Environmental News and Events for Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins Counties (Region 7)

First Day Hike - Celebrating Smart in Chenango County

Participants of the Kopac Trail First Day Hike celebrated the New Year with mild temperatures and a fresh coating of snow as they explored scenic portions of Bowman Lake State Park and McDonough State Forest. Thirty-three people were divided into three smaller groups, all wearing masks, and each group hiked separate routes to ensure social distancing. DEC is grateful to the many partners whose support and assistance make this hike a success each year. Special thanks to Bowman Lake State Park Manager Stephen Gibbon and Bull Thistle Hiking Club members Steve Ellsworth, Julie Thompson, and John Nesbit.

Photo credit: Steve Ellsworth, Bull Thistle Hiking Club

Brownfield Cleanup Program Public Comment Deadline

Tompkins County 

DEC invites the public to comment on a draft plan to clean up contamination at a brownfield site located at 121-125 Lake St., Ithaca. The plan describes proposed cleanup activities at the site. The comment period was extended as a result of requests from the public.
Comment deadline: January 17, 2021
More information

Catch Up on DEC's Facebook Live Videos

As a part of the CNY Explore Local project, DEC's Educator Betsy Ukeritis conducted a Facebook Live event last month at Camillus Forest Unique Area to help people stay warm while enjoying the outdoors this winter. In case you missed it, you can check out the replay now. 

Betsy also conducted a Facebook Live event at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne, NY. She explored winter birding tips, talked with Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center Executive Director Simon Solomon, and demonstrated how to make a family-friendly bird feeder. In case you missed it, you can check out the replay now.

58 Projects Completed by State and Local Partners to Build Nation's Longest Multi-Use State Trail

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the completion of the Empire State Trail, now the nation's longest multi-use state trail. The trail spans 750-miles total, 75 percent of which is off-road trails ideal for cyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. The new recreational trail, which runs from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada, and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, will provide a safe and scenic pathway for New Yorkers and tourists to experience New York State's varied landscapes. The Empire State Trail is expected to draw 8.6 million residents and tourists annually.

Introduced in the Governor's 2017 State of the State address, the Empire State Trail will be open year-round, including winter. It connects 20 regional trails to create a continuous statewide signed route. As part of the 58 distinct projects to complete the Trail on time, more than 180 miles of new off-road trail was created and 400 miles of previously disconnected, off-road trails were linked to eliminate gaps and ease engineering challenges such as railroad and water crossings in high traffic areas.

Visit the Empire State Trail website for quick and easy access to trail information including segment descriptions, access points, trail distances, parking areas, restrooms, and nearby amenities and attractions (including campgrounds and parks). 

DEC Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Now Open

DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery has announced its annual spring seedling sale, which is open to the public and runs until May 12. Each year, the tree nursery offers for sale dozens of low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species to help implement large-scale conservation plantings across the state.

The tree nursery has more than 50 conifer and hardwood species available in bundles of 25 or more, plus several mixed-species packets for those looking for a variety. For more information, including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website. Some species sell out early; DEC encourages the public to place orders by phone for the most up-to-date availability information.

In addition, applications are now being accepted for the tree nursery's School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with students.