The Love Our New York Lands campaign, launched in 2020 by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, encourages all users of state-owned lands to recognize that these lands are shared by all New Yorkers, our families, and our neighbors, and we all need to take care of them.

This campaign offers New Yorkers and visitors guidance on Leave No Trace™ principles so that together we can help ensure these special places are protected for future generations. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to think of themselves as responsible for helping protect these irreplaceable destinations for future generations:

One way to give back to our public lands is to seek out local or statewide cleanup days like I Love My Park Day or Canal Clean Sweep. To build on the success of these events and to carry the spirit of stewardship and volunteerism throughout the year, Parks & Trails New York as well as NYSDEC, the NYS Canal Corporation, and NY State Parks & Historic Sites, are hosting themed statewide stewardship days in 2024 throughout the summer and Fall.

Upcoming Love Our New York Lands Events

Canal Clean Sweep (April 18-20, 2025)

Canal Clean Sweep is an annual statewide clean-up event that occurs along major greenways across New York State to celebrate Earth Day. Clean-ups primarily occur along the Erie and Champlain Canalway, the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, the Black River Feeder Canal, and the Rochester Riverway.

Contact [email protected] if you would like to host, or participate in an event

I Love My Park Day (May 3, 2025)

I Love My Park Day--the largest single-day volunteer event in NYS--presents a perfect opportunity to clean up our favorite parks and shorelines, plant trees and gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitat, remove invasive species, and work on various site improvement projects--all which help to prepare our iconic state park system and public lands for the start of the season.

Contact [email protected] if you would like to host, or participate in an event at a park near you

Adirondack and Catskill Park Day (October 4, 2025)

Show your appreciation for New York’s unique and beautiful Forest Preserve lands by participating in Adirondack and Catskill Park Day! This event allows participants to actively support land conservation efforts for over 6.5 million acres within New York. Help with trail maintenance in the Forest Preserve or participate in a campground cleanup after a busy summer season.

Contact [email protected] if you would like to host, or participate in an event at a park near you

Resources for Love Our New York Lands Events