September 2014 Outdoor Discovery Newsletter

Department of Environmental Conservation
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Flying fishing in the Adirondacks.


New York State has wonderful recreational opportunities which will be highlighted for you each month. Start planning your next adventure now!


Conservationist What is It feature.

Can you tell what's pictured here? To find out, see page 5 of the August 2014 Conservationist. In this issue, you can: enjoy beautiful photos of New York wildlife; learn how brook trout returned to Brooktrout Lake; go on a central New York historical adventure; celebrate two birthdays--Smokey Bear's 70th and Thacher State Park's 100th; and much more! Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399.

DEC Events

2014-15 hunting and trapping license year starts; buy your license today - 9/1

Hunting Seasons
Crow (Long Island); snipe, rail, gallinule and squirrel (upstate) - 9/1
Ruffed grouse (northern areas upstate) - 9/20
Pheasant Hunting Youth Days (northern and eastern areas upstate) - 9/27-28
Early bowhunting deer seasons (Northern Zone) - 9/27
Environmental Education Center Events
Outdoors for Everyone: Five Rivers' Accessible Trails - 9/13
Five Rivers Annual Fall Festival - 9/20
Reinstein Woods Annual Fall Festival - 9/20
Norrie Point: Science on the River - 9/20

See more upcoming events


Nature Notes

Geese flying.

The Atlantic Flyway is home to more than one-million geese year-round. Every fall, similar numbers of migratory geese from northern Canada join them.


Safe and Sound

A deer.

Deer and other game animals don't see hunter orange. Deer do not have red-sensitive cone cells in their eyes and can't tell red or orange from green or brown.


App promo.

Download the New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App on the Apple App Store or Google Play store.


Explore for FREE

You can explore many state lands free of charge. However, some state campgrounds and day-use areas charge a small fee, depending on the season (campsite rentals extra).


Let Us Know

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and will share information about your favorite hiking spot or recreation activity, or an outdoor tip with us. Your feedback is always welcome. E-mail us.

If you like this newsletter, please forward it to your friends.


Photo Credits

Finger Lakes: Frank Knight


I LOVE NY logo.



Celebrate New York Fishing and Hunting

A young girl and her mother holding up their largemouth bass.

September 27th is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and New York State offers anglers and hunters an unparalleled variety of places to celebrate our outdoor traditions. One place with a surprising number of great fishing spots is New York City. Piers, beaches and marshy shores offer saltwater fishing. Lakes and ponds in the city's many parks offer freshwater fishing. Check DEC's NYC saltwater fishing guide and list of freshwater fishing sites.

As a major rest stop for migrating waterfowl, Long Island is a premier waterfowl hunting destination. September Canada goose season on central and eastern Long Island runs from September 2-30. Northern Zone bowhunting for deer and Youth Pheasant Hunting Weekend in eastern NY also coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day.

National Hunting and Fishing Day's website lists other New York State regional events.


Hike of the Month: Hudson River Ramble

Hikers on a hill overlooking the Hudson River.

The Catskills are never more beautiful than when the leaves begin to show their fall colors. The Hudson River Ramble, held each September, celebrates the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley. Bikes, paddles, hikes and tours highlight the amazing landscape, communities and trails throughout the region. Visit the Hudson River Ramble events page for more information and to register. Events are scheduled on each weekend of the month: September 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2014.

Lace up your hiking boots, don your life jacket or hop on your bike and enjoy one of the hundreds of events scheduled.

Check the August 2014 issue of Conservationist magazine to learn more.


Finger Lakes National Forest

Finger Lakes National Forest.

Schuyler County
More than 16,000 acres of diverse habitat straddling a ridge between Cayuga and Seneca lakes will delight any wildlife watcher's soul. Its mix of grasslands (complete with free-range cattle), hedgerows, abandoned orchards, forest, and riparian areas attracts a variety of songbirds, butterflies, and game animals such as deer and turkey. With over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges and ravines, this forest is a favorite with hikers and horseback riders.

A nearby campground and numerous area wineries make fall the perfect time to plan a weekend (or longer) getaway and explore New York State's only national forest and the breathtaking Finger Lakes area.


Fall Festivals at DEC's Environmental Education Centers

Group activities at Five Rivers.

DEC operates two environmental education centers: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (outside Albany, NY) and Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center (outside Buffalo, NY). These centers offer classes and programs that focus on the natural environment of New York State. Each has interpretive trails, exhibit areas and meeting rooms, and each offers family-oriented events year-round.

On Saturday, September 20, from noon to 4 PM, Five Rivers will host its annual fall festival, a free, family-friendly environmental celebration featuring hands-on educational activities, interactive exhibits, interpretive walks and more. Enjoy opportunities to meet live hawks, owls, snakes and turtles up close. Meet Smokey Bear, cast for "backyard bass," and see exhibits staffed by local conservation partners. In addition, refreshments, plants and birdseed will be available for purchase, and two bands will provide live music.

Also on September 20th, the 14th Annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM. Celebrate autumn with nature and environmental organizations, live animals, demonstrations, crafts for kids and more! The Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve request $2 per person to help with festival expenses.

 
September 2014 DEC Outdoor Discovery Newsletter © New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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