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
nature
Earth Day 50: A Recent History Of Environmentalism
I came of age in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a turbulent time in American history; marked by the rise of the antiwar movement (Vietnam, nuclear weapons) and the expansion of movements promoting equality for groups of marginalized people including woman, African Americans, Native Americans, and the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning) community.
Many also consider the 60s and 70s to be the beginning of the modern American environmental movement; which is often portrayed as having started with the 1962 publication of Rachel Carson’s best-selling book, Silent Spring (thirty-one weeks on the New York Times best-seller list). The book described how the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides threatened both animals and human beings. [Read more…] about Earth Day 50: A Recent History Of Environmentalism
An Adk Lake’s Sufferings: High Salt Load, 22 Less Days of Ice
Mirror Lake, along which the Village of Lake Placid is spread, is no longer flowing like it should, and has been iced-over an average of 22 days less since the 1990s. High concentrations of road salt and climate change are considered the culprits.
The lake has apparently stop its natural mixing in the spring, a issue first documented in 2017. During February and March of 2019, the highest chloride concentrations documented so far were observed. [Read more…] about An Adk Lake’s Sufferings: High Salt Load, 22 Less Days of Ice
Accessible Recreation at Wildlife Management Areas
During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature is a great way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Scientific studies show that time outside in nature significantly reduces stress and anxiety; lowers blood pressure; improves mood, energy, and sleep; and boosts the immune system. Remember to #RecreateLocally. [Read more…] about Accessible Recreation at Wildlife Management Areas
Saltwater Wildlife: Harbor, Grey, and Harp Seals
Harbor, grey, and harp seals are commonly seen on many of New York’s saltwater beaches and estuaries at this time of year, and it is normal to see seals in large groups or alone on the beach.
Seal pups are also commonly seen alone on beaches when their mothers temporarily leave to hunt, or once they are fully weaned and foraging for the first time on their own. [Read more…] about Saltwater Wildlife: Harbor, Grey, and Harp Seals
Quarantine Pastimes: Tracking Spring Bird Migrations
Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This provides a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds.
Here’s a few resources to get you started: [Read more…] about Quarantine Pastimes: Tracking Spring Bird Migrations
NYS Archives Celebrating 50th Earth Day
In recognition of the 50th Earth Day on April 22nd, 2020, the New York State Archives is showcasing records that document the climate, pollution control and abatement, water supply management, and forest preservation and management in New York State. [Read more…] about NYS Archives Celebrating 50th Earth Day
#RecreateLocal: Leave No Trace Lessons for Kids
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
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