From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed May 5 10:48:31 2010 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 10:48:31 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] May 5 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4BE14CFF.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery May 5, 2010 Fishing Family Fun Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley 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) Fishing Spring is a great time to go fishing, and it's a lot easier to get started than you might think. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and hundreds of miles of coastline, New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. You probably don't live very far from a popular fishing spot. Five Simple Steps to Begin Fishing: Prepare your rod and reel: Be sure your reel has line, then press the button of your spin-cast reel or open the bail (if you have a spinning reel) to release line from the reel. Pull enough line out to thread it through all of the guides of your rod. Attach a hook: Hooks come in different sizes and shapes. A #6 or #8 hook with a long, straight edge is a good size to try. Circle hooks are best to use if you plan to release the fish you catch. Use an improved clinch knot to tie the hook onto the line. Attach a bobber: To attach a bobber, thread the line around the top and bottom hooks. To expose the bottom hook, press the top button on the bobber. For the top hook, press the button while holding the bottom hook in. Attach the bobber so the fish hook hangs just above any weeds or logs on the bottom. The bobber will jerk or "bob" when a fish has taken your bait. Attach bait: Place bait on the hook. If you are using a worm, pierce the worm with the hook, wrap the worm around the hook and pierce it again, making sure it is securely fastened. Cast and retrieve: Cast your bait out. Next, turn the reel crank forward until it clicks to prevent more line from coming out. To take up any slack in your line, reel the line in until the bobber begins to move. When a fish bites, the bobber will either move along the water's surface or go underwater. When this happens, give the line a quick jerk that's hard enough to move the bobber and set the hook in the fish's mouth, but not so hard that the hook, bait and/or fish go flying over your shoulder. Now, reel in the line until you can pick up the fish with your hand. Now you need to decide what to do with the fish. Is it large enough to keep? Will it be used for food? First, check the state's freshwater fishing regulations or saltwater fishing regulations to be certain the fish is of legal size to keep. If it's not, carefully release the fish back into the water, being sure to handle it with wet hands and as little as possible. A fish that you catch and release carefully can be caught again someday when it is bigger. To take a fish off the line, hold it firmly around the body. Watch out for sharp spines on the fish's fins. To remove the hook, push it down and turn it so it comes out the way it went in. For more information visit DEC's Fishing Basics page. Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps. 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. Learn the best places to view wildlife at DEC's Watchable Wildlife pages. Back to top Family Fun Tackling the Task Now that you know the basics of fishing, it is time to get your tackle box organized. To begin freshwater fishing, you generally need the following items: ?Fishing license (required for both fresh and saltwater fishing for adults and children above the age of 16 ?Fishing rod and reel ?Monofilament fishing line (4- to 8-pound test) ?Fishing weights ?Hooks (size numbers 6-10) ?Good-quality plastic or wood bobber or float ?Live bait or lures ?Camera Visit a sporting goods store or fishing tackle shop; they can help you get everything you need, including a license. Ready, Set, Fish While excellent fishing is found across New York State, certain waters are anglers' favorites for various species. Check out lists of New York's top fishing waters and places to fish for a sample of popular waters. Beginners might want to start at one of the hundreds of smaller, yet exceptionally good lakes, ponds or streams scattered across the state. In addition, those near saltwater can find good places to fish from the beach or a boat with this listing. You can attend one of DEC's free fishing days held throughout the state during the last weekend in June. You don't need a fishing license for this event. DEC maintains several fishing hotlines to let anglers know where the fish are biting. Types of Fish in New York State Freshwater Fish Offshore Sportfish Nearshore Saltwater Sportfish Other Resources about Fishing Spring 2010 Conservationist for Kids June 18, 2008 Outdoor Discovery Take Me Fishing website 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 Discovery After-School Program Thursday, May 6 and 13 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM As spring arrives in the northern hemisphere, the days grow longer, and each brings something new. Buds begin to open, and leaves unfurl, migratory birds return, and animal babies show their faces to the world. For school-aged children and their caregivers. Guided Nature Walk Saturday, May 8 and 15 at 10:00 AM Spring is here! Migrating birds are returning from the south. Flowers are starting to bloom. Come join us as we walk a leisurely trail and celebrate their return. Love Your Mother Earth Saturday, May 8 at 2:00 PM Join us as we gear up for Mother's Day and celebrate Mother Earth in sustainable ways by making recycled crafts for the holiday and by learning to live green. Activities will include paper-making, decorating compost buckets and other recycled crafts. Materials will be provided; however, feel free to bring your own recyclable and reusable items. Take a Walk on the Wild(flower) Side Saturday, May 15 at 2:00 PM Get your camera ready as we take an interpretive walk in search of wildflowers and learn how we can help protect these naturally beautiful plants. Please wear appropriate hiking gear. Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Frogwatch Friday, May 7 at 7:00 PM A search for the noisy singers of the night! We'll acquaint you with the sounds of local frogs and view some captive live animals, then go outdoors to listen for calls. Bring flashlights and wear old shoes-no nets, please. Cheep Thrills: Birding by Ear Saturday, May 8 at 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 8 at 2:00 PM Join us for an elementary approach to bird life as we study birds at the feeder and beyond. This program will cover concepts in bird anatomy, behavior, identification and conservation to build upon in your own yard or park. Parent and child must accompany each other. Call the center at 518-475-0291 by May 5 to register. I Went to the Meadow Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 AM This program is limited to troops of Brownies and Daisy Girl Scouts. We will explore what lives in different habitats and create a craft that help s the environment. Registration for this program is through the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York or by calling 518-489-8110. A materials fee applies. Beginning Birding Saturday, May 15 at 2:00 PM A bird guide and a pair of binoculars are all you need to get started on this popular hobby. Join us, and learn how to use these basic tools and some helpful tips for identifying birds. A limited number of guides and binoculars are available for loan. 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) Go For a Walk with Mom! Sunday, May 9 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Bring your mom for an extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush, the best remaining example in the world of an inland pine barrens. Our experts will guide you through this one mile hike over rolling sand dunes where you will discover Pine Bush natural history, seasonal surprises and transformations. Wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water. Please plan to arrive ten minutes early to purchase your ticket. 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=5&ye=2010&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_n.html) Birds of Prey Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 PM Join us for a live bird-on-hand program featuring some of our non-releasable education birds. Get a close- up look at the special adaptations of these Adirondack raptors; learn about their habitats and human impact on bird populations. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ps.html) Exploring Nature with Little People Thursday, May 6 from 10:00 AM to Noon A unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces the natural environment to young children. Every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Call 518-327-3000 to register. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Wildflowers at Cush Hill Saturday, May 8 at 10:00 AM Wander the hillside forest of Cush Hill and admire nature's beauty. Don't miss the short-lived display of wildflowers from squirrel corn to blue cohosh. Dusk Walk Friday, May 14 at 8:00 PM Some animals become more active and vocal as the sun sets. Take a walk along the trails at Rogers Center to see which animals are active at this hour. 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) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. After-School Escape Thursdays, May 6 and 13 at 4:30 PM Enjoy a one-hour program for kids featuring a different, fun, outdoor activity each week. For children in grades K-5. No registration is required. New Moon Walk Friday, May 14 at 8:30 PM Enjoy an evening in the woods without the aid of the full moon. Birding for Beginners Saturday, May 15 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. 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 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... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 47404 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed May 19 09:20:16 2010 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us) Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 09:20:16 -0400 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] May 19 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4BF3AD50.