Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

Report Your Native Pollinator Sightings this Summer Through Early Fall

We are enlisting the help of volunteer citizen scientists who want to contribute to the Empire State Native Pollinator Survey and learn more about NY’s native pollinators. Native pollinators play an important role in the pollination of flowering plants, including native plants, wildflowers, garden plants, and cultivated crops. The goal of the study is to discover which native species are of conservation concern or declining and which species are common. We will focus on finding locations for important at-risk pollinator species that are native to the northeastern United States. We will target native bees, flies, beetles, and moth species. Participants will include Natural Heritage and DEC staff, partners, and citizen scientists. We will complete survey work from 2018-2020.

Our Participant Handbook (PDF, 2.5 MB) provides guidance for our citizen scientist volunteers. The handbook includes descriptions of the different ways to participate in the project and how to submit data from observations and surveys. Training workshops have finished up for this summer, but more will be available in the next two summers. Contact the New York Natural Heritage Program for more information. 

Photo by Sandy Van Vranken.

Why did the Snake Cross the Road?

Snakes are usually not thought of as being migratory, but they are creatures of habit. Different species will move farther distances than others, but all seek out habitats for similar activities. They are seeking areas for basking and shedding, foraging and digestion, mate searching, suitable nesting or birthing habitat, and overwintering. During these travels, snakes of many species will find roads that they will need to cross to reach necessary habitats. Unfortunately, roads play a major role in snake mortality each year, especially during the hotter months.

Smaller species such as common garter, smooth green, and red-bellied snakes may be difficult to spot on pavement. Larger species such as copperheads, black rat snakes, and rattlesnakes are easier to see and avoid hitting. Many will move out of the road when you approach, but some species will hold their ground. It is important to remember never to handle a venomous species; simply waiting for them to cross is an option. If in doubt, contact your county Environmental Conservation Officer for assistance.

Photo by William Hoffman.

Largest Artificial Reef Expansion in NYS History

Governor Cuomo announced the largest expansion of the Artificial Reef Program in state history, carried out by a multi-agency coordination and with recycled material from the Department of Transportation, Canal Corporation, and the Thruway Authority. Materials being deployed for additional reef structure include tug boats, barges, scows, clean concrete and steel, and recycled materials from the demolition of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Before material can be deployed at artificial reef sites, it must be inspected and cleaned of hazardous substances such as, petroleum products, asbestos, PCB's and more. DEC collaborates with multiple federal agencies to ensure material meets strict standards and is appropriate to use in marine environments. These materials will support the development of six artificial reefs on Long Island at sites off the shores of Smithtown, Shinnecock, Moriches, Fire Island, Hempstead, and Rockaway, increasing fisheries habitat and drawing in divers wanting to observe marine life.

Download our brochure (PDF) describing the program with a map of all the reef sites.

Watch DEC's artificial reef building video and learn about our volunteer observation program.