Headed out on the trails this summer? Check out Hike Smart NY. By properly preparing for your adventure, you can minimize risk and safety concerns, ensuring all in your group have a memorable outing.

Carry the 10 hiking essentials in a day back on all hikes for a safe and enjoyable experience: 

• Navigation: Pack a map and compass and know how to use them. A GPS system can also be helpful.  

• Insulation/rain gear: Even in summer, bring some warm layers, especially if heading to higher elevations in the Adirondacks and Catskills. Weather conditions change quickly, so always having a rain jacket in your pack will keep you ready for rain.  

• Light source: Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries. Cell phones are not a reliable light source as batteries do not last in case of an emergency. 

• First aid supplies: Pack the essentials and bring backups of any medications you require.  

• Emergency kit: This can include a multi-tool, duct tape, signal mirror, and whistle.  

• Fire: Matches in a waterproof container, lighter, and fire starters.  

• Nutrition: Bring high protein and high calorie items and stop frequently to snack. 

• Water: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and bring a filtration device. If you anticipate running low on water while still on your hike, plan to filter at the next reliable water source. 

• Sun & insect protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, bug repellant, and bug net can all help keep you comfortable in the sunny and buggy summer conditions.  

• Emergency shelter: An emergency space blanket, bivy, or tarp can make all the difference if you have to spend an unplanned night in the woods.  

For specific information on the regions of the state, visit Adirondack Backcountry, Catskill Backcountry, or Great Summer Hikes.

Open Urban and Community Forestry Grants

Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Round 17 – Tree Inventories and Management Plans

$10 million in funding is now available through Round 17 of DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Grant Program. Of the $10 million dollars available for this round of grants, $3 million is set aside for communities with populations of 65,000 or less. Maximum grant awards are limited to $2.5 million, and minimum awards are of $50,000. 

Applications are due 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Those wishing to apply must first register in SFS. Not-for-profits must also prequalify before the application deadline. Funding for this grant opportunity is provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

For complete information on eligibility, application questions, grant requirements, and scoring criteria, applicants should review the UCF Round 17 Request for Applications (RFA).

Questions about the Round 17 of the UCF grant program can be emailed to urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov. Include “UCF Round 17” in the subject line of the email. Questions regarding this grant opportunity will be accepted by DEC until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. All questions and answers will be uploaded in the Grants Management System for all applicants to view on a weekly or biweekly basis.

DEC hosted a free webinar on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to provide information and answer questions about this funding opportunity.