April is National Volunteer Month
Thank You Volunteers!
| |
|
Volunteers are the backbone of canal museums, historic sites, and visitor centers. They greet boaters, teach education programs, plant gardens, repair and restore historic structures, write grants, put on events, help keep the trail and waterway safe and tidy, and so much more!
Please join us in thanking the many volunteers who are instrumental in making the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor a great place to live and visit. Better still, join them!
Lend your time and talent to help keep the canal a vibrant and sustainable destination. Contact a canal visitor center, historic site, or museum near you to inquire. Visit our website to become a Water Trail Steward or Parks & Trails New York to participate in Canal Clean Sweep April 19-21 or to volunteer along the trail.
Photos: Volunteers in Lyons (above), Old Erie Canal (below left), Lockport (center), and Camillus (right) are just a few of the hundreds of people who share their time and talents along the canals.
| |
Applications Open for Mohawk Valley Historic Revitalization Grants | |
|
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has launched a new grant program to support capital improvements for historic properties in rural communities within the Mohawk Valley in Herkimer and Montgomery counties. Funding is available to private, public, and nonprofit owners of National Register listed historic properties and properties that contribute to a listed historic district.
Up to a total of $712,000 is available for grant awards. Interested parties may apply for between $50,000 and $100,000. A 25% cash match of the total project cost is required. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through October 31, 2024.
The Mohawk Valley Historic Revitalization Grant Program is supported in part by the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
| |
|
Online Information Session
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 10am
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend.
| |
Lockport's Memorial Tree Garden by Gerri Jones | |
|
Accessible Recreation Forum
APRIL 10 >> 10:30am
MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Strive to make the Erie Canalway a place where everyone feels welcome and included. Hosted by the NYS Canal Corporation, this forum provides a perfect opportunity meet and learn from experienced leaders already implementing accessible opportunities along the NYS Canal System. Following the discussion, vendors will be on hand to showcase adaptable equipment, funding opportunities, and information about how to help make the Canals accessible for all.
REGISTER >
| |
Adaptive paddling on the Erie Canal | |
Mark Your Calendar!
The NYS Canal System opens on Friday, May 17, 2024 (weather permitting).
| |
New Sculpture Shows BUF Pride
Check out the new BUF sign at Canalside in Buffalo, funded in part by a grant from Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The sign’s bright colors and prime location are perfect reasons to venture out in any season to snap a selfie and explore the Buffalo waterfront.
VISIT CANALSIDE >
| |
The new BUF sculpture at Canalside | |
|
Trail Towns Announced
Parks & Trails New York–in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation–named the City of Little Falls, City of Amsterdam, Village of Schuylerville, and Town of Fort Edward as the newest members of PTNY’s Trail Town program. Now entering its third year, the program guides communities to identify opportunities and capitalize on their location on the Empire State Trail.
TRAIL TOWNS >
| |
Riverlink Park, Amsterdam | |
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief Ready to Launch
The Buffalo Maritime Center invites you to join the celebration on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00am, as the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief enters the water at the Buffalo’s Commercial Slip—the historic terminus of the Erie Canal. Accompanied by a pipes and drums band, officials, community members, and canal enthusiasts will inaugurate the boat, marking the beginning of a new era and signaling the commencement of the Canalside summer season. This is a FREE, family-friendly public event.
BUFFALO MARITIME CENTER >
| |
Seneca Chief, courtesy Buffalo Maritime Center | |
Boater Safety Course Offered
Attention boaters, marinas, and visitor centers: Spread the word that New York boaters are required to complete an online safety course in compliance with Brianna’s Law by January 1, 2025. The BoatUS Foundation offers New York boaters the only free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course that meets Brianna’s Law requirements and improves on-water safety.
BOATING COURSE>
| |
|
UPCOMING CONFERENCES & EVENTS | |
|
Erie Canalway Commission and Heritage Fund Board Quarterly Meeting
April 24, 10am-12pm, virtual via TEAMS
Contact Lena Phillips to attend and receive the link.
| |
| |
Your Support Matters!
Help to ensure that New York's canals are preserved, celebrated, and vibrant for all. Donate today to the nonprofit Erie Canalway Heritage Fund. Our work is made possible thanks to the generous and ongoing support of the National Park Service, NYS Canal Corporation, NYS Agencies, foundations, corporations, and people like you.
DONATE
| |
| | | |
