The Beat

Acquisition of 900 Acres Permanently Protects Critical Catskill Forest Preserve Habitat and Water Quality and Supports Governor’s ‘30x30’ Initiative

Blue Hole Safety Upgrades Improve Visitor Experience and Promote Sustainable Use of Natural Resources 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced two milestones that will both enhance recreational access for New Yorkers and ensure long-term protections in unique and ecologically important locations in the Catskill Forest Preserve. New York State acquired 900 acres in Ulster County that form the largest addition to the Catskill Forest Preserve since 2011 and will help ensure the long-term protection of drinking water in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed. In addition, expansive upgrades at the Peekamoose Blue Hole are now complete, helping enhance safety and accessibility to the popular attraction in the town of Denning, Ulster County.

Sky Flyer Zipline, Veterans’ Memorial Highway, Inline Skating Set to Open Summer Season

Lake Placid, N.Y. (May 15, 2025) – The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) is launching its summer and fall activities season with the opening of the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway on Friday, May 16. Additional early-season offerings include the Sky Flyer Zipline that opens on May 15, Discover Biathlon presented by Ariens at Mt Van Hoevenberg starting May 24 and the return of inline skating at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval on May 23.

Ithaca, NY—The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) and the Village of Aurora today announced the creation of a new park featuring 1,100 feet of scenic frontage on Cayuga Lake shoreline along with four acres of adjacent upland.  Previously part of Wells College, this land was acquired by FLLT member Grace Bates, with the intent of creating the park for public enjoyment.

Albany, NY – Lupine Fest will return in May 2025 as a month-long celebration at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, offering activities and events every day throughout the month. This spring festival highlights blooming wild blue lupine flowers and the unique ecosystem of the Albany Pine Bush, bringing the community together to explore nature, conservation, and the arts.

Albany, NY - The Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its annual Night at the Discovery Center on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Visitors are invited to stop by the Discovery Center after normal business hours to explore, pick up an activity kit and see the exhibits come to life.

Christopher Hawver, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Executive Director said, “We invite the community to come out and enjoy this free event. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you for your support of this globally-rare ecosystem and National Natural Landmark.”…

Cornwall, NY - As winter winds down and the sap begins to flow, the Hudson Highlands Nature Center invites you to explore the timeless tradition of maple sugaring with their annual Maple Sugar Tours & Kick-off Day Celebration at the Outdoor Discovery Campus, located at 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall, NY.  Tours run hourly 11am-3pm on Saturdays & Sundays from February 8* - March 9.  Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, it's a fun and educational experience for all ages!…

Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is excited to announce a series of engaging programs and events this winter. From bird walks to nature sketching, and from appreciating squirrels to exploring the secrets of hibernation, there is something for everyone! All events are free unless otherwise noted, but reservations are required.

A Science Lecture Series

Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and Friends of the Pine Bush Community will cohost a lecture on January 16, 2025 at 7pm as a part of their Science Lecture Series at the Discovery Center. The first talk of the 2025 Science Lecture Series will focus on recent research conducted by the University at Albany’s archaeological field school in the summer of 2024.

Annual Hiking Challenge Highlights Catskills Region, Provides Prizes to Participants, and Encourages People to “Get Offline, Get Outside”

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2025 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in the Catskill Park. Launched in 2019, the Challenge draws participants from every region of New York, as well as 10 other states and countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom. This challenge also complements Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

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Albany, N.Y. -- On Sunday, December 1st, 2024, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center Gift Shop is thrilled to participate in Museum Store Sunday, an annual holiday shopping day supporting cultural institutions and their stores. This year, more than 2,100 museum stores representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 25 countries, and five continents will celebrate Museum Store Sunday and offer unique gifts for the holiday season—with all purchases supporting its parent institution and the artisans and craftspeople who create many of the gifts found in museum stores.