CITY OF NEW YORK TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT OVER $820 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS NATIONWIDE

 

Coalition Files Amicus Brief Outlining Why Non-Profits Must Have Federal Public Safety Grants Restored  

 

Continues Adams Administration’s Work To Ensure New Yorkers Get Every Dollar They Are Entitled to at Every Level of Government 

The City of New York — as part of a coalition of cities, counties, elected officials, and prosecuting attorneys from around the nation — took action to protect congressionally-appropriated funding for public safety organizations by filing an amicus brief in the case of Vera Institute of Justice, et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice, et al. This brief strongly supports litigation against the unlawful April 2025 decision by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to immediately terminate more than 270 multi-year grants, awarding more than $820 million in essential funding to non-profit organizations serving to strengthen public safety in communities across the country, including in New York City.  

 

“These grant funding cuts by the U.S. Department of Justice represent yet another example of a massive overreach by this federal administration,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “As detailed in the brief, the nearly billion dollars in funding cuts to our longstanding non-profit partners not only violate the intent of Congress but undermine public safety and vital social services for our communities.”    

 

“These cuts to service providers will have a significant impact on New Yorkers,” said Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan. “The organizations impacted provide critical public safety services to our community, including resources that support victims and lower recidivism. They also provide tools to make our courts more efficient and vital services for individuals transitioning back into the community. New York is the safest big city in America and these cuts undermine its ability to maintain that safety.” 

 

Several organizations that are contractors or sub-contractors with New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice have lost out on more than $18 million in grants in total after the OJP terminated the grants. As the brief lays out, New York City and other localities rely on these and other public safety partners, and if the funding is not restored, New Yorkers and other Americans would bear the impact of reduced services or increased costs, and public safety could be undermined. 

 

Many of the terminated grants support programs that appear to be aligned with OJP’s stated goals for violence reduction, law enforcement efforts, victim services, child protection, and other public safety and justice functions. More specifically, New York City and the other jurisdictions that joined the brief rely on non-profit partners to provide these services, including, among many others, maintaining correctional facilities, improving safety in prisons, updating law enforcement and emergency responses, providing invaluable support for victims of crime, and training and assisting law enforcement and police officers, correctional facilities staff, prosecutors, judges, and amici’s own staff on a variety of issues and services involving mental health, homelessness, substance use treatment, and gun and gang violence intervention. 

 

In the brief, the coalition asks the court to support the plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction. 

 

The amicus brief was prepared by the Public Rights Project and was joined by the City of New York, along with the cities of Sacramento and Santa Monica, California; Chicago, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; Kansas City, Missouri; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Newark, New Jersey; as well as Santa Clara County, California; Montgomery County, Maryland; Washtenaw County, Michigan; Shelby County, Tennessee; King County, Washington; and Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Also joining are elected officials and prosecuting attorneys representing Santa Clara County, California; Ridgway, Colorado; Marrion County, Indiana; Kalamazoo County and Washtenaw County, Michigan; Jackson County, Missouri; Hood River and Wasco County, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Shelby County, Tennessee; Travis County, Texas; Chittenden County, Vermont; Norfolk, Virginia; and Winnebago County, Wisconsin. 

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York Regions

 

In Effect for Sunday, June 8

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Sunday, June 8, 2025, for the Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter

The advisory will be in effect 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m.

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Upper Hudson Valley, which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties, Adirondacks, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties; Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates, and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download. 

Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Fires Around the Exterior of a Church and Assaulting Federal Officers

 

Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., to more than six years in federal prison. He intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and assaulted two federal correctional officers while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest.

“This defendant acted with disdain against people of faith and complete disregard for law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute anti-Christian bias in the United States and ensure Americans are free to worship without fear.”

Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on Feb. 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers, but not before the church sustained some damage.

