The Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery will open its 2020 season with an online exhibit of photographs by Guild member Barry Lobdell. [Read more…] about The Color of Wind: Photographs by Barry Lobdell
nature
The Nurturing Nature of Spider Moms
This May, while we thank the human moms around us, I’ve been thinking about the many dedicated moms throughout nature, too. Nurturing mothers come in many unexpected shapes and sizes, including a few diminutive examples – like spider moms. [Read more…] about The Nurturing Nature of Spider Moms
Schenectady City Park Beast May Be A Snapper
On April 27 at 9:45 am, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers responded to reports of a possible alligator at Steinmetz Park in Schenectady.
The ECOs said they canvassed the park for signs of an alligator and found none. [Read more…] about Schenectady City Park Beast May Be A Snapper
Quarantine Pastimes: Go Fishing!
Getting out fishing is a great way to get fresh air and connect with nature.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning a fishing trip during our current health crises:
Animal Tails: The Tales They Tell
Anyone who has shared a home with a dog or a cat has learned something about the silent language of tails. Wild and domesticated animals may use tails for everything from communication to courtship, balance to locomotion, and defense to swatting flies.
Tails can range from short to long and be furry, feathered, or naked. [Read more…] about Animal Tails: The Tales They Tell
Fishers And Their Bad Reputation
Whenever the subject of fishers comes up, you hear they’re mean, nasty and vicious – a smaller wolverine with attitude. Fishers get a pretty bad rap, but when they do, there’s a great deal of projecting and anthropomorphizing going on.
Fishers aren’t mean or evil, and they don’t really eat many house cats at all. [Read more…] about Fishers And Their Bad Reputation
Tree Flowers Color the Hills
I love that time in spring when the hills around my house change from gray and brown to shades of yellow, green, and red. The trees have not yet leafed out, so what’s painting the forests these wonderful colors?
The answer: most of our northern hardwood trees are flowering. [Read more…] about Tree Flowers Color the Hills
Zoom A Lake Champlain Scientist Programs
The Lake Champlain Committee in partnership with Lake Champlain Sea Grant have announced their expanded line up of “Zoom a Scientist” programs.
The public can tune in virtually through Zoom every Tuesday and Friday from noon to 1 pm to learn more about Lake Champlain. [Read more…] about Zoom A Lake Champlain Scientist Programs
Beavers: Nature’s Architects and Engineers
Beavers are the great architects of American ponds and streams. The North American beaver competes with the Eurasian beaver to be the 2nd largest rodent in the world, after another semi-aquatic mammal, the South American Capybara.
The average weight of a beaver in New York State is 42 lbs, though 60 pounders are not that unusual. Beavers have an average body length of 2 and ½ feet to 3 feet, and a flat swimming rudder tail of 8 to 14 inches. The tail doubles as a warning device, used to loudly slap the water when predators, dogs or people are sighted. [Read more…] about Beavers: Nature’s Architects and Engineers
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Remains A Threat
One spring-like afternoon this winter, I was skiing near Middlebury, Vermont. The trail followed Otter Creek, weaving through cedar patches, hemlock groves, and past the occasional hardwood. It was one of those days where you can shed a few layers and still break a sweat when the sun spills through gaps in the canopy. [Read more…] about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Remains A Threat