The Beat

Interactive Pine Bush Programs Give Families the Chance to Learn from Museum Experts

Albany, N.Y. - The New York State Museum and Albany Pine Bush Preserve are teaming up for a summer of exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning through a new educational program series, In the Field. Museum scientists will lead three monthly programs at the Pine Bush, giving families and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to experience exciting field science firsthand and learn directly from experts at both institutions. Each program highlights a different aspect of the preserve’s unique ecosystem, from moths and migratory birds to fungi, showcasing the diversity of plants and animals found throughout the 3,400-acre preserve.

Ithaca, NY— The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) celebrated the completion of public access improvements to its 241-acre Roy H. Park Preserve in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County, on Friday, May 8, 2026. FLLT staff and volunteers were joined by town, county, and state representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of the preserve’s north entrance, where new, universally accessible public access features, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, are available to all visitors.

To Enhance Outdoor Accessibility and Inclusivity

New Environmental Investments Will Create Immersive, Welcoming Destinations for Children with Disabilities Statewide

$10.8 Million in Environmental Bond Act Funding Committed to “Living Environment” Reinstein Woods Expansion and Improved, Safe Access to Scenic Zoar Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today kicked off Earth Week in New York State by launching the “These Lands Are For Everyone” accessibility and inclusivity initiative with the first two major outdoor recreational infrastructure investments helping connect more New Yorkers of all abilities with the environment. With $10.8 million in new funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, “These Lands Are For Everyone” is advancing a pair of inclusive, accessible Western New York-based environmental projects to build on Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts helping all New Yorkers thrive independently with dignity and opportunity.

Albany, NY – Lupine Fest returns this May to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve with a full month of events celebrating the blooming wild blue lupine and the unique beauty of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Taking place throughout May 2026, the festival invites visitors of all ages to enjoy daily programs, hands-on activities, and special events that highlight one of the region’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Blue Mountain Lake, NY — The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, (ADKX) is pleased to welcome four talented artists — Ben Allanoff, Andrea Mancuso, Jinghong Chen, and Joy Muller-McCoola—selected for its 2026 Artist-in-Residency program. The artists will live and work on site for one month, in June, July, August, and September, respectively. During the residency periods, the artists will focus on creating their own body of work within the public areas of the museum grounds and guide activities in the museum’s Art Lab makerspace.

New Acquisition in Cattaraugus County Expands Recreational Access, Protects Forests, and Supports New York State’s 30x30 Open Space Conservation Initiative

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy today announced the acquisition of more than 689 acres in the Towns of East Otto and Otto, Cattaraugus County, to add to the East Otto State Forest. The acquisition from The Nature Conservancy preserves critical open space and establishes the forest for timber production, watershed protection, and public recreation.

Program Encourages New Yorkers to Experience the Joy of Birding Across the State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced today that the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities will start on March 1. The challenge encourages New Yorkers and visitors to identify birds and learn about birdlife, and finishers are awarded a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and certificate—plus the opportunity to win birding-related prizes.

Creating Space for Women to Learn, Connect, and Explore Outdoors

Free Open House on March 7 kicks off a new, women-centered outdoor education series

Cortland, NY — Lime Hollow Nature Center is launching Women in the Woods, a new outdoor education series designed to empower women and non-binary people of all ages, abilities, body types, and experience levels to feel confident spending time outdoors. The series begins with a free open house on Friday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m., offering an accessible introduction to hiking and essential outdoor skills.

Free Fishing Days Support the Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York. The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).

Current Passholders Can Renew Online and Save for the Season 

Order by December 14 to Have in Time for the Holidays 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that the 2026 Empire Pass is now available for purchase. The $80 Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, state boat launch sites, arboretums, park preserves and Department of Environmental Conservation Forest preserves.