From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jan 13 08:54:25 2010 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:54:25 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] January 13 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4B4D8A41.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery January 13, 2010 Snow Loving Animals 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) Snow Loving Animals During the dead of winter, people keep their houses warm, cook comforting food and bundle up when they have to head outside. What about the animals that live in New York State all year long? How do they survive the snow and bitter cold? Winter Coats?Many animals like deer grow longer, thicker coats during the winter. A white-tailed deer's winter fur is thick. The deer's hollow hairs trap air inside, which helps insulate its body from the cold. Snowshoe hares have three layers of fur. The top layer turns white in the winter to help hide them in the snow. Squirrels use their bushy tails as blankets to cover themselves when they sleep. Food?It is hard for animals to find food in the winter. Deer feed on leaves, buds, young bark and twigs. They also dig through snow to find acorns. They eat a lot during the summer and fall to put on an extra layer of fat that will help keep them warm. Squirrels, mice and beavers gather extra food in the fall and store it to eat throughout the winter. Some animals have to change their diet completely during the winter. The red fox eats fruits and insects in the warm months but must live on a diet of rodents during the winter. Coyotes use their hearing to find animals like mice running in tunnels beneath the snow. They also eat dead animals they find. Shelter?Animals find shelter in holes in trees or logs, under rocks or leaves or underground. Mice build tunnels through the snow. Squirrels often keep warm by staying secure in their tree nests, where they are protected from wind and cold. Deer bed down in heavy thickets but have to keep moving to areas where food is available. In severe cold, they do not move much at all in order to save energy. 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! Subscribe to Conservationist magazine?New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. Back to top Family Fun Insect Hide and Seek Summertime is filled with insects buzzing and flying around. But where do insects go when the cold weather arrives? A few remain active during the winter; for example, honeybees are "semi-active" in hollow trees. They keep warm through the body heat of the other bees in the hive?and they eat lots of honey. Ants and termites can live through our cold winters by huddling together in underground colonies built below where the ground freezes. They eat food they stored during the warmer months. See if you can find any other insects that are active during the winter. Use a flashlight, and look into crevices in bark, under dead logs and piles of leaves, around windows, in attics, basements, garages or anyplace else where an insect may find shelter. Without disturbing what you find, look for active and hibernating adult insects or eggs. Circle of Life Animals and birds need several things in order to survive: food, water, shelter and space. These things combined are called a habitat, and any changes to an animal's habitat can have a negative effect. Try this game to learn about the importance of all four parts of a habitat. You will need at least six friends or family members to play this game. The first step is to write down on index cards some change to the environment. For example: lots of snow?animals can't move easily to find food; or a farmer sells his field for development, and no shelter, space or food is left. Brainstorm some additional ideas for habitat changes before you start the game. They may involve pollution, disease, predators or climate changes. One player will be a winter animal, and one will be the leader. Additional players are food, water, shelter or space. Players will stand in a circle holding hands, representing the animal's habitat. The leader remains outside the circle and selects a habitat change from the index cards. As the change is called out, each player must figure out if they are affected and leave the circle. Players return to the circle for the next habitat change. Which changes to the environment caused the most players to leave the circle and had the biggest effect on the animal? 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) Wilderness Survival Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Do you have the knowledge it takes to survive in the wilderness? Learn about survival techniques, animal tracking and other outdoor skills. Recommended for ages seven and older. Call 845-831-8780, ext. 300 to register. Cost: $20.00 per person?cash or check. Participants should bring a bag lunch and beverage. Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Saturday, January 23 at 2:00 PM Put on your snowshoes and warm thinking caps as we learn to identify native tree species by their unique bark. Please dress appropriately for the weather. If you don't have your own snowshoes, you may borrow a pair from Stony Kill. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#January) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Canids of New York Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 AM Learn about coyotes and foxes?the wild dogs of New York State?and the predators and prey of these carnivores during this indoor/outdoor program on the habitat. Snowshoeing for Girl Scouts Saturday, January 16 at 2:00 PM Enjoy this beautiful season by discovering animal tracks and?if weather permits?learning to snowshoe. We will discuss basic snowshoeing techniques and then head out on the trail to look for signs of winter animal activity. A fee for this event applies. Call 518-475-0291 by January 12 to register your troop. