For forty years, the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) has worked with a variety of partners to advance numerous parks,
conservation, recreation, historic preservation and waterfront revitalization goals. Established by Chapter 653 of the Laws of 1968 as
a public benefit corporation of the State of New York, the NHT receives and manages gifts, grants and contributions to further public
programs in support of these activities.
The NHT works in close partnership with private groups and individuals, as well as government, particularly New York State. It
is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the
Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, the Secretary of State and the Chair of the State Council of Parks.
The NHT is tax exempt pursuant to Section 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and has been designated a 501(c)(3)
corporation. This, in conjunction with its innovative role in raising, managing, and disbursing public and private funds, has helped
place the NHT at the forefront of some of the State's most progressive parks, environment and community enhancement initiatives.
The NHT administers approximately 200 custodial accounts for account holders in each member agency and had assets totaling
over $22 million as of the close of its last fiscal year on March 31, 2007. These accounts have been established for particular
purposes and the NHT's involvement in the accounts is custodial in nature.
Board Members
- Carol Ash, Chair, Natural Heritage Trust Commissioner, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
, Secretary of State
- Pete Grannis, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
- Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D., Chair, State Council of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation