From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jul 1 12:50:02 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:50:02 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] Fwd: OD html code References: <4A38D6A7.DB71.00B0.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> <4A4B5AAC.6F80.002D.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4A4B5B7A.F578.005A.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> >>> Adam Baldwin 7/1/2009 12:46 PM >>> >>> Ellen Bidell 6/17/2009 11:42 AM >>> Adam Here you go, Thanks, Ellen Ellen Bidell Citizen Participation Specialist Publications and Internet/DPAE 518-408-5517 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jul 1 13:07:11 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:07:11 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] DEC Outdoor Discovery: July 1, 2009 In-Reply-To: <4A4B5AAC.6F80.002D.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> References: <4A38D6A7.DB71.00B0.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> <4A4B5AAC.6F80.002D.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4A4B5F7F.F578.005A.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery June 17, 2009 Spiders 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) Spiders Creepy and crawly, spiders are actually fascinating creatures that don't deserve that reputation. All spiders have eight legs, two body segments and no chewing mouthparts, antennae or wings, which separates them from insects. Spiders have hollow fangs which inject venom to immobilize or kill their prey. Most of their prey includes small insects or other spiders. Unable to swallow solid food, spiders use their chelicerae (pronounced ki-li-se-re) ?pointed appendages? to crush their prey. In New York's cold climate, spiders typically only live one year. Some species spend the winter as adults, while other species overwinter as eggs. DEC's website has more information about spiders (pdf-548Kb) in New York. 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 What a Tangled Web What is a spider web made of? All spiders produce silk?thin, incredibly strong, flexible protein strands. Sometimes the silk is sticky and used to catch prey. Most is non-sticky and used to cover egg sacs, construct parts of webs, wrap prey or make waterproof retreats. Morning is a great time to go searching for spiders webs. To get a better look at a spider orb web, find one that doesn't have a spider in it. An orb web is a wheel-shaped web with spokes radiating out from the center and used to catch flying insects. Along with an adult, spray the web lightly with hairspray three or four times, waiting for it to harden after each time. Get a piece of black construction paper and scissors. Cut the silk strands that are holding the web in place, and catch the web with the construction paper as it becomes loose. After the web is on the paper, spray it again so it sticks to the page. Now you can get an up-close and personal look at a spider web. Don't worry about the spider - it will quickly build another home. If you are lucky enough to find a web with a spider in it, toss an insect like a grasshopper or fly into the web and watch the spider wrap up the prey with big swaths of silk! Hiding Places Take a look at what is hiding in your lawn or a park near your home, right underneath your nose. Using a hula hoop or a wire hanger bent into a square, take a magnifying glass, notebook and pencil out into your yard. Throw the hula hoop or hanger into a spot on the grass. Then get down on all fours with your magnifying glass and search through the blades to find as many creatures as you can. You will probably find worms, beetles, spiders and moths. Jot down what you see in your notebook and then move on to another section of lawn. Try comparing shady grass with sunny grass to see if you find anything different. Visit DEC's Summer Edition of Green Living: 10 Things You Can Do to Help the Environment Right Now. Read 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) What's Buggin' You? Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM Insects play fascinating and important roles in our lives and in natural ecosystems. We'll use sweep nets in the meadow to find insects and take a closer look at them. Herbs Everywhere! Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 AM Learn how herbs have been used for centuries to season our food, heal our ills and more. Join us for a tour of Stony Kill's herb garden and a leisurely walk in search of wild herbs like baneberry, jewelweed and wild geranium in bloom along our forest trails. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#July) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Solstice Flowers Friday, June 19 at 7:00 PM Flowers that bloom around the summer solstice are steeped in ancient traditions and lore. On this evening walk, we will explore some of these blooms and their history. Home Schoolers Stream Study Wednesday, June 24 at 2:00 PM A stream science program designed for home schoolers. Come prepared to wade. Wonders of Wetlands Friday, June 26 at 7:00 PM Experience the rich diversity of wetlands, and listen for one of the first voices of summer, the bullfrog. Insects Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 AM A walk to find, catch and learn about the insects of the season. Materials fee: Friends of Five Rivers members - $1.00 per family. Non-members - $1.75 per family. Dragons and Damsels Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 PM A walk to observe and identify dragonflies and damselflies using binoculars and catch and release. Firefly Watch Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM Help us monitor fireflies and collect valuable data on firefly activity at Five Rivers. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#July) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Habitat Helpers Thursday, June 18 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Participate in the restoration of the endangered Pine Bush landscape and "help a habitat." 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=6&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Birds of Prey Saturday, June 27 at 1:00 PM Join us for a live raptor program featuring some of our non-releasable education birds. