From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Feb 11 09:46:52 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:46:52 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] February 11 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <49929E8C.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery February 11, 2009 Bird Watching Family Fun Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center Capital Region - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Commission Discovery Center Adirondacks - Adirondack Park Agency Visitors Interpretive Centers at Newcomb and Paul Smiths Central New York - Rogers Environmental Education Center Western New York - Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center Subscribe to Outdoor Discovery or change your subscription options (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/decoutdoordiscovery) Bird Watching Birds can be found almost anywhere?from forests and fields to city parks and suburban neighborhoods. People who take time to see and enjoy birds are called bird-watchers. Becoming a bird-watcher is free, easy and a quickly growing past time. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that more than 70 million people in this country watch birds for enjoyment. If you want to attract birds to your yard, put out some bird feeders with various types of seed (seed preferences vary from species to species), or simply scatter some seed on the ground. If you live in an area where bears are a problem, make sure to remove the bird seed so that you don't attract these unwanted visitors. When you watch the birds that come to your backyard feast, look for the following things: ?What shape is the bird? Is it plump or slender? How big is it? ?Are its wings pointed or rounded when it is in flight? ?Is it alone or in a flock? ?Is its beak small and fine or short and stout? ?What color is it? Does it have specific markings like stripes or patterns (called field marks)? Keep a list of the birds you see, on what days and their characteristics, and take photos of them if you have a camera available. Binoculars (if you have them) and a field guide (you can borrow one from the library) are great tools to help you identify the species of birds. Send us an e-mail and tell us what you think about Outdoor Discovery. Check out DEC's website for additional photos. Let your friends know about Outdoor Discovery - forward this e-mail! Back to top Family Fun Great Backyard Bird Count Join people from throughout the country this February 13-16 for The Great Backyard Bird Count?an annual four-day event to count the birds that are seen in North America. Anyone can participate, whether you know a lot about birds or just like to watch them at your feeders. All you need is a notebook and as little as 15 minutes a day to keep track of the number and species of birds that you count. Visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website for information. Bird Scavenger Hunt If you watch birds in your backyard, you probably see the same species over and over again, especially in winter. Head out to a nearby park, field or woods with a pair of binoculars (and bring an adult along) to expand your bird sightings. Try this "bird scavenger hunt" on your outing. Look for: ?A brown bird ?A colorful bird ?A bird's nest ?A bird hidden in some bushes or brush ?A bird with long tail feathers ?A bird that is calling or singing ?A bird hunting for food Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps! Check out Conservationist for Kids (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/40248.html) for more information and activities! Back to top Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html) Winter Wildlife Tracks and Traces Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM Hunt for evidence of animals that are active in winter. Call 845-831-8780, ext. 300 to register. Valentine?s Day Hike Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 PM Search the wooded trails to find signs of native wild animals that are beginning their courtship, mating, and nesting seasons. Barking up the Wrong Tree? Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM Find out how to recognize trees without their leaves, using bark, twig and bud characteristics. Guided Nature Walks 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM every Saturday - Meet at the Manor House Explore the trails and habitats at Stony Kill. Family-friendly hikes will be on snowshoes if there is enough snow cover. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#february) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Come Give a Howl! Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM Howling is the way coyotes communicate with each other. Come listen for their haunting songs. Great Backyard Bird Count Saturday, February 14 at 9:00 AM We?ll count the birds at our feeding station and show how you, too, can help track the number and distribution of winter birds. Skunks: Woodskitties! Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 PM Phew! Stinky? Sure...but also much more. Join us for a talk and short hike in skunk habitat. Science on Vacation Tuesday, February 17 or Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 AM Learn about water quality by getting wet and soapy and creating bubbles. Suitable for all ages. Call 518-475-0291 by February 18 to preregister. Beginning Birding Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 AM With just a bird guide and a pair of binoculars, anyone can get started on this fascinating hobby. Bring your own, or borrow some of ours. Learn to Snowshoe Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM Join us for a beginner?s outing, and see how easy it is to break that cabin fever. Call 518-475-0291 by February 18 to reserve snowshoes. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#February) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Advance registration required. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Crafty Corner Tuesday, February 17 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Get inspired by the beauty of the Pine Bush! Drop in between 1pm and 2:30pm to design your own, "one of a kind" Pine Bush creation! CSI Pine Bush: Critter Scene Investigation Wednesday, February 18 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Do you have what it takes to be on a team of nature investigators, solving Pine Bush mysteries by examining evidence? More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=2&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Adults must attend and participate in the following programs with their children. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Winter Art Thursday, February 19 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Create winter art, snow paintings, ice ornaments, snowflake crafts, or build a snowman. Cost: $3/ family, free for Adirondack Park Institute members. Winter Tracking Saturday, February 21 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Who has four toes on the front foot and five on the back? What does it mean when the birds are all low in the trees? For adults and children ages 12 years or older. