The Beat

Albany, N.Y. - The 2024 Barrens Birding Blitz (BBB) is an annual community event at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.  On Saturday, September 14, 2024 a team birding competition will take place from 6 am - 12 pm, culminating in an awards ceremony at the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Birdwatchers of all skill levels are invited to participate from novice to expert, teams are available for birding throughout the preserve as well as sit and spot teams.

New Paltz, NY (September 3, 2024) – Saturdays this September, in partnership with the Hudson River Valley Ramble, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM (eastern time), Historic Huguenot Street will present, “‘Go Back and Get It’: A Two-Part Historic House Tour Examining Black Impacts and Experiences on Huguenot Street.”…

Offering 2000-acres of breathtaking landscape, Fort Ticonderoga is the perfect fall destination!

Ticonderoga, N.Y. -- From the shores of Lake Champlain to the heights of Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga offers family-friendly activities this fall that capture the essence of the season. Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, enriching guided tours, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating special events including the September 14-15 Brown’s Raid Battle Reenactment, and premium exclusive experiences.

Norwich, N.Y. – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are proud to collaborate on “An America250 Conversation.” These two organizations are seeking input from the people of Chenango County on how local communities will participate in America250, a national commemoration of the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Historic 306.3 Million Visitors Explored the Empire State in 2023 – the Most in New York State History

Tourism Generated $88 Billion in Direct Spending and $137 Billion in Total Economic Impact, Exceeding Previous Highs in 2022

Ahead of Fall Travel Season, I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Begin on September 12 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York welcomed a record-setting 306.3 million visitors in 2023, while also setting new historic highs for direct visitor spending and total economic impact associated with the state's tourism industry. Visitors to New York State contributed to a record-high $88 billion in direct spending, and supported a historic $137 billion in total economic impact across the state. The Governor made the announcement at the Great New York State Fair, a perennially popular seasonal tourism attraction and economic driver. This data, compiled in a series of reports prepared by Tourism Economics, represents significant gains over the then-record-setting numbers from 2022, and far surpass the highest numbers achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project To Extend Walkway From Gorge to Prospect Point

Part of Governor Hochul's Summer Campaign to Help Kids and Families "Get Offline, Get Outside"

Renderings Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction is set to begin on the extension of the ‘Crow’s Nest’ at Niagara Falls State Park. The expansion project includes the construction of new stairs and an overlook structure which will connect the existing ‘Crow’s Nest’ feature to Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park, providing a new close-up view of the Falls. Today's announcement builds on Governor Hochul's summer campaign to help kids and families “Get Offline, Get Outside.”…

World-Class Recreational Trail in Heart of the Adirondacks Now Open from Lake Placid to Floodwood Road, Final Section of Rail Trail Remains Closed for Construction

Winning Bidder for Phase Three Construction Announced

Drone Footage of New Trail Portion Available Here  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of construction and the ahead-of-schedule opening of the second phase of the Adirondack Rail Trail from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road. In addition, New York State recently awarded the contract for rail trail construction from Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake and work will begin immediately on the final phase of the 34-mile, multi-use recreational corridor for outdoor adventurers between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid.

Long Island State Parks: A History from Jones Beach to Montauk

Charleston, SC—Arcadia Publishing is pleased to announce the publication of Long Island State Parks: A History from Jones Beach to Montauk, a new history of the area by author Kristen Matejka.

About the Book

Each year, tens of millions of people visit Long Island’s state parks. Most visitors are unaware that each one of the state parks has its own fascinating chapter in the region’s storied history.