New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Long Island

Cranberry Bogs of Long Island: Some History & Natural History

by 2 Comments

A Suffolk County Cranberry Bog in the early 20th century (courtesy Suffolk County HIstorical Society)Nearly everyone has enjoyed the several products derived from the fruit of the cranberry, but few people are familiar with the ecology of this interesting plant or the role it has played in many local economies and histories.

Today the cranberry industry is an important. part of the agricultural economy only in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. But many other parts of the country were at one time in­volved in cranberry production. [Read more…] about Cranberry Bogs of Long Island: Some History & Natural History

New Grant Program to Support Maritime Heritage

by Leave a Comment

Barcelona Lighthouse courtesy Chautauqua County Visitors BureauThe New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced almost $400,000 in federal grant awards from the National Maritime Heritage Program for maritime heritage education and preservation projects in New York State.

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $2 million in maritime heritage grants to fund 12 preservation projects in nine states, including two awards totaling $392,500 to State Parks. [Read more…] about New Grant Program to Support Maritime Heritage

New York State Makes Large Investment in Renewable Energy

by Leave a Comment

Solar Farm -Alternative Renewable EnergyNew York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced what she called the largest state investment in renewable energy in United States history.

The conditional awards include three offshore wind and 22 land-based renewable energy projects totaling 6.4 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power 2.6 million New York homes and deliver approximately 12 percent of New York’s electricity needs once completed. [Read more…] about New York State Makes Large Investment in Renewable Energy

Leadership Changes At Long Island Museums Stir Controversy, Confidence

by Leave a Comment

Nassau County Museum of Art in 2017The Nassau County Museum of Art has abruptly dismissed its Museum Director in a controversial move that is prompting calls for his reinstatement and the Southampton History Museum has announced a new Executive Director without controversy.

This is the second time in six years the Nassau County Museum suddenly and without warning replaced its Museum Director. [Read more…] about Leadership Changes At Long Island Museums Stir Controversy, Confidence

Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream

by Leave a Comment

Making Long IslandLarry Samuel is an author and historian whose book Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream (History Press, 2023) looks at the development of Long Island throughout the 20th Century. [Read more…] about Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream

12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail

by Leave a Comment

Broderick Park in the City of Buffalo (DEC Photo)Twelve new locations have been added to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 344 and provide a wide variety of quality birding experiences for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background. [Read more…] about 12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail

Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Loggerhead Turtle, NYC Pythons & Caged Whitetail Deer

by Leave a Comment

ECO Pansini wrangling 12-foot-long reticulated python seized from Battery Park in Manhattan in September 2023 (DEC Photo)In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors began serving to protect the natural resources of New York State. In 2022, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to more than 25,600 calls.

What follows are recently reported incidents involving wildlife rescues: [Read more…] about Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Loggerhead Turtle, NYC Pythons & Caged Whitetail Deer

Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Rattler, Owl, Eagle, Turtle & Rabid Fox

by 1 Comment

Timber rattlesnake discovered at auto shop in Steuben County in July 2023In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors began serving to protect the natural resources of New York State. In 2022, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to more than 25,600 calls. What follows are recently reported incidents involving wildlife rescues: [Read more…] about Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Rattler, Owl, Eagle, Turtle & Rabid Fox

Report Shark Sightings in New York

by Leave a Comment

shortfin maco shark DEC photoSharks that can be found in New York’s marine waters play an important role in the food chain by keeping populations of fish and marine life in check. Without sharks, a balanced ocean ecosystem can be disrupted and cause negative effects on the entire ocean food web. [Read more…] about Report Shark Sightings in New York