May 16, 2012
- Watching Wildlife
- Family Fun
- Upcoming DEC Events
- Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Centers
- Capital District - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
- Central New York - Rogers Environmental Education Center
- Western New York - Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Watching Wildlife
New York State is home to more than 80 species of native mammals, 240 bird species, hundreds of fish species and 70 species of reptiles and amphibians. This bounty of wildlife can be viewed in every corner of the state, depending on the habitat. DEC's website includes a Watchable Wildlife section to direct you to the best places to view wildlife and learn interesting facts about your favorite animals.
Mammals that make their home in New York include bear, moose and whales, as well as commonly seen squirrels, white-tailed deer and bats. The 240 bird species are joined by another 200 species that pass through the state during their annual migration. New York birds range from backyard birds like the cardinal to the majestic bald eagle.
New York's reptiles include turtles, lizards and snakes, and amphibian species such as frogs, toads and salamanders. The diversity of the state's waters, from cold mountain streams to tidal rivers and the ocean, support hundreds of fish species. Don't forget the tens of thousands of species of insects in New York-like butterflies and ladybugs-which are also interesting to watch.
Send us an e-mail and tell us what you think about Outdoor Discovery.
Family Fun
Tips for Watching Wildlife at Night
The best time to witness nocturnal wildlife is about 30 minutes after sunset. Follow these tips to maximize your nighttime wildlife watch:
-Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers or running shoes so that you can walk around quietly.
-Check which direction the wind is blowing and sit downwind so that the animals won't be able to smell you.
-Bring a blanket-it gets cold sitting on the ground.
-Place a piece of red cellophane paper over your flashlight and secure it with a rubber band. The red light allows your eyes to adjust to the darkness better, and you won't disturb the animals as much as with a bright white flashlight.
-Pick an area where there are a lot of night-flying insects-near water, flood lights or street lights. Certain animals feed on insects, and insects are attracted to light and water.
-Use binoculars to get a close view of animals; binoculars enable you to see animals better from a respectable and safe distance.
-Don't feed the animals!
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Programs at Stony Kill are now offered by the Stony Kill Foundation; there are no DEC education staff at the site due to fiscal constraints.
Open Barn Tour
Saturdays and Sundays, May 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Girl Scout Program: Exploring Nature
Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 AM
This program for Daisy Girl Scouts and their parent/troop leader will show you how to explore nature using your senses. During this outdoor program, we will use interactive exercises to learn about the world around us. Registration for this program is through the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (this link leaves DEC's website). Call 518-489-8110 for more information. A materials fee applies.
Family Fun: Stopping by the Woods
Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 AM
Parent and child must accompany each other. Registration is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Friday, May 11 to register or for more information.
Family Fun: World Turtle Day
Saturday, May 19 at 2:00 PM
How to Do It: Hiking/Backpacking Safety
Saturday, May 26 at 10:00 AM
Scout groups welcome. Please call the center at 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, May 23 to register.
How to Do It: Go Tent Camping
Saturday, May 26 at 2:00 PM
Please call the center at 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, May 23.
Event Descriptions at Five Rivers
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center (this link leaves DEC's website)
Lupine Festival
Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A FREE day of fantastic Pine Bush fun for the whole family-rain or shine!
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center (this link leaves DEC's website)
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Programs at Rogers are now offered by the Friends of Rogers (this link leaves DEC's website); there are no DEC education staff at the site due to fiscal constraints.
Kids Drop-In Program
Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Join the fun as kids enjoy a variety of activities! Dress ready for the weather. Parents, please come prepared to stay with your child for the duration of their participation.
Canoe or Kayak Beaver Creek
Saturday, May 26 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Experience the quiet of slow moving Beaver Creek, the emerging vegetation and a variety of wildlife with volunteer Adam Schoonmaker. Meet at Rogers Center parking lot to caravan to the site near Brookfield. Call 607-674-4733 to register. Cost: $15 per paddler, or $5 with your boat.
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
After-School Escape
Thursdays, May 17 and 24 at 4:30 PM
Enjoy a one-hour program for kids featuring a different, fun, outdoor activity each week. For children in grades K through 5. No registration required.
Natural History for Teachers
Saturday, May 19 at 9:30 AM
Strengthen your wildlife identification and observation skills on this guided walk. For educators only.
Call 716-683-5959 to register.
New Moon Walk
Monday, May 21 at 8:30 PM
Call 716-683-5959 to register.
Turtle Lore
Saturday, May 26 at 10:30 AM
Call 716-683-5959 to register.
Spring Plant Hike
Saturday, May 26 at 2:00 PM
Call 716-683-5959 to register.