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Marsh Life Saturday, June 20 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Kids and adults can investigate the underwater life of Heron Marsh. We will use dip nets to collect some of the organisms in the marsh. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Evening Canoe/Kayak Ninemile Swamp Saturday, June 20 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Dusk is the perfect time to observe animals. It is also a lovely time of day to float along the diverse Ninemile Swamp. Equipment is provided or bring your own. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Cost: $5 per paddler, due at time of registration. Family Fishing Day Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 AM to Noon Spend a few hours catching and releasing fish at Rogers Center. Learn fun fish facts and observe aquatic insects. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#July) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Summer Solstice Walk Monday, June 22 at 8:00 PM Enjoy a walk at the time of year when warm nights and sunny days welcome summer. Ribbit, Slither, Croak! Saturday, June 27 at 10:30 AM Discover our local snakes, frogs and salamanders on this guided walk. Stroller Strut Wednesday, July 1 at 10:00 AM Bring your stroller or wagon and share a sensory exploration of nature with your young child. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#july) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State Visit DEC's website for more information and programs Subscribe to the Conservationist magazine? New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. 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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Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 5716 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jul 1 14:43:56 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:43:56 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] Fwd: July 1 Outdoor Discovery In-Reply-To: <4A49E622.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> References: <4A49E622.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4A4B762C.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery subscribers may have received two earlier emails in error from this address. Neither your email address nor your subscription have been compromised. We apologize for the inconvenience. The issue of DEC Outdoor Discovery contained in this email is the correct and current one. DEC Outdoor Discovery July 1, 2009 Camping 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) Camping The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation operates 52 public campgrounds throughout the Adirondack and the Catskill parks. Most campgrounds are open mid-May through Labor Day and many stay open through Columbus Day. The number of sites ranges from only a few dozen to more than three hundred, depending on the campground. Most can accommodate tents, campers and RVs, while several are only accessible by foot or boat and are for tent camping only. DEC campgrounds do not have water or electric hookups, but most have modern restrooms with showers. DEC campgrounds provide a wide variety of experiences, including island camping, tent and trailer camping, boat launching facilities, hiking trails, beaches and day use areas with picnic tables and grills. Take an affordable vacation close to home this year and book a trip to a DEC campground through Reserve America. You will create family memories that will last a lifetime. 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 Nature Recreation Program Nature programs are a strong part of the camping experience at some of DEC's forest preserve campgrounds. They offer organized, family-based activities on a daily basis during the summer season. A typical day in a campground with a Nature Recreation Program may begin with a nature hike or a canoe trip. Other activities may include fishing instruction, aquatic insect exploration, nature crafts, or environmental games. Other sessions may be related to outdoor skills like campfire cooking, orienteering, or low-impact camping. One might also find a spirited game of volleyball or kickball, with the evening filled with a slide show, nature video, local musician, or campfire stories. No matter how you look at it, the days are packed with fun things to do?and fun things to keep the kids occupied! Visit the DEC website for a listing of campgrounds that offer the Nature Recreation Program. Adventure Discovery and Junior Naturalist Many additional DEC campgrounds offer unstructured programs and activities that you can do as a family. Adventure Discovery Program - These activity packs were designed to help families and groups explore the wonders of nature around them without a DEC staff person to lead the discovery session. Junior Naturalist Program - The Junior Naturalist Program gives children the opportunity to test their environmental knowledge while teaching them more about New York State's environment. Children receive a patch once they complete a journal of activities. Read 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) Summer Wildflowers Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 AM Help us search for wildflowers in bloom as we take a leisurely ramble on one of our wooded trails. Open Barn Saturday, July 11 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Come meet the livestock up close. Trained staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions. Guided Nature Walks Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 PM Chirping birds, scenic landscapes and the comings and goings of animals that leave their tracks and traces behind all contribute to an exciting outdoor experience. Join a Stony Kill naturalist every Saturday afternoon as we explore Stony Kill. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#July) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) 12th Annual Butterfly Count Friday, July 3 at 2:00 PM Get a close-up look at common butterflies of the Capital District as we continue our annual catch-and-release census. Register by July 1. Hard to Swallow Tuesday, July 7 at 7:00 PM An outdoor walk to watch the evening feeding flights of swallows over the pond. A Dip (Net) in the Pond Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 AM An introduction to the variety of life in and around the pond. Stream Strolling Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 PM What better way to cool off than by walking in a stream? We will collect some of the myriad of life forms from the stream. Wear "water-friendly" footgear?no sandals or bare feet. