Press Release
April 13, 2022
Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
State Parks, DEC, and PTNY Encourage New Yorkers to Sign Up for the 11th Annual 'I Love My Park' Day
Volunteer Events Taking Place at nearly 150
State Parks, Historic Sites and Public Lands Across New York
Online Registration Now Open and
Can Be Completed Here
The
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State
Parks), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Parks &
Trails New York (PTNY) today announced that registration is now open for the
11th annual I Love My Park Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022,
at state parks, historic sites and public lands across New York. This
statewide event, sponsored by PTNY, State Parks, and DEC, is a volunteer
initiative to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise
awareness and visibility to the state outdoor recreation assets and their
needs.
Volunteers
will have the opportunity to participate in cleanup events at nearly 150
state parks, historic sites and public lands from Long Island to Western New
York and covering all regions in between, including sites operated by the Department
of Environmental Conservation and municipal parks. Registration for I Love My
Park Day can be completed here.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin
said, "In the last two years New Yorkers have flocked to parks
in record numbers for respite and recreation. I Love My Park Day offers these
park users a way to give back to the places that have been there for them,
and we anticipate thousands of New Yorkers will turn out to give back to the
green spaces they love."
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Our
volunteers are crucial to making our park system a success and thanks to our
partners at Parks & Trails New York, I Love My Park Day continues to offer
amazing opportunities to celebrate the stewardship of the outdoors. I look
forward to welcoming new and returning volunteers to help improve our parks
and communities."
State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner
Basil Seggos said, "I Love My Park Day is an excellent
opportunity for New Yorkers to get outdoors and cultivate the next generation
of environmental stewards helping to maintain and preserve the natural beauty
of our State lands. These resources belong to all of us, our families, and
our neighbors, and working together we can all do our part to protect our
State parks, historic sites, and public lands for future generations to
cherish and enjoy."
Volunteers
will celebrate New York's public lands by cleaning up debris, planting trees
and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive
species and working on various site improvement projects.
Participants
are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No
Trace principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in
suitable conditions based on weather and experience level.
Parks
& Trails New York is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and
trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of
life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of
members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the
protection of New York's magnificent state park system and the creation and
promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and
trails. More information can be found here.
The
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat
launches and more, which are visited by a record 78.4 million people in 2021.
A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park
and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more
information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download
the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call
518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.