Friends of OCA Host 'I Love My Park' Event

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Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct to host volunteers as part of more than 70 cleanup, improvement and beautification events happening statewide on Saturday, May 4 at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.

I Love My Park Day is an exciting statewide event in its second year. Volunteers from across the state will participate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at New York State parks and historic sites.

 “It’s going to be a great day for the community and the park” said park manager Gary Ricci.

Choose between two projects:

Project one is improving the Aqueduct trail by cutting vines, removing invasive species and bushes, clearing brush and collecting trash.  The project is from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

The event will include an introductory tutorial in the identification of invasive plants and vines and instruction on removal techniques. For ages 13 and over. Please wear long pants and bring a hat, a long sleeved shirt, and gloves.

Although tools will be provided, volunteers are welcome to bring their own personal pruning sheers and loppers. Volunteers are asked to meet at the yellow canopy at the Croton Gorge unique area sign and park on the east side of Quaker Bridge Rd between houses #124 & #99.

The second project is cutting vines, controlling invasive species and collecting trash along the Old Croton Aqueduct south of Washington Avenue in the town of Hastings-on-Hudson from 10AM - 1 PM: We'll meet at the parking lot at Washington Ave & OCA. 

Register at:  http://www.ptny.org/ilovemypark to receive a free t-shirt and if you do by April 22 to be automatically entered to win a $100 camping gift card to NY State Parks!

The Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct is an organization that works to improve the park. Everyone needs a friend and parks are no different.

For more information about the and how to join go to www.aqueduct.org/ , follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldCrotonAqueduct or call Old Croton Aqueduct at (914) 693-5259.

Old Croton Aqueduct is historically significant for its engineering but this linear park is enjoyed for recreation as well as its many educational opportunities. Old Croton Aqueduct State Park is a great place to run, bike, bird watch, or meander at a leisurely pace. Show your love for the park by volunteering May 4th. 

New York State is a leader in parks and conservation because of a long history of stewardship and generosity of private citizens. Volunteer participation in a cleanup day will help enhance these important places during lean budget times and show elected leaders that there is strong public support for our park system.

I Love My Park Day is coordinated at the statewide level by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Friends groups and park staff will oversee cleanup, improvement and beautification projects and work with volunteers. 

About PTNY: Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide organization working to preserve and enhance a network of parks, trails and greenways for all New Yorkers for generations to come. Since 1985, our influential reports and advocacy efforts have been critical to keeping parks and historic sites open and protecting New York’s natural, recreational, cultural and historical resources. For more information, visit www.ptny.org.