Events and Important Dates

Family Field Trips

Enhance your family’s scientific learning this winter by scheduling a Family Fieldtrip to Five Rivers! Meet a Friends naturalist to head afield for one of four offerings: Animal Tracking, Snowman Birdfeeders, Snowshoeing, and Sap to Syrup. (Sap to Syrup is offered in March only and runs at additional times. See Registration Form for details.)
Who: Families or friend groups (maximum 8 participants Friends naturalist)
* 2 adults required on every fieldtrip
What: Nature field trip; visit www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org for topics and outing descriptions
When: 10:00–11:30 AM or 1:30–3:00 PM on Mondays (begins January 4)
Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $10 for members/$15 for non-members
Questions: Contact Nancy at gsp5rivers@outlook.com for further information
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Family Field Trips

Enhance your family’s scientific learning this winter by scheduling a Family Fieldtrip to Five Rivers! Meet a Friends naturalist to head afield for one of four offerings: Animal Tracking, Snowman Birdfeeders, Snowshoeing, and Sap to Syrup. (Sap to Syrup is offered in March only and runs at additional times. See Registration Form for details.)
Who: Families or friend groups (maximum 8 participants Friends naturalist)
* 2 adults required on every fieldtrip
What: Nature field trip; visit www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org for topics and outing descriptions
When: 10:00–11:30 AM or 1:30–3:00 PM on Mondays (begins January 4)
Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $10 for members/$15 for non-members
Questions: Contact Nancy at gsp5rivers@outlook.com for further information
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

DEC Marine Permit Office (MPO) 2021 Limited Entry Commercial Fishing Permit Random Selection virtual public meeting will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. In the event of inclement weather the public meeting will be reschedule for Thursday, March 4, 2021. DEC Marine Permit Office Limited Entry Permits and Licenses issued to eligible applicants that are designated through a double-blind selection process to ensure that results are randomly selected and unbiased.

Register for the virtual meeting online or use call in to the meeting by dialing 518-549-0500 and entering the Access Code 185 841 8599. Your audio connection or phone line will be muted on entry. For questions about marine permits and licenses, contact MPO@dec.ny.gov. 

 Guided School Program
Actively engage your entire class in the discovery process through hands-on experiences and minds-on investigation at Five Rivers. Our classroom is the great outdoors! During January and February, learn about animal adaptations and winter survival as we explore animal tracks and scat in a variety of habitats. In March, join us for a one-hour Marvelous Maples lesson where you will learn the sappy secret of syrup! For additional program details, visit the Friends website at www.FriendsOfFiveRivers.org.
Who: Schools/home schools (maximum daily participants: 30 students with 6 school chaperones, divided into 10-student, 2-chaperon groups.)

 Marvelous Maples 10:00 AM–11:00 AM, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in March

Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $50 per group of 10 students with 2 school chaperones
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org, go to School Programs tab

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Dr. Seuss Read-A-Loud: The Lorax and Other Favorites
The Lorax said, “I speak for the trees.” Where better to read this classic than among Five Rivers’ trees? In honor of the birthday of Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, we are delighted to read aloud and share some of our favorite stories from his books. Have your own favorite? Bring it along and read it to a friend.

 Dress for the weather; we’ll be outdoors.

Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Friday, February 26, to register.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

THIS PROGRAM IS FULL.

People with bird-watching skills or the desire to learn are needed to help discover winter feeding areas of endangered raptor species. Volunteers meet at Five Rivers once or twice a month and spend an hour, centered around sunset, scanning for and recording raptor species on Five Rivers’ grasslands. Participants do not have to attend every session and will need their own binoculars. Study dates are subject to change due to weather. Pre-registration is required. Please help us save these threatened and endangered species. Call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 or email 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov to register

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) are seeking public comment on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment

Comments may be submitted at the virtual public hearing or via written comment until March 16, 2021.

To register for the virtual public hearing or for information on how to submit comments, visit: https://www.mafmc.org/newsfeed/2021/sfsbsb-allocation-am-hearings.

