Find Your Adventure - New NYS Birding Trail Locations, trails, and more inside!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 10/24/2022 03:00 PM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Find Your Adventure - New NYS Birding Trail Locations, trails, and more!

Learn About the Latest Additions to the NYS Birding Trail

An egret sitting in a grassy area with the NYC skyline in the backgroundDEC has added even more locations to the NYS Birding Trail! Thirteen nominated sites bring the total number of Birding Trail locations to 325. The newly added sites are located on a mix of public and private lands. We are highlighting these weekly on Facebook, but you can find information by visiting the Birding Trail website, and listing of locations.

Don’t forget to sign up for our Words of a Feather newsletter to receive a monthly e-newsletter for birders of all abilities, backgrounds, and skill levels. Each month subscribers will have access to the latest news from the New York State Birding Trail, including trail location spotlights, educational information, peer photos, upcoming events, and the best tips and tricks.

 

 

Ways to Enjoy New York’s Fall Foliage

The fall foliage colors next to Pierefield Flow

Looking for ways to enjoy the fall colors this year? DEC has you covered! Take the 50th anniversary scavenger hunt (PDF), which has a wide variety of activities and ideas for autumn, and any season. If you find any colorful leaves (PDF) you would like to preserve, place them between two pieces of paper to press them. After a few days and the leaves have dried, you can glue or tape them to a journal. Check out our Facebook LIVE to learn more about how and why leaves change color. Be sure to check out the latest I Love NY fall foliage report for color change in NY.

Photo credits: Tyler Cashmore

Make Your Camping Reservation Today

A family sitting around their tent while on a camping trip

Did you know DEC campground reservations can be made up to 9 months in advance? It’s not too early to start planning for next summer’s adventures. DEC operates campgrounds located in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks with a wide variety of experiences including island camping, as well as tent and trailer camping. If you are looking for a full listing of campgrounds, check out the interactive New York State camping guide.

 

Experience Trails at DEC’s Environmental Education Centers

A new kiosk next to a new accessible trail at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

A new trail is now complete at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, Albany County. Most of the 0.66-mile trail is accessible for people with disabilities and provides more opportunities for families and people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors. An elevated platform and several accessible benches are located along the trail. Two new parking lots, each with a map and information kiosk, are available off Fisher Boulevard at the end of Mason Lane.

A ribbon cutting was also held at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, Depew, Erie County to re-open the History trail. Thanks to a partnership grant from Parks & Trails New York and an anonymous donor, the 0.8-mile trail features new interpretive signs, improved accessibility, and an audio tour.

New trail signage instructs visitors about the history of Reinstein Woods from its beginnings to the present day, including details about how the preserve in the Town of Cheektowaga, Erie County, has inspired a love of nature and the outdoors for generations.

Visit the Re-opened Salmon River Hatchery

The entrance sign in front of Salmon River Fish Hatchery

Staff at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery are ready to welcome back visitors, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily! A large-scale construction project which involved replacing the fish ladder and replacing and installing larger observation decks has officially been completed. With the always popular salmon egg take ongoing in October, this is a great time to visit.

 

Save the Date for First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day 2023

First Day Hike Goodnow Mtn.

First Day Hikes will be returning New Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1, 2023) across the state. These guided hikes and walks are a great way to start the new year off outdoors. Stay tuned to future newsletters to learn more.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Sound Mapping at Wellesley Island State Park
Thursday, November 3 at 10 a.m. - Five Rivers: Friends of Five Rivers Talk and Trek: Winter Preparation
Sunday, November 6 at 1 p.m. - Hawk Tales: Birds of Prey at Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Friday, November 11 - Free Fishing Day - Statewide!
Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m. - Reinstein Woods - Project FeederWatch