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#July) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Discover the Pine Bush Sunday, July 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Come join us on a journey to discover the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a great example of an inland pine barrens. 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=7&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Night Hike Wednesdays, July 1 and 8 from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM Experience the sounds, sights and smells of the nocturnal world. You?ll discover fascinating adaptations used by night animals in order to survive. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Nature Craft Hour Thursdays, July 2 and 9 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Create a nature craft of your very own to take home. Cost: $2/family, free/Adirondack Park Institute members. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Barnum Pond Canoe Paddle Thursday, July 2 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Explore the bog and pond habitats by canoe. Canoes, paddles and PFDs will be provided. Cost; $3 adults/$1 kids, free/Adirondack Park Institute members. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Wetland Ecology Friday, July 3 from 10:00 AM to Noon Have you ever wondered what makes a wetland special? Call 518-327-3000 to register. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Flickering Fireflies Friday, July 3 at 8:30 PM Discover the incredible world of fireflies, find out what makes them twinkle and then head outside to see them up close. Summer Children's Series for ages 4 to 10 Explore: River Friday, July 3 from 10:30 AM to Noon We will wade into the river and investigate the aquatic creatures that live there. Bring your boots. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Explore: Pond Friday, July 10 from 10:30 AM to Noon Ponds are teeming with animal and plant life. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Hike Adams Farm Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 AM This is a great time of year to check out the fish, birds and blooms in the pond and along the trail at Adams Farm. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#July) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Full Buck Moon Walk Monday, July 7 at 8:00 PM Bring binoculars to view the moon and look for white-tailed deer bucks as they grow new antlers for the season. Stories in the Woods Thursday, July 9 at 10:30 AM Listen to a nature story, followed by a short walk in the woods. For children ages 4 to 5 and their caregivers. Summer Wildflowers Saturday, July 11 at 10:30 AM Search for the wildflowers of the summer season and learn their uses and folklore. Pond Life Wednesday, July 15 at 10:00 AM Dive into the world of aquatic organisms and see what is living in our ponds. For children ages 6 to 12; parent or guardian must attend. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#july) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State Visit DEC's website for more information and programs Subscribe to the Conservationist magazine? New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. 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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Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 6645 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jul 15 09:54:54 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:54:54 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] July 15 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4A5DA76E.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery July 15, 2009 Clean Air Family Fun Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center and Tivoli Bays Visitors 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) Clean Air Clean air is necessary to our health and the health of our planet. When harmful chemicals, particles or other matter are released into the atmosphere, the result is air pollution. Some air pollutants are produced from natural events, including lightning strikes, volcanoes and wildfires. However, human activities such as transportation, manufacturing and electrical production release large amounts of pollutants. Air pollution can harm human health, resulting in respiratory and cardiovascular problems, eye irritation and other diseases. Pollutant overload can also threaten plant and animal life and even erode building materials. What can you do to help clean up our air? Here are some simple steps you can take: ?Reduce your driving by making one trip for many errands ?Walk, bike or carpool instead of driving ?Conserve energy around your house by turning off appliances and lights when you aren't using them ?Don't smoke ?Plant trees ?Recycle newspapers, bottles, plastics and cans ?Choose products with minimal packaging 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 Rain, Rain, Go Away To find out what particles are in the air, place a clean jar in an open area just as it begins to rain. Leave the jar out during the first hour that it is raining. Using a rubber band, secure a clean coffee filter over the opening of the jar, and pour the rainwater into a second jar or bowl. Remove the coffee filter and turn it over to see what the rain washed out of the atmosphere. Use a magnifying class to examine the filter for particles of dirt and other pollutants. The Air We Breathe The air around our homes is filled with dust, dirt, soot and other floating material. In the previous experiment, you learned about finding the pollutants that you can see. But what about invisible gaseous pollutants? Try this experiment in several different locations (such as your backyard, a forest, a city) to test the air we breathe. Take a piece of cardboard and place three or four rubber bands around it and lay it in a shady location. Check the rubber bands every day. The faster they become brittle and snap, the more pollutants there are in the air. Ozone (a poisonous form of oxygen) is known to crack rubber products. The more ozone in the air, the faster the rubber bands will break. Note the different times it took for the rubber band to become brittle in each location that you tried the experiment. Read 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) Wild Fruits Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 AM What edible and non-edible wild fruits can we find growing along the paths and grounds of Stony Kill? Fireflies! Saturday, July 25 at 6:30 PM Make a firefly lantern and learn how fireflies use bioluminescence to find a mate or a meal. