WHAT WE DO.

Connecting People, Parks & History.

caterpillar - ft montgomery - fb pic.jpg — Conservation Science and Research

We fund research that emphasizes habitat restoration and protection of the diversity of plants and animals in our parks, like the Golden-winged Warbler.
See our current and past projects

Harper's weekly Print 1887.jpg — Historic Preservation

Our parks played a key role in the American Revolution. We help fund programming that immerses people of all ages in the history of our country at our nine historic sites.
See our events calendar for more information

Public Access and Recreation

We partner with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to provide safe and accessible opportunities for all to enjoy our Park’s 130,000 acres.
See current and past projects dedicated to increasing access for all.

Education and Engagement

We provide programs that connect kids with nature, encourage them to explore the outdoors, and teach them about American history through camps and hands-on family activities.
Check our events calendar for programs for families, special programming, summer camps, and more.

Welch in Office.jpg — Advocacy

We protect these special places from overdevelopment, climate impacts, and overuse so they will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Please support these efforts!

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OUR IMPACT.

George statue - GW HQs Poster.jpg — George’s Point of View

Preserving an historic treasure in Newburgh, NY
The Need: The Tower of Victory was damaged by hurricane winds in the 1950’s. This centennial monument was in need of repair, including a new roof.
What Happened Next: We launched the “Save the Tower” campaign to restore this important monument. Hundreds of contributors provided more than $1 million.
Our Outcome: Today you can visit the nation’s first historic site and enjoy amazing vistas from the Tower’s restored belvedere.

Refuge for Wildlife

Providing a safe home for vulnerable wildlife
The Need: Permanently injured and orphaned animals can’t survive in the wild on their own.
What Happened Next: The Trailside Zoo was created to provide a home and care for injured native critters, from opossum to raptors, reptiles and more.
Our Outcome: Zoo inhabitants live a good life and teach visitors about conservation.
What You Can Do: Make sure we have enough food and supplies to care for our furry (and not-so furry) friends. DONATE

Nature through a New Lens

Introducing youth to the wonders of nature
The Need: NYC homeless youth and those living in shelters rarely have the opportunity to experience nature.
What Happened Next: Every summer, 300 first-time campers from the Bronx and Harlem visit the Park’s Regional Nature Museums for a photography program on light, color, perspective and framing.
Our Outcome: Youth explore nature in a creative way. At the end of each program, photos are displayed at a gallery exhibit for all to appreciate.

Welch in Office.jpg — The Legacy of Major Welch

Giving the public access to this trailblazer’s archive
The Need: The Park houses more than 50,000 documents from Major Williams Addams Welch’s trail-blazing work in park development and management, which the birth of the National Parks system and the Appalachian Trail.
What Happened Next: To Welch and his work, the Commission and the Conservancy enlisted OSI’s McHenry Fellow Zachary Henderson to document Welch’s work.
Our Outcome: An online index organizing thousands of Welch papers and documents was created and is available for public use at www.nyheritage.org.
What You Can Do: This project is ongoing and welcomes volunteers and financial support. Email us at info@mypalisades.org to get involved.

warbler_audubon+society.jpg — Fine Feathered Friends

Bringing Golden-winged Warblers back to the Park
The Need: The Golden-winged Warbler population in the Park plummeted 93% in just 11 years.
What Happened Next: With foundation funding, the Conservancy worked with multiple partners, led by the Commission and Trailside Zoo staff, to monitor and protect the birds.
Our Outcome: To date, 90,000 acres were surveyed to identify nesting pairs. Focused efforts improved their nesting conditions and have helped improve breeding success.
What You Can Do: Much more work is needed to save this important species! To get involved email us at info@mypalisades.org.
Photo Credit: National Audubon Society

stony point staircase - partially finished.jpg — Stairway to a View

Restoring accessibility to a dramatic vista at Stony Point
The Need: The staircase that offered views northward was in need of repair, preventing visitor access.
What Happened Next: With support from the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the Conservancy purchased the supplies needed for the staircase repairs and helped support the NY State Excelsior Conservation Corp and Rockland Conservation & Service Corps in getting the work done.
Our Outcome: Visitors can once again experience wonderful views of the Hudson River from the site’s gazebo.

OUR HISTORY.

2001 - 2004

The Friends of the Palisades Interstate Park was established to help fundraise for PIPC’s parks and historic sites. A few years later, the group became the Palisades Parks Conservancy.

2008

The Conservancy banded with the environmental community and local residents to protect the Palisades Cliffs from development threats.

2012

PIPC and the Conservancy partnered to raise funds for a new roof for the Tower of Victory at Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh, thanks to the leadership of Barney McHenry and U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey.

2013

The first Rock the River Race was held, raising funds for the New Jersey section of the Palisades.

2017

The Conservancy’s 13 member Board of Directors hired its first formal Executive Director.

2018

A Strategic Plan was developed to outline a path forward that focused on creating strong conservation stewardship and a highly-engaged visitor experience.

Since 2012, we have raised

over $6 MILLION

for the Palisade Interstate Park system.

See our impact.

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THE PATH AHEAD.

Today, Palisades Interstate Park faces new challenges.

9 million annual visitors

enjoy the treasures of the Palisades Interstate Park system, and even more during COVID, requiring increased maintenance and communications.

49%2520KidsinBoat.jpg — 7,000 youth

experience the outdoors annually, many for the first time, through the Harriman Camps. The Regional Nature Museums provide environmental education for these youth, nearly half of whom are homeless or living in shelters.

Anthony%27s+Nose++From+Iona+Island.jpg — Climate change

impacts our Park’s ecosystem, and extreme weather has taken an increased toll on Park infrastructure.

Tower+of+Victory+in+fall+2004.jpg — Historic treasures

require investment and updating to inspire a new generation, especially as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday (or Semiquincentennial!) in 2026.

The Conservancy’s goal is to raise funds for the Palisades Interstate Park and to support the Park, its millions of annual visitors and the surrounding communities.

We need your help.

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