Tag Archives: Niagara Falls State Park

Park Personnel, safety

A Day in the Life of a New York State Park Ranger

Leave a comment

When you think of park rangers, I bet you think of the classic green and tan uniform of a National Park Ranger, Stetson hat and all, or maybe the all-green uniform of a New York State Forest Ranger. But did you know there are also New York State Park Rangers? Here in New York State, there are over 200 state park and historic site facilities, and many of them have park rangers to help guests feel welcome.

When working as a park ranger, every day is different. Some days I might spend my whole shift patrolling my assigned park and answering questions. Other days, I may need to respond to multiple emergencies. I have also had days where I spend my entire shift managing traffic. We have a multi-faceted job, and I’m proud to be a New York State Park Ranger every day.

Continue reading A Day in the Life of a New York State Park Ranger →
Fun & Games, Park Personnel, Park Projects

Helping the Next Generation Foster Lifelong Relationships with the Outdoors

Leave a comment

Created in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2021, New York State Parks’ Ladders to the Outdoors program launched with a goal to have children from underserved communities experience the outdoors at state parks in Erie and Niagara counties. Building upon the success of the Connect Kids to Parks program, which reimburses transportation costs for field trips, Ladders to the Outdoors staff members work closely with teachers and community leaders to plan visits and provide the equipment needed to create successful experiences.

Since the program’s inception, organizers have taken kids out on trail walks, fishing trips, bike rides, and to visit the New York State Fair. The program’s core mission “to connect kids to their New York State parks and historical sites, outdoor recreation, nature, and foster a lifelong love of the outdoors” remains the same today as it did at the outset, but now also features some welcome and expanded ambitions.

A group sporting Ladders to the Outdoors backpacks explores the New York State Fair.
Continue reading Helping the Next Generation Foster Lifelong Relationships with the Outdoors →
Flora & Fauna

Fall Fungi, Frightening or Fantastic? 

2 Comments

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!   

Continue reading Fall Fungi, Frightening or Fantastic?  →
Family Fun, Park Personnel, safety

Calling all Junior Rangers!

1 Comment

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation recently introduced three new Junior Ranger Buddies to our parks and facilities. To start the conversation between children and their families about personal safety when exploring the outdoors, the New York State Park Ranger Program has welcomed “Finn” the Fox, “Bennie” the Beaver, and “Taylor” the Turtle to the ranks! Finn, Bennie, and Taylor each share an important message on how to stay safe when enjoying the parks.

Two New York State Park Rangers and two Junior Rangers coloring and talking safety!

Finn tells families that “Park Employees are Friends” and if a child needs help when in a park, that Park Rangers and other staff are there to help them. Bennie tells children to “Use the Buddy System,” as parks are much more fun when we are enjoying them with friends. Taylor reminds kids to “Share Your Plans” when adventuring outdoors and to tell a trusted adult where they plan on going, and if plans change.

By listening to these tips from their Junior Ranger Buddies, families can facilitate effective communication about safety and where to find a trusted adult if they need help.

Continue reading Calling all Junior Rangers! →
2024 Centennial Celebration, Cool Science, Family Fun

Total Eclipse Of The Parks

1 Comment

On April 8, New York State Parks and Historic Sites welcomed people from around the world to share a once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse. Thousands of people enjoyed a rich, memorable experience thanks to the hard work of our staff over a two-year period.

Public Information Officer Angela Berti of the Niagara Region led this effort on behalf of State Parks and represented our agency on the statewide Eclipse Task Force.

Our Park Police used their expertise in peacefully managing large crowds to keep our visitors safe. Countless staff worked behind the scenes and on the front lines to open selected campgrounds for the occasion, plan educational programming, get the word out to the public, make sure our parks were in top condition, and ensure the safety of our visitors.

As Chief of Staff and Commissioner Pro Tempore, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all the hard work of our staff in preparing for this remarkable event. Enjoy reliving the day with photos from around our parks and sites!

Dressed for the occasion at Crown Point State Historic Site (first two) and Niagara Falls State Park for all images following.
Continue reading Total Eclipse Of The Parks →