New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

nature

Two New Wildlife Management Areas in Western NY

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Genesee River WMAThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the acquisition of more than 1,200 acres in two Western New York counties that led to the creation of the new Genesee River and Poverty Hill Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The parcels in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties preserve natural habitat essential for wildlife populations and provide new wildlife-related public recreation such as fishing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing. [Read more…] about Two New Wildlife Management Areas in Western NY

Waterfowl: The Common Merganser

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common merganser couple courtesy Wikimedia user Bengt NymanThe waterways of New York State that are a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts during the summer are also highly attractive to many forms of wildlife. While many creatures are often difficult to spot, others are regularly noticed by kayakers, canoeists, power boaters, and individuals simply sitting on a porch overlooking a busy lake, a quiet pond, or a back country river. Among those forms of animal life routinely seen, especially after the July Fourth weekend, are the mergansers, which thrive in most of the larger aquatic settings in New York. [Read more…] about Waterfowl: The Common Merganser

All About New York’s River Otters

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TOS_OtterOne summer day, I was relaxing on the bank of a secluded pond watching mallard ducks forage when a dark shape broke the stillness of the water. It was a North American river otter, swimming with its head and back emerging from the surface, sleek body over 2 feet long, tapered tail trailing behind. It dove beneath the surface without a splash. Seconds later, its round head emerged at the edge of the pond. We stared at each other. [Read more…] about All About New York’s River Otters

New York’s Garter Snakes: A Primer

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Eastern Garter Snake courtesy Wikimedia user Wilson44691It’s not uncommon to encounter a garter snake as summer weather become the norm. In New York State there are two species of garter snakes, the eastern or common garter snake, and the ribbon snake. Both are approximately a foot and a half to two feet in length and have the same prominent yellow strip running down the entire length of their back from the base of their head. [Read more…] about New York’s Garter Snakes: A Primer

State Funding Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowships

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Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship ProgramNew York State has announced more than $9 million is available to establish the Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program to support scientists who have breakthrough innovations to contribute to building New York as a hub for carbon-to-value technology.

The new program is expected to provide technical expertise that bridges research and development with the commercialization of products, grow entrepreneurial training for scientists, expand the State’s innovation ecosystem, and accelerate economy-wide deep decarbonization. [Read more…] about State Funding Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowships

Science Behind Our Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Outbreak

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gypsy moth caterpillar by Karla SalpThis spring, there has been larger-than-usual gypsy moth populations and leaf damage in several parts of New York State. Gypsy moths are non-native but are naturalized, meaning they will always be around in our forests.

Their populations spike in numbers roughly every 10 to 15 years, but these outbreaks are usually ended by natural causes such as disease and predators. Because of this, the State typically does not manage them and does not provide funding for treating gypsy moths on private property. [Read more…] about Science Behind Our Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Outbreak

The Eastern Milksnake: A Primer

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TOS_MilksnakeWalking down my road on an early June afternoon several years ago, I spotted a snake attempting to cross into the underbrush. Covered in colorful splotches, it quickly slithered across the pavement and out of sight. I knew this wasn’t a gartersnake, a familiar visitor to my garden, and later identified the reptile as a milksnake. This was my first encounter with the species, and while I spotted another milk snake two years later, I might be hard-pressed to see one again. Milksnakes are secretive and largely nocturnal. [Read more…] about The Eastern Milksnake: A Primer