ALBANY — The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announces $2.25 million in grants to 27 nonprofit organizations to support the stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.

Park and Trail Partnership Grants help partner organizations leverage private funds to support capital projects, engage in maintenance and beautification, provide educational programming, and host special events that promote public use of the parks.

“This innovative grant program helps enhance the incredible work done at the grassroots level by the partner organizations that help look after our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands,” New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said in a press release. “I am grateful to Gov. Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ initiative that supports this vital partnership with Parks & Trails New York and our many statewide partners, friends’ groups and volunteers. This collective effort helps ensure the continued success of our parks and historic sites. I look forward to seeing how this investment expands access and strengthens connections to New York state’s extraordinary natural and historic resources.”

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, and 2026 marks its 10th anniversary. Grants are administered in partnership with the nonprofit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York. Recipients must raise outside funding for a match of at least 10% of the grant amount received.

This new round totals the highest amount awarded in the program’s history and will leverage over $800,000 in private funds.

Since the first round, awarded in the spring of 2016, over 90 organizations have received more than $10 million to aid in their missions to steward, promote and enhance New York’s diverse state parks, historic sites and public lands. The program has supported 272 remarkable projects, including 27 career-building, permanent positions that exist because this funding made them possible.

“New Yorkers statewide are experiencing the benefits of restored trails, enhanced visitor centers and engaging programs that foster a deeper connection with the outdoors,” Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York said in a press release. “For the past decade, Park and Trail Partnership Grants have been instrumental in making these experiences possible by supporting the dedicated local organizations that steward our public lands.

“This year’s record-breaking awards will ensure that these vital sites continue to educate, inspire and warmly welcome all who visit.”

The grant program builds on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to encourage affordable outdoor recreation. The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget provided the funding for this round of the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program as part of a record $425 million Environmental Protection Fund to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improve agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protect water sources, advance conservation efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.

“Governor Hochul recognizes the value of partnerships in protecting and enhancing New York’s unique lands and accessible outdoor recreation areas,” NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a press release. “Today’s Park and Trail Partnership Grant recipients and the many other volunteer-driven organizations working in our communities are amplifying conservation and education efforts that are crucial to providing New Yorkers with opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature.”

The governor’s new Unplug and Play initiative also earmarked $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS); $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS), an initiative helping communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing ones; and an additional $90 million for the continuation of the NY SWIMS initiative.

Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide advocate for New York’s parks and trails, working with grassroots groups for over 40 years to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve New Yorker’s health, economy and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. For more information, visit ptny.org.

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North Country grants

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— Adirondack Architectural Heritage: $28,825 for the completion of a Cultural Landscape Report for the Great Camp Santanoni Historic Area.

— Adirondack Mountain Club: $80,000 for an Interpretive Facilities Educator position that will engage visitors in safety and rescue prevention conversations, communicate rules and regulations for recreation on state lands, and support ADK’s overarching mission.

— Cranberry Lake Mountaineers Snowmobile Club, INC: $143,500 to purchase equipment to make their network of trails safer and more accessible for various recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, primitive camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding.

— John Brown Lives!: $77,550 to hire a Director of Development and Communications to lead a sustainable fundraising strategy that secures long-term growth and will strengthen the capacity to support the John Brown Farm State Historic Site and ensure its continued use as a vital site of conscience and human rights.

— Friends of Higley Flow State Park: $40,389 to purchase a tracked UTV and grooming drag implement to improve conditions for classic and freestyle cross-country skiing and snowshoeing recreation on the trail network at the park.

— Winona Forest Recreation Association: $23,549 to provide a dynamic outdoor classroom designed to enhance learning with interactive stations.