December 30, 2009
- Green Resolutions
- Family Fun
- Upcoming DEC Events
- Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education 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
Green Resolutions
Every New Year, people make resolutions to improve themselves or make their lives better. This year, why don't you and your family make resolutions to improve the Earth?
Here are some facts to show you how just a few kid-friendly changes can help make the world a better place:
• Every year, the average American child generates 67 pounds of trash from their school lunches. That's 18,670 pounds per year from the average elementary school.
• Fifty billion plastic water bottles were used last year, and only 20 percent were recycled.
• During the past 20 years, birthday parties have gotten bigger and more extravagant, which means a lot of garbage.
• It takes aluminum soda cans 200 to 500 years to decompose.
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Family Fun
I Promise To…
Now that you know a few facts about products that kids use frequently, sit down and come up with some "green" resolutions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Creating Litterless Lunches
• Try to create a lunch box or bag that has no garbage when you are done eating:
• Put your water or juice in a stainless steel or nalgene (BPA-free) water bottle.
• Put soup in a thermos and your sandwich in a reusable container (which come in a variety of colors and designs) instead of a plastic bag.
• Pack veggies and fruit in reusable containers.
• Bring a cloth napkin and stainless steel utensils.
• Carry your lunch and everything that goes with it in a lunch box or cloth bag.
Drawing the Line on Paper Waste
Most kids like to draw, but multiple drafts can create a lot of waste. Ask your parents to start a bin of scrap paper (old flyers, paper printed on one side, old memos from work). When you are doodling or coming up with an idea for a drawing, use the scrap paper. Once you get your idea just the way you want it, use a clean sheet of paper. Save your artwork, and use the other side for another masterpiece.
Recycling Design
New Yorkers have made a lot of progress in recycling during the past ten years, but we still have a way to go. Many communities recycle paper, newspaper, metal, aluminum, glass and plastic (ask your parents to check with your town to see what your community recycles). Help make recycling easier in your home by designing some recycling bins. Get two recycling bins, and draw a nice sign for each-one bin for paper (newspaper, junk mail, magazines, copy paper, etc.) and another bin for plastic, glass, metal and aluminum. Some communities mix all their recyclables together, so you may only need one bin. Remind everyone in your house to recycle, and help to sort the items every week and put them in their place.
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Open Barn
Saturday, January 2 at 2:00 PM
Come see the domestic animals that live at Stony Kill, and learn how they are similar to their wild cousins.
Snow and H20
Saturday, January 9 at 2:00 PM
Come learn about the wonder-filled properties of snow. There will be activities and outdoor exploration if weather permits. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
30th Annual New Year's Day Bird Count
Friday, January 1 at 9:00 AM
Come celebrate Albany's first morning of the new year as we search high and low for our fine-feathered friends. Bring binoculars and dress warmly.
Winter Greenery
Saturday, January 2 at 10:00 AM
We'll look for signs of green under the frost and snow: moss, evergreen ferns, lichens, spruces and pines.
Tree Identification
Saturday, January 2 at 2:00 PM
Learn the basics of tree identification with easy-to-use field guides. We'll focus on the many species of conifers found on the Five Rivers property.
Birding by Snowshoe
Saturday, January 9 at 9:00 AM
Join bird experts as we search for resident species. This program is geared for the birding/snowshoeing novice. Please call 518-475-0291 by January 6 to register. If there is insufficient snow, we will go afoot.
The Natural History of Empty Nests
Saturday, January 9 at 2:00 PM
The leafless landscape of winter reveals a host of summer's secrets. Join center staff as we scour the brush for abandoned bird nests to study who might have made them to begin with and who moved in since.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Papermaking
Saturday, January 10 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Turn old paper scraps into new paper and help conserve trees! In this program you will learn easy steps to making beautiful and functional recycled paper. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Call 518-456-0655 to register.
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Adirondacks
Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center
Animal Tracking for Kids
Saturday, January 2 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
This program is for families with children 11 years and older. Winter is a great time to learn how to identify the tracks of the animals that visit your house and woods. Snowshoes will be available. Adults must attend and participate in the program with their children. Call 518-582-2000 to register.
Adirondack Park Agency Paul Smiths Visitors Center
Family Snowshoe with S'mores
Friday, January 1 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Spend the first day of the year out with the family on this kid-friendly snowshoe walk. After we look for stories in the snow we will warm up next to a fire and enjoy a s'more. Donations are accepted for s'more materials. Call 518-327-3000 to register.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
New Year Wildlife List
Saturday, January 2 at 10:00 AM
Get out, and get ready to learn about winter wildlife. We will offer tips on where and when to look for wildlife and enjoy a nature walk. Call 607-674-4017 to register.
32nd Annual Winter Living Celebration
Saturday, January 9 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
This annual festival highlights winter recreation opportunities, educational exhibits and demonstrations and fun family entertainment. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are welcome. Bring your Christmas tree for recycling.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
Walk
Saturday, January 2 at 10:30 AM
Ring in the New Year with a guided snowshoe walk. Snowshoe rental for $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Cross-Country Ski Tour
Saturday, January 2 at 1:00 PM
Bring your own skis or rent a pair (limited sizes) and glide through The Woods on a guided tour. Ski rental for $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
After School Escape
Thursdays during January at 4:30 PM
A one-hour program for children in grades K-5 featuring a different, fun outdoor activity each week. No registration is required.
Winter Wildflowers
Saturday, January 9 at 10:30 AM
Explore the world of winter plants and see where the spring wildflowers will bloom.
Cross-Country Ski Tour
Sunday, January 10 at 1:00 PM
Bring your own skis or rent a pair (limited sizes) and glide through The Woods on a guided tour. Ski rental for $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Knee-High Naturalists
Wednesday, January 13, January 27, February 10 and 24 at 10:00 AM
Looking to get out of the house with your young child? Each hourlong session will feature a variety of activities such as stories, games, crafts and snack. Participants must sign up for the entire series. This program is for children ages 3 to 5. Cost: $10.00 per child; $6.00 per child for FORNP members.