June 2019 Outdoor Discovery

Outdoors Day

Come celebrate Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 8th, with healthy, active outdoor fun. Outdoors Day participants can discover new skills and try out a variety of outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, paddling, hiking, bird watching, archery, nature photography, camping, and more. These events are part of Governor Cuomo's efforts to connect people to nature and provide increased access to outdoor recreation through hands-on activities.

Everyone is invited to attend, and there is no need to be an expert in any activity. The events are free and are located across New York. Spend a day enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends, and bring a picnic lunch!

Sampling of Events

Fun for All: Outdoors Day, 6/8 at 10 a.m., Five Rivers EEC
Fishing Clinic, 6/8 at 10 a.m., Hempstead Lake State Park
Celebrate Outdoors Day, 6/8 at 10 a.m., Mount Loretto Unique Area
Get Outdoors Day, 6/8 at 10 a.m., Reinstein Woods EEC

Celebrate National Trails Day

Head out on an organized hike or take a casual stroll on National Trails Day, June 1. The American Hiking Society initiated National Trails Day, and it is now America's largest trail and outdoor celebration.

Show your appreciation for New York's trail system and the people who maintain it by joining one of the following events:

Grafton Lakes State Park (Saratoga/Capital District), 6/1 at 9 a.m.
Join us for a morning of service in the park, and we’ll thank you with a complimentary barbecue and raffle of goodies! Check-in at 9 AM at the Grafton Welcome Center, trail work 9:30 a.m.-noon, followed by lunch. Please RSVP so we have projects and food for all: 518-279-1155. Registration: Required

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, National Trails Day: Hike the North Loop Trail, 6/1 at 2 p.m.
Let’s celebrate National Trails Day by hiking North Loop Trail at Five Rivers. This 2-mile trail traverses forests, fields, and wetlands. We’ll look for rabbits, waterfowl, insects, and flowers as we explore. Be aware that the trail can be uneven; sturdy shoes recommended.
NOTE: Organized groups (scouts, schools, hiking clubs, etc.) are welcome, but are asked to call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register.

Check the following websites for trails and parks near you:
DEC Places to Go
DEC Hiking
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Boating & Paddling New York

Beat the early summer heat by hitting the water. New York State has more than 7,500 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and over 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. Boating on these waterbodies can take the form of canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, sailboats, and motorboats. Many lakes, ponds, and streams in Forest Preserves are restricted to non-motorized boating. There are boat launch sites in nearly every county in New York State.

Pollinator Week

In New York State, our primary pollinators are insects like bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies, although some birds such as hummingbirds also play a role in pollination. Some plants are entirely wind pollinated, but most plants rely on some form of animal pollinator to help with the process. Celebrate Pollinator Week June 16-22.

If You Care, Leave Them There

Wild animal parents are the best at raising normal wild babies to survive on their own. But every year, many people scoop up young wild animals in the mistaken belief that they are orphaned or neglected. They bring them to a wildlife rehabilitator or worse, attempt to raise them. In many cases, this is unnecessary or even harmful. Animals in the wild usually don’t need any human help with their young ones, so follow the motto, ‘if you care, leave it there.’

Upcoming DEC Events

Watchable Wildlife: Wonderful World of Weevils, 6/1 at 10 a.m., Five Rivers EEC
Wild Wednesday, 6/12 at 4:30 p.m., Reinstein Woods EEC
Birdwatching Walk, 6/19 at 6:30 p.m., Reinstein Woods EEC
National Pollinator Week: Flowers of the Solstice, 6/21 at 7 p.m., Five Rivers EEC

Subscribe to Conservationist

Check out the latest issue of the Conservationist and read how DEC is transforming old mines into vibrant places, and how we’re working to protect white pine trees from disease. Learn about flying squirrels, and how DEC’s Reynolds Game Farm has been rearing pheasants for 100 years. And don’t miss the photos celebrating the WomenHuntFishNY program or a west coast couple’s tale of their Adirondack trip. These and more can be found in the June Conservationist.

You can  Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399 to receive the Conservationist year-round.