July 29, 2009
- Hiking
- Family Fun
- Upcoming DEC Events
- 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
Hiking Safely
Mid-summer is a great time to explore the natural areas around your community or go for a day-long hike in the Adirondacks or Catskills with your family. Before you go, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Leave No Trace program offers these tips to hikers:
Know Before You Go: Be prepared. Don't forget clothes to protect you from cold, heat or rain. Use maps to show where you will be going and learn about the areas you are going to visit. Make sure to tell someone where you are going.
Choose the Right Path: Stay on the main trail to protect nature and don't wander off by yourself. Steer clear of flowers or small trees.
Trash Your Trash: Pack it in, pack it out. Put all your litter-even crumbs-in trash cans or carry it home. Leave What You Find: Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so the next person can enjoy them.
Be Careful with Fire: Use a camp stove for cooking. It's easier to cook on and clean up than a fire. Be sure it's okay to build a campfire in the area you are visiting.
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them.
Be Kind to Other Visitors: Make sure the fun you have in the outdoors does not bother anyone else.
Look for more hiking safety tips on DEC's outdoor recreation web pages.
Send us an e-mail and tell us what you think about Outdoor Discovery.
Family Fun
Always Be Prepared
You need more than just hiking boots and some energy bars before you head out into the woods on a hike, even if you are just planning a short trip. On a rainy afternoon, get together with your family, pack a backpack with some essentials and keep it handy for your next hike. Talk about why you think you need the following items:
-Map and compass
-Signal device such as a whistle or mirror
-Matches and lighter in a waterproof container
-Fire starters
-Water-purifying system
-High-energy, lightweight food like granola bars and nuts
-Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
-Pocket knife
-Multi-tool
-Basic first-aid kit
-Toilet paper and a small trowel to dig a pit
-Emergency blanket
-Cord-about 50 feet of nylon parachute cord
-Lightweight, windproof/waterproof jacket and pants
Energy Boost
Food for hiking should be easy to carry and not leave a big mess. If you want something different than the usual sandwiches, try these recipes:
Hot Dogs - At home, fill a wide-mouthed thermos with hot water. Add a hot dog or two and seal the bottle. Put a bun in an air-tight baggie and your favorite toppings in small, reusable containers.
Tacos - Pack hot, cooked ground meat in a wide-mouthed thermos. Fill a lunchbox or container with tortilla chips and sprinkle with grated cheese. You can bring along shredded lettuce or chopped tomatoes in separate containers if you like.
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Summer at the Farm Pond
Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM
Discover the teeming, mysterious life of a pond and what goes on below the surface.
Midsummer Night's Walk
Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 PM
Experience the forest at night the way nocturnal wildlife does, using senses other than sight to guide you. We'll use a sugar mixture to attract moths and call for owls.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Animal Open House
Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM
Come get up close and personal with some of the center's residents, and then head outdoors for a walk through the natural habitat of these animals.
Ladybug Picnic
Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 PM
Bring your picnic blanket to sit on while we play games and make a ladybug craft you can take home. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Tuesday, July 28. Cost: $2 per family.
Bats
Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 PM
Join us for an outdoor evening stroll to the Jones Barn, where we will watch for bats emerging for their night of foraging.
Edible Geology
Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 AM
We will start indoors to see and touch examples of different types of rocks. Then we will make edible replicas and go on an outdoor rock hunt. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Thursday, August 6. Cost: $2 per family.
Geology of the Vlomankill
Saturday, August 8 at 2:00 PM
On this walk down the Vlomankill Stream valley, we will be looking at unusual rock formations and get hands-on with specific rocks. Wear "water-friendly" footgear-no sandals or bare feet.
Turtles in the Pond
Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM
Meet some live turtles up close, then go for a walk outside to search for them in the ponds around Five Rivers.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Family Summer Camp: Pine Bush Adventurers
Thursday, August 6 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Calling all kids!! Bring your favorite adult to this daytime summer camp to explore and learn about the great outdoors and the Albany Pine Bush. Suitable for children ages 7 - 10 years. Call 518-456-0655 to register. Cost: $2.00/person.
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Adirondacks
Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center
Frogs and Toads
Tuesday, August 4 from 10:00 AM to Noon
This summer, our family programs feature reptiles and amphibians. Wear clothes that you can get dirty. Adults must attend and participate in the program with their children. Cost: $5/family, free/Adirondack Park Institute members. Call 518-582-2000 to register.
Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center
Adirondack Wildlife Festival
Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Children's activities, food, live bird demonstrations, wildlife walks, wildlife photography workshop, live music, wildlife exhibits, lectures, etc. Call 518-327-3000 to register.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Dragonflies
Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 AM
These fast, colorful insects live right in your backyard and are a joy to watch. Learn about their lifecycle while observing them up close.
Explore the Summit Trail
Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 AM
Enjoy a strenuous walk through a mixed deciduous forest. Possible sightings include signs of porcupine, turkey, deer and more.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
Knee-High Naturalists
Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM
Enjoy a fun-filled hour of nature activities with your young child ages 3-5. Cost: $2.00 per child/free for Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve members.
Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse Walk
Thursday, August 6 at 8:00 PM
Enjoy a walk along the trails as we view the full moon and learn about the penumbral lunar eclipse. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Stroller Strut
Tuesday, August 11 at 10:00 AM
Bring your stroller and share a sensory exploration of nature with your young child. For children ages 3 and under and their caregivers.
Events at other Nature Centers throughout the State
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