From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Feb 8 09:26:18 2012 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (DEC Outdoor Discovery Bi-weekly Newsletter) Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:26:18 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] February 8 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4F323FBA.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery February 8, 2012 Become a Citizen Scientist 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 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) Become a Citizen Scientist Citizen scientists are people who volunteer to survey, measure, monitor or observe the natural world around them and record and share their findings. Scientists and biologists count on regular people like you and me to help them understand our environment and its wildlife. Here are a few ways that you can become a citizen scientist without ever leaving your backyard or neighborhood. Project BudBurst Project BudBurst (http://neoninc.org/budburst/) is a citizen science program for which people make regular observations of plants in their area and report their findings. People might observe plants in their backyards, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces or while walking. Their findings help scientists understand changes in our natural environment. BudBurst Buddies (http://neoninc.org/budburst/buddies) is a part of Project BudBurst but is designed specifically for children. To participate, kids pick a tree or shrub to watch. During the year, they make multiple observations about changes their subject is experiencing. Children who report at least four different observations will receive an official BudBurst Buddy certificate. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative If you are a concerned citizen who spends time near the shore around the Great Lakes, join the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Thousands of birds have died from disease in recent years, and scientists want to keep an eye on the health of birds in these areas. All you have to do is share your observations about injured or dead birds or algal blooms by recording them in the Wildlife Health Event Reporter (http://glriwher.blogspot.com/p/about.html). To learn more about being a citizen scientist and about additional opportunities to get involved, read the December 2011 issue of Conservationist magazine (http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/78429.html). DEC's website also has a list of citizen science programs (http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.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/65514.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 Great Backyard Bird Count Join people from throughout the country this February 17-20 for The Great Backyard Bird Count-an annual, four-day event to count birds seen in North America. Anyone can participate, whether you know a lot about birds or just like to watch them at feeders. All you need is a notebook and as little as 15 minutes a day to keep track of the number and species of birds that you count. Visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website(http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/) for information. Public programs with tips for anyone wishing to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count will take place at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center on February 18 (see Upcoming DEC Events). For citizen scientists especially interested in birds, the Cornell Lab or Ornithology (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citsci/projects)has projects for all ages and abilities, and some that are specifically for urban observers. While many citizen scientist projects center on birds, there's something for everyone. Information about numerous projects covering everything from mammals to climate change is at Citizen Science Central(http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit/projects). Wildlife Survey Wildlife comes in all shapes and sizes-from the tiniest of insects to fish and amphibians. Conduct a wildlife survey of your own-either in your yard or a nearby park. Grab a notebook, find a spot and sit quietly for 10 minutes, observing the area around you. Remember, the quieter you are, the more likely you are to see wildlife. Record the species and numbers of any wildlife that you see. If you don't see any wildlife, try to search around and find evidence that animals have been there. Record what you find in your notebook. 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) Programs at Stony Kill are now offered by the Stony Kill Foundation(http://www.stonykill.org/); there are no DEC education staff at the site due to fiscal constraints. Open Barn Tours Saturdays and Sundays, February 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Learn to Snowshoe Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 AM In the event of insufficient snow, the program will be conducted on foot. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 8 to reserve snowshoes and/or to register. Map and Compass Snowshoe Course Saturday, February 11 at 1:00 PM Children must be accompanied by an adult. If there is insufficient snow, we will go on foot. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. Call 518-475-0291 by Monday, February 6 to register. Family Fun: Winter Astronomy Friday, February 17 at 7:30 PM Children must be accompanied by an adult. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided to keep you warm. In the event of significant cloud cover, this program will be cancelled. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 15 to register. Citizen Science: Great Backyard Bird Count Saturday, February 18 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Family Fun: The Ecology of Snow Saturday, February 18 at 2:00 PM Children must be accompanied by an adult. Family Fun: Birding for Kids Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 518-475-0291 by Friday, February 17 to register. Event Descriptions at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#February) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org) Snow Birds Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM Call 518-456-0655 or go the Albany Pine Bush website to register. Cost: $3.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (https://www.albanypinebush.org/events/calendar.cfm) Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Programs at Rogers are now offered by the Friends of Rogers(http://friendsofrogers.org/); there are no DEC education staff at the site due to fiscal constraints. Cross-Country Ski at Stony Pond State Forest Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 AM You must have your own skis. We will hike if there is no snow. Call 607-674-4733 to register. Senior Series Cross-Country Ski at Adams Farm Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 AM You must have your own skis. We will hike if there is no snow. Call 607-674-4733 to register. Kids Drop-in Program Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Parents must stay with their children for the entire program. Dress for outdoor weather. Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) After-School Escape Thursdays, February 9 and 16 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 required. Six-Legged Snowshoe Walk Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 AM Come and search for hidden insects on this guided snowshoe walk. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Cross-Country Ski Tour Sunday, February 12 at 1:00 PM For adults and children ages 10 and older. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Valentine's Day Snowshoe Walk Tuesday, February 14 at 6:00 PM Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. For adults only. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Snowbirds Saturday, February 18 at 10:30 AM Learn tips for watching birds in winter, and take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. For adults and children age 8 and older. