Volunteers drive 15th annual 'I Love My Park' Day across New York

More than 5,000 volunteers support 150+ events to prepare parks & public lands for summer season

Parks & Trails New York press release

The 15th annual “I Love My Park Day” brought together more than 5,000 volunteers at over 150 state parks, historic sites and public lands across New York on Saturday. The event, hosted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is the largest statewide volunteer initiative dedicated to enhancing New York’s outdoor spaces while raising awareness of their ongoing needs. 

“I Love My Park Day” complements Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that encourages New York youth and families to step away from screens, prioritize their mental and physical well-being and enjoy the benefits of time outdoors.

State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “(The) incredible turnout speaks to the deep connection New Yorker’s have with their parks and public lands. Volunteers play an essential role in keeping these spaces welcoming, accessible, and ready for the millions who visit each year. ‘I Love My Park Day; is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together through stewardship and service. We’re grateful to our partners at Parks & Trails New York and DEC and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors across the state for another busy summer.”

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “As one of the largest conservation-focused volunteer events in our great state, “I Love My Park Day” reflects our shared commitment to protecting our public lands and wild places. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers who joined statewide stewardship efforts and projects to support and improve our outdoor spaces."

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “ ‘I Love My Park Day’ shows what’s possible when people come together in a shared spirit of stewardship. For 15 years, volunteers across the state have given their time and energy not just to care for public lands, but to strengthen the bond between communities and the landscapes that sustain them. That kind of collective action is powerful. It transforms parks into places of connection and pride. We thank every volunteer who stepped up this year to ensure New York’s green spaces remain welcoming and resilient for everyone who enjoys them.”

Volunteer projects took place in every corner of the state – from Long Island to the Hudson Valley, from the Mohawk Valley to the Southern Tier, from the Finger Lakes to Western New York and into the Adirondacks. Participants completed a wide range of site improvement projects including the removal of debris, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, addressing invasive species and planting 2,000 trees, 700 more than last year.