Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the February 2008 issue
DEC Ed Centers Warm Up One of Winter's Coldest Months
February is winter's shortest and one of its coldest months. To warm up the cold heart of winter, DEC's environmental education centers offer a variety of free, fun and informative programs to appeal to both kids and adults. Find the schedule for the education center nearest you below, then dress warmly, load up the family van, and get out there and enjoy as many activities as you can to chase those mid-winter blues away.
Stony Kill Farm
Call 845-831-8780 for more information about the programs listed below, or to register if necessary:
Explore Nature on Snowshoes
Saturday, February 2 at 2 PM
Snow conditions permitting, we will strap on snowshoes as Native Americans have done for hundreds of years, and enjoy a bracing winter excursion in search of wildlife tracks and traces. If there is not enough snow, we'll go for a winter walk instead.
Snowshoe or go for a winter walk and enjoy the outdoors
What the Wild Things Wear
Saturday, February 9 at 2 PM
Discover the world of our native fur bearing animals, and learn why, even if fur coats are less fashionable today, they are important ecologically as well as historically.
Alien Invaders!
Saturday, February 16 at 2 PM
What do water chestnuts, starlings and barberry all have in common? They are all invasive species in New York. Learn how identify some of the culprits, find out about the problems they cause for our ecosystems, and some of the solutions available for landowners.
Discover Your Tracks
Saturday, February 23 at 2 PM
Learn how to find out what wildlife is up to through the ancient art of tracking. We'll look for tracks and traces left by deer, coyote, fox, squirrels, rabbits and other winter-active wildlife as we walk Stony Kill's woodland trails and field edges.
Five Rivers
Call 518-475-0291 for more information about the programs listed below, or to register if necessary:
Climate Change Lab Day
Saturday, February 2 at 2 PM
This day will be devoted to sharing ideas and activities for teachers and youth leaders to use when teaching about climate change. The activities are hands-on, fun, and focused on the issue that is becoming a top international priority.
Teachers and Youth Leaders: Please call Five Rivers to register for this program. Thank you.
Owls: Predators of the Night
Friday, February 15 at 7 PM
Enjoy a night walk to learn about the owls of New York State. We will visit owl habitat to listen for the calls of these winged predators and other creatures of the night and then return to the Interpretive Building to meet our captive barred owl, Aries. Hot beverages will be available in the building after the walk.
Maybe you will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an owl in its natural habitat
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 16 from 9 to 10 AM
This indoor birding program is part of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Staff naturalists will be counting birds at the bird feeder and keeping track of the highest number of each bird species seen at one time. The program is part of a citizen science initiative by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and National Audubon Society to track the distribution and abundance of winter birds. Participants will learn how they can conduct their own Great Backyard Bird Count at home, in their neighborhood, or at a local park. This program is geared for novice birders. Bring binoculars if you have them; we also have some to lend.
Snowshoe Walks
Sunday, February 17 and 24 at 2 PM
The best way to fight cabin fever is to take the wilderness cure. Join Five Rivers naturalists for a hike to explore the fascinating world of snowshoeing. Learn snowshoeing basics-how to put them on, basic steps and turns, and of course, how to get up if you fall-then join us on a snowshoe walk. Please call the center to register if you wish to borrow our snowshoes; we also have a limited number of children's snowshoes available. In case there isn't enough snow, the program will be conducted on foot.
Family Snowshoe Outing
Tuesday, February 19 at 10 AM
Bring the family and enjoy a hike on snowshoes to the far reaches of Five Rivers. We will be looking for signs of animals including deer, rabbits, mice and owls. Hot beverages and popcorn will be available at the interpretive building after the walk. Call the center to reserve snowshoes to borrow; we also have a limited number of children's snowshoes available. In case there isn't enough snow, the program will be conducted on foot.
Endangered Species of New York
Thursday, February 21 at 2 PM
Meet some endangered species-live!-at this indoor presentation. Naturalists will discuss the decline of some of New York State's wildlife species, and also about species that have made a remarkable comeback.
