summer, it’s generally under the radar of most of the people it benefits.   

Continue reading People and Safety Procedures Behind Water Quality Testing at NY State Parks →
Historic Sites, Stewardship

Dutch Royalty Visit Schuyler Mansion, Talk Climate Change

1 Comment

On June 12, New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation proudly hosted their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands; Minister of Foreign Trade Liesje Schreinemacher; Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the US Birgitta Tazelaar; Consul General of the Netherlands in New York Ahmed Dadou; and Cultural Attaché Monique Ruhe at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site. The group visited as part of their U.S. tour celebrating cultural ties and reinforcing economic opportunities, and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado helped us welcome them.

Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado are welcomed to Schuyler Mansion by Historic Site Manager Heidi Hill and Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

As part of their visit to New York, their Royal Majesties visited with next-generation environmentalists to engage in conversations about the impacts of climate change and positive actions that could be taken, both here and in the Netherlands, to foster climate resiliency in communities.

Continue reading Dutch Royalty Visit Schuyler Mansion, Talk Climate Change →

The official blog for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation