Job Opportunities
- New York Natural Heritage Program.
- SUNY ESF /OPRHP: Watercraft Inspection Steward Lead Steward, view flyer.
- Thousand Islands Land Trust
- Save the River
- Fort Drum is looking for a heavy equipment operator and invasive plant technician, email Crystal Wixon crystal.e.wixon.ctr@army.mil.
Funding Opportunities
Great Lakes Protection Fund Request for Preproposals
Deadline: March 18, 2026
The Great Lakes Protection Fund has opened its 2026 Request for Preproposals: A Call for People, Ideas, and Projects. The Fund anticipates investing approximately $4 million in new, team-based projects that design, test, and deploy innovative solutions to strengthen Great Lakes waters, communities, and the regional economy.
Priority Focus Areas
Alternative uses for less productive agricultural land
New operating models for high-water-use industries
Actionable pathways to address emerging contaminants
New York’s Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program
Deadline: March 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM
New York Sea Grant is accepting proposals for projects that advance the Great Lakes Action Agenda and align with a locally supported community plan to address environmental challenges in New York’s Great Lakes basin.
Key Requirements
- Projects must align with an approved local community plan (e.g., Watershed Management Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, etc.).
- Proposals must align with at least one Great Lakes Action Agenda goal and associated metric(s).
- Budget requests may not exceed $40,000 (no match required).
- All proposals must be submitted electronically, as a single PDF, through New York Sea Grant’s application portal. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Questions? Contact: Megan Cochran, Great Lakes Outreach Coordinator
(716) 270-2490 | mk2236@cornell.edu
- Deadline: April 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern
- Event Period: June 29 – July 12, 2026
- Full Project Period: June 1 – August 31, 2026
The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is seeking proposals to support in‑person outreach to recreational boaters during the annual Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz. Funding will expand participation at water access sites not historically included in past Blitz events.
Eligible Applicants
Units of government (Indigenous, state, local)
Lake associations
Conservation groups
Nonprofit organizations
Institutions of higher education
Informational Webinar
February 27, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern
Contact: Theresa Gruninger – GLC Project Manager ✉️ tgruninger@glc.org, 734-396-6073
Regenerate NY – Forestry Cost Share Grant Program (Round 5)
- Reserved Funding Deadline for Priority Applicants: March 10, 2026
- Final Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM (Grants awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.)
Round 5 of the Regenerate NY program supports private landowners in restoring and establishing forestland across New York State. A portion of funds is reserved for underserved landowners and priority projects until March 10.
Priority Applicants
Active or veteran military landowners
First‑time landowners (property owned < 10 years)
State or Federally recognized Indian Nations or Tribes
Priority Project Types
Restoring forests degraded by pests or disease
Large‑scale planting projects (> 5 acres)
Funding Details
Awards range from $10,000 to $1 million
10% match required
Some funding available upfront
Eligible activities include planting, habitat creation, thinning, invasive removal, and tree protection installation
Applicants must work with a forester or qualified natural resource professional
Open Space Conservation Grant Program (2026)
Deadline: April 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM
This program supports land acquisition projects that protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and expand equitable access to open space in New York State.
Eligible Applicants
Municipalities
Not‑for‑profit organizations
Indian Nations or Tribes
Funding
Minimum request: $50,000
Maximum request: $3,500,000
No match required
Eligible expenses include title reports, appraisals, surveys, environmental assessments, purchase price, some legal fees, and certain post‑closing site preparation costs
More Information & Webinar Recording: Available on DEC’s website
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