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery May 19, 2010 Composting Family Fun Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley 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) Composting What is composting? Compost is a dark, crumbly, earthy?smelling mixture that consists mostly of decayed organic matter. Composting is a simple, natural process?nature's way of recycling nutrients and returning them to the soil to be used again. By taking advantage of this natural recycling process, you can help lighten the load of waste that would otherwise go to a landfill. Compost is used for fertilizing and conditioning soil. It can be made from materials that most households throw out: ?Yard wastes, such as fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds and the remains of garden plants ?Kitchen scraps EXCEPT FOR meat, fish, bones and fatty foods such as cheese, oils and dressings ?Woody yard wastes, chipped or shredded, can be used as mulch or for paths, where they will eventually decompose and become compost. Why compost? Composting is an easy, practical way to recycle your organic yard and kitchen waste. Compost is an excellent soil conditioner for even the smallest yard and garden?it's safe to use, and it costs practically nothing to make. Compost helps to grow healthy plants, and healthy plants improve the air by removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. For serious gardeners, compost is an inexpensive alternative to peat and other soil enhancements. DEC's Everything You Have Always Wanted to Know about Composting provides additional information and tips for composting. Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html). 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 (http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/24071.html)?New York's award-winning publication with astonishingly beautiful photography and captivating articles. Learn the best places to view wildlife at DEC's Watchable Wildlife (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/55423.html) pages. Back to top Family Fun Build Your Own Composter All you need to build a simple composter is four wooden pallets, some bailing wire and four gate latches. 1. Select a location for your composter. 2. Use the wire to connect three of the pallets, making a box with three sides. 3. Connect the last pallet using the gate latches so that you can access your compost material later. Now you are ready to start composting. Spread a layer of plant waste 6-8 inches deep in the bottom of the bin and moisten thoroughly. Make a second layer with a few shovels of garden soil, about 1-2 inches deep. Repeat these steps until you have 4-5 layers of waste. As you add more layers throughout the summer, loosen and turn the mixture with a pitchfork. Some tips: ?Pile waste material loosely in the bin. ?Use a mixture of green (fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings and coffee grounds) and brown (leaves, straw and sawdust) materials. The microorganisms use the carbon in leaves and other browns as an energy source. The nitrogen in the greens supplies the microbes with proteins to grow and multiply. ?The compost temperature should be between 90 and 140 degrees. ?Food scraps should be placed in the center of the pile to keep animals from getting to the waste. Worm Food Earthworms are very important to the health of soil and plants. As they burrow through the ground, they create airways for water drainage and oxygenation of the soil. They eat organic matter like fallen leaves, and the digested material becomes a fertilizer for the soil. Some people make their own compost using worms in a process called vermiculture. Check with a local garden store to find out where you can purchase worms for your composter. To create your own worm composter, you need a rubber storage tote no more than two-feet deep. Drill several dozen small holes about four inches from the bottom for water drainage. Place the bin on top of some bricks on the ground. Fill your bin with thin strips of shredded newspaper or dry grass. Sprinkle a handful of dirt on top and thoroughly moisten, allowing the water to soak in for a day before adding the worms. Once you have added your worms, sprinkle the surface with water every other day, and keep the lid on the bin. Feed your worms vegetable scraps at least once a week. Add more newspaper or grass clippings once a month. After the compost is ready, put on rubber gloves, and use your hands to gently pick up some of the rich matter and place it on a piece of newspaper. Spread out the compost to separate the worms and return them to the bin to make more compost. Make sure that you don't leave the worm bin outside during the winter. 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 Discovery After-School Program Thursday, May 20 and 27 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM As spring arrives in the northern hemisphere, the days grow longer, and each brings something new. Buds begin to open, and leaves unfurl, migratory birds return, and animal babies show their faces to the world. For school-aged children and their caregivers. Guided Nature Walk Saturday, May 22 and 29 at 10:00 AM Spring is here! Migrating birds are returning from the south. Flowers are starting to bloom. Come join us as we take a leisurely walk on a trail and celebrate their return. Plant and Animal Diversity Search at Stony Kill Saturday May 22 at 2:00 PM We will search the woods, fields and lawns of Stony Kill for comparisons of plant and animal life. Along the way, we will take note of some invasive species and consider how they might be affecting local species. Meet at the Manor House. Spring Farm Trail Walk Saturday, May 29 at 2:00 PM Join us for a relaxed walk on Stony Kill's farm trail. Learn about succession in old fields and the plant and animal life that inhabit this ecosystem. Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Girl Scout Frogwatch Friday, May 21 at 7:00 PM Frogs and other amphibians are disappearing around the world. Join us to learn more about the frogs in our area. We will head outside to look and listen for these fascinating creatures, then come inside to learn more details about our local amphibians. Registration by May 19 is required, and space is limited. Call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register your troop. Five Rivers' Animals Saturday, May 22 at 10:00 AM Ever wonder about the live animals in Five Rivers' exhibit room?what they eat and where they came from? Come and learn about the center's animals and how we care for them, and then take a walk to see whether we can find their cousins in the wild. This interactive program will cover turtles, fish, crayfish, snakes and birds. Worms and Composting Saturday, May 22 at 2:00 PM Under ground and in your garden is a whole world made just for worms! Join Five Rivers staff in an interactive and fun-filled exploration of the world of worms and composting. An outdoor walk will explore the benefits of composting with worms. What's the Buzz? Saturday, May 29 at 10:00 AM The honey bee is the only insect that makes a food that people eat. We also use bee products to waterproof our tents, soften our lips and light the darkness. This indoor presentation on the natural history of the honey bee will include a walk to the center's active bee hive, followed by a craft using beeswax. Materials fee: Friends of Five Rivers members $1.00; non-members $3.00. What's Bugging You? Saturday, May 29 at 2:00 PM The sun is warmer, the days are longer, the flowers are coming up-and the bugs are back! On our walk, we'll seek places where insects have overwintered, look for places they are hiding and feeding and collect some for a closer look. 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) Wild Blue Lupine Flower Walk Saturday, May 22 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Do you know why the wild blue lupine is so vital to the Albany Pine Bush and the survival of the Karner Blue Butterfly? Join us for an hour hike over rolling terrain to explore Karner Blue butterfly habitat and discover wild blue lupine. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy walking shoes and bring a drink. Arrive ten minutes early to purchase your ticket. 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=5&ye=2010&eventTypeID=2) Adirondacks Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_n.html) Spring Wildflower Walk Saturday, May 22 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Join VIC staff for a peek at the early bloomers of Spring. Learn about the survival strategy of these wildflowers. Call 518-582-2000 to register. Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center (http://www.adkvic.org/calendar_ps.html) Woodland Wildflowers Saturday, May 29 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Frank Lescinsky, one of the VIC?s talented volunteers, will present his slide show about some of the woodland wildflowers in the Adirondacks. After the program, join us on walk on the trails to observe the wildflowers in bloom. Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Sala-meandering at Cush Hill Saturday, May 22 at 10:00 AM Meander the trails at Cush Hill while exploring rocks, logs and other things where salamanders live in hiding. Learn how to find these clever critters and how they survive. Call 607-674-4017 to register. Paddle the Chenango Canal Saturday, May 29 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Explore the plants and wildlife along this beautiful canal in Hamilton. Equipment provided, or bring your own. Cost: $5 non-refundable fee per paddler. Please call to register; space is limited. 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) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. After-School Escape Thursday, May 20 and 27 at 4:30 PM Enjoy a one-hour program for kids featuring a different, fun, outdoor activity each week. For children in grades K-5. No registration is required. Butterflies of Royalty Saturday, May 22 at 11:00 AM Search for monarch, viceroy and admiral butterflies on this guided walk. We will also discuss methods for attracting these beautiful creatures to your backyard. Stroller Strut Wednesday, May 26 at 1:00 PM Bring your stroller or wagon, and share a sensory exploration of nature with your young child. For children ages 3 and younger. Full-Flower Moon Walk Thursday, May 27 at 8:00 PM Enjoy a walk at the time of year when flowers bloom during the day and the moon "blooms" at night. Wildflower Wander Saturday, May 29 at 10:00 AM Embrace the spring season by taking a walk to learn about New York's wild flowers that grow at Reinstein Woods. For adults and children ages 8 and older. More events at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#May) Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State(http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1826.html) Visit DEC's website for more information and programs (http://www.dec.ny.gov) 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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