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Event Descriptions at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#February) 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). 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: 12838 bytes Desc: not available URL: From decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Feb 22 10:46:07 2012 From: decoutdoordiscovery at lists.dec.state.ny.us (DEC Outdoor Discovery Bi-weekly Newsletter) Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:46:07 -0500 Subject: [Decoutdoordiscovery] February 22 Outdoor Discovery Message-ID: <4F44C76F.D567.00BD.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> DEC Outdoor Discovery February 22, 2012 How Plants Survive the Winter Family Fun Upcoming DEC Events Hudson Valley - Norrie Point Environmental Center and Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center Capital Region - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 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) How Plants Survive the Winter Plants need water to survive?so what happens in the winter when all the water is in the form of ice or snow? Some plants, such as certain flowers, complete their life cycle in one year and leave seeds behind to grow in the spring. The foliage on other flowers dies, but the bulb underneath the ground is still alive. Trees and shrubs have a bark covering that protects the living layer from the cold. Bark reduces evaporation from twigs and stems, which are just as cold as the air. New leaves and flowers are hidden within protective buds. As autumn arrives, many woody plants adapt to changing temperatures. First, plants stop growing as days grow shorter. Second, plant cells undergo chemical changes after the first frost. These changes keep ice crystals from forming within the cells of the plant. Third, a woody plant becomes acclimated (a fancy word for getting used to something) as temperatures turn frigid. Some evergreen or coniferous trees can survive temperatures of 100 degrees below zero! Non-woody plants, including grasses, die back to their roots in the fall. They spend winter as seeds, bulbs or rootstocks beneath the snow and out of the wind. 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/65514.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 Twig Match Many people can identify a tree by its leaves?maple leaves and oak trees are easy to spot. But did you know that some people can identify trees by their bare twigs? Have an adult collect two twigs from each of three different kinds of trees. Then get together with six family members or friends, and have the adult pass out the twigs, one per person. Take a few moments to observe your twig; then record the color of the twig, the color and shape of the buds, the type of branching pattern (are the branches on the twig opposite one another, or do they alternate?), the texture, whether there are thorns and even how the twig smells. Use your observations to find the other person with a twig from the same tree. Ask the adult who collected the twigs which tree they came from, and see whether you can identify it. Plan a Winter Garden Animals and birds face a tough time during New York State winters. Temperatures drop below freezing, sources of food are scarce, and water freezes. Shelter from the weather is vital for animals and birds to survive. Take a look around your yard this winter to see where animals like to visit. Jot down some ideas for a winter haven for wildlife. You can even make a drawing of where plants should go in your yard. Be sure there are plenty of evergreens, like conifers and holly, and low-lying bushes to shelter animals. Conifers provide excellent shelter, nesting sites and food for a variety of species. Plants that hold their fruit long after it ripens?like juniper and winterberry?serve as a food source for animals in the winter. Consider using plants that are native to New York State. DEC's Tree Nursery begins selling seedlings in early January. When spring comes, put your plan to work, and plant your winter garden. 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 Norrie Point Environmental Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/33037.html#Norrie) Discover Norrie: Winter Tree ID Saturday, February 25 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html) Programs at Stony Kill are now offered by the Stony Kill Foundation(http://www.stonykill.org/); there are no DEC education staff at the site due to fiscal constraints. Open Barn Tours Saturdays and Sundays, February 25, 26 and March 3 and 4 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Capital Region Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html) Girl Scout Outing: Learn to Snowshoe Thursday, February 23 at 2:00 PM Geared for girl scouts 8 years and older. Scout leaders and scouts must accompany each other. Call 518-475-0291 by Thursday, February 16 to register your troop. Family Fun: Snowshoe Outing Friday, February 24 at 2:00 PM In the event of insufficient snow, the program will be conducted on foot. Parents and children must accompany each other. Call 518-475-0291 by Tuesday, February 21 to reserve snowshoes and/or to register. Teacher Workshop: Teaching about Winter Saturday, February 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM Call 518-475-0291 by Friday, February 17 for more information and/or to register. Family Fun: Dr. Seuss Read-A-Thon Saturday, March 3 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Whether sister or brother, father or mother, parent and child must accompany each other. Event Descriptions at Five Rivers (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html#February) Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (http://albanypinebush.org) Scoop on Poop Friday, February 24 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Call 518-456-0655 or go the Albany Pine Bush website to register. Cost: $3.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (https://www.albanypinebush.org/events/calendar.cfm) Central New York Rogers Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1831.html) Programs at Rogers are now offered by the Friends of Rogers(http://friendsofrogers.org/); there are no DEC education staff at the site due to fiscal constraints. Sugar Mapling Basics with Fred Von Mechow Saturday, February 25 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Call 607-674-4733 to register. Western New York Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html) Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959. Outdoor Adventure Club: Winter Adaptation Walk Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM For children ages 10 and up. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. Call 716-683-5959 to register. After-School Escape Thursdays, February 23 and March 1 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 required. Learn to Snowshoe for Kids Saturday, February 25 at 10:30 AM Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. For kids 5 to 8 years old. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Cross-Country Ski Tour Sunday, February 26 at 1:00 PM For adults and children ages 10 and older. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Evening Snowshoe Walk Tuesday, February 28 at 6:00 PM Snowshoe rental = $4.00/ person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Walk Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 AM Snowshoe rental = $4.00 per person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. Call 716-683-5959 to register. The Reinstein Woods Experience Saturday, March 3 at 1:30 PM Explore and learn about our environmentally friendly "green" building, and tour the trails in this guided program. Call 716-683-5959 to register. Event Descriptions at Reinstein (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1977.html#February) 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). To unsubscribe (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/decoutdoordiscovery) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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