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Cross-Country Skiing, Carpenter Road
Turin, West Turin, Martinsburg, Lewis County
The Carpenter Road cross-country ski trail system is on the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau, an area with heavier snowfall than any other part of the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail system includes eight miles of scenic pathways for Nordic skiers. Although trails aren't groomed, they're used regularly. However, after a heavy snowfall, the first skiers out may find themselves breaking trail through several feet of fluffy lake-effect powder. The entire system follows easy grades and is designed for both novices and intermediate cross-country skiers.
Discover Baltimore Woods Nature Center
 Marcellus, Onondaga County
Baltimore Woods Nature Center is a more than 180-acre wildlife haven. Along with evening sightings of great horned owls and flying squirrels, you may also spot a wary coyote trotting across a snow-covered field. White-tailed deer and rabbits are also plentiful. From beneath the frozen forest floor, hibernating salamanders will soon emerge. These early harbingers of spring start to appear as soon as lengthening and warming days begin creating vernal pools for them to breed in.
The popular interpretive center at Baltimore Woods holds year-round guided educational programs highlighting the site's abundant wildlife. Visit the Baltimore Woods website for more information.
Learn more about salamanders' early spring activities in the February 2016 Conservationist - Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Nature Notes: Somewhat misnamed, flying squirrels do not actually fly, but rather glide. By extending their feet, they cause the large flaps of skin along the sides of their bodies to stretch tight, forming wing-like structures.
Nature Photography
Winter is the perfect time to photograph wildlife, and nature centers and parks are great places to capture the perfect shot. DEC's website offers some tips on nature photography.
Sharpen your photography skills with suggestions from professional photographer Jeff Nadler in Nature at Water's Edge from the October 2007 Conservationist.
Join an organized event to maximize your opportunities to see and photograph wildlife. Below is a sampling of upcoming events throughout the state:
- Long Island: Seal Walks
Saturday, February 6 at 1:00 PM
Montauk Point State Park, Montauk
- New York City Birding: Eagles
Saturday, February 20 at 9:00 AM
Inwood Park, Manhattan
Safe and Sound: When heading out to the backcountry to photograph wildlife in the winter, you should carry snowshoes for your safety and the safety of others. Snowshoes (or skis) ease travel on snow and prevent post holing, which can ruin trails and cause sudden falls, resulting in injuries.
Free Ice-Fishing Weekend and Clinic
DEC's free ice-fishing weekend is an excellent opportunity to learn a new sport and enjoy some crisp winter air. With only a few pieces of equipment and knowledge of safe ice practices, anyone can ice fish. During the free ice-fishing weekend of February 13 and 14, no fishing license is required. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply, however. Whether you are fishing for the first time or haven't fished in a while, grab your fishing pole and head out this winter. Watch DEC TV's video about ice fishing for tips for a successful adventure.
A free ice-fishing clinic will be held on Lake Ronkonkoma in Suffolk County on February 6 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Contact DEC at 631-444-0283 for more information.
Read personal stories about ice fishing in Conservationist:
Annual Summer Camp Program
DEC camps combine environmental education, sportsman education and outdoor fun. Register your child for one of DEC's four summer camps today.
Upcoming DEC Events
Conservationist Magazine
Don't miss the next issue of Conservationist magazine! In it, we'll take you in the field with a DEC ECO who recounts his part in one of the largest manhunts ever conducted in the state to locate two escaped convicted murderers. You can also tag along with one DEC forest ranger on a rescue of a critically injured snowmobiler, and read how hardy Long Island sea duck hunters brave the elements in search of their quarry. You'll also learn how much fun ice fishing can be, find out how volunteers lend salamanders a helping hand, and discover the allure of electric vehicles. All this and more in the February Conservationist. Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399.
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