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#January) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Winter Tree ID Saturday, January 23 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Learn to identify trees without the help of their leaves! Join us for an introduction to the clues and cues of twigs and bark that can help us recognize a diversity of trees in winter. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Call 518-456-0655 to register. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=12&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Tracks Do Tell Tales Trail Walk Saturday, January 16 at 1:30 PM Guest Naturalist Peter O?Shea will lead a snowshoe walk on one of the trails and share information about the world of animal tracks and the Adirondack winter landscape. Snowshoes will be available. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Tracking on the Trails Saturday, January 23 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 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) Mammals Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 AM Skins, skulls and scat, oh my! This is a great opportunity to learn about mammals that may appear in your backyard or identify that strange scat pile you came across on a hike. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Snowshoe Chenango Canal Saturday, January 23 from 9:00 AM to Noon We will observe nature in winter and hunt for the tracks and traces of wildlife. This hike is open to everyone and will be a winter adventure! Snowshoes provided. Call 607-674-4017 to register. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#January) Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Winter Adaptation Walk Saturday, January 16 at 10:30 AM Have you ever wondered how local wildlife is able to survive our harsh winters? Their secrets will be revealed on this guided walk. Snowshoe Walk Saturday, January 23 at 10:30 AM Bring the family out for a fun walk on our snowy trails as we look for signs of wildlife. Snowshoe rental $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#January) 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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Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 8219 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jan 27 10:25:35 2010 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:25:35 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] January 27 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4B60149F.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery January 27, 2010 Snowshoeing 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) Snowshoeing Snowshoes are footwear used for walking across the snow. Large, webbed "shoes" are attached to a person's boots and distribute their weight more evenly, allowing them to stay on the surface rather than sink into deep snow. Snowshoes have been used for transportation for thousands of years. Hunters of long ago needed to feed their families but found it difficult to get around in the deep snow. They watched animals like snowshoe hares move across the snow easily and created a design similar to the animal's feet. The first snowshoes were made of twigs and rawhide. Native American tribes in New York State lived in the mountains and forests, where snowshoes were an absolute necessity for getting around in the wintertime. When the French began to move into the St. Lawrence River area in the 1600s, they observed Native Americans using snowshoes to hunt and move from one location to another. Trappers, hunters and explorers soon relied heavily on snowshoes as a method of transportation during New York winters. Today, snowshoes are mainly used for recreation in this area. However, during the French and Indian War in the mid-1700s, Native Americans showed the French soldiers how to use snowshoes as a way to make quick raids on English settlements. During the 1758 Battle on Snowshoes near Lake George, military leaders realized that snowshoes were an important part of winter warfare and began to use them regularly. 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! Subscribe to Conservationist magazine?New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. Back to top Family Fun Dressing the Part Snowshoes are only one part of the winter wardrobe for outdoor adventurers. The most important thing to remember when dressing to go outside is layering?wearing multiple layers of clothing rather than only one or two heavy layers. Each layer should be light enough to keep you dry and allow you to move easily. The first layer should be a material that can "breathe" so that moisture won't be trapped. The second layer is for insulation and may include several pieces of clothing. The last layer should be a windproof and waterproof jacket and a hat. Wool is a great material to wear in the winter because it allows you to stay warm even when it is wet. It dries more quickly than cotton and sheds water rather than absorbs it. Take a cotton sweatshirt and a wool sweater, and dip the sleeves into a bowl of water. You will notice that the water travels further up the cotton clothing?which means you will get wetter and colder if you wear it outside in the winter. Snowshoeing and Star Gazing Winter is one of the best times to go star gazing because the cold air is often dry, which makes it easier to see the night sky. Large open spaces like parks and fields away from lights are perfect places to look for constellations. In the winter time, such large expanses of land are often covered in deep snow. With snowshoes, you can go places that you normally wouldn't be able to and get a good look at the night sky. If you don't have snowshoes and want to give the sport a try before venturing out on your own, each of DEC's education centers has snowshoes to rent and snowshoe trails to use. So pick a sunny winter day, strap on some snowshoes, and go for a walk back in time. 