I Love My Park Day on Saturday, May 2, is expected to draw 5,000 volunteers to projects at more than 160 public lands in New York. It is the state’s largest single-day volunteer event, according to a news release.
About 2,500 have signed up already. For more information and to view events, go to https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day
As part of the state’s 25 Million Trees by 2033 Initiative, some sites will be planting more than 2,000 bareroot seedlings, provided by the Saratoga Tree Nursery.
The event, which is in its 15th year, is organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
These events are planned for the Rochester area:
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park – Canawaugus Park
Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon
Location: Parking available at Canawaugus Park (Genesee Valley Greenway State Park trailhead), 4260 River Road (Route 251), Scottsville.
Project: Come anytime between 8:30 and noon to join Oatka Creek Watershed Committee and Wheatland Trail Town Committee. Trees will be planted along Oatka Creek in Indian Allan Park, Wheatland. Additionally, trash bags will be available for general trailside cleanup along Genesee Valley Greenway State Park and Canawaugus Park. Rain dates for tree planting will be May 3 or May 9. Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway will provide a portable toilet, water and snacks.
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park – Lehigh Valley Trail
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: (42.983066, -77.743349) is the actual location to work on West River Road in northern Livingston County. If the lot is full, pull into the driveway just south of the parking lot on the same side of the road (east) (42.982856, -77.743187), turn around, and park on the right side of the driveway. Please try to avoid parking on River Road.
Project: Overgrown vegetation will be removed on both sides of the Lehigh Valley Trail from River Road to Genesee Valley Greenway State Park. (about a half mile) This property is owned by the Mendon Foundation. Direct all questions to John Farrell, (585) 330-1418.
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park – Little Black Creek
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Little Black Creek parking area (1503 Scottsville Road, Chili) is next to 84 Lumber and just south of the Paul Road intersection by Byrne Dairy. A portable toilet will be on site.
Project: Trash will be removed from the parking lot and surrounding woods and some hand trimming will be done.
Hamlin Beach State Park
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Meet at Shelter 5 in Area 4.
Potential projects: Campground setup, shelter cleaning, area 3 cleanup, wood chip trails, kiosk cleaning and staining and tree planting and mulching.
Darien Lakes State Park
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Meet at Shelter 1 by the back parking area. The park is at 10475 Harlow Road, Darien Center, Genesee County.
Project: Tree and flower planting, bench painting, general park and flowerbed cleanup.
Letchworth State Park
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Highbanks Recreation Area in the North Shelter Pavilion. The address is 2270 Park Road, Leicester, Livingston County.
Projects: Picnic table construction, landscape cleaning, flowerbed preparation, tree planting, playground maintenance.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: ‘I Love My Park Day’ brings volunteers to NY parks
Reporting by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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