Applications are now being accepted for the fifth round of competitive grants through the NYS Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund.

The grants, this year doubled to $1 million, are available to organizations, typically referred to as “Friends groups,” that support parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.

The program is designed to:

• enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, environmental education, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands;
• increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, volunteerism and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain and support NYS parks, trails, historic sites and public lands; and
• promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways, and public lands.

Applications are due December 3, 2019. Grant awards are expected to be announced in March 2020.

The NYS Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is open to organizations whose mission includes the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, environmental education, maintenance, and/or promotion of a New York State park, trail, historic site or public land under the jurisdiction of OPRHP or the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The grant program is administered by PTNY in partnership with OPRHP.

More information about the grant program and its timeline are available online.

Photo: A trail in Five Ponds Wilderness in the Adirondack Park.