The final chapter of the interactive history timeline, Blazing a Trail: A History of NY State Parks and Historic Sites, has been released, completing the chronicling and sharing of our agency’s history in celebration of our Centennial anniversary. In detailing the future of New York State Parks and our ongoing efforts, we hope that this era leaves you inspired to not only learn more, but to take an active role in shaping the future of our park and historic site system. In the final installment of this eight-era series, “Tomorrow & Beyond” explores how New York State Parks will combat climate change, expand access to our parks and sites, share previously undertold history, use new technology, and improve and expand our system of 250 state parks, historic sites, golf courses, and boat launches.
Continue reading A Vision for the Future: The Final Chapter of ‘Blazing A Trail’Tag Archives: Environment
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.
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People and Safety Procedures Behind Water Quality Testing at NY State Parks
As New York splashes the summer away, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to make sure our beaches are swim-ready.
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.
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.
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Dutch Royalty Visit Schuyler Mansion, Talk Climate Change
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.
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.
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New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 