Parks & Trails New York regularly hosts workshops designed to support grassroots Friends groups through the sharing of best-practices, innovative programming and collaboration. Our workshops feature expert panelists ranging from professional consultants to other Friends group leaders, who share their insights on a variety of topics designed to increase the capacity and impact of grassroots organizations. Our workshops also provide opportunities for Friends to network and share resources.
PTNY's Friends-to-Friends workshop series - created in collaboration with the Friends Leadership Council and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - was designed to foster inspiration and collaboration through the sharing of best-practices on topics that lend themselves to the growth of individual groups.
UPCOMING "What is NYS Parks' Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning? How does it help Friends groups?" Thursday, July 24 -- Noon via Zoom
NY State Parks’ Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning (DESP) is the agency’s unit that ensures State Park lands and waters are protected, conserved, and resilient. DESP’s staff members work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including members of Friends Groups and the wider public, to safeguard OPRHP’s parks and historic sites for future generations, while balancing opportunities for recreation and relaxation. As New York State lands face increased usage as well as the impact of global climate change, DESP’s work is more important than ever.
This webinar will offer an overview of how DESP provides important support for both public lands and visitors. Speakers will also touch on initiatives led by OPRHP, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Parks & Trails NY that Friends Groups can tap into for programing ideas that support DESP’s wider goals.
LIST OF SPEAKERS:
Gabriella Cebada-Mora, Director, Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning, OPRHP
Melissa Miller, Park Manager, Grafton Lakes State Park & Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, OPRHP
CJ Heins, Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park
Annabel Gregg, 25 Million Trees Initiative Coordinator, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
A dynamic workshop on bringing health and wellness programming to your site. Learn about statewide initiatives that support mental and physical well-being, discover practical strategies to create impactful programs, and hear from fellow Friends on successful efforts. This is a great opportunity to gain new ideas, connect with peers, and explore ways to engage your community through wellness-focused initiatives. Get inspired and bring fresh programming to your park or historic site!
Marketing is an ever-changing beast. Even the largest corporations struggle to keep up with the newest trends and may not realize the ineffectual ones until a hefty amount of time and money has already been invested. Many friends groups do not have the time, staff, or resources to stay up-to-date, nor do they have the budgets to break through the overwhelming amount of information out there.
Previous workshop topics include:
Implicit Bias: Understanding Beliefs and Biases
Introduction to the New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition
Programming Through the Lens of Contemporary Indigenous Knowledge and Culture
NYS Parks Centennial and Friends Groups
New York State Funding: Opportunities and Strategies
Yes, There Was Slavery in New York & It Was Common
Advancing Equity: How the “Connect Kids” and “Ladders to the Outdoors” Programs Expand Youth Access to Nature and History
Park Advocacy Day: The Importance of Making Our Voices Heard
Updating and Maximizing your MOA with State Parks
Engaging, Recruiting, and Retaining Volunteers: Best Practices
The Natural Heritage Trust: What Is It and What Does it Mean for Friends?
Cultivating and Strengthening Your Board
The Power of Instagram: Using Instagram to Support Your Organization
Friends are the Future! What PTNY Can Offer Friends in 2022