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#July) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Beaver Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 PM In summer, there's no such thing as an eager beaver. There are no seasonal floods to require dam repair, the kits are being weaned and there's plenty of food. Join us to monitor the summer activity of the beaver. Bats Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 PM Join us for an outdoor evening stroll to the Jones Barn where we will watch for bats emerging for their night of foraging. Home Tweet Home Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Join us for a nature walk with activities about bird nests of all shapes and sizes. Fun for the whole family. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Tuesday, July 21. Firefly Watch Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00 PM Remember catching fireflies as a kid? Join us for an evening walk to take a census of fireflies and learn about how we can help these magical beetles. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#July) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Family Summer Camp: Pine Bush Adventurers Thursdays, July 16 and 23 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Calling all kids!! Bring your favorite adult to this daytime summer camp to explore and learn about the great outdoors and the Albany Pine Bush. Suitable for children ages 7 ? 10 years. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Cost: $2.00/person per day. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=7&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Salamanders Tuesday, July 21 from 10:00 AM to Noon This summer our family programs feature reptiles and amphibians. Wear clothes that you can get dirty. Adults must attend and participate in the program with their children. Cost: $5/family, free/Adirondack Park Institute members. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Butterfly Crafts Saturday, July 18 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Be inspired by the beautiful butterflies and caterpillars in the Butterfly House and then come and craft your own winged wonder. Summer Wagon Ride Saturday, July 25 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM The Paul Smith?s College Draft Horse Club will have its draft horses hitched up to offer wagon rides to view the summer woods. Call 518-327-3000 to schedule a time and meeting location. Cost: $5/adult, $2/child, $3/Adirondack Park Institute members. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Summer Children's Series for ages 4 to 10 Explore: Field Friday, July 17 from 10:30 AM to Noon Crab spiders, monarch butterflies and snakes, oh my! We will get close to the ground to explore the many wonders of the field. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Explore: Forest Friday, July 24 from 10:30 AM to Noon Walk on the wild side with your eyes wide open as we visit the woods. How many creatures and features can you spot? Call 607-674-4017 to register. Canoe/Kayak Unadilla River Saturday, July 18 from 8:30 AM to Noon Join us for a paddle down the beautiful Unadilla River. Equipment provided or bring your own. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Cost: $5 per paddler due at registration. Kopac Trail Hike Saturday, July 25 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM The Kopac Trail passes through a conifer forest and by two ponds. Call 607-674-4017 to register. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#July) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Pond Life for Peewees Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 AM Dive into the world of aquatic organisms and see what is living in our ponds. For children ages 4 to 8; parent or guardian must attend. Insects of the Night Tuesday, July 21 at 8:30 PM We will attract moths and other insects using light and scent on this evening walk. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#july) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State Visit DEC's website for more information and programs Subscribe to the Conservationist magazine? New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. 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). 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Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 8042 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jul 29 11:48:00 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:48:00 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] July 29 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4A7036F0.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery July 29, 2009 Hiking Safely 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) Hiking Safely Mid-summer is a great time to explore the natural areas around your community or go for a day-long hike in the Adirondacks or Catskills with your family. Before you go, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Leave No Trace program offers these tips to hikers: Know Before You Go: Be prepared. Don't forget clothes to protect you from cold, heat or rain. Use maps to show where you will be going and learn about the areas you are going to visit. Make sure to tell someone where you are going. Choose the Right Path: Stay on the main trail to protect nature and don't wander off by yourself. Steer clear of flowers or small trees. Trash Your Trash: Pack it in, pack it out. Put all your litter?even crumbs?in trash cans or carry it home. Leave What You Find: Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so the next person can enjoy them. Be Careful with Fire: Use a camp stove for cooking. It's easier to cook on and clean up than a fire. Be sure it's okay to build a campfire in the area you are visiting. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Be Kind to Other Visitors: Make sure the fun you have in the outdoors does not bother anyone else. Visit DEC's website for more hiking safety tips. 