Nearly two dozen nonprofit groups across New York state will receive $1.7 million in grants to support state parks, trails, historic sites and other public lands, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation and Parks & Trails New York announced.

The grants will go to support public-private partnerships for maintenance and beautification projects as well as educational programming and special events.

“It’s so exciting to see our friends’ groups benefit. Thanks to Gov. [Kathy] Hochul’s leadership, these awards really help with emphasizing our middle name, ‘recreation.’ These partnership grants are a true testament to how we come to work each day to keep these lands open and operating for all to enjoy,” Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said.

The 22 nonprofits that will receive grants are: 

Capital Region

• Friends of Five Rivers ($22,975) - create a conducive learning environment for the maple season experience through improved heating and other equipment, supplies, and materials needed for the Five Rivers sugar shack and maple programs
• Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park ($9,256) - rehabilitate the Fire Tower by repairing broken steps and all decking in the cab and platforms, replacing protective wire around the entire structure, and repainting the cab
• Friends of U.S. Grant Cottage ($300,000) - construction of the Overlook Trail, which will provide a safe, accessible pedestrian trail from the Visitor Center and Grant Cottage to the Eastern Overlook destination

Finger Lakes

• Finger Lakes Trail Conference ($26,774) - embark on a strategic planning process that will facilitate a refresh of the organization's mission, vision, and values, align staff and stakeholders, and strengthen partnerships to create a more sustainable and inclusive organization
• Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park ($135,000) - first phase upgrades to convert a building into a multi-use facility that will meet the needs of the friends group and parks programming staff
• Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park ($17,114) - interpretive signs to tell more of the background of the 54-acre public gardens and history of the Thompson Estate

North Country

• Adirondack Rail Trail Association ($150,000) - create a permanent executive director position that will implement the organization’s vision and work with the board and members in helping DEC and the adjacent municipalities maintain and promote the Rail Trail
• Boondockers Sno-Club ($22,109) - tractor attachments and implements to boost adaptability and productivity in trail maintenance endeavors for public lands in the Adirondacks

Western New York

• IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails Inc. ($99,414) - drainage and trail improvements providing better accessibility for equestrians, hikers, and cross-country skiers on public lands in Phillips Creek and Turnpike State Forests
• Artpark & Company ($55,000) - “The Artpark Experience” field trip program for school-aged children focused on ecology, sustainability, social justice, race equity and culture through the arts led by a variety of local teaching artists
• Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve ($20,717) - improve the Woodland Garden enclosure by installing a gate for easy visitor access, creating a footpath with educational signage, and planting native plants to promote the regeneration of the forest space

“With grants ranging from just under $5,000 to $300,000 and spanning from the Adirondacks to Long Island–the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program reaches every corner of the state," Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said. "In the program’s most competitive year yet, these groups rose to the top with compelling projects created to make a meaningful impact on the communities and individuals who need public lands most. These vital projects will attract millions of visitors by creating new trails and footpaths, developing educational programs, and constructing ADA accessible bathrooms, just to name a few. We’re proud to continue investing in the growth of park programming and infrastructure that lays the groundwork for long-term stability, so New Yorkers can enjoy our state's protected lands for years to come.”

The funding comes from the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program.