New York State Parks is at a pivotal point to engage in innovative opportunities that seek to enhance college curriculum, provide hands on experience and facilitate the way the agency can maintain, enhance, preserve, and protect its rich natural and cultural resources. The pilot collegiate FORCES program was launched in 2008 in the Central NY State Park Region under the Natural Resource Stewardshi
p and Environmental Interpretation Initiative working with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). To date, more than 900 students have participated in FORCES through a wide range and array of significant projects. SUNY ESF, Wells College, Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta, Le Moyne College, and SUNY Geneseo have college-sanctioned FORCES clubs on their campuses. These partnerships have provided gateways for several classes of students to discover Central and Finger Lakes Regions’ State Parks. Several of these students have gone on to internship, work-study or employment with the agency from their involvement with FORCES. While FORCES continues to evolve, the program and name is defined by the following elements:
Friends
Students and community members seeking new and interesting experiences, with a willingness to help improve their local parks and historic sites, through projects and programs they can feel good about. Recreation
This “force” contributes to patron education on different forms of and ways to recreate; improvement projects; and maintenance that enhance hiking, sporting activities in NYS Parks, including golf,
swimming, baseball/softball, mountain biking, skiing, playgrounds, etc. Conservation
This “force” focuses efforts on conserving and protecting the rich heritage and culture found in
NYS historic sites and unique areas. Activities could include archiving, historical research, program
creation, guiding historical tours, staffing museums and libraries, and participating in capital
improvement projects at historic sites. Environmental Stewardship
This “force” directly involves environmental projects and education that benefit the parks, including invasive species management, plant and wildlife protection, water quality assessment, litter pickups, and trail improvements. In addition, park staff can utilize FORCES vast knowledge and professional expertise for biology and ecology in regard to designing and implementing environmental education programs and events. Through the FORCES program, State Parks staff are working to establish relationships with college-sanctioned clubs or other student-led organizations through which students participate in a variety of projects within State Parks. Student involvement can range from one-day events, semester/summer long internships, to long-term projects suitable for capstone projects or thesis level work that include improvements to recreation facilities and historic sites, trail rehabilitation, protection and restoration of natural resources, and environmental education. These Natural Resource Stewardship projects support and enhance park visitors’ experiences, strengthen college academic programs, and forge personal life-long connections with these students to NYS Parks. In addition, students learn organizational, leadership, and communication skills that they will be able to apply in their personal and professional lives. Once organized, the FORCES students assist State Parks staff to recruit and collaborate with other interested colleges, volunteers, organizations, and
community groups. The FORCES program provides students with endless opportunities for personal growth and involvement in their community through service projects and outreach.
• Gain valuable resume experience- network with current New York State employees and develop personal life-long connections to New York State Parks.
• Further academic programs- FORCES provides students with outdoor classrooms, research opportunities, and the chance to gain invaluable experience for future endeavors!
• Earn meaningful volunteer hours
• Protect the surrounding natural communities
Student volunteers themselves, with guidance and oversight by State Park staff, will sustain and enhance FORCES projects by promoting the project within the community; recruiting and training new volunteers, providing educational and outreach programs; and celebrating the overall success of the project. By formalizing relationships with academic institutions, agencies, organizations and individuals, the FORCES Program will create successful, long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships to assist State Parks in maintaining the quality of service it has achieved through the years, and that park patrons have come to enjoy.
