Projects & Programs
The NHT directly supports projects and programs that enhance state park facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, preserve historic and cultural assets, and protect natural resources.
Exhibit Upgrades at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
In celebration of it’s 25th Anniversary, the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center at Thacher State Park is upgrading their original exhibits. The Center’s new layout and exhibits will capture the minds and attention of young visitors, provide space for large groups, and offer amenities to families and chaperones, but we can’t do it without you. Learn more about this project and how you can support it.
The Natural Heritage Trust has partnered with New York State Parks and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to launch Ladders to the Outdoors; a new program that works to address the lack of equitable access to outdoor recreational spaces, equipment, transportation and skills development in underserved communities at five state parks in Western New York. This program enables NYS Parks to provide equipment and instruction free of charge to local youth, as well as transportation through a partnership with Connect Kids to Parks. Program offerings will include swimming, hiking, biking, boating, camping, and sports. Help the NHT to bring this program to other regions in our state by donating to Ladders to the Outdoors today.
Ladders to the Outdoors
Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park
The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) at Letchworth State Park is a first-of-its-kind experience in nature designed for visitors on the autism spectrum and with a range of abilities—appropriate and enjoyable for all abilities and ages. The ANT is made possible through a public-private partnership between Letchworth State Park, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Perry Central School District, Camp Puzzle Peace and the Natural Heritage Trust. The Trail opened on October 1, 2021 and has welcomed over 4,000 guests of all ages and abilities.
The Natural Heritage Trust has partnered with New York State Parks, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC), and the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), as well as other local partners to offer a free Saturday CDTA bus service to connect City of Albany residents to eight natural spaces in and around Albany. The Nature Bus travels to the Albany Pine Bush and Albany Water Departments’ Six Mile Water Works, David’s Trail at the Bender Melon Farm Preserve, Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, Albany County Rail Trail Veterans Memorial Park, DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, MHLC’s Normans Kill West Preserve, Albany County Rail Trail Slingerlands Trailhead, Hilton Park, and Thacher State Park.
Capital District Nature Bus
I Bird NY & The NYS Birding Trail
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.
Shirley Chisholm State Park Bike Library
The Bike Library loans free bikes with helmets so park visitors can explore 10 miles of car-free paths with beautiful vistas in the park. The Library will also offer bike riding classes for all ages—Learn to Glide and Ride—plus two annual Bike Swaps. In addition to donations to support the program, the Bike Library also accepts donations of bikes and supplies
The Natural Heritage Trust, in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, aims to lower barriers to summer camp programs and connect children with nature, conservation and ecology. Camperships enable students who would not otherwise be able to afford camp to spend a week participating in outdoor educational and recreational experiences through hands-on activities and stewardship projects at one of DEC's four summer camp locations.
Camperships
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
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.