Additional information can be found on MAFMC's website in the Public Hearing Document and Quick Reference Guide (PDF).

Discover the process of creating maple syrup from tap to bottle with limited materials in your own backyard! We’ll share our tips and lessons learned from five years of DIY sugaring at home.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead (716-683-5959) to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• Participants will be emailed a link for the presentation.
  
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.
  

 Guided School Program
Actively engage your entire class in the discovery process through hands-on experiences and minds-on investigation at Five Rivers. Our classroom is the great outdoors! During January and February, learn about animal adaptations and winter survival as we explore animal tracks and scat in a variety of habitats. In March, join us for a one-hour Marvelous Maples lesson where you will learn the sappy secret of syrup! For additional program details, visit the Friends website at www.FriendsOfFiveRivers.org.
Who: Schools/home schools (maximum daily participants: 30 students with 6 school chaperones, divided into 10-student, 2-chaperon groups.)

 Marvelous Maples 10:00 AM–11:00 AM, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in March

Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $50 per group of 10 students with 2 school chaperones
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org, go to School Programs tab

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Wishing you could perform or attend a performance? Then Sparks of Creativity is for you! Once a week through the month of March, Friends will hold an Open Mic (without a mic) at the Amphitheater. Sitting by a cozy fire, a staff member will begin each session and be followed by you, our talented performers. The audience will be seated on reserved, socially distanced benches in the open area stadium.

Pre-registration to reserve a 10’ bench or to perform is required.
Performers must submit a description of their family-friendly talent—all ages may perform.
For: Everyone; Be an audience member, a performer or both!
Fee: members: $10 one day, $40 all days;
 non-members: $12 one day, $48 all days
Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) was prepared to evaluate the proposed modification of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s (NYC DEP’s) Catskill Aqueduct Influent Chamber State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (Catalum SPDES Permit). The Proposed Action would modify the Catalum SPDES Permit to incorporate the following:

1. Turbidity control measures, including operation of Ashokan Reservoir in accordance with the Interim Ashokan Release Protocol (IRP); and
2. Delay of dredging accumulated material (alum floc) from Kensico Reservoir until the completion of certain infrastructure projects.

Implementation of the turbidity control measures analyzed in the Draft EIS would allow NYC DEP to continue to provide reliable, clean, and safe drinking water while reducing reliance on chemical treatment of the water supply, specifically the use of alum, during episodic turbidity events.

A legislative public comment hearing on the permit application and the Draft EIS will be held to receive unsworn statements from the public at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, through the Webex Events electronic webinar platform.

Written comments concerning the Draft EIS and permit application must be postmarked by June 16, 2021 and mailed or emailed to the contact listed above.

Instructions for Attending the Legislative Public Comment Hearing:

To join the hearing through the internet, visit www.webex.com and click "Join a meeting."

Event Number: 179 555 3174

Registration Password: March3-4pm

To join by phone only:

Dial: 1-518-549-0500
Access Code: 179 555 3174

Any person wishing to provide a public statement must register in advance of the hearing no later than 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 1, 2021. Any person who wishes only to observe the webinar online must also register. Any person may listen to the hearing by phone without pre-registration.

To register electronically: All persons who will login to the hearing electronically must register. To register, visit https://www.webex.com, click "Join meeting," input the event number listed above, click "Register," and fill in the requested information. You will be asked whether you wish to make a public statement or not. After registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation by email with information about how to join the hearing.

Guided Walk: Pandemic Perambulating
Stuck indoors with the pandemic getting you down? Get up and get out! Join us for an easy- paced walk to get some fresh air and enjoy a little socially distant company. Dress for the weather.

Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by the Monday prior to register.

In the event of severe weather, these programs may be canceled.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

A quarterly meeting of the Hudson River Estuary Management Advisory Committee  (HREMAC) will be held March 4, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. until 12 noon. 

Meetings are open to the public and are being held by Webex. Join by video or by phone +1-518-549-0500 USA (Toll); Access code: 178 236 9162. Please RSVP your attendance via email to hrep@dec.ny.gov with the subject line “HREMAC”.