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) Nature on Skis Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 PM Explore Stony Kill's fields and forests as we glide along, stopping occasionally to examine plants and animals in their winter adornment. BYOS (bring your own cross-country skis). Nature Discovery After-School Program Thursday, February 4, 11 and 25 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM For school-aged children and their caregivers. Discover and explore different aspects of nature at Stony Kill. It may be winter, but wildlife is still present and active. If we dress warmly, we too can enjoy the outdoors. Naturally A-track-ted Saturday, February 6 at 2:00 PM While snowshoeing, develop a new love for the natural world as we identify and discuss local winter animal species by their tracks. Please dress appropriately for the weather. More events at Stony Kill (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2001.html#January) Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Water Animals in Winter Saturday, January 30 at 10:00 AM Did you ever wonder what happens to all those turtles, frogs, salamanders and insects you see in the water all summer? Come and learn where they go and what they're doing now that ice covers the ponds. Winter Tracking Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 PM Find out who left that track in the snow. How long ago did the animal pass by? Where was it going, and what was it looking for? We may not see the animals, but we can learn a lot about them by studying their tracks. Pine Needle Basket-Making Saturday, February 6 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM With guest artist Anita Wahlen, participants will make a basket using the coiled technique of the Native American basket-makers. The technique requires concentration and patience, but participants will be rewarded with a beautiful and unique basket. Call to register. For ages 14 and up. Materials fee $30. Limited registration?first come, first served. More events at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#January) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org/discovery_center/directions_hours_admission.htm) Owl Prowl Friday, January 29 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM The breeding season for barred owls, great-horned owls and screech owls, residents of the Albany Pine Bush, occurs in mid-winter during some of the coldest months of the year. Come join us for this night hike and learn about the habits of these nocturnal birds and listen for their calls. Please bring a flashlight and remember to dress warmly! Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Call 518-456-0655 to register. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.intelliclients.com/events/events.cfm?da=1&mo=12&ye=2009&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ncal.html) Bird of Prey?Owls Saturday, January 30 at 1:00 PM Join us for a live bird-on-hand program featuring our non-releasable education owls. Get a close-up look at the special adaptations of these Adirondack raptors. Learn about their habitats, winter survival, and human impact on bird populations. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_pscal.html) Saturday Movie Matinee: March of the Penguins Saturday, January 30 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Join emperor penguins on an astonishing 70 mile journey?marching day and night in single file into the coldest continent on Earth to breed their young. This movie will be shown in the theater and popcorn will be available. Donations are suggested. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Saturday, January 30 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Leave your flashlights behind, and let the moon lead the way. We will observe nature at night and keep our eyes open for elusive nocturnal animals. If there is no snow, we will hike. Snowshoes will be provided. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Children: Fireside Storytelling Saturday, February 6 at 11:00 AM Snuggle up by the fire at the Bird Cabin and listen to tales about winter in the big woods. Bring your imagination and a pillow (appropriate for ages 3 to 10). Apple cider and popcorn will be provided. Call 607-674-4017 to register. More events at Rogers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2006.html#January) 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 Wolf Moon Walk Friday, January 29 at 6:30 PM Come join us for a nighttime walk and learn some facts about wolves. For adults and kids ages 10 and older. Hibernation Exploration Saturday, January 30 at 10:30 AM Discover some of the local animals that spend their winters in hibernation and learn how their bodies get ready for their long slumber. For children ages 4 to 8. Moonlight Cross-Country Ski Tour Saturday, January 30 at 6:30 PM Ski by the light of the moon! Bring your own skis or rent a pair (limited sizes). Ski rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members. After-School Escape Thursdays in February at 4:30 PM A one-hour program for children in grades K-5 featuring a different, fun outdoor activity each week. No registration is required. Where Are They? Snowshoe Walk Saturday, February 6 at 10:30 AM When the snow comes, where do the animals go? Find out as we search for some on this snowshoe walk. Snowshoe rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#January) 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: 17183 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Jan 27 13:22:01 2010 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:22:01 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] Outdoor Discovery survey - we need your response Message-ID: <4B603DF9.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> Good afternoon- We would like to find out more about our DEC Outdoor Discovery subscribers and how they use the newsletter. Please take a few moments to complete the short survey by following this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z35VL53 Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: