Natural Heritage Trust

06/11/2026

Let’s get outdoors and get together! Get Outdoors and Get Together Day is an annual celebration presented jointly by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NY State Parks & Historic Sites , New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, and New York State Department of Veterans' Services . This year’s Get Outdoors and Get Together Day will take place on Saturday, June 13. Visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/get-outdoors-get-together-day to find events near you and to learn more.

06/09/2026

The NHT is proud to support its partners in the development of this report. The Empire State Trail has transformed the way people experience New York, expanding access to outdoor recreation, connecting communities, and strengthening local economies. This report underscores the significant economic impact of the Empire State Trail and reinforces what communities across New York have experienced first-hand. We are honored to be a part of the Trail’s ongoing success and the positive impact it is having across the state.

Nation’s longest single-state, multi-use trail attracts 9.75 million annual visits, strengthening communities across New York State

06/08/2026

Long Island’s South Shore Estuary Reserve is a rich and complex ecosystem comprised of beaches, shallow bays, tidal marshes, tributaries, and upload areas. The estuary is one of the most ecologically productive regions in the United States, while supporting Long Island’s tourism, recreation, and seafood industries. The Natural Heritage Trust is proud to partner with the NYS Department of State for the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the natural, recreational, economic, and educational resources of the estuary through partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders including state, federal, and local organizations. Consider joining us in this vital work in recognition of World Oceans Day. Your gift to the Natural Heritage Trust will be used to help ensure our public land remains clean, beautiful, and accessible for generations to come through funding of high priority projects, habitat conservation and restoration, and public outreach. Donate today at www.naturalheritagetrust.org/sser.

06/06/2026

Did you know that the Natural Heritage Trust partners with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to support trailhead stewardship throughout the state? The trailhead stewardship program is a volunteer-led effort that includes cleaning and maintaining trailheads and teaching hikers about the Leave No Trace Principles. The impact of this program can be seen far and wide across the state
In 2025, trailhead stewards:

🌳 Maintained over 65 miles of Forest Preserve trails,
🌳 worked on 18 miles of new trails,
🌳 built or maintained 18 bridges,
🌳 maintained 260 public campsites,
🌳 relocated 26 different privies,
🌳 and removed over 240 bags of garbage from trailheads in the Catskill region alone.

How can you get involved? Make a donation today at www.naturalheritagetrust.org/trailhead-stewards, or visit https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/dec-land-stewardship/adopt-a-trailhead to learn more about the program and how to volunteer.

06/04/2026

Congratulations to Commissioner Kathy Moser on her confirmation by the NYS Senate as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation! The Natural Heritage Trust is inspired by her leadership and looks forward to continuing our partnership to support her vision for the future of New York’s state parks and historic sites.

06/03/2026

Happy World Bicycle Day! The benefits of bicycling are numerous: time spent outdoors, physical activity, and eco-friendly transportation just to name a few. You can help others experience the joy of bicycling by supporting the Bike Library at Shirley Chisholm State Park. The Bike Library offers free loaner bikes to park patrons for use within Shirley Chisholm State Park. The Library also conducts multiple bicycle swaps per year, ensuring kids have the right size bike and appropriately fitting helmets. Your gift helps these wheels keep turning. Make a contribution in honor of World Bicycle Day at www.naturalhertiagetrust.org/bike-library

05/30/2026

The Bike Library at Shirley Chisholm State Park has officially opened for the season! Online pre-registration can be completed at fountainbikelibrary.eventbrite.com (Fountain Avenue side, by the trail entrance) or PennBikeLibrary.eventbrite.com (Pennsylvania Avenue side, by Hendrix Creek Patio). Please note that the Bike Library closes during inclement weather, please call 718-277-2420 x6 for current weather status. Let's get these wheels turning!

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! We are honored to commemorate the selflessness of the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to their country.

05/22/2026

Supporting your favorite New York State public lands and waters is easier than ever!

🌐Online: The fastest and easiest way to give, visit our website to make a secure online gift: naturalheritagetrust.org/donate

📫By Mail: Mail checks payable to the Natural Heritage Trust to:
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207

🕰Planned Giving: Give through bequest or estate planning. The NHT offers options for permanently named endowments to support a specific park or region

📈Gifts of Stock: The NHT accepts gifts of stocks and securities. Contact us at [email protected], or by calling 518-474-2997 for more information.

⛺Rounding-Up: Round-up your camping or day-use fee the next time you book a NYS park or site on ReserveAmerica

05/20/2026

Let’s bee one with the bees! Learn more about how to support your local pollinators this World Bee Day.