November 4 - Recycling
America Recycles Day is coming up on November 15. Draw a poster for the New York Recycles! Poster Contest or take a pledge to recycle more. Learn about predators of the night at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Discover how squirrels prepare for winter at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center.
October 21 - Bears
There are about 7,000 black bears that call New York State home. Find out more about this misunderstood mammal, from what they eat to where they sleep in the winter. Bears are known for their incredible sense of smell--test your "smell sense" with a fun game. Visit an environmental education center for a Halloween festival and learn more about creepy, crawling and flying creatures.
October 7 - Canada Geese
Geese flying in formation through the sky are a sure sign that autumn is here. Count moon birds the same way that scientists did long ago. Visit an environmental education center and learn how animals prepare for fall, or just take a stroll to enjoy the season's beautiful colors.
September 23 - Beaver
Learn about the fascinating building skills of New York's official mammal. Build a miniature lodge of your own. Learn about mushrooms at Rogers Environmental Education Center, or go on a habitat hunt at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center.
September 9 - Moose
Learn about the magnificent moose that are making their home in New York. Visit a nearby marsh or stay in your own backyard to see and hear local wildlife. Attend the Annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center.
August 26 - Minerals
Minerals are everywhere-our homes and cars, even our food! Learn what products minerals are used to create. Do a little mining of your own or make some fossil art. Take a hike at an Environmental Education Center to look for signs of autumn's approach.
August 12 - Lizards
Lizards in New York? Believe it or not, four species of lizards call our cold climate home. Learn how lizards escape predators with a fun game of tag. Head out to Stony Kill Environmental Education Center to learn some wilderness survival skills, or visit Five Rivers Environmental Education Center to enjoy a family campout.
July 29 - Hiking
Put together a safety backpack and hit the trails with your family. Learn to make some out-of-the-ordinary lunches for your hiking trip. Enjoy a night hike at one of DEC's Environmental Education Centers.
July 15 - Clean Air
Learn what you can do to keep our air clean. Test your yard or neighborhood for air pollution. Visit an environmental education center to explore the forest or pond life.
July 1 - Camping
Take the family camping this year, whether it is in the backyard or at one of DEC's many campgrounds. Count butterflies or chase fireflies at a DEC Environmental Education Center.
June 17 - Spiders
Get an up-close look at a spider web and learn about how spiders catch and consume their prey. Learn about all sorts of insects at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center or take the family fishing at Rogers Environmental Education Center.
June 3 - Snakes
Create your own field guide about snakes found in New York. Check out what lives in the Hudson River at Stony Kill Environmental Education Center or help clean up trails at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center.
May 20 - Turtles
Did you know that some turtles can live to be more than 100 years old? Can you blend into your surroundings like some turtle species? Try a free fishing clinic or attend World Turtle Day at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.
May 6 - Eating Locally
Eating food grown locally is healthier for you and the environment. Learn to plant your own garden. Snakes, birds, frogs...wildlife watching opportunities abound at environmental education centers.
April 22 - Water
Why are watersheds so important? See the part plants play in the water cycle. Go on a snipe hunt at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center or prowl for owls at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center.
April 8 - Earth Day
Learn the history of Earth Day and celebrate by cleaning up your neighborhood with family and friends. Enjoy the first signs of spring at an Environmental Education Center.
March 25 - Maple Sugaring
Learn how delicious maple syrup gets from the tree to your table. Visit a maple sugar open house at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Learn fly tying in time for fishing season.
March 11 - New York's Wild Side
Take a walk on New York's wild side and learn about our diverse habitats. Help the birds make a cozy nest. Search for signs of spring at an Environmental Education Center.
February 25 - Understanding the Weather
Why does it snow in winter? Make your own thunderstorm with a few household items. Build a bluebird box, search the night for owls and coyotes at an Environmental Education Center.
February 11 - Bird Watching
Bring some color to a winter day - go on a bird scavenger hunt! Join in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Choose from dozens of events at education centers this winter break.
January 28 - Map Making
Learn basic map making skills and create a map of your backyard. Opportunities to try snowshoeing are available through the state over the next two weeks. Come learn a sport that is appropriate for all ages!
January 14 - Using Resources Wisely
Measure your water usage and find out if you are a water waster. Have a sandwich/game night to save electricity. Turn off the lights and head outdoors to discover more about groundhogs, woodpeckers or animal tracks at a DEC Environmental Education Center.