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Advance registration required. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Tracking on the Trails Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM The winter woods provide a wonderful canvas for revealing the stories in the snow. Join the fun as we follow tracks on the trails. Snowshoes and S'mores Saturday, February 21 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM After spending some time snowshoeing on the trails, relax by a campfire and make a s'more to enjoy. Donations are accepted for s'more materials. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Cross Country Ski Whaupaunaucau State Forest Saturday, February 14 from 9:00 AM to Noon - meet at the Rogers Center main parking lot Bring your cross country skis and warm clothes and join us for an outing along the trails of Whaupaunaucau State Forest. Call to register: 607-674-4017. Maple Sugaring Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 AM - meet at the Rogers Center main parking lot How do you turn the sweet sap of the sugar maple tree into a yummy syrup? Wear boots and dress for the outdoors. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#February) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Programs are free for Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve members. After School Escape Thursday, February 12 and 19 at 4:00 PM Enjoy a fun outdoor experience to encourage children grades K-5 and their caregivers to play and interact with the natural world. No registration required. Winter Birding Saturday, February 14 at 10:30 AM Take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count and enjoy a walk as we discover which birds stay around during the winter season. Cross-Country Ski Tour Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 PM Take a guided tour of our trails on skis. Bring your own skis or rent a pair (limited sizes). Ski rental of $2/pair. Six-legged Snowshoe Walk Tuesday, February 17 at 2:00 PM Come and search for hidden insects in the woods. For adults and children age 6 and older only. Snowshoe rental of $2/pair. Snow Crafts Wednesday, February 18 at 10:30 AM Make a "cool" snowman thermometer and learn fun winter facts. For children ages 8 to 10. Materials fee of $2/child. Family Movie Night Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Bring a pillow or blanket and wear your comfy clothes to watch "Hoot" (PG), about a group of kids who fight to protect the habitat of burrowing owls. Snowshoe Walk Friday, February 20 at 10:00 AM Got cabin fever? Bring the kids outside for an energetic walk. Snowshoe rental of $2/pair. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#february) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State Visit DEC's website for more information and programs Back to top This email was sent by: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233 We respect your right to privacy - view our policy (http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/27720.html). Having problems viewing this newsletter? View it on the DEC website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/43355.html). To unsubscribe (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/decoutdoordiscovery) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 61277 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 7033 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Feb 25 09:06:50 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:06:50 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] February 25 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <49A50A2A.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery February 25, 2009 Weather Family Fun Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center Capital Region - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center Adirondacks - Adirondack Park Agency Visitors Interpretive Centers at Newcomb and Paul Smiths Central New York - Rogers Environmental Education Center Western New York - Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center Subscribe to Outdoor Discovery or change your subscription options (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/decoutdoordiscovery) Understanding the Weather Everyone likes to talk about the weather, but how much do we really understand about what is going on outside? Here are a few quick facts to learn so that next time someone asks about the weather you can impress them with your meteorological knowledge: What is wind? Winds begin with a difference in air pressures. Air pressure that's higher in one place sets up a force that pushes the air toward another place where pressure is lower, causing wind. The greater the difference in pressures, the stronger the wind. The way the sun warms the Earth plays a part in the movement of air as well. Sunshine heats things up at different rates. In general land heats up and cools off faster than water. As land heats up, the air above it rises and is replaced by slightly cooler air at the surface. Under light wind conditions, wind will flow from water to land during the day. How does rain form? Evaporation of water from oceans, lakes and streams supplies water vapor to the air. This water vapor is needed for rain, sleet and snow. When air is warm, the water molecules in it move at very high speeds and don't bump into one another. When air cools, its water molecules slow down, bump together and become attached to one another, forming droplets of water. Millions of these tiny water droplets collide together in clouds to form larger ones, until, eventually, they become too heavy and fall out of the clouds as rain. How does snow formed? When the temperature in the atmosphere is below freezing, the water vapor in clouds forms ice crystals instead of water droplets. The ice crystals form around tiny bits of dirt that have been carried up into the air by the wind. As the ice crystals grow, they become heavier and fall to Earth as snowflakes. How do winter storms form? Winter storms occur when two air masses of different temperatures and moisture levels meet. This usually occurs when a mass of cold, dry air moving south clashes with a mass of warm, moist air moving north. In this clash of air masses, called a front, one air mass has to be shoved out of the way, which is the cause for the dramatic weather changes we refer to as storms. Send us an e-mail and tell us what you think about Outdoor Discovery. Let your friends know about Outdoor Discovery - forward this e-mail! Back to top Family Fun Build a Rain Gauge How do meteorologists know how much rain falls in a particular area? By using a rain gauge, of course! To build your own backyard rain gauge, find a glass jar with a wide-mouth (like a mason jar or peanut butter jar). Place a ruler inside the jar and tape it in place. When you know it is going to rain, place your jar in an flat, open area with nothing overhead. After the rain stops, bring your jar in and look at the ruler to see how much rain fell. Make sure to record your measurements soon after the