Department of Environmental Conservation

The Adirondack Rail Trail, when complete, will provide 34 miles of uninterrupted multi-use, accessible trail through the heart of the mountains, connecting the communities of Tupper Lake, Lake Clear, Saranac Lake, Ray Brook and Lake Placid. The Adirondack Rail Trail will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature while remaining close to civilization. Funds raised will be used to support this project, including development of amenities, interpretation, and access. Donate to the Adirondack Rail Trail —>

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a program designed to teach outdoor skills to women. These programs provide participants with information, encouragement, and hands-on instruction in outdoor skills such as fishing, shooting, archery, hunting, trapping, outdoor photography, map and compass, survival, camping, canoeing, and outdoor cooking. Funds raised will be used to provide scholarships for women that otherwise would be unable to attend. Donate to BOW —>

Your generous donation will go directly to benefit the programming in our campgrounds by helping us continue programs such as First Time Camper Weekends, Campground Ambassador Program, Nature Recreation Program, and the Junior Naturalist Program, while also allowing us to create new programming to further bring the joys of camping and outdoor recreation to more members of the public. Donate to DEC Campground Programs —>

For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks, searching for the dangerous, telltale signs of forest fires. In the 1980s, the State of New York began to phase out the use of fire towers, and in 1990, the last 5 towers still in operation were closed. Today, fire tower hikes offer breathtaking views of outstanding vistas. Many fire towers have stewards working on them during summer weekends. Stewards provide information on the history and important function of fire towers. They also can point out and name the mountains, lakes and communities seen from the fire tower. Donate to fire towers —>

I BIRD NY was launched in 2017 to increase access to New York's vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Through I Bird NY, DEC provides information and tools for New Yorkers to get started in birding (or birdwatching). The NYS Birding Trail provides access to exceptional birding and a high-quality, sustainable nature experience. The trail inspires new birders and all New Yorkers and visitors—regardless of age, ability, identity, or background—to get started in birding by highlighting the diverse and unique opportunities found in New York State. Donations will support these programs and expand opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors. Donate to I Bird NY and the NYS Birding Trail —>

The I Fish NY program seeks to increase fishing participation and awareness of the fishing opportunities that New York has to offer. Donations will be used to purchase fishing equipment that can be used in DEC’s Library Lending Program, which serves as a instrument to provide the gear needed for persons interested in angling for the first time, or for those lacking the proper equipment to enjoy the sport. Secondary use includes promotional items intended to promote fishing in New York State. Donate to I FISH NY —>

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a cooperative effort between the NYSDEC, school systems, and private organizations to help engage students in outdoor activities and participate in the enduring sport of archery. Funds raised help underwrite the costs for youth that otherwise would be unable to participate, as well as the purchase of specialized equipment that will allow students with disabilities to participate in NASP activities. Donate to NASP —>

The ADK 46er Trailhead Steward Program (TSP) is a collaborative effort involving the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), DEC, and Adirondack 46er volunteer trailhead stewards. The program focuses on education, conservation, and information for hikers to improve the sustainability of the High Peak trails. Volunteer stewards speak with hikers about DEC rules and regulations, Leave No Trace™ principles, and ways to plan and prepare for all outdoor recreation experiences. Funds will help support this program. Donate to the Trailhead Stewardship Program —>

DEC’s Trees for Tribs is a statewide program that has been working to reforest New York's tributaries - small creeks and streams that flow into larger rivers and lakes. The program's goal is to plant trees and shrubs along streams to create a forested riparian (streamside) buffer that helps decrease erosion, reduce flooding damage, improve wildlife and stream habitat, and protect water quality. Since 2007, Trees for Tribs has engaged more than 8,700 volunteers in planting more than 101,400 trees and shrubs at 600+ sites across New York State. A donation of just $20 provides 40 bareroot trees and shrubs. Donate to Trees for Tribs —>

DEC summer camps program connects children with nature, conservation, and ecology. The week-long program provides students with the opportunity to participate in outdoor educational and recreational experiences through hands-on activities and stewardship projects at one of DEC's four summer camp locations. Funds raised for camperships help underwrite the costs for youth that otherwise would be unable to attend. Donate to the Youth Campership Program —>