Governor Hochul announces Watkins Glen State Park's camping season to open early on May 8-10, 2026, to coincide with the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend.

Long Island's Holtsville Ecology Center is closing due to budget issues and allegations of animal neglect, despite being a popular educational resource for nearly 50 years.

The Town of Oyster Bay named a park after Omer Neutra, a fallen soldier and Plainview native, featuring a basketball court honoring his love for the sport.

Bank of America Winter Village opens at Bryant Park on October 24, offering ice skating, shopping, and dining.

NY4P's Daffodil Project in NYC distributes bulbs and seeds for citywide planting, honoring 9/11 victims and advocating for park funding.

A study highlights the decline of horseshoe crab populations in Long Island Sound, attributing the decrease to climate change, habitat loss, and overharvesting, with a yearly decline of 2-9%.

A proposed 72-story tower near Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn is raising concerns over potential shadows and local infrastructure strain, sparking debate amid the need for affordable housing.

Governor Hochul has unveiled the renovated Whelan Park in Malverne, featuring a $6.3 million upgrade for recreation and resilience against storms and flooding.

An alligator was found abandoned in a Long Island pond, prompting concerns over illegal exotic pet disposal and ecosystems' safety. Authorities captured and are caring for the reptile.

A horse-drawn carriage incident in Central Park, where a horse ran loose, leads to safety concerns and debates about the future of the carriage industry.

Central Park playgrounds are being overrun by bold rats that forage through strollers and approach people, causing unease among parents and children, despite a citywide decrease in rat sightings.

Central Park's "Furever Tree," a pet memorial, was removed due to damage from environmental stress and decorations, with new memorial options considered.

New York City beaches reopened after Hurricane Erin, but officials warn of persistent high rip current risks. Lifeguards are on duty, and some areas remain closed for safety.