February 10, 2010
- Life Under the Ice
- 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
Life Under the Ice
The temperature dips well below freezing during the winter in New York, and many lakes and ponds freeze. As the winter progresses, the ice gets thicker-sometimes thick enough for a car to drive on it. Rivers don't freeze the same way that lakes do because the water is always in motion. The ocean doesn't freeze at all. What happens to animals that live in the water when winter comes? Here are just a few species that have adapted to their frigid environment:
Turtles- The painted turtle eats a lot during the fall to build up energy reserves for the winter. When the temperature drops, it may dig down as far as 18 inches into the muddy bottom of a pond, where it will remain until spring. Like other hibernating animals, the turtle slows its breathing, heart rate and metabolism depending on the temperature of the water.
Frogs- Certain frogs such as bull frogs and green frogs spend the winter in water bodies. However, they can't actually tolerate freezing temperatures and burrow into the mud beneath the ice.
Fish- Because most bodies of water don't freeze all the way, fish actually live in cold water beneath a layer of ice, although they do slow down quite a bit. What matters is how much oxygen is still getting into the water below the ice surface. When a lake or pond is frozen, there may be cracks or holes that allow oxygen in. There is also oxygen trapped in the water under the ice.
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Family Fun
Frozen Fish
Don't believe that fish aren't frozen in the lakes and ponds found throughout New York State? Try this experiment to prove it to yourself. Take a rubber fish (like a child's bathtub toy) and put it in a container of water. Partially freeze the container. Break through the ice layer on top-is the fish frozen? Bodies of water generally freeze from the top down and rarely freeze more than a foot or two below the surface. That leaves a whole lot of water for fish to spend the winter in.
Ice Fishing
Now that you know there are fish below the ice, do you want to try to catch some? Safety is the first concern when ice fishing. The ice has to be thick enough to hold your weight-three to four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. Most ice fishers don't like to walk on ice that is less than five inches thick. Of course, remember to dress warmly-it gets cold sitting on a huge ice cube! DEC's website provides all the basics and safety tips to get you started ice fishing.
Ice fishing involves drilling a hole and dropping a line into it. You can tell that a fish is on your line by using a "tip-up." Create your own using fishing line and a few dowels. First, get two wooden dowels both 18 inches long. One should be ¼-inch thick and the other ½-inch thick. Bind the two rods together like a cross, using heavy fishing line. The short rod should be attached only a few inches from one end of the larger rod. Now tie a brightly colored cloth to the long end of the longer rod. On the other end of the long rod, tie your fishing line securely.
Drop the line in the hole, and lay your "rod" across so that it is supported by the ice on the sides of the "cross." When a fish bites, it will pull the short end toward the hole, and the flag will pop up, letting you know you have a fish.
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 13 at 2:00 PM
Learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count, and enjoy a walk as we discover which birds stay around during the winter.
This Forest Isn't Big Enough for the Both of Us!
Tuesday, February 16 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Through fun activities and games, learn how animal populations are regulated by their environments. How successful will you be at survival? Come find out!
Owls Are Such a Hoot!
Thursday, February 18 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Learn about the fascinating characteristics of owls and how their adaptations help them catch prey. Discover what these birds like to eat for dinner.
The Laws of Attraction
Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 PM
Love is in the air, and the Stony Kill staff is here to explain the varying and intriguing courtship and mating behaviors of local birds, deer and other animals.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 13 at 9:00 AM
This weekend, birders all across North America will count birds in their yards or local parks as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Join other birders as we count birds at our feeders from the comfort of the viewing window.
The Ecology of Snow
Saturday, February 13 at 2:00 PM
For winter wildlife, a rich blanket of snow can be either a blessing or a curse. While winter's snow cover may impede mobility and hide food sources, it can also provide protection for many species of flora and fauna. Join center naturalists on an outdoor study of winter's ecological impact.
Nature Reading and Doing - A Family Program
Thursday, February 18 at 10:00 AM
Join us for a winter adventure! After sharing a book with a winter theme, the weather will determine whether our outdoor walk is by foot or on snowshoes, with popcorn and hot chocolate afterwards. Call by February 16 to register.
Nightwalk: Coyotes
Friday, February 19 at 7:00 PM
Nocturnal animals are uniquely adapted to the realm of night. Join us for an indoor presentation and outdoor walk to look and listen for these fascinating animals and to explore their habitat.
Feed the Birds
Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 PM
We'll make some feeders for our winged friends and then take a walk to look for birds and bird habitat. $1 materials fee per person.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Hoot Like an Owl Pre-K Program
Wednesday, February 10 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
"Hoo-hoo hoooooo hoo-hoo" Have you ever heard an owl call? Come join us as we learn the calls of owls that live in the Pine Bush, explore their habitat, and discover how they survive. We will finish with making an owl finger puppet. Call 518-456-0655 to register.
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Adirondacks
Adirondack Park Agency Newcomb Visitors Center
Chilly Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski Festival
Saturday, February 13 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Join us for a festive day of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on our beautiful trails. The festival includes snowshoe use, workshops and hot beverages. Family and kids' activities will include making a balsam sachet, snow goggles, snowman pin, winter art and more. Family activities on snowshoes include our famous search for the "Gold" Medallion, or try our scavenger hunts on each of the trails. Skiers must bring their own equipment, and people may either bring their own snowshoes or borrow ours.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Holey Dwellers
Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 AM
Who lives in a hole under the ground? Many animals use holes in the ground for year-round shelter or maternity dens. Walk the trails with us as we search for some holes and signs of the creatures that use them.
Maple Sugaring
Saturday, February 20 from 10:00 AM to Noon
What's a waffle without maple syrup? Ever wonder how that awesome sweet stuff is made? Join our staff for a maple sugaring demonstration. Meet in the Rogers Center main parking lot to carpool. Please call to register, and dress to be outside.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
Frosty Feathers
Saturday, February 13 at 10:30 AM
Join us as we search for winter resident birds. You can be part of the Great Backyard Bird Count!
Cross-Country Ski Tour
Saturday, February 13 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 $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Snowshoe Walk
Tuesday, February, 16 at 10:30 AM
Got cabin fever? Join us for an energetic walk on snowshoes. Snowshoe rental $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Frozen Forest
Saturday, February 20 at 10:30 AM
Discover how to identify local trees after the leaves have fallen, by looking at their bark and buds instead.