SHERBURNE - This spring, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center (Friends of Rogers) are teaming up on a significant trail restoration project at Rogers Environmental Education Center.

Local DEC Operations staff will lead the trail renovations while the Friends of Rogers will remodel and enhance the wildlife viewing platform.

This project is funded through a combination of the New York Works Infrastructure 10 Fund and a grant from the Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquaria (ZBGA) Capital Grant Program. Additional funding is provided by the Greater Norwich Foundation and the Roger Follett Foundation, who have invested generously in staff capacity at the Friends of Rogers for project administration.

ZBGA funds are made available through an appropriation from the New York State Budget and administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).

“With this project, we begin a new chapter of accessibility improvements at Rogers Environmental Education Center. Motivated by the desire to create inclusive spaces for people throughout the region, we will be transforming Channels Marsh Trail into an accessible pathway through nature, whether you’re on foot, in a wheelchair, or being pushed along in a stroller,” said David Carson, Executive Director for the Friends of Rogers.

The Channels Marsh Trail will be closed in several locations during the renovation project. Visitors are advised to enjoy other trails while improvements are implemented, including the Cush Hill Trails and Adams Farm Trails. Maps are available at the Visitors Center.

“Capital projects like these are exciting and inspiring for our entire region,” added Carson. “They remind our community and the communities throughout central New York that Rogers Environmental Education Center is a vibrant destination and wonderful model of non-profit and state partners working together.”

Community members interested in volunteering for affiliated trail maintenance projects are encouraged to reach out to the Friends of Rogers Community Engagement Coordinator, Gil Polk, by emailing gil@friendsofrogers.org.

Rogers Environmental Education Center is one of four DEC environmental education centers in New York State and is operated by the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center.

The Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center provides educational opportunities that excite, inspire, and motivate people of all ages to enjoy, understand, appreciate, and protect our natural environment.

- Information from Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center