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 Always Be Prepared You need more than just hiking boots and some energy bars before you head out into the woods on a hike, even if you are just planning a short trip. On a rainy afternoon, get together with your family, pack a backpack with some essentials and keep it handy for your next hike. Talk about why you think you need the following items: ?Map and compass ?Signal device such as a whistle or mirror ?Matches and lighter in a waterproof container ?Fire starters ?Water-purifying system ?High-energy, lightweight food like granola bars and nuts ?Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb ?Pocket knife ?Multi-tool ?Basic first-aid kit ?Toilet paper and a small trowel to dig a pit ?Emergency blanket ?Cord?about 50 feet of nylon parachute cord ?Lightweight, windproof/waterproof jacket and pants, along with appropriate footwear Check out DEC TV for more information about hiking essentials. Energy Boost Food for hiking should be easy to carry and not leave a big mess. If you want something different than the usual sandwiches, try these recipes: Hot Dogs - At home, fill a wide-mouthed thermos with hot water. Add a hot dog or two and seal the bottle. Put a bun in an air-tight baggie and your favorite toppings in small, reusable containers. Tacos - Pack hot, cooked ground meat in a wide-mouthed thermos. Fill a lunchbox or container with tortilla chips and sprinkle with grated cheese. You can bring along shredded lettuce or chopped tomatoes in separate containers if you like. Read 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) Summer at the Farm Pond Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM Discover the teeming, mysterious life of a pond and what goes on below the surface. Midsummer Night's Walk Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 PM Experience the forest at night the way nocturnal wildlife does, using senses other than sight to guide you. We'll use a sugar mixture to attract moths and call for owls. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#August) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Animal Open House Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM Come get up close and personal with some of the center's residents, and then head outdoors for a walk through the natural habitat of these animals. Ladybug Picnic Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 PM Bring your picnic blanket to sit on while we play games and make a ladybug craft you can take home. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Tuesday, July 28. Cost: $2 per family. Bats Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 PM Join us for an outdoor evening stroll to the Jones Barn, where we will watch for bats emerging for their night of foraging. Edible Geology Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 AM We will start indoors to see and touch examples of different types of rocks. Then we will make edible replicas and go on an outdoor rock hunt. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Thursday, August 6. Cost: $2 per family. Geology of the Vlomankill Saturday, August 8 at 2:00 PM On this walk down the Vlomankill Stream valley, we will be looking at unusual rock formations and get hands-on with specific rocks. Wear "water-friendly" footgear?no sandals or bare feet. Turtles in the Pond Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM Meet some live turtles up close, then go for a walk outside to search for them in the ponds around Five Rivers. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#August) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Family Summer Camp: Pine Bush Adventurers Thursday, August 6 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Calling all kids!! Bring your favorite adult to this daytime summer camp to explore and learn about the great outdoors and the Albany Pine Bush. Suitable for children ages 7 ? 10 years. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Cost: $2.00/person. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=8&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Frogs and Toads Tuesday, August 4 from 10:00 AM to Noon This summer, our family programs feature reptiles and amphibians. Wear clothes that you can get dirty. Adults must attend and participate in the program with their children. Cost: $5/family, free/Adirondack Park Institute members. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Adirondack Wildlife Festival Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Children?s activities, food, live bird demonstrations, wildlife walks, wildlife photography workshop, live music, wildlife exhibits, lectures, etc. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Dragonflies Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 AM These fast, colorful insects live right in your backyard and are a joy to watch. Learn about their lifecycle while observing them up close. Explore the Summit Trail Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 AM Enjoy a strenuous walk through a mixed deciduous forest. Possible sightings include signs of porcupine, turkey, deer and more. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#August) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Knee-High Naturalists Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM Enjoy a fun-filled hour of nature activities with your young child ages 3-5. Cost: $2.00 per child/free for Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve members. Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse Walk Thursday, August 6 at 8:00 PM Enjoy a walk along the trails as we view the full moon and learn about the penumbral lunar eclipse. Bring binoculars if you have them. Stroller Strut Tuesday, August 11 at 10:00 AM Bring your stroller and share a sensory exploration of nature with your young child. For children ages 3 and under and their caregivers. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#august) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State Visit DEC's website for more information and programs Subscribe to Conservationist magazine?New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. 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? 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