In this issue:
The new year is just around the corner. Why not start off with a refreshing First Day Hike? Mark your calendar and come join DEC, State Parks, and the Canal Corporation for this annual, family-friendly event on January 1, 2025. The hikes and walks are located across the Empire State and are usually between one and five miles, depending on location and conditions. Head to the 2025 First Day Hikes page to find a location near you! Many locations offer multiple hikes throughout the day, allowing people the time and space to enjoy the winter wonders.
Whether this is your first hike or you are a seasoned veteran, it’s still important to Hike Smart and prepare for winter weather. Dress in warm layers, stay hydrated, and plan ahead. Happy Hiking!
A First Day Hike on Goodnow Mountain.
The end of the 2024 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is coming up on December 31, 2024; have you completed the list? All you need to do are visit the fire towers at:
- Overlook Mountain
- Hunter Mountain
- Red Hill
- Balsam Lake Mountain
- Tremper Mountain
- Upper Esopus Fire Tower (conveniently located at the Catskills Visitor Center!)
Take some fun photos, download and complete the Challenge Log (PDF) and email it to CatskillsChallenge@dec.ny.gov along with your favorite photo(s). The Challenge Log can also be submitted by mail to New York State of Environmental Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1020, or you can also complete the log at SurveyMonkey. The first 1000 finishers will receive a one-year subscription to DEC’s Conservationist magazine and a gift subscription for a second person of their choice. All finishers will receive a commemorative patch and can download and print a certificate to mark their accomplishment!
While all good things must come to an end, don’t fret- the 2025 Challenge begins on January 1, 2025! The 2025 Challenge Log will be available on the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge webpage. You can even get an early start and join a First Day Hike! The Catskill Mountain Club will be leading a hike up the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower, qualifying for DEC’s annual Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.
Share your love of camping by becoming a Campground Ambassador! Like other campground host programs, volunteer Campground Ambassadors assist DEC campground staff in welcoming and assisting the millions of visitors who vacation in the Adirondack and Catskill parks each year. Ambassadors will conduct environmentally themed activities and other programming to enrich the camping experience of visitors. DEC encourages New Yorkers that are passionate about camping and the outdoors to help introduce new campers to DEC facilities and other outdoor activities.
To apply for the 2025 program, please fill out the application.
Applications must be received by Jan. 10, 2025.
New for 2025, check out the Susquehanna Basin Water Trail, made up of the Susquehanna and Chemung rivers! New York’s newest water trail launches in May and stretches 190 miles across the eight counties of Steuben, Otsego, Chenango, Broome, Tioga, Chemung, Cortland and Delaware Counties, from Cooperstown to Corning. Head over to Paddlethe607.com for a list of detailed paddling routes, real-time navigation, events and area attractions, and amenities. At 444 miles, the Susquehanna is the longest river in the United States without commercial boat traffic. Much like the “46ers” who earn their title from summiting every Adirondack high peak, paddlers who complete the length gain the title of “444’s.” Start planning your summer adventures now!
Photo Credit: New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail
Are you trying to find that perfect holiday gift for someone who enjoys the outdoors? Consider giving a gift subscription to the Conservationist for only $6 for six beautiful issues (regularly $12 for seven issues), or an even better deal of $15 for 18 issues. The sale runs from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Get the deal today!
Subscriptions include Conservationist for Kids three times per year, as well as access to the enhanced Digital Edition. Visit DEC's website or call 1-800-678-6399 to subscribe.
Articles about outdoor adventure and natural science are in every issue. You will also find:
- Incredible places to fish, hike, camp, and explore;
- Awesome bird watching and animal photography; and
- Exciting natural wonders, right here in New York State.
The current issue of the Conservationist contains our popular annual calendar, which has become a reader favorite. It includes spectacular images captured by talented photographers and important dates to inspire readers to go outdoors and celebrate nature. All new subscriptions purchased through Christmas Eve will start with this issue!
Conservationist, the magazine that brings nature to your door.
Did you know that the newsletter you’re reading is also available in Spanish? Visit DEC Delivers to sign up for Encuentre Su Aventura, as well as more email newsletters like The Fishing Line and Words of a Feather (our birding newsletter) to help you stay up to date on more outdoor recreation opportunities throughout New York State!
Mon., Dec. 23 - Monday Morning Rambles (MMR)- Channels/Boundary at Rogers Environmental Education Center
Wed., Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Hike at Big Bend, at Moreau Lake State Park
Thurs., Dec. 26 - Guided Winter Hike at Emery Park (Erie)
Fri., Dec. 27 - Winter Raptor Survey Training at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fri., Dec. 27 - Learn to Cross-Country Ski at Evangola State Park
Fri., Dec. 27 - Meet the Evergreens: White Pine, Hemlock, Cedar, Spruce, Balsam… at Green Lakes State Park
Sat., Dec. 28 - How to Do It: Birding and the I BIRD NY Challenge at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Sat., Dec. 28 - PEAK- Leave No Trace Program for Kids at Delta Lake State Park
Sun., Dec. 29 - Beginner Stargazing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
Mon., Dec. 30 - Monday Morning Rambles (MMR) – Adams Farm at Rogers Environmental Education Center
Mon., Dec. 30 - How to Do It: Snowshoeing Basics at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Tues., Dec. 31 - New Gear’s Eve Bike Ride at Allegany State Park
Tues., Dec. 31 - Last Day Hike at Fort Niagara State Park
Wed., Jan. 1, 2025 - First Day Hikes (Statewide)
Wed., Jan. 1, 2025 - Community Science: New Year’s Bird Count with the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fri., Jan. 3 - Hot Chocolate Hike at Tifft Nature Preserve
Sat., Jan. 4 - Woods Walk: Nature Folklore at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center
Sat., Jan. 4 - Intro to Cross Country Skiing at Cascade Welcome Center
Sun., Jan. 5 - Morning Hatha Yoga at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Sat., Jan. 11 - Thinking Like a Mountain at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center
Sun., Jan. 12 - Winter Beach- Wendt Park (Erie)
Fri., Jan. 17 - Mindfulness Walk at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Sat., Jan. 18 - Family Snowshoe Walk at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center
Sat., Jan. 18 - Cozy Community Science: Birding at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Sat., Jan. 18 - Frozen Fun at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
|
