More than 5,000 volunteers took part in the 15th annual “I Love My Park Day” on Saturday, working at more than 150 state parks, historic sites, and public lands across New York.
The event, organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is the largest statewide volunteer initiative focused on improving public outdoor spaces and raising awareness of their ongoing needs.
Volunteers participated in projects across the state, including in the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, and Western New York. Efforts included removing debris, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, managing invasive species, and planting approximately 2,000 trees — about 700 more than last year.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said the event highlights the impact of community involvement in maintaining public lands.
“I Love My Park Day shows what’s possible when people come together in a shared spirit of stewardship,” White said. “For 15 years, volunteers across the state have given their time and energy not just to care for public lands, but to strengthen the bond between communities and the landscapes that sustain them.”
Parks & Trails New York is a statewide nonprofit organization that has advocated for parks and trails since 1985, promoting the use and protection of green spaces and supporting the development of more than 1,500 miles of trails, greenways, and recreational paths across the state.
