Inclusive Access by Design

Engages in advocacy efforts to advance trail development and protection across Saratoga County, including promoting future trail connections and sustainable access.

Organizes and supplies volunteers for the maintenance and ecological stewardship of trails and carriage roads in Saratoga County.

Actively promotes multi-use trail systems such as the Graphite Range Community Forest for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, and supports access through publicized activities like weekly trail runs.

Organizes events such as an e-bikes symposium in collaboration with advocacy groups and the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Wildlife Festival to educate the public and promote trail access and conservation.

Provides centralized information and support for trail users and organizations in Saratoga County, promoting ecologically sustainable and accessible trails. Maintains and distributes a map of publicly open trails and publishes a county-wide trails Vision Map to guide recreation and future development.

Hosts and lists events such as group runs, mountain bike rides, trail maintenance days, guided hikes, and community outreach events to encourage public participation in trail use and stewardship. Includes monthly community meetings and chat events to discuss trail updates and initiatives.

Hosts events such as an annual art show and a cornhole tournament, with proceeds benefiting trail conservation, advocacy, and development projects including the Graphite Range Community Forest Northern Gateway.

Distributes a printable Mini Trail Journal for children to document trail experiences and reinforce Leave No Trace principles, supporting environmental education and engagement.

Provides monetary support to organizations that share its mission in environmental conservation and outdoor education.

Operates and maintains over 50 kilometers of multi-use trails across multiple locations, including the Potato Hill Farm campus and the historic Black River Canal, providing year-round public access for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. These trails traverse both private and state lands within the Skyfields network.

Maintains nature trails across multiple sanctuary properties to support conservation of nature and wildlife.

Supported the development of a statewide economic impact study on the Empire State Trail and published the report "The Power of Philanthropy & the Promise of Parks," documenting the role of private partnerships in supporting New York's state parks over the past century.

Offers free Learn-to-Swim programs at New York state parks and operates a bike library at Shirley Chisholm State Park that provides free bike and helmet loans, riding classes, and hosts two annual bike swaps.

Supports projects that improve state park infrastructure, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, preserve cultural and historic assets, and protect natural resources, benefiting over 200 New York State Parks and Historic Sites.

Launches and supports the Ladders to the Outdoors program, providing free outdoor recreation programming, equipment, instruction, and transportation for youth in underserved communities at five state parks in Western New York, and operates the Capital District Nature Bus to connect Albany residents to eight natural areas for recreation and education.

Manages and invests funds to support cooperative conservation and community revitalization programs in partnership with New York State agencies.

Preserves open space, parklands, and historic sites across New York State through fundraising efforts and supports local, regional, and statewide conservation and community quality initiatives.

Supports fly fishing and outdoor events for veterans and military members in Central New York, including an annual 3-day event and plans for expanded single-day opportunities.