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Gathering the Grassroots: Regional Friends Gatherings 2025

Parks & Trails New York, the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation are excited to host four regional gatherings this fall for Friends groups and their site managers.

These events are a unique opportunity to:

  • Connect with fellow Friends groups and site managers in your region
  • Hear directly from agency staff about regional and statewide initiatives
  • Learn best practices to grow your group’s capacity and effectiveness
  • Build relationships with other volunteers and potential partners

Whether you're a longtime advocate or new to the network, these gatherings are designed to inspire collaboration, spark new ideas, and strengthen the incredible work you do for New York’s public lands.

Locations and Dates

We encourage you to attend one of the four gatherings, preferably the one created for your region. These events will run from 10AM-3PM with an optional site tour following the gathering. Stay tuned for a full agenda for each event. 

  • September 18: Glimmerglass State Park (Central, Saratoga-Capital, Thousand Islands)
  • September 25: Letchworth State Park (Allegany, Finger Lakes, Genesee, Niagara)
  • October 30: Philipse Manor Hall (Palisades & Taconic)
  • November 6: Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Long Island & NYC)

These events are open to all groups eligible for the Park and Trail Partnership Grant Program. 

Registration

Registration will open in early June and will be limited to one member of each Friends group. More Friends may be welcome if space becomes available.

Questions?

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions you have re: these events.