For Release: Friday, October 29, 2004
DEC Recognizes National Disability Awareness Month
Festivities at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Highlight Efforts
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced festivities to be held Saturday, October 30, 2004 at DEC's Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in the Town of Delmar in recognition of National Disabilities Awareness Month. Events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, and will include exhibits, demonstrations, and guided walks designed for the benefit of people with disabilities.
"The outdoor resources and natural areas in New York State are some of the most unique and wonderful in the world," Commissioner Crotty said. "It's important that everyone is able to enjoy a full and rewarding outdoor experience and that access is readily available for people with disabilities. We will continue to expand access at areas across the State, like the Woodlot Trail we open today, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy our environment."
The event will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the newly renovated, accessible Woodlot Trail. The Woodlot Trail's new boardwalk incorporates the use of composite lumber made from recycled sawdust and plastic from recycled grocery bags. The accessible trail winds through a woodlot that contains a variety of tree and shrub species, including the sugar maple - the New York State tree.
Information will be available on DEC's program for access to public lands, including wheelchair accessible campsites, boat launches and fishing piers in the Adirondacks and Catskills. There will be demonstrations of various types of adaptive equipment such as hand cycles. Representatives from the Upstate Access Network will debut their interactive Accessibility Guide, which is a new Internet-based community resource for people with disabilities featuring information on recreational and social attractions, including health, fitness and sports programs, outdoor parks, sites and trails, as well as dining, entertainment and lodging opportunities.
Volunteers will provide guided walks on the Woodlot Trail and the Nature's Accessible Backyard Trail. Visitors can learn about the plants and animals that might bee seen in a shaded woodlot or learn how to create a wildlife garden. Trail guides are available in Braille, audio and large print format from the Visitors' Center. There is an accessible restroom building at the far end of the parking lot. Sign language interpretation will be available upon request by calling Carole Fraser at (518) 402-9428.
Directions to the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center are available by visiting DEC's website at Five Rivers Center or call (518) 475-0291.
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