Events and Important Dates

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the Former Ithaca Gun Factory, site ID #C755019 (Ithaca, Tompkins County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. The initial public comment period for the work plan was to end on January 2, 2021. Due to requests from the public, the public comment period is being extended. All comments must now be submitted by January 17, 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/C755019/

And, once reopened, at:

Tompkins County Public Library
101 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-4557
(askalibrarian@tcpl.org)

--and--

NYSDEC Kirkwood Sub-office
Attn: Gary Priscott
1679 Route 11
Kirkwood, NY 13795
(607) 775-2545 ext. 116
by appointment only

Learn the basics of cross-country skiing before going on a short, guided ski tour. $15.00/person; Friends members = $10.00.

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 required; register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events. 
• *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.

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.  

  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.)

Animal Adaptations 10:00 AM–12:00 PM on Mondays (January 4, 11, 25; February 1, 8)
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.  

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.  

Explore the world of winter plants and see what next summer’s wildflowers will look like. For adults only. 

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.
  

Families with young children (pre-school) will accompany naturalists on interactive, themed discovery walks around Five Rivers. Activity pages will be sent home each week to create an expanding journal. Pre-registration is required. Contact Nancy Payne by email at nancy.payne@dec.ny.gov for further information or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
Who: Preschool-aged children and parents or adult caregivers; older siblings welcome!
Maximum Group Size: 2 families / naturalist
When: 10:30–11:30 AM or 12:30–1:30 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for four weeks.
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $15 for members; $20 for non-members – fee includes materials

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 is holding a virtual public information session on Habitat Management Plans for Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in the towns of Macomb and De Peyster, St. Lawrence County; Swallow Bluffs WMA located in the towns of Lisbon and Waddington, St. Lawrence County; and Collins Landing WMA  located in the towns of Alexandria and Orleans in Jefferson County on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The event will feature an hour-long presentation about the WMAs' histories, habitat goals, and planned habitat management actions, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Use this link to register for the event >>

This presentation will be recorded and made available to the public after the session. 

DEC and APA will also be conducting a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. 

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, the hearing will not be held in person. 

To participate: https://tinyurl.com/DeBarAfternoon 

To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number 1-518-549-0500 and enter the access code: 179 267 0779 

Another meeting is scheduled for an evening session from 6-9pm on 1/19/21.

Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) is being held virtually on Tuesday, January 19 at 2:00 pm.

Use this link to register for the event >>

Alternatively, you can dial into the meeting by calling (518) 549-0500 and entering Meeting ID #178 158 0889.

MRAC was established by law in 1987 to advise the DEC on marine resources issues, such as commercial and recreational fishing, proposed regulations and the protection and utilization of New York's valuable marine resources. The Council consisting of fifteen members: seven representatives from both the state's commercial and recreational fishing industries, and the Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). The meetings are open to the public, and members of the public may address the Advisory Council on marine resources issues.

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.

DEC and APA will also be conducting a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. 

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, the hearing will not be held in person. 

To participate: https://tinyurl.com/DeBarEvening 

To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number 1-518-549-0500 and enter the access code: 179 337 3417 

Another meeting is scheduled for an afternoon session from 1:30-4pm on 1/19/21.

Families with young children (pre-school) will accompany naturalists on interactive, themed discovery walks around Five Rivers. Activity pages will be sent home each week to create an expanding journal. Pre-registration is required. Contact Nancy Payne by email at nancy.payne@dec.ny.gov for further information or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
Who: Preschool-aged children and parents or adult caregivers; older siblings welcome!
Maximum Group Size: 2 families / naturalist
When: 10:30–11:30 AM or 12:30–1:30 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for four weeks.
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $15 for members; $20 for non-members – fee includes materials

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.

Looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors this winter? Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore wintery landscapes, and many trails can be easier to traverse with smooth, deep snow. Cross-country skiing is also known as "Nordic skiing" and may be abbreviated "XC." There are two styles of cross-country skiing: classic skiing - the original version, and involves a straight-line stride - and skate skiing, where movements may look like a speed skater on ice.

Join DEC staff on Facebook to learn the basics of cross-country skiing including tips and tricks on how to get started, including information on having a safe and enjoyable outdoor winter adventure. 

Find more information on XC skiing here >>

Winter Tree Buds and Scars

Winter offers an unobscured view of tree buds and scars, two identifying features of trees. Each week we will head out to investigate a tree or two lining our path. Could they be the same ones lining your street? Join us to find out!
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, and pack a snack. If needed, snowshoes will be provided. Meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.
Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
For: Adults (6 maximum participants)
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $35 for members; $55 for non-members

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.

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.

Exploring Winter Life and Activity

Winter is a wonderful time to explore the lives of insects, birds, mammals, trees, and weeds. With Donald W. Stokes’ A Guide to Nature in Winter as our escort, let’s head outdoors to discover life under, in, and above the snow. Each week, participants will prepare for our walk by reading a general information section, usually two to three pages. When we head afield, we will hunt for examples of the subject matter and delve into its unique characteristics, history, and identification.
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, and pack a snack. If needed, snowshoes will be provided. Meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.
Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
For: Adults (6 maximum participants)
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $35 for members; $55 for non-members

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.

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. EST: DEC in partnership with NYSP2I will provide an informational presentation with interactive stakeholder engagement regarding the recently enacted law. Registration is required to attend the virtual public meeting. Register here.

Beginning January 1, 2022, no covered food service provider or store (retail or wholesale) will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute disposable food service containers that contain expanded polystyrene foam in New York. In addition, no manufacturer or store will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute polystyrene loose fill packaging (commonly referred to as packing peanuts) in the state.

Calling all young adventurers and adult partners! Head afield with a Friends naturalist in Week 1 to learn basic map and compass skills needed to find an undisclosed location and hidden object. Repeat the process in Weeks 2 and 3 until you feel comfortable with your newfound skills. On Weeks 4 and 5, head off on your own to find the final two pieces to the puzzle.
For: Elementary-aged children and adult partners
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: members $35, non-members $55
(fee includes materials)
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.

DEC invites the public to comment about a proposal to address contamination related to the 1015 Atlantic Avenue Site #C224293 (Brooklyn, Kings County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program. Public comments about the proposal will be accepted through January 23, 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/C224293/

And, once reopened, at:

Brooklyn Public Library – Bedford
Branch
496 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 623-0012

--and--

Brooklyn Community Board 2
350 Jay Street, 8th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718)596-5410

Learn the basics of cross-country skiing before going on a short, guided ski tour. $15.00/person; Friends members = $10.00.

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 required; register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events. 
• *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.