During a Feb. 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Colantonio admitted to setting the fires and assaulting the corrections officers.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Executive At Investor Relations Firm And Two Associates Plead Guilty To Insider Trading Scheme

 

Robert Yedid, Andrew Kaufman, and Mark Jacobs Admit to Illegal Trading in Several Health Care Company Clients of Investor Relations Firm

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that ROBERT YEDID, ANDREW KAUFMAN, and MARK JACOBS pled guilty to participating in a five-year insider trading scheme to reap illegal profits from stock and options trading based on inside information about several health care company clients of the investor relations firm where YEDID was employed.  Together, YEDID, KAUFMAN and JACOBS made more than $500,000 in illicit gains through this scheme.  JACOBS pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.  YEDID and KAUFMAN pled guilty before Chief Judge Swain on May 29, 2025. 

“Robert Yedid betrayed the trust of his employer and its clients by stealing confidential information and passing it to two friends, Andrew Kaufman and Mark Jacobs, to make unlawful, profitable trades based on inside information,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “This Office is committed to prosecuting securities fraud and ensuring that insiders and their friends can’t cheat their way to profits.  With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to police the financial markets and hold those accountable who misuse nonpublic information for personal gain.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Robert Yedid abused his authority as a former investor relations director and provided his friends with material nonpublic information to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit profits.  By betraying the trust placed in his position, Yedid established an unlawful financial advantage for his insular social circle that was not afforded to all investors.  May today’s plea serve as a deterrent to any individual who exploits confidential trading information for personal benefit.”

According to the allegations contained in the Information and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings:

Between 2019 and 2024, YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS engaged in a scheme to trade in stocks and options based on material nonpublic information about several publicly traded health care companies, in violation of the duties of trust and confidence that YEDID owed to his employer, an investor relations firm, and to the companies.

YEDID was a director at an investor relations firm that provided public relations services to health care companies, including BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (“BDSI”), CinCor Pharma (“CinCor”), Inotiv (“Inotiv”), Inspire Medical Systems (“Inspire”), Nano-X Imaging Ltd. (“Nano-X”), and OncoCyte Corp. (“OncoCyte”).  In this role, YEDID had access to the content of upcoming press releases, which often contained highly sensitive, non-public, and potentially market-moving news, such as earning reports, regulatory approvals, clinical trial results, and merger and acquisition announcements.  YEDID owed a duty of trust and confidence to his employer and its clients and was prohibited from misusing or disclosing the firm’s confidential information for personal gain or to benefit others.

Beginning in 2019, YEDID knowingly and willfully tipped his friends, KAUFMAN and JACOBS, with valuable, nonpublic information of upcoming corporate announcements involving at least six client companies.  That confidential information included advanced notice of an upcoming merger for BDSI; clinical trial results for healthcare products being developed by OncoCyte and CinCor; and quarterly earnings announcements for Inspire, Nano-X, and Inotiv.

YEDID understood and intended that the information he provided to KAUFMAN and JACOBS would be used to execute securities trades before the information became public.  As expected, KAUFMAN and JACOBS executed trades based on YEDID’s tips.  In many cases, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded aggressively in the securities of the companies, often purchasing shares or options just days before major announcements were made.  Together, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded in stocks and options on at least 17 different occasions based on YEDID’s tips.  KAUFMAN generated profits of more than $480,000, and JACOBS generated profits of more than $35,000. In exchange for the tips, KAUFMAN shared half of his illegal profits with YEDID by giving him cash in envelopes during various meetings in New York City.

In November 2024, FBI agents approached YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS as part of this investigation.  Shortly after being contacted by the FBI, KAUFMAN intentionally deleted spreadsheets he maintained that listed the illegal profits he made through trading based on YEDID’s tips.  KAUFMAN deleted these records in order to impede and obstruct the FBI’s investigation.

YEDID, 67, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

KAUFMAN, 68, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

JACOBS, 77, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

YEDID is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m; KAUFMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 18, 2025, at 11 a.m; and JACOBS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its cooperation and assistance in this investigation. 

