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nature

Microbial Ecology: Mind Control, Fecal Transplants & Zombie Laternflies

August 13, 2022 by Paul Hetzler Leave a Comment

Lifecycle of Toxoplasma gondii courtesy CDCIf you believe we’re the master of our actions, think again. Better yet, have a fungus, bacterium, or protozoan tell you what to think. Jedi mind tricks are nothing compared to what microbes can do to animals, human and otherwise. [Read more…] about Microbial Ecology: Mind Control, Fecal Transplants & Zombie Laternflies

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: insects, nature, pets, Public Health, Science, small mammals, Spotted Lanternfly, Wildlife

Loon Calls & Other Vocalizations

August 13, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

On the New Hampshire lake where I spend much of the summer, loon calls are so common that I sometimes take them for granted.

The sounds of the common loon (Gavia immer) are iconic of wilderness and have been described as haunting, plaintive, maniacal, other-worldly, even wolf-like. [Read more…] about Loon Calls & Other Vocalizations

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Nature Tagged With: birding, birds, loons, nature, Wildlife

NNY Wildlife Management Areas Opening August 16th

August 13, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Main open water marsh at Upper and Lower Lakes WMAThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the annual opening to the public of otherwise restricted Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties from Tuesday, August 16th, to Wednesday, August 31st.

During the 16-day open house, Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, including the posted refuge or wetland restricted areas, will be open to visitors each day from sunrise to sunset. Perch River WMA in Jefferson County will also be open to visitors with one exception-Perch Lake will be open daily from noon to sunset. [Read more…] about NNY Wildlife Management Areas Opening August 16th

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Nature, Recreation Tagged With: birding, DEC, Jefferson County, nature, Perch River WMA, St Lawrence County, Upper and Lower Lakes WMA, Wildlife, Wilson Hill WMA

Nearly $1M Awarded in Community Forest Conservation Grants

August 12, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Cunningham Community Forest in Chestertown, NY (courtesy Town of Chester)New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced more than $956,000 in awards to four towns in western and central New York and Long Island to establish community forests.

Protecting forests from potential development and establishing new forested areas helps preserve biodiversity and safeguard the ecosystem benefits forests provide, such as storm water mitigation, temperature regulation, carbon sequestration, and climate resiliency. In addition, community forests bring community benefits by creating new opportunities for public access and recreation. [Read more…] about Nearly $1M Awarded in Community Forest Conservation Grants

Filed Under: Mohawk Valley, New York City, Western NY Tagged With: Brookhaven, conservation, DEC, Grants, Lewiston, Monroe County, nature, Niagara County, Oneida County, Suffolk County, Webster, Whitestown, Wildlife

Skaneateles Lake Watershed Property Protected by Easement

August 12, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Casa Farms (provided by ryan walters)The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) have announced the permanent protection of 234 acres at Casa Farms in the town of Niles, Cayuga County, with a conservation easement.

[Read more…] about Skaneateles Lake Watershed Property Protected by Easement

Filed Under: Nature, Recreation, Western NY Tagged With: Bear Swamp State Forest, Carpenter Falls, Cayuga County, clean water, DEC, Easements, Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes Land Trust, nature, Niles, Skaneateles Lake, Syracuse, water quality

Orange County Man Ticketed After Killing Rattlesnake

August 10, 2022 by Editorial Staff 2 Comments

Seized rattlesnake head and rattleAccording to a press release issued by DEC, in July, Environmental Conservation Officers in Orange County, NY received a tip from the Woodbury Police Department about a rattlesnake found dead in a driveway with its head cut off and rattle missing. [Read more…] about Orange County Man Ticketed After Killing Rattlesnake

Filed Under: Hudson Valley - Catskills, Nature, New York City Tagged With: Crime and Justice, DEC, ECOs, nature, Orange County, snakes, Wildlife

Recreation Highlight: Lyon Mountain Fire Tower

August 10, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Lyon Mountain Fire TowerWith a rich history of mining, Lyon Mountain is a towering peak in the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest in Clinton County, NY.

The mining started in the 1860s and continued until 1967. It produced some of the purest iron ore in the world, and some of that ore was even used to build the Golden Gate Bridge. [Read more…] about Recreation Highlight: Lyon Mountain Fire Tower

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, History, Nature, Recreation Tagged With: Chazy Highlands Wild Forest, Clinton County, Fire Towers, hiking, Historic Preservation, Lyon Mountain, nature

Study Explores Forces Limiting Ranges of Mountain Birds

August 6, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Ornate Hawk-Eagle by Sergio Andrés Cuéllar Ramirez A new study helps reveal why tropical mountain birds occupy such narrow elevation ranges, a mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. While many assumed temperature was responsible for these limited distributions, the latest research suggests competition from other species plays a bigger role in shaping bird ranges. [Read more…] about Study Explores Forces Limiting Ranges of Mountain Birds

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: birding, birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, nature, Science, Wildlife

Wild Blueberries: A Primer

August 6, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

lowbush blueberry courtesy Wikimedia user Fungus GUy Among summer’s many sweet offerings are wild berries. And among these, blueberries are my favorite. Years ago, I took to carrying large, empty yogurt containers in my car – and smaller vessels in my backpack – so I would have something to fill should I pass a good berry patch. My children became used to my meandering travels along back roads and woods trails as I foraged opportunistically. [Read more…] about Wild Blueberries: A Primer

Filed Under: Food, Nature Tagged With: birds, Fruit, gardening, Native Plants, nature, small mammals, wild food, Wildlife

New Threat to Beech Trees Found In 35 NYS Counties

August 6, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

BLD advanced symptomsThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which affects all species of beech trees, has been identified in 35 counties in New York State to date.

DEC began tracking BLD in 2018 after it was confirmed in Chautauqua County. Fourteen of the counties with BLD were confirmed in 2022, and more are likely to be identified. [Read more…] about New Threat to Beech Trees Found In 35 NYS Counties

Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: DEC, Forestry, Invasive Species, nature, trees, Wildlife

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