December 2015 Outdoor Discovery

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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woman skiing

Watchable Wildlife: Common Loons at Caumsett State Park

loons in water

Huntington, Suffolk County
The Caumsett Bird Conservation Area (BCA), within Caumsett State Historic Park, is part of NY Audubon's Huntington and Northport bays' Important Bird Area. The park's varied habitats attract many different kinds of birds, including the common loon, a NYS species of special concern usually associated with the Adirondacks. In addition to the loon's striking appearance, it has a distinctive and eerie call.

Common loons were once abundant, but their population began declining in the 1800s with European exploration and settlement. Although New York State's loon population currently seems stable and may even be growing, management programs must be continued to maintain healthy numbers.

Nature Notes: In New York, common loons breed on the lakes of the Adirondack Mountains and in the St. Lawrence River region. Loons winter along the coast and on open lakes nearby.


Hike of the Month: Saratoga National Historic Park

child sledding in snow

Stillwater, Saratoga County
Take a hike back in time at Saratoga National Historical Park. Go to the visitor center first to watch a short film and see artifacts and displays such as interactive maps. Then head out to the scenic Freeman Farm Overlook for a stunning view that hasn't changed much since 1777. Following that, visit the charming Neilson's farmhouse to see artifacts left by soldiers who used the building as their headquarters.

Another excellent view can be enjoyed from Bemis Heights, which provides the same line of sight American soldiers had when searching the Hudson Valley for their British counterparts. Weather permitting, relax and have an early winter picnic before continuing your hike. While in the area, visit Spruce Mountain's rehabilitated fire tower and new trail in the Town of Corinth, Saratoga County. From atop the 5½-story fire tower, views of Vermont, Gore Mountain and the southern Adirondacks can be seen. A 2.4-mile round-trip trail winds through wooded gentle terrain that rises about 1,000 feet.



Find All Kinds of Hunting at Lakeview WMA

A hunter looking through binoculars.

At nearly 3,500 acres astride Lake Ontario in Jefferson County, Lakeview Wildlife Management Area's (WMA) many wildlife habitats harbor a wide variety of game. Hunting seasons for everything from big game like whitetail deer to small game like rabbits, squirrels, ruffed grouse and waterfowl are open during some or all of December. Several gravel roads and trails lead into the area, providing excellent access to the woods, shrub lands, fields and wetlands. Hunters seeking waterfowl can also reach interior portions of the marsh from three canoe/cartop boat launches. A parking area and 0.7-mile trail provide access for people with disabilities. See Lakeview WMA's webpage for directions and more details.

Safe and Sound: Whether you're heading out for a day of hunting or hiking, make sure to have enough equipment/food/water to spend a night if necessary. A twisted ankle or a wrong turn can transform a short trip into a dangerous situation if you aren't prepared.





Cross-country Skiing Mohonk Preserve

People cross-country skiing.

With miles of trails and a varied topography, Mohonk Preserve appeals to both novice and experienced Nordic skiers. Groomed trails are occasionally available on select carriage roads only, including Trapps Carriage Road and Spring Farm Trailhead. Those who enjoy breaking trail, however, will find plenty of opportunities elsewhere in the preserve. The Mohonk Preserve has recently teamed with the Open Space Institute (OSI) to manage grooming of seasonal trails on OSI's newly acquired Wallkill Flats property in New Paltz.


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Conservationist Magazine

December 2015 cover of Conservationist

Don't miss the next Conservationist magazine! In it, we'll take you in the field to band ducks and count bats. You'll also enjoy beautiful photos of the many waterfowl species that winter in New York, learn how to build an emergency outdoor winter shelter, and read about some hardy folks who commute to work all winter on bicycles! All this and more in the December Conservationist. Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399.

 
December 2015 DEC Outdoor Discovery Newsletter © New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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