Kids Can Do It!

Youth have the power to make change. Bringing children to State public lands inspire them to be the next generation of advocates and stewards. State parks and historic sites are a great space for children to learn, explore, and flourish. As spring and summer approach, it is time to think about opportunities to bring them outdoors.

I Love My Park Day is May 2, 2020. I Love My Park Day is a collaborative effort between Parks & Trails New York, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and, the Department of Environmental Conservation. This annual spring celebration helps parks, historic sites, and nature centers statewide prepare for the busy summer season through volunteer projects. For many children, this is a first opportunity to give back to open spaces.It also excites them to return again and again to revisit what they have accomplished.

This event brings adolescents to their local parks every year. In 2019, 8,000 volunteers, including youth groups of all kinds, participated in I Love My Park Day. Daisy Girl Scout Troop 60873 cleaned up a picnic area and rebuilt raised flower beds at Green Lakes State Park. At Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, the Tottenville High School Key Club planted trees and defined trails with wood chips. The Northeastern Clinton Central School Outdoor Club beautified Point au Roche State Park for visitors. Beyond growing a love for the outdoors, these projects also teach youth important skills. This year, all ages are welcome to participate in projects such as fishing clinics, pollinator habitat restoration, fire pit building, and picnic table construction.

I Love My Park Day is for outdoor lovers of all ages. There are over 140 sites to choose from located all over New York. There is so much to be done and so much to be achieved. Groups and individuals can use the interactive I Love My Park Day map to find which site is best for them. Registration forms by region can be found at www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day.

Volunteers having fun spreading rubber chips at John Boyd Thacher State Park.

One good Samaritan showing off their strength at Bowman Lake State Park.

Participants taking a break at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Site.

One volunteer uses I Love My Park Day as an opportunity to learn how to rake.