Friends-to-Friends Workshops 

Parks & Trails New York regularly hosts workshops designed to support grassroots Friends groups through the sharing of best-practices, innovative programming and collaboration. Our workshops feature expert panelists ranging from professional consultants to other Friends group leaders, who share their insights on a variety of topics designed to increase the capacity and impact of grassroots organizations. Our workshops also provide opportunities for Friends to network and share resources.

PTNY's Friends-to-Friends workshop series - created in collaboration with the Friends Leadership Council and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - was designed to foster inspiration and collaboration through the sharing of best-practices on topics that lend themselves to the growth of individual groups.  


 MARCH 2025

"Wellness in the Parks"

A dynamic workshop on bringing health and wellness programming to your site. Learn about statewide initiatives that support mental and physical well-being, discover practical strategies to create impactful programs, and hear from fellow Friends on successful efforts. This is a great opportunity to gain new ideas, connect with peers, and explore ways to engage your community through wellness-focused initiatives. Get inspired and bring fresh programming to your park or historic site!

VIEW THE RECORDING

DOWNLOAD THE WELLNESS CHALLENGE TOOLKIT


DECEMBER 2024

"Marketing that Works for Friends"

Marketing is an ever-changing beast. Even the largest corporations struggle to keep up with the newest trends and may not realize the ineffectual ones until a hefty amount of time and money has already been invested. Many friends groups do not have the time, staff, or resources to stay up-to-date, nor do they have the budgets to break through the overwhelming amount of information out there.
 
 
 
 

Previous workshop topics include: 

  • Implicit Bias: Understanding Beliefs and Biases
  • Introduction to the New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition 
  • Programming Through the Lens of Contemporary Indigenous Knowledge and Culture
  • NYS Parks Centennial and Friends Groups
  • New York State Funding: Opportunities and Strategies
  • Yes, There Was Slavery in New York & It Was Common
  • Advancing Equity: How the “Connect Kids” and “Ladders to the Outdoors” Programs Expand Youth Access to Nature and History
  • Park Advocacy Day: The Importance of Making Our Voices Heard
  • Updating and Maximizing your MOA with State Parks
  • Engaging, Recruiting, and Retaining Volunteers: Best Practices 
  • The Natural Heritage Trust: What Is It and What Does it Mean for Friends? 
  • Cultivating and Strengthening Your Board 
  • The Power of Instagram: Using Instagram to Support Your Organization
  • Friends are the Future! What PTNY Can Offer Friends in 2022
View Workshop Recordings
Additional Resources from Workshops