The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, creators of the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, have shared a number of educational activities that teach responsible outdoor recreation to kids. [Read more…] about #RecreateLocal: Leave No Trace Lessons for Kids
nature
Missing Lynx Return to New England
In the northern forest, a big gray cat crouches silently in a dense thicket of fir along a snowshoe hare run. Its pointed ears, topped with long tufts of black hair, twitch as it listens intently. The cat’s face is framed by a fur ruff and its yellow-green eyes are alert for movement. Suddenly, the lynx pounces, killing its prey with one quick bite to the neck. As it pads away with the hare, the lynx’s broad furry paws act like snowshoes, supporting it in the deep snow. Its short tail is tipped with black. [Read more…] about Missing Lynx Return to New England
2019-20 Deer Hunting Statistics Released
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced hunters in New York killed an estimated 224,190 deer during the 2019-20 hunting seasons. [Read more…] about 2019-20 Deer Hunting Statistics Released
Singing Cardinals Defend Territories
Thump. Thud. Something was hitting our window! It was a bright red cardinal flying at his reflected image in the glass – which he perceived to be an intruder in his territory. The bird kept it up for an hour, until I covered the window. On other occasions that spring, this cardinal attacked his reflection at a different window and in the car’s side mirror. [Read more…] about Singing Cardinals Defend Territories
Covid-19 Impacting Maple Sugaring Season
As I start to write this, it’s raining and 50°F outside. Several days of above freezing nighttime temperatures are in the forecast, as well. It appears that the maple sugaring season is quickly coming to an end. Most of the producers that I’ve talked with are saying it’s been an average to good season. [Read more…] about Covid-19 Impacting Maple Sugaring Season
Invasive Species Awareness Week June 7-13
The State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets have announced that New York State’s seventh annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) will be held June 7-13. [Read more…] about Invasive Species Awareness Week June 7-13
Remembering Elk, Once A Northeast Native
Hundreds of years ago, haunting bugle-like calls echoed through these hills and valleys. The sounds were made by bull elk to attract mates and fend off rivals.
Elk in the Northeast? Yes, elk were once the most widely distributed of North American hoofed mammals. Millions roamed over much of the U.S. and Canada. Adaptable to a variety of habitats, elk were found in the Adirondacks, and in most ecosystems except the tundra, deserts, and the Gulf Coast. [Read more…] about Remembering Elk, Once A Northeast Native
Watch Out for Amphibians Crossing the Road
With the arrival of spring temperatures, amphibians have begun their annual migrations to woodland pools to breed. Often, they must cross roads to reach these pools.
In most of New York, this migration usually occurs on rainy nights in late March and early April, when the night air temperature is above 40F. When these conditions exist there can be explosive, “big night” migrations, with hundreds of amphibians on the move. [Read more…] about Watch Out for Amphibians Crossing the Road
State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
NYS DEC and State Parks are encouraging New Yorkers to engage in responsible recreation by recreating locally, practicing physical distancing, and using common sense to protect themselves and others.
Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State facilities are closed, most trails, parks, grounds, and forests are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. [Read more…] about State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
Environmental Conservation Police Reports
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Environmental Conservation Police Officers in New York State. [Read more…] about Environmental Conservation Police Reports