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68th Annual Summer Camp Program
DEC is now accepting online applications for its 68th Annual Summer Camp Program, which begins June 28. Parents may register campers only through DEC's convenient, online registration system and pay by credit card, e-check or with a sponsor code. Fees for the 2015 camp season remain $350 per one-week session per camper. Camp dates and a link to the online registration system are posted on DEC's website.
Youth 11 through 17 years old enjoy week-long adventures in conservation education at DEC's residential summer camps. They participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and optional hunter safety education. Campers also learn about fields, forests, streams and ponds through fun, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations.
Watchable Wildlife: The Wild Center
Franklin County
At The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, there are plenty of wildlife to see when it's open on weekends during the long Adirondack winter. Visitors delight in the "Living River Trail" exhibit with live river otters. This indoor exhibit takes you on a journey through a marsh, past a deep lake, a bog and forests, and up a river filled with trout, to the summit of an alpine peak, where you can touch a cloud.
Visit on a "Family Sunday" and enjoy indoor activities or take a pair of snowshoes and explore the two miles of trails on your own or on a guided walk with a naturalist. Notice the wide variety of forest birds as you trek through the campus.
Winter Week at The Wild Center is scheduled for February 13 through February 22. Each day will have a new winter theme and activities for the whole family, including guided snowshoe walks, live animal encounters and crafts.
An admission fee is charged for entry into the museum/grounds.
Hike of the Month: Winona State Forest
Jefferson/Oswego Counties
The 9,233-acre Winona State Forest is considered one of the best venues in the state for outdoor recreation. Located in the Tug Hill area, which is famous for getting the most snow east of the Rockies, Winona SF is a winter playground. There are more than 23 miles of groomed cross-country trails through scenic wooded landscape.
The ski-only trails range from one-third mile to five miles long, though skiers and hikers can use nine miles of snowmobile trails and the closed snow-covered roads to complete many interesting loops. Snowshoers, snowmobilers, dog sledders and hunters also enjoy the area during the winter. Three large plowed parking lots provide access to Winona State Forest (see map).
February brings the Winona Forest Tourathon XC Ski Race, Whitesboro High School Cross-Country Ski Race, Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club's Tug Hill Challenge (sled dog races) and International Weight Pull Association's (IWPA) Canine Weight Pull to the area.
Visit the Winona Forest Recreation Association website for details and other events. The Winona Forest Recreation Association recently received an Oswego County Tourism Ambassador award for the work of volunteers in organizing events and developing and maintaining the trail system.
Excellent Rabbit Hunting at Carlton Hill
Wyoming County
February is an excellent time to hunt cottontail rabbit throughout New York State, and DEC's Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area in western New York is a great place to do it. Cottontails are plentiful, and hunting them is both challenging and rewarding. Carlton Hill has perfect habitat for rabbit, with many fields, woodlots and small patches of wetlands. You'll find easy access to the area, too. Local roadways lead to seven parking areas scattered throughout the property's nearly 2,500 acres. In addition to cottontail hunting, Wyoming County offers many other attractions. Visit the Carlton Hill page on DEC's website for directions and more information.
Cross-Country Skiing at Minnewaska State Park
Ulster County
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Minnewaska consists of approximately 21,000 acres of wild land, featuring forests, cliffs and ledges, sky (elevated) lakes, waterfalls and streams.
More than 35 miles of carriageway and 25 miles of trails here provide skiers with a variety of terrain. However, trails are more for intermediate and advanced skiers, who may have to break trail as well. Many are drawn to the scenery and back-country feel of the park. The 65-foot Awosting Falls is spectacular year-round, and popular trails like Awosting and Castle Point encourage return visits.
Call 845-255-0752 for information about hours, fees and current conditions.
Want to Learn More?
Read this Conservationist article to learn more about topics in this issue:
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