Established in 1985, the New York Natural Heritage Program is a partnership between the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The program’s mission is to determine the location and status of New York’s plants, animals, and ecological communities and provide this information to public agencies and scientific and educational institutions to facilitate conservation. Today, they count multiple non-profits, local governments, federal institutions, and state agencies among their partners — including New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites. You may have heard about their long-term firefly study at several of our parks. Ecologist Julie Lundgren shares more highlights from their year of work in New York State Parks.
Continue reading A Year in the Field With the NY Natural Heritage ProgramTag Archives: Conservation
Move Over, Candid Camera: New York Wildlife Caught on Trail Video
Humans aren’t the only species of animals that enjoy state parks. Park staff will occasionally find clues of what animals may live there, such as scat, a chewed branch, or a feather. But we don’t always get to watch out for wildlife to stroll on by, especially in remote parts of parks. The best tool for this job is a game camera. Park staff use these camera traps to ‘capture’ these animals in a safe, respectful way.
Park educators from across New York have put together a snapshot of what we’ve discovered. Now, you too can witness and enjoy some of our favorite remarkable wildlife encounters taking place here at our parks when humans are not present.
Continue reading Move Over, Candid Camera: New York Wildlife Caught on Trail Video
Five Invasive Species To Know For 2025
Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to the environment, the economy, or human health. Invasive species come from all around the world. When they’re introduced to a new environment, there is often no natural predator to stop the invasive species from spreading and pushing out native species. With too many invasive species in an ecosystem, native species can’t effectively create habitat for wildlife and support native pollinators.
Like everywhere in New York, our state parks and historic sites have to consider the impact from invasive species. Everyone can help, even if it’s just keeping an eye out and reporting your observations of invasive species to iMapInvasives!
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“Shifting Baselines:” Traveling The Tides Of Time At Hamlin Beach State Park’s Yanty Marsh Trail
At the western edge of Hamlin Beach State Park, beyond a row of trees, is Yanty Marsh Trail. The trail loops through a deciduous (broadleaf) forest along the lake, pausing to overlook a large marsh and winding beneath the canopy of a white pine grove. In the fall, beech leaves paint the sky in their wistful yellow hues as the birdsongs of spring and summer slowly grow fainter. Chipmunks gather their last nuts for the winter and the mystical great blue heron observes overhead. The white pines stand stoic among the falling leaves. As chilly mornings and early sunsets lure the marsh into slumber, the world stalls. The 65 acres of Yanty Marsh are released from the sweltering days of summer, the balance of the seasons returning.
A hundred years ago, this scene looked different. With each freeze and thaw of the marsh, the stories of its past fade alongside time. An area once deforested and at risk of disappearing, the marsh and surrounding land have transformed over the past hundred years into the deciduous trail and marsh so many enjoy today.
Continue reading “Shifting Baselines:” Traveling The Tides Of Time At Hamlin Beach State Park’s Yanty Marsh Trail
At Niagara Falls State Park, Celebrating 140 Years of a Natural Wonder Preserved
Every year, more than nine million people come from all over the globe to experience the bucket-list waterfalls at Niagara Falls State Park. With attractions like the Cave of the Winds decks and the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour of the base of Niagara Falls, visitors can experience the power of the Falls first hand. This year, we celebrate the 140th anniversary of the park, the role it played in the fight for preservation, and its central place in the memories of families worldwide.
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 