August 2023 Outdoor Discovery

Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count

Do you ever wonder what lurks beneath the surface of the Hudson River? Join naturalists on Saturday, August 5 for the 12th Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count to find out! The count takes place at 11 sites along the banks and piers of the Hudson from New York City to the Capital Region. During this family-friendly, free event, participants are invited to explore the amazing variety of slippery, wriggly, and fascinating creatures usually hidden below the river’s surface. You can watch from shore or jump into available waterproof waders and help pull in the net. The fish are released after everyone has a chance to see them up close.

Freshwater upriver and salty at New York City, the Hudson River’s estuary and watershed are home to more than 220 fish species. For details on sites and times, please visit The Great Hudson River Fish Count website. The event is sponsored by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program and the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Ride the CDTA Nature Bus to Five Rivers

In partnership with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC), DEC, and others, CDTA is providing free bus service between the City of Albany and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center every other Saturday from May 27 through October 14 this year. Ride the bus and enjoy the adventure! Go to MHLC's Nature Bus webpage for detailed information and links to the route map and schedule. This year, we're delighted to include a stop at the trailhead for the new Fisher Trail, in addition to our stop at the visitor center.

Stay Tick Free!

The ticks are out in full force this year. Be sure to follow these recommendations to stay tick-free:

• Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
• Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
• Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors.
• Consider using insect repellent.
• Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails, and walk in the center of trails.
• Avoid dense woods and bushy areas.

Check out DEC's website for additional tips for tick prevention.

Visit the New Accessible Cove Road Boat Launch

DEC recently announced the completion of a new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cover Road in the town of Verona, Oneida County.

The newly constructed Oneida Lake launch enhances fishing and boating recreational opportunities for all visitors, including people with disabilities. The site now includes a two-lane, concrete launch ramp with floating docks, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, parking area with 24 car and 49 car/trailer spaces, including some accessible parking, and port-a-johns.

DEC Seeking Reports of Moose Sightings

DEC is asking the public to report moose sightings via an online form as part of ongoing efforts to monitor moose distribution across New York State. While the Adirondacks are home to most New York moose, some live in the eastern part of the state along the Vermont and Massachusetts borders. Moose can also occasionally be found in southeastern New York and the Catskills, but these are usually individuals that have dispersed from other areas.

Moose are the largest land mammal in the state. In the summer, when most sightings occur, moose typically spend a lot of time in ponds and wetlands feeding on submerged aquatic plants. Bulls can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder. Cows weigh anywhere from 500 to 800 pounds and usually give birth to one or two calves in late May or early June. Many moose sightings occur along roadways. Drive cautiously at dusk and dawn, as moose can be hard to spot due to their dark color. If you manage to capture one of these magnificent mammals on camera, share your photos by sending them to wildlife@dec.ny.gov.

Photo Courtesy of G. Lee

Upcoming Events

Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View upcoming activities or all the planned events currently scheduled, including public hearings and meetings.

For specific information about upcoming events at DEC’s environmental education centers, visit the following links:

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center (Erie County)

Rogers Environmental Education Center (Chenango County)

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)

Check Out Our Facebook Live Events

Visit DEC’s Facebook page for updates and to view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hikes to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.

Check Out the Redesigned Conservationist!

In the redesigned August/September issue of the Conservationist, readers can learn about DEC’s contributions to the efforts to extinguish the ongoing wildfires in Canada and protect our lives and natural resources. In addition, readers will learn about an innovative partnership focused on science and engineering education that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion of students in historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities.

Readers can also learn about the sharks that inhabit New York’s waters and how they are an integral part of our marine ecosystems. Or, how hunters can help protect wildlife and people by switching to non-lead ammunition. Finally, readers can learn how prescribed fire plays an important role in managing wildlife habitat and protecting property by preventing out-of-control wildfires.

All this and more in the latest issue of the Conservationist. Visit DEC's website to subscribe, or call 1-518-402-8047. We now also offer a digital-only subscription for just $6 a year.