NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Danger Will Robinson! Don’t get lost in space, follow the directions on the pesticide label. The pesticide label is the law, so always read the label before buying, storing, or using a pesticide product. Need information on pesticide related topics? Check out the DEC Bureau of Pesticides: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/298.html

With summer approaching, nicer weather, and school slowing down, it’s a great time to explore New York’s trail systems, while keeping tick safety in mind. Join Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps member, Andrew, and Executive Vice President of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Deb Nero, for a Facebook LIVE tomorrow, 6/4, at 10 AM as they discuss the Finger Lakes Trail system and Passport program, National Trails Day, and mitigating the risks of ticks while hikin...g. Get hyped to celebrate National Trails Day, this Saturday, June 5th! Additionally, the public is invited to join Deb on a guided virtual hike along in Dabes Diversion Loop trail directly following the presentation (on Finger Lakes Trail Conference’s Facebook). Find more info here: https://fb.me/e/1n868GqRJ Check out tick safety information at the Don’t get Ticked NY site with NYS Integrated Pest Management: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/whats-bugging-you/ticks/.

As a part of DEC's new Adopt-A-Trailhead program, Catskill 3500 Club members were on-site this past weekend at Slide Mountain trailhead in the Catskill Mountains. Volunteers educated visitors on Leave No Trace principles (https://on.ny.gov/3ikGy0V) and how to enjoy the outdoors in a responsible way that will help protect these beautiful lands for all visitors and for future generations to come. Volunteers will be at the Slide Mountain trailhead every weekend through Columbus Day. Learn how you can get involved and become a steward of the Catskills and other public lands by visiting DEC's website: https://on.ny.gov/34NOtLS. #LoveOurNYLands #LeaveNoTrace #AdoptATrailhead

Find trails less traveled and plan your visit when trails may be less busy during daylight hours. Popular trails are popular for a reason, but New York has lots of hidden treasures just waiting to be explored. Look beyond the popular spots on social media and discover areas that you can enjoy time and time again. Certain hiking areas are in high demand, such as the High Peaks and destinations in the Catskills. Come prepared with back-up options and move on if the area's parki...ng lot is full. Park responsibly for your safety and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. Also consider exploring areas beyond the Adirondack and Catskill Parks - including great spots closer to home. For more info: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119881.html#Traveled #LoveOurNYLands

Lois Goblet was one of the first people in New York State working to restore our national symbol--the bald eagle--in the early 1980s. Come along as Lois describes what it was like for a woman to work in the natural resources field for DEC forty years ago, and how lucky she was to work on such a fascinating and successful project.

At Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, we are thankful for all the people who have visited this year, especially during these unusual times. You’ve enjoyed the trails, been respectful of the land and of each other. It’s part of what makes Five Rivers a special place. We invite you to share what you are thankful for at Five Rivers, like this owl captured at night on a trail cam. Drop us a line via pencil and paper outside the visitor center, tag us and Friends of Five Rivers on Facebook, Instagram (@nysdec and Friends of Five Rivers), or Twitter (@NYSDEC), or shoot us an email at [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject Thankful. Video by John Shea

No matter what type of winter recreation gets you outdoors, protect New York’s native plants this winter by sticking to the trail. Even when there’s snow on the ground, some of our native greenery, like the sensitive fern, need you to stay on the trail and avoid forging your own path. With the sensitive fern, it’s all in the name: these ferns are sensitive year-round! This winter you might see their dark brown seed-like structures (though they produce spores not seeds) stick...ing out from the snow. Wandering off the trail can compact the soil around where those spores spread, preventing them from growing next spring. Do your part to keep New York greenstick to the trail and remember to Leave No Trace, while also maintaining a safe physical distance from those outside your household. #LeaveNoTrace #LeaveNoTraceTuesday Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Photo credits: Lilly Byrd and Sequoia Sempervirens

A bald #eagle flying in the sunrise over Cobleskill, NY. : Bill Danielle

Start a new holiday tradition! Eliminate waste from wrapping presents by making your own reusable gift bags! #ReduceReuseRejoice

Did you know the dangling flap of skin under a moose’s throat is called a bell? The #moose is the largest land mammal in New York State. Male’s antlers regrow annually, are shed from November through January, and may reach a width of more than 5 feet. : Avery Carbone

