New York Almanack

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Nature

Catskill Park Sustainability Planning Process Launched

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Catskill Creek by Thomas ColeNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has created a new strategic planning initiative to promote the sustainable management of public use in the Catskill Park, in line with statements made by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in his State of the State earlier this year.

The Adirondack and Catskill Parks, which are composed of a combination of New York State Forest Preserve lands and private property, have witnessed a dramatic increase over the last 20 years of visitors which has strained facilities and management of the Parks. The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated the problem leading to another boost in visitors to even higher record levels. Overall, tourism in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are up 22 percent since 2011 according to the Governor’s office. [Read more…] about Catskill Park Sustainability Planning Process Launched

The Almanack Has Upgraded Our Daily Email Bulletin

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Since we began this site in 2008 folks have been signing up to receive our stories, in a single e-mail, once each day. Thousands of readers find it the easiest way to get all the stories from the New York Almanack (formerly known as The New York History Blog).

If you’re already signed up. Just keep an eye out for our e-mails – which are always headlined with “NY Almanack” – to be sure they haven’t slipped into the spam folder during the transition to our new e-mail format.

If you would like to subscribe to our daily e-mail visit https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/sign-up-for-email-updates/ — I will never share your e-mail.   [Read more…] about The Almanack Has Upgraded Our Daily Email Bulletin

That Late Season Moth: Fall Cankerworm

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Alsophila-pometaria-US-Forest-ServiceFrom the onset of November, periods of mild weather become fewer and further between; however, there are always occasions when hats and coats can be left in the closet, and the fire in the woodstove can be allowed to die out for a day or two.

It’s during such balmy spells when several species of hardy moths take to the air and can be seen after dusk fluttering around a porch light or a window next to a lamp. These small, drab gray insects are all closely related, belonging to the Geometridae family of animals, and are best typified by the fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria). [Read more…] about That Late Season Moth: Fall Cankerworm

Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes

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DEC's new spotted lanternfly look-alikes posterThe spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pesky invasive pest that feeds on lots of important New York plants, such as apple trees and hop vines.

With the recent finding of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Staten Island, it’s never been more important for people to be on the lookout for this invasive. Since SLF spreads primarily through human activity, we really can make a difference. [Read more…] about Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes

Champlain Watershed Explorer Challenge Designed For Kids

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Watershed Explorer Challenge booklet providedLake Champlain Sea Grant has invited students to become certified Watershed Explorers by completing a series of fun activities designed to teach them about watershed science and the Lake Champlain Basin. [Read more…] about Champlain Watershed Explorer Challenge Designed For Kids

Other Important Uses for Milkweed

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Common Milkweed Follicle courtesy Wikimedia user H ZellAfter the undulating clouds of blackbird flocks have left the scene, and the broad chevrons of geese have mostly disappeared over the horizon, another momentous fall event begins.

Yes, it’s time for one more native species to take to the air. The great milkweed migration is on. [Read more…] about Other Important Uses for Milkweed

Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations Installed in Wildlife Management Areas

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Motus receiver station at Lake Shore Marshes WMA by Todd AllegerJust in time for fall migration, all five Motus receiver stations on the Perch River, Upper and Lower Lakes, Three Rivers, Rome, and Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are up and running.

In August and September, the Northeast Motus Collaboration worked with DEC to install the stations, which join a growing network of Motus receiver stations that will help researchers better understand bird, bat, and insect movements and migration by remotely tracking tagged individuals as they move across the landscape. [Read more…] about Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations Installed in Wildlife Management Areas

Urticating Hairs: The Defense Hairy Caterpillars

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TOS_DaggerMothCatLast October, a young student in one of my nature journaling workshops pointed out a fuzzy yellow caterpillar with long black tufts.

“Those kind sting!” he declared. He was the third student that month to point out the same kind of caterpillar as stinging. I remembered being warned away from hairy caterpillars as a kid, but I’ve since picked up many – of various types – with no ill effect. I wondered, could the hairy-caterpillars-sting story be a myth? [Read more…] about Urticating Hairs: The Defense Hairy Caterpillars