The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 2, in collaboration with the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (PPOW), is hosting First Day Hike events at St. Francis Woodlands and Mt. Loretto Unique Area on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. First Day Hikes encourages New Yorkers to welcome in the New Year outdoors, by participating in one of the many guided hiking opportunities offered across the state.

DEC, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host these hikes as part of the 14th Annual First Day Hikes program. More than 120 hikes are being offered at State parks, historic sites, canal trails, and DEC natural areas and environmental education centers in celebration of the day.

A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for DEC, Parks, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required. 

DEC Region 2 Education staff and PPOW are hosting the following hiking opportunities in Staten Island for the public: 

St. Francis Woodlands

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 1 p.m.– 2:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early. 

Meet Up Location: St. Francis Woodlands Parking Lot on Cliffwood Ave. 

Description: Join DEC's Environmental Education team for a short two-mile hike through the beautiful St. Francis Woodlands. This walk will follow the accessible boardwalk and offer education about the forest in winter. Registration not required. 

Difficulty Level: Easy. Most of the hike is along an accessible boardwalk and the second half is on dirt trails. 

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Ian Cleary, Regional Environmental Education, ian.cleary@dec.ny.gov 

Mt. Loretto Unique Area – Hike with the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Meet up Location: Participants will meet in the Hylan Boulevard parking lot. There will be overflow parking available at the Catholic Youth Organization parking lot across the boulevard. 

Description: In cooperation with DEC, PPOW is hosting a First Day Hike at Mt. Loretto Unique Area. Greet the New Year with a leisurely winter walk along the gentle slopes of the grassland trail. Visit the wildlife platform over-looking the freshwater ponds as well as the Mt. Loretto Pavilion overlooking the Raritan Bay. This one-mile loop will offer good views of waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows. 

Difficulty Level: Easy. 

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike. 

Point of Contact for Inquires: José Ramirez-Garofalo, ppow@siprotectors.org, (718) 877-1513