From December 7 until the end of the year (or while supplies last), for every $5 donation that you make to the New York State Habitat & Access Stamp Program you will receive a collectable pin and sticker! The 2020-21 featured species is the northern leopard frog. You can purchase your Habitat & Access Stamp by phone at 1-866-933-2257 (Mon - Fri 8:30 AM 4:30 PM), or by visiting https://decals.licensing.east.kalkomey.com/, where you can make your purchase online or use our Vendor Locations feature to find a License Issuing Agent near you. All pin and sticker orders will be mailed to you. Pins make great gifts for the holidays! To ensure delivery by December 25, please order by December 15. For more information about the Habitat & Access Stamp program please visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/47452.html.

Think this is just a photo of a yellow paint splotch? Think again this splotch is alive! And it’s kind of a big deal. Meet Physarum polycephalum, which is not really an animal, a plant, or even a fungus. It’s a slime mold and a speedy one! This thing can move up to 4cm per hour, has the ability to navigate mazes, and even recently got its own exhibit at the Paris zoo. Can’t get to Paris for a visit? You can spot this international super-slime in forests right here in New... York State (the one in this photo was found in Ferris Lake Wild Forest in Herkimer County). This slime mold is native and a natural part of the forest environment. In fact, it’s a big help in decomposition and keeping the forest tidied up of dead and decomposing matter. If you see it, just appreciate its hard work and maybe take a photo for your own neat story to share! Check out a time-lapse clip about this brilliant yet brainless blob at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY_uMH8Xpy0

Check out World Fish Migration Day tomorrow, October 24th! You can register for the events Chris talked about here: https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com

We hope you enjoyed this week of #AdventureAtHome. Next time you are safely enjoying the outdoors, find a river, creek, estuary, or lake near you and look at the fish, birds, or insect species that live around it. Note what you find and continue to return as the seasons change to see the differences in the world around you! Learn more about #AdventureAtHome visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/120387.html

Please share: Reminder to avoid seasonal caves and mines that serve as homes to hibernating #bats to help protect bat populations. Experts believe that when bats are disturbed during hibernation periods, it forces them to raise their body temperatures, which causes their fat reserves to be depleted. This affects their energy levels and places the bats in a comprised state, which can often lead to death. Learn more: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/121638.html

How can you protect New York forests from harmful pests and diseases AND support local businesses? Follow the New York State firewood regulation! #ShopLocal and buy it where you burn it. Be sure to check that the firewood is labeled with source information. #FirewoodMonth #ForestFriday

Snacks aren't a trail luxury, they are essential. When you hike, you burn a lot of caloriesespecially if it's cold outside. Those calories, along with the salt and water you're sweating out, need to be replaced in order to keep you healthy and energized. Always bring at least two liters of water and pack more snacks than you think you will need. Be mindful of nutritional value. Sweets may be satisfying, but they aren't effectively replacing the nutrients you need. In cold weather, insulate your water and break food into small pieces so it's edible even when frozen. For more on cold weather hiking safety, visit DEC's Winter Hiking Safety page: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112826.html

We are at Squires Pond in Hampton Bays for A Day in the Life of the Peconic Estuary on Long Island. Please comment with any questions.

Our Adirondack Backcountry trail conditions have been updated. Early winter conditions may be present on the trail. Please remember to plan aheadstudy the map and know your route, pack appropriate gear, and always bring extra layers and headlamps for everyone in your group. Find the most up-to-date conditions here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html #PlaySafePlaySmartPlayLocal : Emily Sheridan

New York State's Fall #foliage season is well underway across the state! The Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, and Greater Niagara regions are reaching peak foliage so plan those leaf-peeping trips soon. Check out I LOVE NEW YORK's Fall Foliage Report to see a breakdown by region: https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report/... #NYLovesFall

Join us tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Squires Pond in Hampton Bays to experience A Day in the Life of the Peconic Estuary. DEC Educator Ron Gelardi will lead us through all the elements of this annual citizen science program where we will able to experience seining, water chemistry and much more. This program is made possible through the partnership of DEC, Suffolk County Water Authority, Brookhaven National Lab, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Peconic Estuary Program.

Wrapping up Day in the Life at Pier 26 in NYC.