Murphy celebrates Hudson Valley parks

POCANTICO HILLS, NY  - An avid outdoorsman, Senator Terrence Murphy is an appreciative advocate for the parks and historic sites that make the Hudson Valley region the most beautiful in New York. In order to protect some our most valuable natural resources, Senator Murphy has authored and passed a bill that created a permanent endowment for the care and maintenance of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve through the State Natural Heritage Trust.
 

Senator Murphy and New York State Council of Parks Chair Dr. Lucy Waletsky met at Rockefeller State Preserve on Saturday, to commemorate the fifth annual "I Love My Park Day" and celebrate Governor Cuomo's signing of the bill into law.

"Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a picturesque Hudson Valley treasure that attracts visitors from all over the world," Senator Murphy said. "Transferring the endowment to the National Heritage Trust will increase investment opportunities, generate income and most importantly provide much needed revenue for the care and maintenance of the Preserve. It is only fitting that we celebrate this important legislation on such an important day for New York's incredible parks."

Located approximately 30 miles from New York City, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is an idyllic spot for strolling, jogging, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. With over 180 recorded species of birds, the Preserve is a haven for bird watchers. The most notable feature of the Preserve is the system of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. the scenic paths wind through wetlands, woodlands, meadows and fields, and cross both wooden and stone bridges.

The National Heritage Trust (NHT) was established in 1968 as a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. The NHT's mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants and contributions to further public programs for parks, recreation, cultural, land and water conservation and historic preservation purposes of the State of New York.

Across the state, thousands of volunteers participated in the fifth annual 'I Love My Park Day,' attending community clean-up, beautification and stewardship events at more than 110 state parks and historic sites across New York. Nearly 7,500 volunteers participated in dozens of parks projects including planting trees and gardens, clearing debris, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, cleaning shorelines and beachfronts and more.

"New Yorkers love their parks, which was proven by the thousands of volunteers that participated in cleaning up our treasured state parks and one of a kind historic sites," Senator Murphy boasted. "Families, groups and volunteers are more important than ever to keep parks clean for everyone to visit and enjoy."

"Thousands of New Yorkers rolled up their sleeves to give back to the parks they love," Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin said. "Their efforts, coupled with Governor Cuomo's commitment to the revitalization of the state parks system through his Parks 2020 plan, serves as a national model for the stewardship of our beloved natural, cultural and historical treasures."

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey added, "'I Love My Park Day' is a great way for New Yorkers to show their support for New York's wonderful park system. I'm grateful to Governor Cuomo for his commitment to our state parks and to Parks & Trails New York for helping to organize this inspiring initiative. I thank all of the volunteers who came out and invested their time and passion into something we can all be proud of."