DEC Region 5 and Partners to Celebrate 'I Love My Park Day' on May 3 with Seven Local Volunteer Opportunities

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5, in collaboration with partner organizations, is seeking volunteers for the 14^th annual 'I Love My Park Day' on Saturday, May 3, 2025. I Love My Park Day is the largest single-day statewide volunteer event that enhances our public lands, with volunteers participating by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects.

The statewide event, hosted by DEC in partnership with Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign, an effort to encourage year-round stewardship and highlight the State's outdoor recreation assets by offering a series of themed stewardship days throughout the year.

Volunteer registration is currently open and New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for nearby cleanup, enhancement, or restoration events. This year, DEC Region 5 and participating partners are hosting seven opportunities for the public to volunteer:

Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area

Peru, Clinton County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Meeting location: Pavilion at beach.

Project: Facility/campsite cleanup, picnic table placement, painting and building prep.

Volunteers should bring: Work/gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY

Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center

Paul Smith's, Franklin County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Meeting location: Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Interpretative Center Lodge.

Project: Native plant bed cleanup and trail maintenance around the facility and butterfly house.

Volunteers should bring: Dress for all weather conditions. Wear closed toed shoes, gloves, and bring a lunch.

Additional information: Water, coffee and snacks available. After the event, volunteers are welcome to enjoy the property on their own or participate in a guided walk.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY

Moffitt Beach Campground and Day Use Area

Lake Pleasant, Hamilton County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Meeting location: Campground booth.

Project: Raking and facility cleanup.

Volunteers should bring: Work/gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY

Lewey Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Lake Pleasant, Hamilton County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Meeting location: Maintenance garage at entrance.

Project: Raking, facility cleanup, and tree planting.

Volunteers should bring: Work/gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY

Lake George Battlefield Day Use Area

Lake George, Warren County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Meeting location: Lake George Maintenance Center at 59 Fort George Road, Lake George, NY 12845

Project: Facility/statue area cleanup, tree potting, and pollinator garden and barrel prep.

Volunteers should bring: Work/gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY

Lake George Beach Day Use Area

Lake George, Warren County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Meeting location: At front of beach house.

Project: Facility cleanup, tree potting, and pollinator garden prep.

Volunteers should bring: Work/gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY

Rogers Rock Campground and Day Use Area

Hague, Warren County

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Meeting location: Campground booth.

Project: Raking and facility cleanup, painting/staining, campsite cleanup, and picnic table placement.

Volunteers should bring: Work/gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

All ages welcome. Register at Parks & Trails NY