History, Natural History & the Arts
New York State is home to over two million acres of freshwater wetlands. Freshwater wetlands are lands typically covered with water, are very wet, but are not connected to the ocean or estuary.
Freshwater wetlands have many different names including bogs, swamps, marshes, vernal pools, potholes, and fens. May is American Wetlands Month. [Read more…] about May is American Wetlands Month
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the grand opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.
The Central-Finger Lakes segment includes 54 locations throughout 15 counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. [Read more…] about Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens
DEC recommends cleaning your bird feeders at this time of year.
Two diseases are commonly spread at bird feeders are Salmonellosis, which affects common redpolls, pine siskins, and other songbirds; and, Finch conjunctivitis which primarily infects house finches and American goldfinches. [Read more…] about Spring Chores: Sanitize Your Bird Feeder
According to a press release issued by DEC, on the early morning hours of April 21st, NYS Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Pabes responded to a report of multiple anglers keeping excess and undersized striped bass in the village of Great Neck, Long Island. [Read more…] about Spring Striped Bass Detail Nets Poachers
After a two-year hiatus, Champlain Area Trails (CATS) will present a shorter Grand Hike on May 14th that makes a 6-mile loop on CATS trails through the fields and forests of Westport on Lake Champlain and ends at the Ledge Hill Brewery where there will be a brew party featuring the Bionic Band from Saranac Lake and food from DaCy Meadow Farm. [Read more…] about Champlain Area Trails Hosting Grand Hike Saturday
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Respond to Missing Kids, Brush Fire, Wilderness Rescues
The NYS Canal System is scheduled to open on Friday, May 20th at 7 am for the 2022 navigation season.
Standard hours of operation will be 7 am to 5 pm until October 12th, but busier locks and lift bridges will be open on demand until 10 pm. If adjustments to the schedule are necessary, the public will be notified accordingly. There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year. [Read more…] about New York State Canal System Opens May 20th
Located about 50 miles north of Utica, the Otter Creek Horse Trails is one of the mot popular equestrian trail networks in the New York State.
Nearly 65-miles of interlocking trails are located on both the Independence River Wild Forest and on the Independence River and Otter Creek State Forests, on the western border of the Adirondack Park in Lewis County. [Read more…] about New Otter Creek Horse Trail Map
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2022 to trace history and track miles on the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail.
The free program invites participants to choose a personal mileage goal and then walk, run, cycle, or paddle to achieve it and receive recognition. [Read more…] about 2022 Canalway Challenge Kicks Off
Effective May 11th, 2022, the minimum size limit for whelk (sea snails) is 5½ inches shell length or 2¼ inches shell height for all marine waters of New York State except Long Island Sound Region (LIS). [Read more…] about New Whelk Regulations Effective May 11