Opportunity Supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ Campaign

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 2 is seeking volunteers for the first-ever 'Fish and Wildlife Day' event at Norton Basin Natural Resource Area, Queens, on Saturday, Sept. 28. Fish and Wildlife Day will offer service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrating New York’s diverse wildlife and habitat and encouraging public involvement in fish and wildlife conservation. Hosted in partnership with Parks & Trails New York and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the event is part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign to encourage year-round stewardship and highlights the State’s outdoor recreation assets through a series of themed stewardship days. Participant registration is currently open. 

What:  Fish and Wildlife Day 

When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Where: Norton Basin Natural Resource Area (entrance at the end of Healey Ave) 
Cost: FREE, appropriate for ages 13 and up 
Project/Educational Event: Beach cleanup and coastal birding. Binoculars and bird guides will be provided for the birding portion of the event, and gloves and trash grabbers will be provided for the cleanup. 

What to bring: Water, sun protection, clothing you don't mind getting dirty, and close-toed shoes. 

This event is rain or shine.

Volunteers should sign up ahead of time at Parks & Trails New York. Volunteers should also dress for the weather and wear proper footwear/work boots, and long pants. Sunscreen, insect repellant and a bagged lunch and/or snacks and water are recommended.  

This event complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign to encourage New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. The campaign builds on the Governor's efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families, including signing first-in-the-nation legislation to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.