WHAT: The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will announce the launch of a new outdoor literacy program in collaboration with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Literacy Trail was first announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in her 2025 State of the State Address as part of her “Unplug and Play” initiative to promote children’s mental and physical health.

WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Taconic State Park, Copake Falls Area 253 NY-344, Copake Falls, N.Y.  12517

DETAILS: OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons announce the launch of the Literacy Trail, which is designed to encourage families to get outside and enjoy nature. The program pairs 10 children’s books with 10 State parks. The books were carefully selected by childhood experts and were matched to the parks based on the topic of the book and the special features of the parks. Each park on the trail will be distributing a limited number of books free to families on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important media planning details below: 

• The event will be held in the pavilion in the Copake Falls Area of Taconic State Park
• Media interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to press@ocfs.ny.gov

About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services:

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York's public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults.