Today is #NationalDogDay! We're celebrating the two canines who make our Conservation Dogs program possible: Fagen + Dia. We are grateful for all of their hard work (and play!) that helps to protect the land we all love to explore. Read about their latest efforts to target spotted lanternfly, which are part of a collaborative, region-wide approach to stopping the spread.

You can also play a vital role in our efforts to stop spotted lanternfly, just by donating to our Ecological Stewardship Fund. The fund ensures our team is supported and ready for action when invasives pose an urgent threat to our region. #WaggingTailsSavingTrails

Trail Supervisors are a key part of the Trail Conference. They are the boots on the ground that oversee a team of Trail Maintainers and ensure the trails in their assigned area are maintained in good condition. Without our Trail Supervisors, we couldn’t maintain over 2,000 miles of trails so that the public has a safe and positive experience outdoors.

We are looking for Trail Supervisors to oversee the following parks:

New Jersey

– Ramapo Valley County Reservation
– New Jersey Palisades: Oversees trails in Closter Nature Center, Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Lamont Reserve, Palisades Interstate Park, Tenafly Nature Center
– Garret Mountain Reservation and Rifle Camp Park

New York Catskills

– Belleayre Region: Oversees trails in the Big Indian Wilderness
– Hunter-West Kill: Oversees trails in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness

New York Long Path

– Mt. Ivy to Route 6: Oversees the Long Path in Harriman State Park
– Wawarsing to Slide Mountain: Oversees the Long Path in southern Catskill Park

New York West Hudson

– Shawangunk Ridge Trail: High Point to Route 211- Oversees the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) from High Point State Park in N.J. to Route 211 near Cuddebackville, N.Y. and side trails along the SRT up to Sam’s Point

DEC will be joining forces with Ulster County DOT to improve road and parking access at both Onteora Lake in the Bluestone Wild Forest and at the Allaben Access in the Shandaken Wild Forest in the Catskills. While DOT performs work at these sites, visitor access will be limited.

New York State Parks has announced that the bridge on Arden Valley Road, between Route 17 and Elk Pen parking lot, is now reopened to foot and bicycle traffic after emergency repairs. The Elk Pen parking area is open and may be accessed from the east via Arden Valley Road from the Tiorati Circle. 

The Arden Valley Road bridge remains closed to vehicles until further notice.

Starting Aug. 16, 2021, employees from Morristown National Historical Park's maintenance division will begin working on replacing existing culverts on the Grand Loop Trail with new pipes. During this time, this area will be closed to park visitors. Park visitors who are using the Grand Loop trail will be able to take the posted detour around the work.

Looking to plan your next adventure? Stay updated with all the latest closures, park updates, and trail improvements, all listed in one place. 

Pro tip: Bookmark this page + refer to it as an essential step of your trip planning.

Remember to #RecreateResponsibly.

The Trail Conference seeks your partnership in celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to our region’s parks and trails. We invite you to join our loyal members, major donors, and corporate supporters and be a part of our Centennial Gala on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Bear Mountain Inn in Tomkins Cove, N.Y.

Help celebrate and sustain this legacy of conservation! It would be an honor to have your support with an in-kind donation for our Centennial Gala. For donated auction product, your organization will receive special signage next to the donated item that displays your logo and website. Your organization’s name and website will be printed on the program to further promote your organization. 

Please note that order processing and shipping is currently delayed. All orders are being handled and shipped carefully.

Get tips on where to hike or learn a new skill with our recorded workshops and talks, available to watch anytime.