The BioBlitz was a huge success at both parks. At Taconic State Park, a total of at least 493 plants and animals and 12 significant natural communities was documented. This includes rare species such as the Violet Wood-sorrel (Oxalis violacea), the protected timber rattlesnake, and a female Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum). The results at Schodack were also impressive: 273 plants and animals and 4 significant natural communities were documented. A rare and threatened plant, Yellow Giant-hyssop (Agastache nepetoides, S2S3, G5) was discovered in the park. 

The Friends of Letchworth was one of 25 organizations from across the country selected to receive a Every Day Capacity Building Grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation. Over 160 organizations applied for this national grant sponsored by Toyota. The Friends received a $3,000 grant for office equipment, software and training to send e-newsletters, track and acknowledge donations, recruit volunteers, and manage membership and volunteer interests. Congratulations to the Friends!

Trains and horses and carousels, oh my!

The Friends of Midway have had a busy summer making progress on several projects in Chautauqua Lake's Midway State Park, one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation.

Following two seasons of restoration work, the park's beloved Chautauqua Choo-Choo returned to the park and is again circling the perimeter just as it has each summer for the past six decides. Then, in less than four weeks, the Friends were able to secure sponsors for all 30 of the 1946 Herschell Carousel horses so that they can add colors for saddles, tack, trim, accents, and manes and tails.

The Friends show no sign of slowing down; up next is a new train station for 2014.

Incentive to volunteer at Ganondagan  

How to increase volunteer engagement is a question all Friends groups grapple with. The Friends of Ganondagan are trying something new that may prove to be a model for other sites. The Friends have partnered with State Parks to provide a special opportunity for volunteers helping to remove the invasive Pale Swallow-Wort plant from the Historic Site. To encourage volunteers for this project, Ganondagan is offering those volunteering at least 20 hours before October 1 the opportunity for an overnight in its 17th-century bark longhouse replica, accompanied by a guest of their choosing. This is a rare opportunity for individuals and families as well as school groups or scout troops.

"Many kids we met at the Ganondagan's Dance and Music Festival were excited about the overnight because they had just finished a Native American unit in school," said Whitney Carleton, resident site aide from State Parks. "Providing this kind of a hands-on learning experience is a great incentive for such an important cause."

Ganondagan interpretive staff will supervise the overnight, facilitating traditional Native storytelling, teaching and playing Native games, and making s'mores on the fire outside the longhouse.