Milk was designated the official state beverage of New York in 1981 (and in 2014 yogurt was adopted as the official state snack). All State Foods & Beverages
New York is a leader in dairy production (it ranks third in the United States for the amount of milk produced). Agriculture is the backbone of Upstate New York economy, with dairy farming being the largest component.
The lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris) was designated the official state bush of New York state in 2006. New Hampshire also recognizes the lilac as a state symbol (lilac blossom is the state flower). All State Plants - State Flowers
New York's official state motto is simply one inspiring word; "Excelsior" (ever upward). The motto appears on the state coat of arms, which is featured on New York's state seal and state flag. All State Mottos
New York designated "I Love New York" by Steve Karmen as the official state song in 2009 ("I Love NY" was also adopted as the official state slogan in 2009). All State Songs
New York designated the slogan "I Love New York" as the official state slogan in 2009 ("I Love New York" by Steve Karmen was also adopted as the official state song in 2009). All New York Symbols
New York designated the bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) as the official state shell in 1988. All Aquatic Life Symbols
The "common snapping turtle" was adopted as the official state reptile of New York in 2006 (a more accurate adjective would be "impressive" or "intimidating"). All State Reptiles
The beaver (Castor canadensis) was adopted as the official state animal of New York in 1975 (Oregon also recognizes beaver as the state animal symbol). All State Mammals
Unique animals with flat tails and lustrous fur, beavers have the ability to dramatically change a landscape. Beavers prefer to dam streams in shallow valleys, turning much of the flooded area into wetlands (almost half of endangered and threatened species in North America rely on wetlands).
One of the first birds to return north each spring, the lovely eastern bluebird was designated the official state bird of New York in 1970 (the eastern bluebird is also the state bird of Missouri; Idaho and Nevada recognize the mountain bluebird). All State Birds
The rose was designated as the official state flower of New York in 1955 (a rose of any color or combination of colors). All State Flowers