LIVINGSTON COUNTY – New York State has awarded funds to an organization supporting Letchworth State Park among other state parks to cultivate volunteer recruitment and enhance public access and support recreational activities.

According to a press release from Senator Patrick Gallivan, the grants will attract more people to both Letchworth and Knox State Parks, both in Western New York.

“Our state parks are among the best in the nation and we are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who help support and promote these natural treasures,” said Gallivan. “This public-private partnership will attract more people to Letchworth, Knox Farm and other parks and historic sites across the state.”

Friends of Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, NY will receive $36,000 to complete the restoration and painting of their Main House. Friends of Letchworth State Park will receive $20,980 for materials and training to increase volunteer recruitment to better steward the park and its trails.

The local grants come with a battery of others from the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as well as the nonprofit group Parks & Trails New York, totaling $450,000 in state grants to 20 organizations across New York.

Doug Bassett, park naturalist and environmental educator at Letchworth State Park, highlights in his recent video interview with the GeneseeSun.com ways to get involved in the park. Bassett said that one could watch winter’s ice crash from the 70-foot high cliffs around the waterfalls during warm weather.