DHS Releases Statement on Violent Rioters Assaulting ICE Officers in Los Angeles, CA and Calls on Democrat Politicians to Tone Down Dangerous Rhetoric About ICE

 

This violence against ICE must end 

Last night, over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer funded property. It took the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 2 hours to respond.  

Our ICE enforcement officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them. Disturbingly, in recent days, ICE officers’ family members have been doxed and targeted as well. 

These riots in Los Angeles and increased assaults on ICE officers come after Democrat politicians, including Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Wu of Boston, Tim Walz, and Mayor Bass of Los Angeles, have villainized and demonized ICE law enforcement.  

“The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must call for it to end. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Make no mistake, Democrat politicians like Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Wu of Boston, Tim Walz, and Mayor Bass of Los Angeles are contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE. From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end.” 

These activists and sanctuary politicians are choosing to side with criminals over American victims.  

Our ICE operations in LA this week have resulted in the arrest of 118 aliens, including 5 gang members, and those with prior criminal histories of: 

• Drug trafficking
• Assault
• Cruelty to children
• Domestic violence
• Robbery
• Alien smuggling

ICE has arrested 2,000 aliens a day this week and these violent activists won’t deter enforcement operations. 

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board Announces Three Settlements.

 

 

Misuse of City Time & City Resources; Failure to Disclose. An Administrator in the Emergency Management and Services Department at the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) had a second job with Airbnb. Over a year and a half, the Administrator worked 1,334.5 overlapping hours at NYCHA and Airbnb, thus performing extensive work for Airbnb at times she was required to be performing work for NYCHA. The Administrator also used her NYCHA email account to send and receive 19 emails related to her work at Airbnb, including three in which she forwarded internal, but not confidential, NYCHA documents to her Airbnb supervisor. Finally, the Administrator, who was required to file an annual disclosure report with the Board, failed to disclose her position with Airbnb in her 2022 report. To resolve her violations, the now-former Administrator agreed to pay a $13,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (NYCHA).”

 

Misuse of City Position & Misuse of City Personnel. In December 2022, the personal vehicle of the Chief of Collection, Recycling, and Organics at the New York City Department of Sanitation (“DSNY”) was damaged by a construction company while the vehicle was parked in a DSNY parking space and while the Chief was working for DSNY. The Chief paid $1,721.68 to a body shop to repair the damage to his personal vehicle. In an effort to recover money for this personal claim, he had a DSNY subordinate file a claim on his behalf with the New York City Comptroller’s Office and had the subordinate repeatedly follow up with the Comptroller’s Office; the subordinate did this at times he was required to be performing work for DSNY. To resolve his violations, the Chief agreed to pay a $3,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DSNY).”

 

Prohibited Gifts. A New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) Lieutenant supervised the operation of NYPD’s one airplane. As part of this work, the Lieutenant regularly communicated with CNC Technologies, an NYPD vendor that serviced the airplane. In July 2021, the Lieutenant went to the Airborne Public Safety Conference in New Orleans, despite not being selected by NYPD to attend the conference. Instead, the Lieutenant accepted from CNC hotel accommodations and conference admission valued collectively at $641.69. In so doing, the Lieutenant violated the prohibition on public servants accepting valuable gifts from City vendors. To resolve his violations, the now-former Lieutenant agreed to pay a $1,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (NYPD).”

COIB is the independent, non-mayoral City agency charged with interpreting, administering, and enforcing the City's Conflicts of Interest Law, Annual Disclosure Law, Lobbyist Gift Law, Affiliated Not-for-Profits Law, and Legal Defense Trusts Law.

New York City Conflicts of Interest Board

2 Lafayette Street, Suite 1010

New York, NY 10007

(212) 442-1400

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central, AND Western New York Regions

 

In Effect for Saturday, June 7

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Saturday, June 7, 2025, for the Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central, and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter

The advisory will be in effect 10 a.m. through 11:59 p.m.

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Adirondacks, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties; Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates, and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website.

