April 8, 2009
- Earth Day
- Family Fun
- Upcoming DEC Events
- Long Island
- Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center and Tivoli Bays Visitors Center
- Capital District - 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
Earth Day
Forty years ago, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson was very worried about the environmental health of the planet. He believed that education was the key to changing people's attitudes about the environment and had an idea for a national campaign to raise awareness of the problem. The result was Earth Day, which is now celebrated every April 22 and is dedicated to the environmental health of our home-Earth. On the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million students and citizens participated in rallies and demonstrations in support of environmental conservation.
Today, more than 200 million people in 141 countries participate in Earth Day. Activities and events intended to educate people and improve the environment take place in communities throughout the country. Topics include air, water and soil pollution, habitat loss, recycling, endangered species, climate change and the depletion of earth's non-renewable energy sources. Volunteers often get together to clean up litter, parks and streams and to plant trees.
Send us an e-mail, and tell us what you think about Outdoor Discovery.
Family Fun
Sprucing Up
Take a look around your neighborhood, school or nearby park. Are there areas that could use a little "sprucing up"? Are there a lot of weeds or litter? Does an area need some new grass or flowers? Talk to your local government or school principal to get approval to organize a cleanup project. Maybe there is a volunteer group in your area that can help you get organized. Then tell your family, neighbors, friends, teachers and clubs about your plan. Work with an adult to make a list of what you will need to do and ask people to buy or bring. Then set a date for your "spruce-up" campaign. You will need plenty of adults to help and you can print flyers to get even more volunteers. Mother Earth will appreciate it!
Making an Impact
The United States Environmental Protection Agency website has a Climate Change Kids' Site where you can figure out how much of an impact your actions have on the Earth. It will also suggest some ways to make positive environmental changes around your home and school. DEC's Green Living webpage features "ten things you can do to help the environment right now."
Looking for an adventure this summer for your teenager? Check out DEC's Environmental Education Camps.
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Long Island
Visit the DEC website for more information on these programs.
Spring Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park
Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Kick off the spring season with a day of fishing for the whole family. DEC stocks Belmont Lake with more than 1,000 trout for this event. Loaner rods and free bait are available too! Cost: $6 parking fee; free with Empire Passport.
Youth Conservation Program at the Peconic River Sportsman's' Club
Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19
This program introduces 12- to 16-year-olds to the basic principles of conservation, sportsman education and general outdoorsmanship. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive their Hunter Education Training Certificate of Qualification, which is required to purchase all hunting licenses.
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Frogwatch!
Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 PM
We'll look and listen for signs of amphibian mating activity in our vernal pools. Learn to recognize native frogs by their calls and how you can help scientists keep track of these sensitive indicators of environmental quality.
Spring is Here!
Saturday, April 18 at 2:00 PM
Join us on a leisurely ramble to look for early signs of the season, including the first wildflowers and early-arriving migrants on the wing, like tree swallows.
Tivoli Bays Visitors Center
Wacky Weather!
Wednesday, April 8 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
What's with all the crazy weather? Discover how rain storms, clouds, tornadoes and wind are all formed and affect us daily!
Scat Chat!
Wednesday, April 15 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Discover which animals have been in the area by what they left behind. Become a scat detective, and figure out who's been hanging around.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Outdoors After School
Every Thursday from February 26 to June 18 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
A nature walk for grade-school children and their caregivers. Each week will feature a different theme and habitat.
Wildlife Babies
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM
Join us for a walk to look for signs of wildlife nests and dens and new life at Five Rivers.
Earth Science
Thursday, April 16, 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Fun experiments, activities and a walk to look at geological landmarks. -Register by April 14.
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 AM
Tips on using binoculars, where to go, birding guides and local birding groups. Bring binoculars, or use ours.
For the Birds
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 PM
For kids and their families, this program includes a guided walk and a craft. Bring binoculars, or use ours.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Call 518-456-0655 to register for all events. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free.
Secrets of GPS Revealed for Beginners
Saturday, April 18 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Search for hidden objects using a handheld GPS unit that will help you navigate the trails.
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Adirondacks
Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center
Eco-Quest Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Seek out colorful eggs containing the answers to a nature quiz. Call to register: 518-327-3000. Cost: $2/person; free for Adirondack Park Institute members.
Fish Hatchery Tour
Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Ed Grant of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will host a tour of the Lake Clear Fish Hatchery. Call 518-327-3000 for directions to the fish hatchery.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 607-674-4017.
Children's Program: Egg Coloring
Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 AM
Discover the variety of shapes, sizes and colors of wild bird eggs and create your own colorful egg to take home. Ages 4 to 12.
Vernal Pools at Stony Pond
Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 AM to Noon
Discover a secret amphibian and invertebrate hideout, free from predatory fish - vernal pools.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
Stories in the Woods
Tuesday, April 14 at 10:30 AM
Listen to a nature story, followed by a short walk in the woods. For children ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Planet Protectors
Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM
Journey with us to learn how you can use worms, watches, water and more to protect the earth and even increase your allowance. For children age 7 and older.
CSI: Critter Sign Investigation
Thursday, April 16 at 10:00 AM
Become a nature detective and look for clues left by wildlife along the trails. For children ages 6-10.
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
An eco-friendly event fro the whole family! Make crafts out of recycled materials, learn ways to save energy or take a guided nature walk.