The Passport Through Parks program invites Long Island residents to explore nearly 30 state parks through monthly guided hikes, part of a statewide wellness initiative offering low-cost outdoor activities.
The Passport Through Parks program encourages residents to stay active through a hiking series that highlights one park each month. The program is part of the New York State Parks’ Wellness Challenge and costs $4 per person per hike.
“We're promoting health and wellness in our parks, and we thought what better way to do that than through a monthly hiking series,” Environmental Educator Katie Schnepp told South Shore Press.
At their first event, participants receive a program passport and a sticker. Those who collect five stickers receive a free hat, and collecting 10 qualifies them for a raffle entry for free admission to Environmental Education programs the following year.
Schnepp said feedback has been positive, with even longtime residents discovering new parks.
“We frequently hear that people really appreciate that we’re helping them to explore all of the great state parks on Long Island," she said.
To make the hikes accessible, two guided options are offered each month: one for beginners and one for advanced hikers, as detailed on the program’s website.
Parks featured earlier this year included Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale, Hallock State Park Preserve in Riverhead, Hempstead Lake State Park in Plainview, and Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River.
The next scheduled hike will take place at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, a state historic park known for its flowering trees, gardens and greenhouse. Hikes are scheduled for June 7 and June 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In July, the series moves to Wildwood State Park in Riverhead on July 12 and July 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The park offers woodland camping for tent and RV enthusiasts and access to Long Island Sound, along with a picnic area and cottage rentals.
August will feature Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown on Aug. 2 and Aug. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Schnepp said the park’s 500 acres include a variety of habitats such as forest, marsh and pond, as well as a historic house. It also offers fly-fishing access to the Nissequogue River from April through October.
Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh will be the featured destination in September, with hikes scheduled for Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. One hike will begin at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center on the park’s west end, which includes exhibits on renewable energy and marine life.
October’s hike is set for Napeague State Park in Amagansett on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The park is near Heather Hills State Park and is primarily woodland, with limited development.
In November, Orient Beach State Park will host hikes on Nov. 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Nov. 30 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The park, a National Natural Landmark, offers opportunities for birdwatching on the North Fork.
The final hikes of the year will take place at Camp Hero State Park in Montauk on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The 754-acre site features wooded areas, beachfront access, and remnants of a historic military installation.