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download. 

Get Offline, Get Outside: Governor Hochul Announces 2025 “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” Celebrations on Saturday, June 14

Inclusive and Accessible Family-Friendly Recreation at State Parks and DEC Lands Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York’s “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 14 this year with events happening at more than 20 locations across New York State as part of the Governor's initiative to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. The events bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun and healthy activities.

“Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is an opportunity for every New Yorker to visit our world-renowned state parks and public lands, and gather with family and friends while learning something new,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration has prioritized accessibility and our state parks and lands are here for all New Yorkers to enjoy, no matter their background or abilities. Everyone is welcome.”

This year’s event is hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration (Parks), in partnership with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

At 23 locations across the state, participants will be encouraged to discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, paddling, camping demonstrations, and more. Each event will highlight ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities, and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites, including trail and beach mobility aids, archery assist stands, arm supports for fishing, and more. Certain sites will also feature sample assistive technology device loans from New York’s regional Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) centers.

New York's Get Outdoors & Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Most “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a few exceptions. Exact times and locations are available on the Parks and DEC websites.

2025 DEC-led Programs:

• Capital Region: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)
• Eastern Adirondacks: Scaroon Manor Campground and Day Use Area (Warren County)
• Catskills: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)
• Catskills: Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County)
• Catskills: North - South Lake Campground and Day Use Area (Greene County)
• Central New York: Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch/Onondaga Lake (Onondaga County)
• Hudson Valley: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
• Hudson Valley: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
• Long Island: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with State Parks (Nassau County)
• New York City: Mt. Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)
• Western Finger Lakes: Mendon Ponds Park in conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County)
• Western Adirondacks: Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)
• Western New York: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in conjunction with State Parks (Erie County)

Activities at DEC facilities may include the following:

• Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning how to pack for a camping trip.
• Birding: Participants can learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
• Hiking: Participants can take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails on their own.
• Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all outdoor adventures are good ones.
• Accessible outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on State lands including hiking, camping, birding, fishing and boating.
• Select locations will also include I Fish NY catch-and-release clinics with rods and reels available for loan, introductory paddling on the water, and introductory archery, including important safety tips.

Wheelchair-accessible features, including restrooms, as well as activities and select recreation opportunities are offered at all locations. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site. Details, including schedules and activity lists, can be found on the DEC's website on the “Outdoors Day” page.

2025 State Parks-led Programs:

• Allegany Region: Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County)
• Saratoga/Capital District Region: Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga County)
• Central Region: Chenango Valley State Park (Broome County)
• Finger Lakes Region: Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
• Genesee Region: Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)
• Long Island Region: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with DEC (Nassau County)
• Long Island Region: Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)
• New York City Region: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park (New York County)
• Palisades Region: Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County)
• Taconic Region: Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)
• Thousand Islands Region: Southwick Beach State Park (Jefferson County)
• Niagara Region: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in conjunction with DEC (Erie County)

Program and scheduling details for each location can be found by visiting parks.ny.gov. No parking fee will be charged during event times. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit parks.ny.gov.

The New York City and Long Island events located at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Mount Loretto Unique Area, Hempstead Lake State Park, and Sunken Meadow State Park are very popular, and there is no parking available for oversized vans accommodating larger groups at these sites with the exception of Sunken Meadow State Park. If you have a bus or oversized van you need to park at any park or DEC site, please contact the facility directly to inquire about parking availability in advance of your arrival.

The Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Flickr and Instagram.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provides high quality person-centered support and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of not-for-profit providers. OPWDD's mission is to help people live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and a home that supports them to participate in their community. For more information visit opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All who served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is committed to promoting the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. The agency oversees a large, multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals annually. OMH operates 3,597 inpatient beds at 23 psychiatric centers statewide, while also overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. In addition, the agency is tasked with regulating, certifying, and overseeing more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies, which are dedicated to serving individuals and families living with mental illness.

The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. For more information on the agency, visit: justicecenter.ny.gov.