Now is a great time to search for winter tracks or other animal signs visible in the snow. It can be fun to be a detective and figure out what animals have been walking through your yard or across a trail. [Read more…] about Look for Wildlife Tracks in Winter
Adirondack Moose Research Project Launched
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the start of a new moose research project in the Adirondack region. This winter, 14 moose were fitted with GPS collars as part of a multi-year project assessing moose health and population. [Read more…] about Adirondack Moose Research Project Launched
Jonathan Swift’s Oyster Test: Oysters, Sex and Culture
At least since Roman times oysters were associated with sex. The most obvious reason for this association is the oyster’s resemblance to the pudendum. Raw oyster was praised as an aphrodisiac. Giacomo Casanova boasted to have eaten fifty at breakfast together with a lady of his fancy.
European painters used oyster as a symbol of fertility and sexual pleasure. Aphrodite (Venus), the Goddess of love and lust, was blown over sea on an oyster shell landing at either Cythera of Cyprus (both islands were regarded by the Greeks as territories of Venus). In “The Birth of Venus” Botticelli painted her approaching the shore on a giant oyster (clam) shell. By then, the associations with female beauty and physical love were well established. [Read more…] about Jonathan Swift’s Oyster Test: Oysters, Sex and Culture
The Saratoga Electric Railway’s Battle With The D&H
Many are aware that one of the first steam railroads in the country was the Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad, which began regular service in 1832. The coming of the railroad provided a great boost to the growth of the resort town of Saratoga Springs.
Fewer may realize that sixty years later the resort and the surrounding communities benefited greatly by another transportation revolution, the electric railway. However, the beginning of the trolley age was not without its birth pains. [Read more…] about The Saratoga Electric Railway’s Battle With The D&H
Amsterdam’s Arts: Visual Artists, Actors & Singers
This week on The Historians Podcast, Jerry Snyder of Historic Amsterdam League has stories from a new booklet called Amsterdam’s Arts, focusing on visual artists, actors, singers and more with ties to Amsterdam, New York. [Read more…] about Amsterdam’s Arts: Visual Artists, Actors & Singers
Stories from the People of the Longhouse (Virtual Program)
Perry Ground has been a storyteller and educator for more than 25 years and uses vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, audience interaction, and an active stage presence to bring stories to life. In this webinar, Perry will recount traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends that have been told for hundreds of years and showcase the birds, beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people. [Read more…] about Stories from the People of the Longhouse (Virtual Program)
NYS Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide Available
In response to a dramatic increase in canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards on the NYS Canal System, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has published the New York State Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide.
The free guide shares best practices for communities, businesses, and organizations looking to install or improve hand-launch facilities for paddlers. [Read more…] about NYS Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide Available
Central NY’s Berry Hill Fire Tower is Now Open to Visitors
The New York State Department of Conservation has announced that the Berry Hill fire tower in the town of McDonough, Chenango County, is open for recreation after the completion of interior and exterior upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility.
Berry Hill is the only fire tower open for recreation on public lands in Central New York and is one of the highest points in Chenango County. [Read more…] about Central NY’s Berry Hill Fire Tower is Now Open to Visitors
DEC Names First Woman, Karen Przyklek, Director of Division of Law Enforcement
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos has named Captain Karen Przyklek as the Director of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement. Przyklek’s promotion follows a successful 26-year career with the Division during which she played a role investigating environmental crimes.
Pryzklek makes history as the division’s first female director. [Read more…] about DEC Names First Woman, Karen Przyklek, Director of Division of Law Enforcement
Forest Rangers Make Rescue at Kaaterskill Falls, Recover Body in the Adirondacks
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 Forest Rangers Make Rescue at Kaaterskill Falls, Recover Body in the Adirondacks