The Beat

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) release a new handbook to guide grassroots advocates through the steps to take the vision for a new multi-use path from concept to reality.

Albany, NY (January 16, 2024) – PTNY and OPRHP today announced the release of the Trails Across New York: A Grassroots Guide to Developing Greenway Trails. The new resource provides detailed information to support Greenway trails development in communities around the state.

Plus Complimentary Admission on Apr. 8

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – As anticipation mounts for the upcoming total solar eclipse, The Wild Center announces an extraordinary weekend of celestial celebrations Apr. 6-8. Tickets for the Total Solar Eclipse weekend at The Wild Center are now available to the public at wildcenter.org/eclipse. 

Positioned directly in the path of totality, this marks the first-ever occurrence of a total solar eclipse in the Adirondacks. To kick off the weekend, The Wild Center's 115-acre outdoor campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 6–7 and will stay open one hour later to 6 p.m. on Mon., Apr. 8.

Events at More Than 80 State Parks, Historic Sites, Wildlife Areas, Canal Trails and Public Lands on New Year's Day 

Kick Off the New York State Park Centennial Celebration with a Day in Nature 

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the New Year at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2024. The 13th annual First Day Hikes program is offering varied hike options for people at more than 80 locations across the state to enjoy. …

Cornwall, NY - Beginning January 1, 2024, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will become the Hudson Highlands Nature Center. The Nature Center will continue to operate under the same mission to “connect children with nature through hands-on education and play.”…

Debuts on Fri. Dec. 15 at Wild Lights

Tupper Lake, NY - The Wild Center is thrilled to announce a delicious collaboration with another Tupper Lake staple, Raquette River Brewing, a local craft brewery known for its innovative brews. Together, the organizations are launching “Wild Lights” Light Lager, a special edition beer that celebrates the return of Wild Lights, a cherished winter program that continues to captivate visitors yearly. The lager will debut at Wild Lights at The Wild Center on Fri., Dec. 15. 

Cornwall, N.Y. – Step into the enchanting world of the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum this October, where nature comes alive in a tapestry of experiences for all ages. Nestled in the heart of Cornwall and surrounded by the picturesque Hudson Highlands, the museum beckons adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious minds alike to explore its offerings. From invigorating hikes on scenic trails to encounters with live native animals at the Wildlife Education Center, there's something for everyone to discover!…

Early Notable Color Changes Reported in Several Regions

Albany, NY – This is the first 2023 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. 

New York State’s 2023 fall foliage season is underway, with the first signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in several regions, including the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Catskills, and Chautauqua-Allegheny. This is according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

Ithaca, NY—The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) today announced that it recently acquired 110 acres of woodlands and meadows in the town of Lansing, Tompkins County. The recent acquisition overlooks the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake and includes the Cedar View Golf Course which was operated by the Larsen family for more than 50 years before it ceased operation in 2021.  The property is located just north of the Bell Station parcel which the FLLT acquired in 2022.

Albany, NY - On Saturday, September 16, 2023 a team birding competition will take place from 6 am - 12 pm, culminating in an awards luncheon 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.