Give the Gift of Adventure

Looking for the perfect gift? Forget wrapping paper and bows. Instead, it is time to think outside of the box and gift adventures instead of material things. By doing so, you will gift lasting memories. Need inspiration? Looking for the perfect idea, here are some tips to match the right adventure for your gift recipient.

If your recipient enjoys outdoor adventure, then they may like to go:

• Hiking - pick a trail when weather permits -- based on your recipient's hiking experience and the time allotted. Remember to pack the 10 hiking essentials. Consider a DEC First Day Hike and get ready to enjoy the views.
• Camping - gift a camping reservation gift card. Other gift ideas include gear rentals. Remember to use only local firewood. Pick a s'mores worthy site and campfire memories will be waiting.
• Fishing - find the perfect fishing hole in New York and take your gift recipient on a quest to catch the big one. Gift a Fishing Trip Coupon (PDF) to spend time with your favorite angler. Remember appropriate licenses are needed and can make a much-appreciated gift as well. Check fishing regulations (freshwater -- saltwater) to make sure your catch is in-season.
• Hunting/Trapping - take a Hunter/Trapping education course with your gift recipient if you haven't done so already, and remember lifetime licenses also make great gifts. Remember to follow hunting regulations and seasons. First harvest? Check out the PDF certificates you can personalize to mark the occasion.
• Boating or Paddling - plan to visit a favorite or try a different New York State waterbody and consider a gift of boat, canoe, or kayak rental fees - unless you already have your own.
• Birdwatching - grab a pair of binoculars and plan on visiting one of the many sites on the New York State Birding Trail. Don't forget to take photos and log the types of feathered friends you encounter.
• Geocaching - go on a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt with GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates using a GPS-enabled device and attempt to find the hidden container - known as the geocache - at that location. Caches can even be virtual. Bring your detective skills and sense of curiosity on this outdoor excursion.
• Horseback Riding - check out the scenic New York State horse riding trails. Check with an area Chamber of Commerce for names and contact information of stables that take people on public trail horseback rides.
• Rock and ice climbing - for those looking to go to new heights - rock and ice climbing are physically and mentally demanding sports. Enjoy the challenge and be safe.
• Biking - is great for all skill levels from gentle off-road biking or hard-core single-track mountain biking. Get in gear with this gift selection.
• Snowmobiling - plan a trip on a portion of the state's 10,500 miles of snowmobile corridor. Remember protective gear and to bring your sense of adventure.
• Skiing and snowshoeing - visit a New York State skiing destination and hit the slopes. Your gift can include ski lift tickets and ski or snowshoe equipment rentals. New York State owned skiing opportunities:
  • Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington
  • Gore Mountain in North Creek
  • Belleayre in Catskill
• Swimming -- plan a trip to your favorite New York State beach -- or discover a new one next spring/summer. Remember to carry out what you bring in to keep our beaches clean.

Make your adventure list and check it twice. And remember, while adventures make great holiday gifts - they are a year-round gift option for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Looking for the perfect location? DEC provides additional information on State Recreation Lands. If you don't have gear -- look to rent or borrow. But make sure all gear is safe and in good working order. This holiday season -- adventure awaits in New York State.

For more tips on how to be a friend of the environment, visit DEC's website.

Join us next month as we start the New Year with information on sustainable clothing. Share your holiday ideas and tips to be a friend of the environment with us on social media using #LiveGreenNY.

Trail Supporter Patches: Variety of Patches for Sale

For those who are patch collecting enthusiasts, would like to support trails on State lands, or are looking for the perfect gift for an outdoor lover—we have the perfect thing for you! A variety of patches are now for sale, allowing you to purchase a single patch or sets. All funds go towards the maintenance of non-motorized trails on State lands, such as the Finger Lakes Trail, the Long Path, the Northville-Placid Trail, and many more.

The patches are for sale through December 31, or while supplies last. Order by December 12 to get them in time for the holidays!

• Legacy Patch (single patch for $5) - this is the fanciest patch that highlights some of New York State’s most gorgeous trail-side features, including mountains, lakes, and forests.
• Throwback Patch Set (set of three patches for $15) - this design is modeled after the classic trail marker found throughout New York’s State lands.
• Activity Patch Set (set of five patches for $25) - this design features the international symbols for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and camping.

For more information and for patch ordering instructions, visit DEC’s website.

Conservationist Magazine -- Holiday Special

Enjoy reading about New York's environment and conservation? Consider a subscription to the New York State Conservationist -- DEC’s magazine with interesting articles and stunning photography. Check out the Holiday Subscription Special which runs until December 31st. You can subscribe, renew, or give a gift. Buy now and pay later. You will be billed and only checks or money orders are accepted at this time. Conservationist makes a great gift to yourself or another outdoor enthusiast!

Purchase a $5 Habitat and Access Stamp to Help Improve Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Consider purchasing a $5.00 Habitat/Access Stamp to help conserve and improve fish and wildlife habitat. The 2022-23 Habitat & Access Stamp features an Eastern (red-spotted) newt. The Habitat & Access Stamp was created in 2002 by Legislation. All funds from the purchase of Habitat & Access Stamps are directly deposited into the DEC Habitat and Access Account. It is used for ongoing and upcoming projects aimed towards conserving habitat and increasing fish and wildlife recreational access.

A donation of $5 is all that is required to help invest in the future of New York's outdoor recreational opportunities!

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

First Day Hikes will be returning on New Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1, 2023) across the state. These guided hikes and walks are a great way to start off the new year outdoors. Check the First Day Hikes webpage in the next few weeks for an updated list of locations.