It’s never too early to think about your summer garden! Discover how choosing the right plants can benefit wildlife while also beautifying your yard.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead (716-683-5959) to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• Participants will be emailed a link for the presentation.
  
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.
  

 Guided School Program
Actively engage your entire class in the discovery process through hands-on experiences and minds-on investigation at Five Rivers. Our classroom is the great outdoors! During January and February, learn about animal adaptations and winter survival as we explore animal tracks and scat in a variety of habitats. In March, join us for a one-hour Marvelous Maples lesson where you will learn the sappy secret of syrup! For additional program details, visit the Friends website at www.FriendsOfFiveRivers.org.
Who: Schools/home schools (maximum daily participants: 30 students with 6 school chaperones, divided into 10-student, 2-chaperon groups.)

 Marvelous Maples 10:00 AM–11:00 AM, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in March

Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $50 per group of 10 students with 2 school chaperones
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org, go to School Programs tab

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Discover the process of creating maple syrup from tap to bottle with limited materials in your own backyard! We’ll share our tips and lessons learned from five years of DIY sugaring at home.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead (716-683-5959) to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• Participants will be emailed a link for the presentation.
  
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.
  

This policy establishes the methods and procedures to be used by the owners and/or operators of facilities when submitting reports, certifications, emissions statements or other items required in their air permits. Depending on the report type, the information may be submitted either electronically or on paper, in a format specified by the Department. Electronic data may be submitted in a spreadsheet format or by direct entry through a dedicated electronic reporting Department web site.

For more information, visit the DEC website.

Contact:  e-reporting.air@dec.ny.gov

DEC has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application for a site known as Goodrich Rubber 285 North Avenue Site, site ID #C360212. This site is located in the City of New Rochelle, within the County of Westchester, and is located at 285 North Avenue. Public comments about the application must be submitted by March 5, 2021.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the site and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C360212/

And, once reopened, at:

New Rochelle Public Library
1 Library Plaza
New Rochelle, NY 10801

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the 297 Wallabout Street, site ID #C224299 (Brooklyn, Kings County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. The initial public comment period for the work plan was to end on February 12, 2021. To allow additional time for public review and commenting, the public comment period is being extended. All comments must now be submitted by March 5, 2021. 

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C224299/

And, once reopened, at:

Brooklyn Public Library – Marcy Branch
617 DeKalb Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11216
(718) 935-0032

Brooklyn Public Library – Bushwick Branch
340 Bushwick Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206
(718) 602-1348

Brooklyn Community Board 1
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 389-0009

This week's "Virtual River" Facebook LIVE at Norrie Point Environmental Center looks at fish and climate change. We will take a look at some of the fish that are already being affected by our changing climate, and a few species we could be seeing more of in the near future. 

Learn more about Norrie Point here >>

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the 27-09 40th Avenue, site ID #C241241 (Long Island City, Queens County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through March 6, 2021.

Click the web link above at "Additional Information" to learn about the proposal and how to comment.

Project documents can be reviewed online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C241241/

And, once reopened, at:

Queens Library at Long Island City
37-44 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 752-3700

Queens Community Board 1
45-02 Ditmars Boulevard, LL Suite 125
Astoria, NY 11105
Tel: 718-626-1021
Email: qn01@cb.nyc.gov
Tel: (718) 389-0009

Visit 10 locations at Reinstein Woods to discover early signs of spring. Learn to identify trees in winter, frog calls, and bird songs along the way.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

12:00–3:30 PM by registration only

Join a Five Rivers educator for an introduction to maple sugaring, from sap to syrup. We’ll demonstrate how to twirl a brace and bit, tap in a spile, collect the sap, and turn it into that sweet treat we know as maple syrup! Inspect the sap flow and enjoy the aroma of sap boiling in our evaporator. The 45 minute guided walks start at noon, and every half-hour thereafter, with the last walk starting at 2:30 PM. A local maple producer will be on site to answer questions and offer a variety of maple products for sale.

Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by the Wednesday before to register.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.