rain ends before any of the water in your jar evaporates! Keep a record of how much rain falls in a month. Make a Thunderstorm Thunderstorms occur mostly during the spring and summer when warm and cold air masses meet. To make your own thunderstorm, get a clear plastic shoe box-size container, red food coloring, ice cubes made with water dyed blue, some drawing paper and red and blue colored pencils. Fill the container two-thirds full with warm water (room temperature is good). Let the water sit until it is still, about 30 seconds. Disturbing the water as little as possible, float a blue ice cube at one end of the container and put two drops of red food coloring at the opposite end. Now watch what happens to the red and blue food coloring, and draw the results on the paper using the colored pencils. What happened? Did the cold water (blue) sink while the warmer water (red) rose? What happened in the water is just like what happens in the atmosphere each time thunderclouds build. In a thunderstorm, a strong updraft of warm moist air forms and is lifted into the atmosphere by an approaching cold front. As the air rises, its moisture cools, condenses and falls to the ground as a sudden rainstorm. Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps! Check out Conservationist for Kids (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/40248.html) for more information and activities! Back to top Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html) Bluebird Bonanza Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 PM Get ready to welcome our state bird back with your own bluebird nest box kit. Guided Nature Walks 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM every Saturday - meet at the Manor House Explore the trails and habitats at Stony Kill. Family-friendly hikes will be on snowshoes if there is enough snow cover. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#february) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Outdoors After School 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM every Thursday- February 26 to June 18 A nature walk for grade school children and their caregivers. Each week will feature a different theme and habitat. Owl Prowl Friday, February 27 at 7:00 PM Join us for a night walk to listen for these feathered predators of the night, then warm up indoors and learn about New York?s native owl species. All Things After Dark Saturday, February 28 at 12:30 PM (activities) and 6:30 PM (night walk) All are invited to this day and night of workshops and hands on learning about constellations, night critters and telescopes. Costs: Members are free/Non-members - $3.00/children under 12 accompanied by a parent - free/pizza dinner - $3.50 per person. Call 518-475-0291 to register. Paws to Reflect Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM An outdoor study of winter wildlife ecology, using animal tracks as "stepping-off" points. Dr. Seuss Celebration Saturday, March 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Join our Read Across America Day jive, as the late Dr. Seuss would have turned 105. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#February) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Cunning Coyotes Friday, March 6 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Did you ever hear a coyote howl? Join us for a walk as we try to elicit the howls of one of the smartest, most elusive animals in the Pine Bush. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, light colored long pants and bring drinking water. Snowshoe Adventure Sunday, March 8 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a great local place to try this sport out! Snowshoes are provided. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=2&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Winter Fire, Eats ?n? Tales Saturday, February 28 at 12:30 PM Join us for a lunch-time campfire program in the snow. Roast a hot dog and toast a marshmallow. Call 518-582-2000 by February 25 to register. Cost: $3/person, $1/person for Adirondack Park Institute members. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Tracking on the Trails Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM The winter woods provide a wonderful canvas for revealing the stories in the snow. Join the fun as we follow tracks on the trails. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Advance registration is required: Call 607-674-4017. Hike Cush Hill Saturday, February 28 at 10:00 AM Hike Cush Hill and enjoy what the winter season has to offer while learning fun facts about winter ecology. If there is enough snow, we will snowshoe. Bluebird Nest Box Building Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 AM Cavities needed for nesting bluebirds are missing in action. Create a box to put up for the bluebird to use. $10.00 for each box you take home. Signs of Spring Walk Saturdays during the spring at 1:30 PM Look for plants coming out of winter dormancy, migratory birds returning to the area, and other signs of spring. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#December) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Almost the End of Winter Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 AM As snow starts to melt and the ponds slowly break free from a frozen hold, we will look for signs of rebirth in The Woods. Cross-Country Ski Tour Sunday, March 1 at 2:00 PM Bring your own skis or rent a pair and glide through The Woods on a guided tour. Ski rental: $2/pair; free for Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve members. Summer Adventure Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 PM Learn about Camp Rushford, a week-long DEC environmental education camp for kids 12-14 years old. For parents and children who will be age 12 to 14 by June 30, 2009. Family Snowshoe Walk Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 AM Winter is almost over; join us for the final snowshoe walk of the season. Snowshoe rental: $2/pair; free for Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve members. Basic Human Survival Skills Saturday, March 7 at 1:30 PM Learn what to include in a outdoor survival pack and basic shelter-building skills. Be prepared to get dirty. This program is for adults and children age 12 and older. Full Crow Moon Walk Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 PM Enjoy a walk in The Woods by the glow of the full moon. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#february) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State Visit DEC's website for more information and programs Back to top This email was sent by: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233 We respect your right to privacy - view our policy (http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/27720.html). Having problems viewing this newsletter? View it on the DEC website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/43355.html). To unsubscribe (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/decoutdoordiscovery) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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