Governor Kathy Hochul today announced signature events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States will take place over the Memorial Day and July Fourth weekends at Jones Beach State Park.

The Herkimer County Fair Returns in 2026 2026 Fair Theme: “Celebrating America’s 250 Years!” August 18th–23rd • Frankfort, New York The Herkimer County Fair  is gearing up for another unforgettable summer celebration in Frankfort, New York . Running Tuesday, August 18 through Sunday, August 23, 2026 , this six-day community staple highlights the best of agricultural heritage, family entertainment, local talent, and classic fair fun under the theme “Celebrating America’s 250 Y

The Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, now home to DEC’s first-ever mini forest, also known as a pocket forest or Miyawaki forest. This hands-on, community-driven effort is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious 25 Million Trees Initiative, a statewide campaign to enhance green spaces, improve public health, and address the climate crisis.

On April 5, ECOs Berketis, Dickson, and Ruffle assisted DEC Fisheries and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) at the annual Spring Family Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park. Prior to the festival, DEC stocked Belmont Lake with nearly 1,000 brown and rainbow trout, giving the hundreds of festival attendees great opportunities to catch fish despite the mostly rainy conditions that day. ECOs patrolled the lake, assisted