Rails-to-Trails Revitalization

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.

Provides support for environmental education initiatives at the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park and the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, including exhibit upgrades at the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center to improve educational engagement for families and large groups.

Provides camperships for low-income students to attend week-long outdoor education and conservation-focused summer camps in the Adirondacks and Catskills, and funds scholarships for women through the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, offering hands-on training in camping, fishing, archery, and survival skills.

Conducts research and collects trail usage data along the 275-mile Greenway Trail to inform maintenance, operations, and tourism promotion. Also produced foundational studies such as the Hudson River Valley Trail Connections Study and the Greenway Trail Vision Plan to guide trail development.

Established and supports a continuous trail network spanning from Manhattan to Washington County, including the 256-mile Hudson River Greenway Water Trail and contributing to the Empire State Trail. The trail system connects parks, historic sites, nature preserves, and community centers to promote public access and regional connectivity.

Makes Greenway Board meeting agendas, minutes, and videos publicly available through official channels and YouTube to promote transparency and public engagement in organizational governance.

Provides financial assistance through Heritage Development Grants, Event Sponsorships, and the McHenry Community Planning Grant Program to support historic sites, cultural events, and local planning projects aligned with Greenway goals. Offers grants up to $50,000 for regional planning and County Compact Plan development.

Provides competitive grants for projects that extend, enhance, interpret, or protect designated trails and associated resources, including funding for feasibility studies, engineering, design, and capital construction of land and water trails.

Organizes and supports public events such as the Hudson River Valley Ramble, which featured 179 partner-led events in 2025, and distributes free educational brochures on regional heritage themes to engage communities in environmental and cultural education.

Engages in the protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural and cultural resources across the Hudson River Valley Greenway region through regional planning, education, and direct stewardship initiatives.

Provides direct support and has facilitated the completion of regional planning compacts in five Hudson River Valley counties. Offers policies, programs, and tools to strengthen local planning efforts and public access to data.

Conducts advocacy work to combat discrimination and close service gaps for LGBTQ+ people, ensuring equitable access to resources and protections.