Green Living Newsletter: Signs of Spring

Annual Spring Burn Ban Has Begun

On March 13, Forest Ranger John Franceschina responded to two small wildfires in Flushing Meadows Park. These were the first reported wildfires in the state, marking the beginning of the 2019 spring fire season. The wildfires burned 1.1 acres and were suppressed by the New York City Fire Department.

March 16 marked the first day of the annual spring burn ban, which continues until May 14 statewide. This statewide ban temporarily outlaws burning residential brush and yard debris. Warm spring temperatures and lack of snow cover create drier conditions and increased fire risk. The ban does not prohibit small campfires fueled by charcoal or untreated wood.

Remember to never leave a campfire unattended and to completely extinguish it when you are done. Also, remember that burning trash and leaves is never allowed in NYS at any time of the year.

Since the annual spring burn ban was enacted in 2009, spring wildfires have decreased by more than 40 percent. Be sure to always check the Fire Danger Map, which is posted on the DEC website and on the free New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App, to know the fire risk in your area.

Watch the Skies for Spring Bird Migrations

Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This gives you a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds.

Grab your binoculars and check out one of these hot spots:

• Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne Counties – a stopover for many species of ducks who are headed farther north. You can see shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds at this WMA.
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Cayuga and Seneca Counties – an endless list of birds can be seen here.
• Braddock Bay WMA, Monroe County – find waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
• Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Genesee and Orleans Counties – see many species of waterfowl.
• Derby Hill Bird Observatory, Oswego County – known for migrating hawks.
• Bashakill WMA, Orange County – view hawks, marshbirds, and waterfowl.
• Central Park, NYC – see warblers, in addition to many other species.

View a list of Important Bird Areas and Bird Conservation Areas, which are also great areas to view birds.

Be on the Lookout for Amphibians Crossing the Road

With the arrival of spring temperatures, amphibians have begun their annual migrations to woodland pools to breed. Often, they must cross roads to reach these pools. In New York, this migration usually occurs on rainy nights in late March and early April, when the night air temperature is above 40◦F. When these conditions exist there can be explosive, "big night" migrations, with hundreds of amphibians on the move. Volunteers can help document these locations and help amphibians like wood frogs, spotted salamanders, American toads, or spring peepers safely cross the road. We encourage drivers on the roads to proceed with caution or avoid travel on the first warm, rainy evenings of the season. Amphibians come out after nightfall and are slow moving; mortality can be high even on low-traffic roads.

Photo: by Laura Heady

Reducing Acidic Load on our Waterways this Spring

Snow melt in spring signals many new arrivals, like sprouting crocus bulbs, bird songs and lots of mud for your dog to get into. It can also deliver a pulse of acidified water to mountain lakes, ponds and streams. Like a warehouse packed with goods, snowpack stores water and pollution from the skies and releases its hazardous content when warmer weather finally returns. Whether rain or snow, or icy clouds shrouding Whiteface Mt., acid deposited over land and forests puts our natural resources at risk. Learn more about this topic and simple steps you can take at home to reduce the acidic load on our waterways this spring by reading a recent article in the Air Mail! e-newsletter. You can also sign up for Air Mail! and receive air quality news directly in your inbox.

Public Medication Drop Box at DEC Central Office

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced that a medication collection box is now available to the public at DEC’s Central Office at 625 Broadway, Albany. The box provides an accessible downtown location where people can safely dispose unwanted or unused medications.
Don’t live in the Albany area? View the Drop Box map to find a safe disposal site near you.

Upcoming Spring Events

Maple Sugar Open House - Saturday, March 30, 1:30 p.m.
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar (Albany County) 

Who's Awake? Guided walk in search for early risers - Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Dr., Depew (Erie County)

Birding 101 - Saturday, March 30, 2:30 p.m.
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Dr., Depew (Erie County)

Spring Calendar (PDF) - March - May
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Dr., Depew (Erie County)