How To Get Involved With I Love My Park Day In New York

Goodbye April, hello May. And hello to warmer temperatures and (hopefully) many sunny spring days ahead.

Outdoor activities are ramping up locally, and parks are opening up for the season to enjoy. And according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, this Saturday is 'I Love My Park Day.'

On Saturday, May 3rd (2025), thousands of volunteers will visit certain parks throughout the Empire State to clean up, plant trees and gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitats, remove invasive species, and work on various site improvement projects.

This is the largest single-day volunteer event in New York State, and it will help prepare the state park system and public lands for the start of the season.

The DEC and Parks Departments note that you can easily find an event using the interactive map. Check out the types of projects for the park you wish to volunteer for, and also check any age restrictions for the event you wish to attend to make sure it's a good fit for you or your group.

There are three not far from the Binghamton or Oneonta areas, including:

Oquaga Creek State Park - South of Walton

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The project is for flower garden clean-up and mulching, along with the camping loop and lake area clean-up.

The information says to park at the park office and the lake area. All ages are welcome, and volunteers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, boots, and work gloves.

Rogers Center in Sherburne

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for trail maintenance, including trimming and mulching. Park in the visitor Lot and walk over the bridge to the visitor center and meet near the lower entrance.

Ages 13 and up welcome. Bring comfortable, closed-toed shoes, and work gloves if desired, although they can provide them if needed.

Gilbert Lake State Park - Near New Lisbon

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Painting projects. If the day is sunny and dry, projects will include raking leaves, cleaning out flower beds, trimming back decorative bushes, mulching in flower beds, and playgrounds. Also, general trail maintenance, Potential flower and tree planting, and community garden work.

Park in the upper beach, except for those with a handicap placard for their vehicle or who have a genuine need for a special needs parking space. All ages are welcome. Bring a water bottle, garden gloves, sun hat, sunscreen/bug spray. Lunch and refreshments are provided for our volunteers.

For more information, exact locations, or if you have questions about hosting or participating in an I Love My Park Day event or volunteering at this year's event, visit the 'I Love My Park' website.

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