From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed May 6 10:11:44 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 10:11:44 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] May 6 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4A016260.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery May 6, 2009 Eating Locally 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) Eating Locally Do you know where your food comes from? In New York, much of our food comes from different parts of the country or world with warmer climates, where plants and fruits can be grown all year. But how many different types of food that you eat are produced right here in New York and maybe even in your own community? A number of livestock farms throughout the state provide beef, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey to grocery stores. Specialty New York farms sell elk meat and venison. Milk and cheese are made at dairy farms throughout upstate New York, and apples and grapes grow well in our colder climate. Many local farms provide fruits and vegetables to local farmers' markets or sell directly from the farm. Food that is grown locally is fresher and healthier. When you buy food grown locally, you are also supporting your community farmers. So this spring and summer, find a farm or market near you and go shopping, or if the farm allows, pick your own! For a list of farms and markets in your area, visit the Local Harvest website. 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 Dig In! Want to get started growing your own vegetable garden? Here are a few things that you have to do before you start: ?Choose an area of your yard that gets six or more hours of direct sunlight. ?Make sure that the area is near a hose or water spigot. ?Level your site so that the water doesn't run off before it is absorbed into the ground. Remove any weeds and/or rocks. ?Make sure that the soil has worms and organic matter like dead leaves to help provide nutrients to your plants. If there aren't any worms, you can always add some! ?Buy some seeds for your favorite vegetables and follow the planting directions on the seed packet. One, Two, Three A traditional Native American method of planting is called the "three sisters"?corn, beans and pumpkins?and is a great way to create a garden "fort". First build a mound of soil about a foot high and between 18 inches and 3 feet in diameter. To plant the corn, soak about seven corn seeds overnight and then plant them six inches apart in the center of the mound. A week or two later, soak and then plant six pole bean seeds in a circle about six inches away from the corn. Plant the pumpkin or squash seeds next to the mound, about a foot away from the beans. As your vegetables grow, you will have to thin out the seedlings so that you have three corn plants, four bean plants and one pumpkin/squash plant. The beans will grow around the corn for support, and the pumpkins will shade the soil. Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps! 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) Birdwalk Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 AM The woods will ring with morning birdsong as we look and listen for springtime?s migrant songbirds, including scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks. Talkin' Turkey Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM Wild turkey courtship and mating is in full swing this season. Come and learn about wild turkeys and why they were Ben Franklin's choice for our national symbol. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#May) Tivoli Bays Visitors Center(http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/33037.html) Going Buggy! Wednesday, May 6 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Search for all the creepy, crawly underworld creatures that are underneath your feet. Slithering Snakes! Wednesday, May 13 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Snakes are slithering over to the Visitor Center! Come see and touch some of the beautiful snakes of the estuary. Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Outdoors After School Every Thursday from February 26 to June 18 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM A nature walk for grade-school children and their caregivers. Each week will feature a different theme and habitat. Cheep Thrills Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM Come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on an auditory tour of the grounds as we engage in "sound science" at the height of the annual spring migration. Birding for Kids Saturday, May 9, 2:00 PM Birds at the feeder and beyond: concepts in bird anatomy, behavior, identification and conservation. Parent and child must accompany each other. Register by Wednesday, May 6. Frogwatch, USA Friday, May 15, 7:00 PM We'll monitor our amphibian population by listening for their calls. Bring flashlights. No nets, please. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#May) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Call 518-456-0655 to register for the following events. Leapers, Peepers and Creepers Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Have you ever wondered what creatures utter the peeps, chirps and trills so familiar to spring evenings in the Pine Bush? Since rainy weather makes for good amphibian observing, the walk will not be cancelled in the event of rain. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://www.albanypinebush.org/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=5&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Call 518-582-2000 to register for the following events. Take a Child Outside Week: Down by the Water's Edge Thursday, May 7 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians?everyone loves the water's edge. Bring your old sneakers and wear old pants since we might get wet. Take a Child Outside Week: Nature's Treasure Chest Friday, May 8 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM Using found objects, we will make a basket or box to keep the treasures you find in the woods. Take a Child Outside Week: Scavenger Hunt Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Enjoy the outdoors with your family on the trails. Stop by the front desk to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Call 518-327-3000 to register for the following events. Evening Habitat Hike Friday, May 8 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Experience the sights and sounds of several different habitats such as marsh, stream and forest. DEC Summer Camp Open House Saturday, May 9 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Looking for something for your teenager to do this summer? Come learn about DEC's week-long environmental education camps. Take a Child Outside Week: Family Fun Hike Saturday, May 9 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM We will explore the marsh for frogs, look for snakes and salamanders, make some bark rubbings and roast marshmallows. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Wildflowers at Cush Hill Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM What better way to spend time than walking through the woods, enjoying spring's beauty? Salamanders at Cush Hill Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 AM Explore the rocks, logs and crevices of Cush Hill while searching for salamanders. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#May) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Full Flower Moon Walk Friday, May 8 at 8:00 PM Enjoy a walk at the time of year when flowers bloom during the day and the moon is in bloom at night. Early Bird Walk Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 AM The early birder catches the early birds! Search for spring migrants in the morning. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults and children age 8 and older only. Sounds of Spring Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 PM Listen for the creatures of the night while taking an evening walk in the woods. Birding for Beginners Saturday, May 16 at 9:30 AM Learn how to identify some common local birds and how to use binoculars properly. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults and children age 8 and older only. Evening Bird Walk Sunday, May 17 at 6:30 PM Discover which birds are active before dusk. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults and children age 8 and older only. Stories in the Woods Wednesday, May 20 at 1:00 PM Listen to a nature story, followed by a short walk in the woods. For children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#may) 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? 