Stewardship
Protecting Nature, and Preserving Our Region’s Natural Beauty.
Protecting and Preserving Our Natural Spaces
As outdoor areas face growing pressure, safeguarding them requires a balance of advocacy, conservation, and stewardship. While conservation addresses immediate threats, long-term stewardship is essential for tackling ongoing challenges like misuse, invasive species, and climate change.
The Trail Conference plays a vital role in preserving the beauty and ecological health of our region. With hikers, naturalists, and trail maintainers on the ground, we collect critical data, educate the public on responsible land use, and collaborate with scientists and land managers to protect these irreplaceable resources.
Trail Conference Ecology Programs
The first of its kind in the Northeast, this program utilizes specialized canines to sniff out invasive species, as well as rare, threatened, and endangered species throughout our region.
This Crew of seasonal Conservation Corps members protects precious terrestrial natural resources in the Lower Hudson region through strategic invasive species management.
With three ways to volunteer as a Surveyor, Restoration, or Habitat Helper Volunteer, you can help make a direct impact in protecting our region’s biodiversity and ecosystems!
Trail Conference Trail Steward Programs
The Catskill Summit Steward Program educates visitors in wilderness areas of the Catskill Forest Preserve on responsible recreation and conservation practices while protecting fragile summit ecosystems through on-the-ground engagement and guidance.
The Hudson Valley Trail Steward Program provides on-site education and assistance to visitors at trailheads and other front-country locations, promoting responsible recreation and environmental stewardship throughout the region’s most popular trails and parks.
Our Volunteer Trail Steward Program in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve engages volunteers to provide on-site education and guidance to hikers, promoting responsible trail use and environmental stewardship at popular destinations within the park.
The Lower Hudson PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) works to protect the region’s natural areas from invasive species through a coordinated effort of education, early detection, rapid response, and strategic planning. Hosted by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, the Lower Hudson PRISM mobilizes a dedicated network of volunteers and partners across 30 counties in New York.
Since 2013, the Trail Conference has led Lower Hudson PRISM’s efforts to effectively manage invasive species. Through volunteer recruitment, training, and collaboration with public and private entities, PRISM safeguards our region’s biodiversity and enhances the resilience of our natural landscapes.
Volunteer with Us!
Help protect our natural habitats by becoming an Ecology Volunteer with the Lower Hudson PRISM. We have several ways you can get involved:
- Surveyor Volunteers: Monitor and report invasive species.
- Restoration Volunteers: Work to protect our region’s biodiversity by removing invasive plants and promoting native species across parks in New York and New Jersey.
- Habitat Helpers: Assist in restoring native habitats through gardening and maintenance.
- Volunteer Trail Stewards: Help educate trail users about natural resource protection, trail safety, and Leave No Trace principles!
Together, we can protect our region’s biodiversity!
Get Involved!
Support Trails, Conservation & Stewardship
From building and maintaining trails to protecting natural landscapes and providing trusted trail information, the Trail Conference is dedicated to ensuring access to the outdoors for all. Your support helps sustain these efforts and empowers the next generation of trail stewards.