The Friends of Thacher State Park are leading a project to re-envision the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center through updated, interactive, and accessible exhibits featuring current and historic environments in the Park. More information can be found in Friends newsletters, editions November 2024 through May 2025 (posted on this site). Exciting progress has been made:
First, we are nearing the conclusion of the design phase of the project. Staff educators at the Nature Center, the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and members of the Friends have been collaborating with an external design team to create state-of-the-art exhibits. The next step will involve preparing bid documents for construction, which is projected to start later this year.
Second, through the generosity of Friends, community members, and local organizations, we have raised $327,000 to fund the project. This amount includes a recently announced $190,000 grant from Parks and Trails New York.
Friends of Thacher in the News
Friends of Thacher raises funds to update Nature Center, Altamont Enterprise, Jan. 19, 2026
Thacher Park has 300 Friends to fill the gaps, Albany Times Union, Nov. 16, 2025