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: 6719 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed May 20 09:27:31 2009 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 09:27:31 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] May 20 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4A13CD03.D567.00BD.0@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery May 20, 2009 Turtles 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) Turtles Turtles are unmistakable in appearance. Their unique double-shelled armor distinguishes them from all other vertebrates. In New York State, there are 11 species of freshwater or land turtles, one species of saltwater/brackish water turtles and five species of sea turtles. Turtles are slow-growing, long-lived reptiles; most live for 40 to 70 years, but several species can live more than 100 years. In New York State, turtles nest from late May to early July, depositing eggs in areas of sand, gravel or even on lawns. Hatchlings emerge from the eggs in two or three months. Sea turtles, New York's largest turtles, live in the warm waters of oceans, bays and estuaries. They have streamlined bodies and flippers that aid them in swimming. Sea turtles spend the winters in warmer waters and return to New York's waters in late June, remaining until mid-November when they migrate south. DEC's website has more information about various turtle species, including sea turtles. Check out DEC's website for a slide show of other turtle images. 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 Watch Out! Are you a good predator? Are you a careful animal? Get three or more friends or family members together to play this version of tag. One person (the prey) closes his or her eyes and counts to twenty while the other players (the predators) hide. The predators must find their own individual hiding spaces where they can see the prey, but the prey cannot see them. Predators should try to find a spot where they blend into their surroundings, the same way turtles and other animals do. When the prey finishes counting, he or she can look in all directions, but cannot move about. If the prey spots a predator, the prey calls out the predator's name and the predator must come back to the starting spot. Blending In The patterns on a turtle's shell aren't just pretty?they are often a form of camouflage. To a fish swimming in a pond, a snapping turtle may look a lot like a rock, and the fish will soon become lunch. The patterns make it difficult for the prey to spot the turtle. Learn some other animal hiding tricks to help you spy any wildlife on your next trip outdoors: ?Blending in - Birds see in color, while mammals can tell if your clothing is light or dark compared to the background. Make sure that you are wearing subtle colors that won't contrast with your surroundings. ?Undercover - Animals hide from predators under bushes, trees and rocks. Drape a tarp over a low branch and sit quietly underneath it to see what animals come near. ?Scent - Mammals have an excellent sense of smell. When you choose your spot, make sure that the wind is blowing away from the direction that you are watching. Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps! Read Conservationist for Kids (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/40248.html) for more information and activities! Back to top Upcoming DEC Events Free Fishing Clinics Throughout New York State (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html) Try the lifelong sport of fishing at one of these events. You don't need a fishing license to attend, and many sites have loaner rods available. If you would like to purchase a fishing license to fish throughout the season, visit DEC's website. Monroe County Intergenerational Fishing Derby Thursday, May 21 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Held at Powder Mill Park, Pittsford. Call the Monroe County Youth Bureau at 585-753-6463 to register. Wyoming County Free Learn-to-Fish Family Picnic Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Held at Letchworth State Park Trout Pond at the Trailside Lodge. Call 585-493-3600 to register. Westchester County Family Fishing Day Sunday, May 24 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Held at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Call 914-631-1470 ext. 10 to register. Rensselaer County Family Fishing Clinic Saturday, May 30 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Held at Grafton Lakes State Park. Call 518-402-8891 to register. Hudson Valley Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html) Eels of the Hudson Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 PM Learn about the life cycle and habits of eels, which are mysteriously declining throughout their range. Garlic Mustard Pull Saturday, May 30 at 2:00 PM Garlic mustard is a non-native, invasive plant that is taking over many areas, including parts of Stony Kill's trailsides. Come help remove this plant while learning the secrets of how to best eliminate it from your own backyard. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#June) Tivoli Bays Visitors Center(http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/33037.html) Discovering Water Bugs! Wednesday, May 20 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Ever wonder what's below the mud and muck? See firsthand all the amazing creatures that spend their lives under the water! Exciting Eels on the Hudson River! Wednesday, May 27 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Swimming to an estuary near you! Come see eels in their different stages before their amazing transformation back into the salty seas! Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Outdoors After School Every Thursday from February 26 to June 18 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM A nature walk for grade-school children and their caregivers. Each week will feature a different theme and habitat. Project Budburst Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM Your reports as citizen scientists can help track the changes in the seasons. Come and learn how. World Turtle Day Saturday, May 23, 2:00 PM Come and meet some captive turtles, then go for a walk to see Five Rivers' wild turtles. Flowers Afield Saturday, May 30, 2:00 PM A walk to search out the flowers of spring. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#June) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Designed for Darkness Saturday, May 23 from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM This night hike will offer a glimpse into the adaptations of bats to the nocturnal world. Fee: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Lupine Festival Saturday, May 30 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Outdoor fun for the whole family! No registration required. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=5&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Birds of Prey Saturday, May 23 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) Sensory Walk Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM During this experiment, we will experience the trail without the sense of sight, walking the Barnum Brook Trail blindfolded. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Children's Program: Ladybugs Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 AM Be a ladybug detective and assist with Cornell University's Lost Ladybug Project. Canoe/Kayak Leland Pond Saturday, May 30 from 8:30 AM to Noon This lovely pond is home to abundant plant and animal life. $5 fee per paddler. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Equipment provided or bring your own. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#June) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Ancient Forests Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 AM Explore the diversity and richness of mature forests on this guided walk. For adults and children age 8 and older only. Invaders! Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 AM Reinstein Woods has been invaded by aliens...plants that is. Learn more about them on this informative walk. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#june) 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... Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 61277 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 4222 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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