In this issue:
The first all-encompassing multi-use trail on a New York State Forest has been established in Boutwell Hill State Forest. Located in Charlotte and Cherry Creek in Chautauqua County, this 2,964-acre State Forest is open year-round. Visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage driving, and wildlife viewing. The site’s diverse habitats support fisher, white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, grouse, and many songbirds. For more information about Boutwell Hill State Forest, read the feature article in the October/November 2025 issue of Conservationist. Not yet a subscriber? For subscription information, go to Conservationist’s webpage.
Boutwell Hill State Forest habitats (Photo Credit: S Schelble)
Lose yourself in the natural beauty of snow-covered rolling hills and the diverse forest of this expansive property located in the southwest corner of the Catskill Park. Explore more than 14,800 acres of Forever Wild Forest Preserve and enjoy more than 40 miles of trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. While there, make sure you take time to visit picturesque Waneta Lake.
Trails: Long Pond Trail is particularly good for youngsters and beginners. Foot trails from the Frick Pond trailhead are especially suited to cross-country skiing. Snowmobiles are allowed on some of the trails, particularly Quick Lake Trail, so be mindful when cross-country skiing.
From bright stars and ancient maps carved in stone to handheld GPS, humans have discovered many ways to navigate the unknown. Read about these different methods and learn some basic skills to help guide you when you can’t rely on your device, in Finding Your Way, the October/November issue of Conservationist for Kids (PDF).
Although their elusive nature makes sightings relatively uncommon, fishers are out year-round throughout the day and night but are generally most active at dawn and dusk when hunting for prey. While fishers spend most of their time on the ground, their large, wide feet and semi-retractable claws make them well adapted for walking on snow and climbing trees. Thanks to ankle joints in their hind legs, they can rotate their feet nearly 180 degrees, allowing them to be one of the few mammals that can climb down trees headfirst.
If you see a fisher, DEC wants to hear about it! Fisher observations are used by DEC biologists to better understand their behavior and the type of habitat they’re using. To report a sighting, go to: Furbearer Sighting Surveys.
Photo Credit: Heather Rolland
When hiking during the winter, remember to use caution when trying to determine if ice is safe to walk on. Test ice thickness before putting your full weight on it and avoid walking on ice over running water. For information about preparing for winter conditions and important hiking safety tips, go to: Winter Hiking Safety.
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Junior Naturalists: Weird Wildlife Mysteries, Dec. 6, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany County
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Recycled Gifts, Dec. 13, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany Count
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Muzzleloader Mentored Deer Hunt, this is a full, one-day program offered Dec. 8-16 and Dec. 26, 2025-Jan 1, 2026, in DEC’s Office in Avon.
- This hunt is designed for youth or beginner hunters. Participants will learn about the skills needed to successfully harvest a deer. Topics will include tree ID, track ID, field dressing, setting up, scent awareness, sighting in a muzzleloader, scouting, and more.
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Community Science: New Year’s Bird Count, Jan. 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany County
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First Day Hikes, Jan. 1, 2026, DEC properties throughout New York State.
For more information about upcoming events, check out DEC’s wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View upcoming programs and all the events currently scheduled, including public hearings and meetings. For information about upcoming events at our environmental education centers, visit the following pages:
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)
From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hikes to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn. Connect with DEC on: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Flickr, YouTube, and the DEC Podcast.
Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone who enjoys the outdoors? Consider giving a gift subscription of 6 beautiful issues of Conservationist for only $6, or for an even better deal, 18 issues for $15! The sale runs through Christmas Eve.
Subscriptions include Conservationist for Kids three times per year, as well as access to the enhanced Digital Edition. The December/January issue also contains our popular annual calendar, which includes winning photographs from our 2025 Photography Contest.
Articles about outdoor adventure and natural science are in every issue. You will also find:
- Incredible places to fish, hike, camp, kayak, and explore;
- Awesome birding and animal photography opportunities; and
- Exciting natural wonders, right here in New York State.
Starting April 2026, subscription rates to the Conservationist will be increasing. Beat the price increase by subscribing or gifting the magazine today!
Visit DEC's website or call 1-800-678-6399 to subscribe.
Conservationist, the magazine that brings nature to your door.
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