Governor Kathy Hochul has called on New Yorkers to take part in Adirondack and Catskill Park Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 6. The initiative is part of the state’s “Love Our New York Lands” stewardship campaign, which aims to promote volunteerism and protect outdoor spaces across New York.
“Back for a second year, I am inviting the public to Adirondack and Catskill Park Day to help New York State support the environmental and cultural legacy of both regions with a day of stewardship throughout 6.5 million acres of unrivaled lands and forests in these parks,” Governor Hochul said. “Conservation is a responsibility we all share to help protect New York’s outdoor spaces, and I thank those who will give back and participate.”
The “Love Our New York Lands” campaign includes several themed events throughout the year. Earlier events included Canal Clean Sweep in April and I Love My Park Day in May. Following Adirondack and Catskill Park Day, Wildlife Day will be held on October 4. These activities are organized in collaboration with Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation.
Registration is open for individuals interested in volunteering during Adirondack and Catskill Park Day. Opportunities include cleaning up campgrounds after peak season, maintaining flower gardens for wildlife, removing trash from popular areas, or working on hiking trails.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “Every New Yorker can help make a positive difference and protect the environment during Adirondack and Catskill Park Day stewardship events on September 6th. I encourage you to sign up today for one of the volunteer opportunities available for groups and individuals to help sustainably protect New York’s natural resources and enhance recreational offerings throughout the Forest Preserve.”
Randy Simons, State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore, added: “The variety and expanse of public lands New York has to offer is unmatched. As stewards of these special places, we are glad to join our partners from the Department of Environmental Conservation and Parks & Trails to further support the Governor’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ initiative.We all are working to ensure these lands are here today and remain accessible and affordable for decades.”
Paul Steely White, Executive Director at Parks & Trails New York, said: “Volunteerism strengthens our shared connection to New York’s public lands, serving as a reminder of the joy and responsibility that comes with spending time in nature. Parks & Trails New York is proud to help foster a culture of stewardship to ensure our state’s iconic landscapes remain safe, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.”
This event supports Governor Hochul’s ongoing “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign designed to encourage families—especially children—to spend less time on electronic devices by participating in outdoor recreation activities. The campaign aligns with other health-focused initiatives from Governor Hochul’s administration such as legislation aimed at protecting children from addictive social media content.
The goal behind “Love Our New York Lands” is not only environmental protection but also providing education about minimizing human impact on nature while promoting safe recreation practices.
Parks & Trails New York serves as an advocate group focused on enhancing green space access statewide since 1985 through projects like developing bike paths river walks greenways totaling more than 1,500 miles.
The Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres statewide—including three million within Adirondack/Catskill Forest Preserve—and oversees facilities like campgrounds trailheads boat launches fishing piers along thousands of miles formal trails.