Mid-winter Nature Drawing for Adults
Saturday, February 23 at 2 PM
At this indoor presentation, participants will learn simple techniques in nature drawing under the guidance of staff naturalists. Bring your own drawing materials or borrow some of ours, and experiment with different styles and subjects for sketching. Call to register by Thursday, February 21.
Rogers Center
Call 607-674-4017 Ext. 623 for more information about the programs listed below, or to register if necessary:
Groundhog Heaven!
Saturday, February 2 at 11 AM
Six more weeks of winter or is spring right around the corner? Come find out more about the groundhog, from what they eat, to where they live, and the history of Groundhog Day. Discover more about these critters who predict the change of seasons!
Active Seniors Series: X-country Skiing
Wednesday, February 6 from 10 AM to Noon
Bring your skis and warm clothes to join us on a refreshing winter outing. We will meet at Rogers Center's main parking lot to carpool. Please call to register.
"Bear" Necessities
Saturday, February 9 at 11 AM
Do bears really hibernate? What do bears need to survive the winter? Do they really eat up to 18 lbs. a day?! Learn what you need to do to prevent problems with bears. Join us at Rogers Center to learn about the "bear" necessities.
Cross country skiing is great exercise and a way to enjoy the beauty of winter
X-country Ski at Adams Farm
Saturday, February 16 at 10 AM
Join us for a cross-country ski outing. Come enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of winter and her treasures at Adams Farm's varied habitats. Bring your own skis. We will meet at Rogers Center's main parking lot to caravan. Please call to register.
Family Snowshoe Walk
Wednesday, February 20 at 11 AM
Looking to spend some time outdoors? Come to Rogers for a guided trail walk on snowshoes. We will provide snowshoes and fun facts about winter ecology. If there is not enough snow, we will hike. Please call to register.
Maple Sugaring
Saturday, February 23 at 10 AM
How do you turn the sweet sap of the sugar maple tree into delicious syrup? Learn all about maple sugaring by visiting a small backyard operation. Meet at Rogers Center's main parking lot to carpool to the site. Wear boots and dress for the outdoors.
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
Call 607-674-4017 for more information about the programs listed below, or to register if necessary:
Searching for a Shadow
Saturday, February 2 at 10:30 AM
Celebrate Groundhog Day by learning about these furry creatures and taking a walk to visit their habitat. Advance registration required.
Cross-country Ski Tour
Saturday, February 9 at 1 PM
Set out on skis for a tour of the woods in winter. Advance registration required.
Learn how worms can reduce your household garbage, and even get some to take home and start your own compost bin
Valentine's Day Snowshoe Walk
Thursday, February 14 at 6:30 PM
Celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart on a snowshoe walk in the woods. For adults only. Advance registration required.
Winter Birding
Saturday, February 16 at 10:30 AM
Learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count and enjoy a walk as we discover which birds stay around during the winter season. Advance registration required.
Full Moon Cross-country Ski Tour
Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30 PM
Take a moonlight tour of the woods on cross-country skis. Advance registration required.
Family Movie Night
Tuesday, February 19 at 7 PM
Bring a pillow and wear your comfy clothes to watch "Hoot" (PG), a 90-minute movie about a group of kids who fight to protect the habitat for burrowing owls. Advance registration required.
Full "Snow" Moon Snowshoe Walk
Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30 PM
Dress warmly to enjoy a walk through our snowy trails. Advance registration required.
Worms Eat My Garbage
Thursday, February 21 at 10 AM
Parents and children are invited to learn all about worms and how they can be used to recycle food scraps in your home. Your family will receive all the materials necessary to start your own worm bin-including worms! A materials fee of $5 per family and advance registration are required.
Family Snowshoe Walks
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 22 and 23 at 10:30 AM
Got cabin fever? Bring the kids outside for an energetic walk and fresh air. Advance registration required.
