Refer to this page for legislation, news and upcoming events from NYS Legislative branches, the DEC and NYSCC. Remember, we need volunteers to sit on the HCC Federation committee. Our voice matters. If interested in volunteering, contact a director or club president or vice president for more information.
Department of Environmental conservation
For the latest news on recreation, Nature, Regulations, and Learning go to the link above.
DEC Outdoor Adventures
Education:
DEC has environmental education programs and resources that will help everyone become a better steward of the environment.
Caregiver Resources are available to parents, foster parents, grandparents, and other caregivers who now find themselves navigating remote learning from home. Educators can grab online lessons, online professional development opportunities, or just fun content to push out.
Educational Camps, Centers and Programs
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Four environmental education centers with trails open year-round and three regional programs in Long Island, New York City and Central New York
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The Hunter Education Program offers a variety of classes on hunting, bowhunting, trapping, and waterfowl identification
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The Naturalist Intern program - A 10-12 week paid internship at one of DEC's environmental education centers
Resources and Training for Teachers
Rounding Up Your Campground Reservations
Do you have a passion for camping and a desire to give back?
Now you can do both with Round Up Donations! Contributing to our DEC Campgrounds and Day Use Areas is as simple as booking your online camping reservation on Reserve America. Just pick your favorite campsite at one of our 52 campgrounds, and in the shopping cart, you will now have the opportunity to Round Up your total. Your generous donation will directly benefit the campgrounds you love. Even small donations make a big difference so book your 2023 camping reservation today and don't forget to Round Up!
Construction Begins on First Segment of Adirondack Rail Trail
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction for the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use recreational path between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. Once completed, the Adirondack Rail Trail will connect the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake and allow users to enjoy amenities in each community, while providing access to miles of trails, campsites, and waterways. Interpretive signage will be installed to help visitors learn more about the history of the railway, and surrounding communities, lands, and waters. The trail is expected to be completed in 2025.
Summer Camps: Colby, DeBruce, Rushford, and Pack Forest
Registration for the 2023 DEC Summer Camp season will opened in early 2023. Updates and changes can be found on the Camps main web page and on both DEC's Facebook and Summer Camps' Facebook pages.
Please contact EducationCamps@dec.ny.gov if you have any questions.