REI will conduct its Outdoor School programs at various state parks in New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island regions through a new partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“There is no better place than New York's state parks for outdoor recreation and exploration-our trails, waterways and campgrounds are nature's playground for countless recreational activities and our magnificent natural landscapes offer the inspiration to explore our natural surroundings and learn new outdoor skills,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “We are thrilled to partner with REI to offer our patrons an expanded schedule of outdoor recreation programs in our parks.”
The partnership permits REI to conduct its outdoor school programs at New York State parks starting in September. The classes will initially be held in five New York State parks in the Hudson Valley and Long Island regions, with the anticipation of additional parks and programs in the future. Programs include hiking, orienteering, and nature photography.
Outings will be led by REI Outdoor School Instructors and all gear is provided as part of the registration fee. Programs will be jointly promoted and offered seasonally.
“Whether teaching people to ride a bike or navigate a trail, REI is passionate about inspiring others to enjoy the outdoors through our educational classes and programs,” said Melissa Abramson, REI's Outdoor Programs and Outreach Manager. “Partnering with New York State Parks allows us to expand our programming to some of the area's most iconic outdoor places.”
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. A recent study commissioned by Parks & Trails New York found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs.
