8,000 Volunteers Pitch in at over 135 State Parks, Historic Sites and Public Lands, and National Parks
ALBANY, N.Y. – More than 135 New York State parks, historic sites and public lands, and national parks are hosting volunteer events today, Saturday, May 5, as part of the seventh annual I Love My Park Day. I Love My Park Day is an invaluable statewide event that improves and enhances New York’s state parks, historic sites and public lands, and national parks, while bringing visibility to the entire state park system and its needs. More than 8,000 volunteers are expected to pitch in on cleanup, improvement, and beautification projects.
New York State is a leader in parks and conservation because of a long history of stewardship and generosity of private citizens who believed in the importance of parks. With a surge in visitation to more than 71 million people annually, grassroots Friends groups and volunteers are more important than ever to keep parks beautiful, clean, and welcoming for all to visit and enjoy.
This year volunteers of all ages will work on more than 250 projects to help improve parks, historic sites and public lands. Projects range from general park cleanup and invasive species removal to beautification efforts such as flower and tree planting, weed removal, reseeding, painting, installation of benches and picnic tables, trail maintenance, and much more.
Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “New York’s park legacy is a responsibility handed down from one generation to the next. Through I Love My Park Day, New Yorkers are able to step up and do their part for their parks. Parks help us all stay healthy and active, and by working together we can make them even better.”
I Love My Park Day is coordinated at the statewide level by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. At the park level, Friends groups and park staff oversee cleanup, improvement and beautification projects and work with volunteers.
Other partnerships include the Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Park Service and the New York State Commission on National and Community Service, which volunteers more than 400 AmeriCorps, Student Conservation Association and Excelsior Conservation Corps members.
I Love My Park Day would not be possible without the support of statewide sponsors and partners. AT&T, a top supporter of the event since its inception in 2012, has contributed a total of $90,000 to support I Love My Park Day, including $15,000 this year to assist with the rejuvenation of parks and trails. In addition, Harney & Sons Fine Teas, Con Edison, and Brookfield Renewable Energy Group continue their major support for I Love My Park Day, ensuring a positive experience for thousands of volunteers as they give back to their beloved parks.
I Love My Park Day is also supported by new and continued statewide partners and corporate and media sponsors including: America’s Best Value Inn; Corning Incorporated; M&T Bank; Beardsley Architects and Engineers; Saratoga Associates; Nicholas & Lence Communications; Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation; LKB Consulting Engineers; L.L. Bean, Inc.; Dig the Falls; Creighton Manning, Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, PC; the Buffalo News; and the Times Union.
“New Yorkers love their parks, and it’s not a surprise that ‘I Love My Park’ Day has grown exponentially in size since its inception in 2012,” said Marissa Shorenstein, president of AT&T New York. “AT&T salutes the good work of the thousands of volunteers who will pitch in at more than 135 parks across the state, cleaning beaches and shorelines, improving trails, painting fences, clearing debris and making parks more accessible.”
For more information on I Love My Park Day and a complete list of participating locations and event contacts, visit http://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day/find-event.
About Parks & Trails New York: Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving the health and quality of life of all New Yorkers by working with community organizations and municipalities to envision, create, promote, and protect a growing network of parks, greenways and trails throughout the state for all to use and enjoy. For more information, visit www.ptny.org.