Annual Hudson River Whitewater Derby
This year marks the 59th Hudson River Whitewater Derby, one of the oldest continuously running whitewater racing events in the country. It's a two-day event, with novice and giant slalom races on Saturday, May 7, and a seven-mile downriver race on Sunday, May 8. Hundreds of spectators line the banks of the river to watch and cheer for participants.
A new "Not-So-Whitewater" race course will be 2.5 miles below the traditional slalom races in North River. For beginner through intermediate-level canoers and kayakers, this event will be held on Saturday following the slalom races. If you've ever thought about trying downriver racing, this is the perfect opportunity.
Lower race fees will be in effect for all events, and limited camping is available with a reservation.
Hunt Wild Turkey All May
Upstate New York is open for wild turkey hunting throughout this month. Expansion of forests on former farmlands has increased wild turkey populations within the state, and many state-owned properties are available for hunting. Wild turkey are wary birds and hunting them successfully requires specific skills. The most successful hunters lure these birds with turkey calls and conceal themselves from approaching birds by wearing camouflage clothing. Before taking a shot, turkey hunters must be extremely alert and safety conscious. In addition to a hunting license, turkey hunters also need a turkey permit. See DEC's Turkey Hunting webpage for safety tips and other important information.
Read about cooking wild game in Conservationist magazine: "From Field to Feast" (October 2014)
Watchable Wildlife: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
Staten Island, Richmond County Most of Clay Pit Ponds has been designated a Bird Conservation Area, with 180 species spotted here. Migratory birds pass through during May, and ducks can be found on the ponds in early spring. You'll also see deer, box turtles and dwarf hawthorn, a rare and protected flowering shrub. Unique habitats include wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams and woodlands.
Named for the ponds that now fill old clay mining pits, this former industrial area has been reclaimed by nature. Two roads and 18 marked trails take you through the preserve's scenic habitats to prime wildlife viewing spots on the site's 265 acres.
Hike of the Month: James D. Kennedy Memorial State Forest
Cortland County You can hike for hours in this popular state forest, which features the highest point in Cortland County, Virgil Mountain at 2,132 feet. More than 10 miles of the Finger Lakes/North Country Trail plus miles of spur trails and access roads lie within the 4,422-acre James D. Kennedy Memorial State Forest.
Many visitors simply enjoy being close to nature in the varied habitats of this area, watching birds and observing the flora and other fauna of the forest. Early or late in the day, you're likely to see white-tailed deer or woodchucks at forest margins or along roadsides. Box turtles, salamanders, frogs and garter snakes are commonly encountered amphibians and reptiles.
I Love My Park Day On Saturday, May 7, visit one of your local parks for I Love My Park Day, sponsored by Parks and Trails New York. Volunteers help clean up and improve their public parks at locations throughout the state. This event provides a good opportunity to introduce children to the outdoors. Please see the Conservationist articles: Giving Back (April 2016) and "Start 'em Young" (June 2014)
Safe and Sound: Always sign in and sign out when you pass a DEC trail register. It could save your life or that of another hiker. ("Help-I'm Lost!" June 2014 Conservationist)
DEC's Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife App
Looking for an outdoor adventure close to home this spring? Download DEC's Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife App. Using the app's advanced GPS features, you will be able to identify and locate New York State's many hunting, fishing and wildlife watching sites.
Upcoming DEC Events
Conservationist Magazine
We've received a lot of great feedback on the April Conservationist magazine! Readers loved the article on violets of New York (featured on the front cover) The Long Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited is reprinting the article about raising trout in the classroom. In response to the article When birds and glass don't mix, and what you can do about it, readers shared their own ways to deter birds from hitting their windows. A number of subscribers responded to our call for volunteers to help monitor stream water quality near where they live.
There's all this and much more in the April Conservationist. Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399.
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