To promote stewardship all year round, Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the Canal Corporation, New York State Parks, and DEC have joined together to create a series of themed stewardship events for public participation throughout the year. Participate in one (or more!) of our four stewardship events, to help protect and preserve your favorite outdoor spaces.
Canal Clean Sweep: April 19-21, 2024
Celebrate Earth Day by participating in Canal Clean Sweep, a statewide cleanup event that occurs along major greenways throughout New York. PTNY and the Canal Corporation have partnered together for the last 19 years for this event, and typically host over 100 cleanups each year. Be a part of these efforts and help with a spring cleanup at a canalside park near you.
I Love My Park Day: Saturday, May 4, 2024
On the first Saturday of May, I Love My Park Day brings together thousands of volunteers from across the state to participate in cleanup and improvement events at New York State parks, historic sites, and public lands. Help celebrate and protect New York's park system and prepare our public lands for spring by cleaning up litter, planting native plants, restoring trail and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects. Check out our Flickr album highlighting 2024’s event
Adirondack and Catskill Park Day: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Volunteer Registration is now Open
Show your appreciation for New York’s unique and beautiful Forest Preserve lands by participating in Adirondack and Catskill Park Day! Hosted on the first Saturday of September, this day focuses on the conservation of land that makes up over 6.5 million acres within New York. Help with trail maintenance in the Forest Preserve or participate in a campground cleanup after a busy summer season. Your stewardship efforts will help protect these outdoor spaces for years to come.
Fish & Wildlife Day: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Volunteer Registration is now Open
Coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day, Fish and Wildlife Day is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for wildlife and wildlife conservation. Plant native plant species and remove invasives to foster healthy wildlife habitat at a Wildlife Management Area. Learn how to build a bird or bat house that will benefit the species at a State Park or State Forest near you. At the end of the day, pair your stewardship efforts with a birding or nature walk and appreciate the importance of wildlife conservation!
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.
Return to this page for updates on these Love Our New York Lands Stewardship events!
