Posted on February 5th, 2010 in
New York
DEC and Partners Offer Dozens of Activities to See Nature First-hand Even in the chill of winter, New York’s “Watchable Wildlife” initiative has slated a series of fun activities throughout the state to help connect people to nature, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. DEC is working with The Nature Conservancy, Audubon New York, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and Empire State Development (I Love NY) to promote dozens of activities to view, interact and appreciate nature in all seasons. Upcoming events include wildlife festivals, bird-watching outings, trail hikes, animal tracking, snow-shoeing and wildlife workshops. Activities will be featured on the DEC’s Watchable Wildlife website, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/55423.html , including more than a dozen events scheduled for February and March. In addition to events, webpage visitors can watch DEC TV ( http://www.dec.ny.gov/dectv/dectv.html ) to get tips on taking better wildlife photographs, as well as find out more about a favorite animal and possible places to see them in their natural habitat. The public is also able to submit their own wildlife photographs to DEC, with selected photographs featured on the Watchable Wildlife webpage. Below is a sample of Watchable Wildlife events that are being held this season around the state. February: • Hudson River Eagle Fest: Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Croton Point Park, Westchester County; A day of eagle watching and activities, guided bus tours, raptor identification program, build an eagle’s nest, live birds of prey and more. • 25th Annual Winter Fest: Saturday, Feb. 6, 10a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grafton Lakes State Park, Rensselaer County A great day of family fun including guided snowshoe and cross country ski outings, hands on family activities, live animal displays and more. • Where Are They? Snowshoe Walk: Saturday, Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Erie County When the snow comes, where do the animals go? Find out as we search for some on this snowshoe walk. Snowshoe rentals available. March: • Bluebirds Are Us: Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany County March is a great time to get ready for bluebirds, and Five Rivers is a great place to learn how. Join us for an indoor/outdoor clinic on bluebird conservation. • Senior Series: Night Hike: Monday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rogers Environmental Education Center, Chenango County Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll to learn about crepuscular and nocturnal animals and their special adaptations for evening and nighttime activity. • Girl Scout Owl Nightwalk: Friday, March 26, 7 p.m. at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany County Join us for a walk into the realm of night to learn how these predators silently stalk their prey. Warm up inside with some hot chocolate and meet our resident barred owl. DEC’s Watchable Wildlife initiative encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful natural resources that are available in New York State. Whether you’re in the city or in the middle of the countryside, wildlife and nature are yours to experience and closer than you think. More details about these and more Watchable Wildlife events in your area or around the state can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/61582.html or by contacting watchable@gw.dec.state.ny.us .
Continue Reading Winter Wildlife Watching Events Being Held Around NY State
Tags: animal tracking, animals, city, development, education / skills, hudson river eagle fest, New York, new york hiking trails, recreation, rivers, saturday, snowshoeing, watchable, wildlife, wildlife-photography