6 Crucial Organizations Conserving New York's Parks And Open Spaces
For some, the first things that come to mind when they think about New York are tall buildings, taxi cabs, and busy streets. But locals know that there are plenty of places throughout the state where people can go for a breath of fresh air and an encounter with nature. The organizations listed here work to protect and preserve these parks and open spaces, so that generations to come can enjoy them. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
6 Crucial Organizations Conserving New York's Parks And Open Spaces
| Organization | Headquarters Location |
|---|---|
| Parks and Trails New York | Albany, NY |
| Central Park Conservancy | New York, NY |
| Scenic Hudson | Poughkeepsie, NY |
| Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy | Brooklyn, NY |
| Walkway Over the Hudson | Poughkeepsie, NY |
| Catskill Mountainkeeper | Livingston Manor, NY |
5 Benefits of Parks
- Bring trees and other plants to urban environments
- Give people a place to be physically active
- Increase property values
- Protect and preserve wildlife
- Host community events and social programs
Things To Bring On Your Next Trip To A Park
The History of Central Park
In Depth
Public parks define New York's rich natural landscapes, as spaces for community building, animal habitat, and connection with nature. Many of the state's public parks are imbued with a historical legacy, and the organizations working to protect them are, in turn, preserving New York's cultural heritage. Getting involved in a conservation nonprofit can be a rewarding experience. In no particular order, here are 6 crucial organizations conserving New York's parks and open spaces.
#1 on the list is Parks and Trails New York, which works to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the state of New York for use and enjoyment by all. Over the last 30 years, PTNY has been at the forefront of the fight for revitalization of New York's state parks. It is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers by improving and expanding access to parks and trails so individuals can enjoy the outdoors and benefits of nature close to home.
Parks and Trails New York works to help communities and volunteer groups across New York enhance and promote their local parks and trails by providing targeted technical assistance, groundbreaking reports, and critical information on resources. Those looking to help out are welcome to make direct donations, purchase a membership that provides discounts on outdoor attractions statewide, or volunteer for a local PTNY event, such as I Love My Park Day.
Parks and Trails New York works to help communities and volunteer groups across New York enhance and promote their local parks and trails by providing targeted technical assistance, groundbreaking reports, and critical information on resources.
Up next at #2 is the Central Park Conservancy, which works to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park in partnership with the public. The organization is entrusted with the responsibility of caring for New York's most important public space, providing a scenic retreat from urban life for the enjoyment of all and, in so doing, helping to establish New York's place among the great cities of the world.
Healthy cities need parks, and parks need management. Central Park Conservancy is a world leader in urban park management. It has invested more than $1 billion to date in the Park, making it a model for urban parks worldwide. The Conservancy is responsible for raising the Park's more than $85 million annual operating budget, and for all aspects of Park maintenance, as well as capital improvements and restorations. Those interested in supporting the organization can do so through monetary donations, volunteering, or even by adopting a piece of the park itself.
At #3 on the list is Scenic Hudson, the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. This nonprofit preserves land and farms and creates parks that connect people with the inspirational power of the Hudson River, while fighting threats to the river and natural resources of the valley. Its vision for the region, centers around a community of informed and engaged citizens working to make the region a model of vibrant riverfront cities and towns, linked by inviting parks and trails, and beautiful, resilient landscapes.
Its vision for the region, centers around a community of informed and engaged citizens working to make the region a model of vibrant riverfront cities and towns, linked by inviting parks and trails, and beautiful, resilient landscapes.
Scenic Hudson's work combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy, and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public, and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. Those that want to help out can do so through donations or volunteering, as well as by making use of the valley's natural features, which Scenic Hudson works to protect.
Up next at #4 on the list is the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, which has worked for over 30 years to bring Brooklyn Bridge Park to life. The Conservancy works to ensure the Park reaches its full potential as a dynamic and vibrant public space for all of Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond. The Conservancy produces diverse and innovative programming for Park visitors, and cultivates volunteer and philanthropic support of this special place on the Brooklyn Waterfront.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy relies on the community to help program, maintain, and complete the remarkable 85-acre public amenity. For this reason, those looking to support the organization are encouraged to volunteer their time as well as visit the park, in order to make it a dynamic urban space.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy relies on the community to help program, maintain, and complete the remarkable 85-acre public amenity.
At #5 is Walkway Over the Hudson, an organization dedicated to supporting and improving the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The linear park, which was formerly a railroad bridge, spans the Hudson River between the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County and the City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County.
Through engaged stewardship and fundraising, this nonprofit enhances the Walkway experience, supports capital improvements, and delivers innovative programs that attract visitors and contribute to the economic vitality of the Hudson Valley. To support these efforts, one can purchase a membership which directly helps to keep the Walkway vibrant and thriving.
Last but not least on the list at #6 is Catskill Mountainkeeper, the strongest advocate for the Catskill region since 2006. It's mission is to protect the area's wild lands and natural resources, support smart development to sustainably grow the local economy, nurture healthy communities, and accelerate the transition to a 100% clean energy future in New York and beyond.
It's mission is to protect the area's wild lands and natural resources, support smart development to sustainably grow the local economy, nurture healthy communities, and accelerate the transition to a 100% clean energy future in New York and beyond.
Working with a network of concerned citizens and strategic partners, Mountainkeeper's programs protect and promote the region's extraordinary natural heritage. The work of this organization is made possible through the dedication of activists, supporters, and partners, who provide critical funds and people power to drive its programs. For those that are interested in helping out, donating and volunteering are both effective ways of supporting Catskill Mountainkeeper and its mission.
