The evolution of Empire State Outdoors from concept to reality took many years. Originally conceived nearly a decade ago, the first pilot program was filmed and screened in 1999 for environmental organizations, sportsman's groups, and others. The screenings generated rave reviews . Early viewers embraced ESO's unique approach as an informative, family-oriented TV show highlighting the State's resources and recreational opportunities. Positive public feedback, coupled with growing support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) helped Empire State Outdoors transition from a great idea into a great program.

In 2004, a creative and production team was formed to begin work on the show. The DEC partnered with the New York Network (NYN), a program of the State University of New York, to provide production management services, and Carr-Hughes Productions, an award-winning New York company with an excellent reputation for production planning, on-site videography, and program scripting. Carr-Hughes lists among its accomplishments the production of major, live sporting events, including Olympic coverage for NBC Sports. Dream Catcher Communications of Niskayuna, New York, a communications consulting firm, joined the team shortly thereafter, to steer ESO advertising, marketing and distribution efforts.

With its creative team in place, DEC began planning ESO video shoots all across the state, during all four seasons, to gather the raw material needed to create the multiple story segments that comprise each weekly episode. Among the dozens of features you'll see on Season 1 of ESO are stories on Back Country Camping, the Peregrine Falcons of Downtown Buffalo, New York City's Urban Forest, the Cooperstown Regatta, Snow Shoeing, Bluefish Fishing on South Bay, Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain, the Seth Green Research Vessel, Maple Syrup Making, the Karner Blue Butterfly of the Capital District, and a nature walk on Staten Island's Mount Loretto.

Would you like to plan a fun and memorable outing with family and friends? Be sure to watch Empire State Outdoors. It's your "natural resource" for tips, information, and great ideas for outdoor recreational opportunities!