New York Fall Foliage Report  Watch for the first signs of colorful fall foliage by checking in on the I Love NY Fall Foliage report. Every Wednesday afternoon, the report will be updated with the latest color conditions across the state. Autumn leaves change color due to the days growing shorter and colder. Plants slow down and eventually stop producing the food necessary to produce chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for that leafy green color. As the levels of chlorophyll are depleted, other pigments such as carotenoids (yellow, orange, and red) cause those classic fall colors. Watch for the differences in colors in maples, oaks, or dogwoods near you. Check out our previous Facebook Live video to learn more about fall foliage and enjoy nature's brightest colors.
A New Broome County Fishing Access Site  There is a new fishing access site on Nanticoke Creek in Broome County, providing anglers with access to the creek. The site is located off New York State Route 26 at the end of Shadowbrook Drive, south of the village of Maine. DEC stocks the creek annually with nearly 3,000 brown trout. The creek begins near Nanticoke Lake and flows for approximately 22 miles to where it meets with the Susquehanna River. Learn more about freshwater fishing and how to purchase your license.
Addition of Forest Preserve on Moxham Mountain  DEC and Adirondack Land Trust added 250 acres to the Adirondack Forest Preserve on Moxham Mountain between Minerva, in Essex County, and North Creek, in Warren County. This addition increases public access for hiking and rock climbing. In 2012, DEC and the Student Conservation Association opened a 2.7-mile trail that climbs 1,152 feet and offers an alternative to some of the Adirondacks' high peaks. Check out more photos of Moxham Mountain and a video showing off its south side.
Photo courtesy of Adirondack Land Trust
Sharing Trails with Hunters  Hunting and trapping seasons are beginning to open throughout New York State. These activities are enjoyed by many as forms of recreation and a means of providing for their families. These activities can also benefit forest ecosystems by helping to maintain healthy animal populations while reducing nuisance wildlife issues and, in some cases, decreasing the transmission of wildlife diseases. Whether you are a hunter, trapper, or just enjoy getting outdoors in the fall, learning how to share public lands with other users will help keep you and fellow visitors safe.
Recreationists and hunters alike have a responsibility to keep each other safe during hunting seasons. Hikers and bikers are advised to dress in bright colors such as hunter orange, put bright colors and bells on pets and equipment like backpacks, bikes, and walking sticks, and keep pets leashed to discourage them from roaming. Horseback riders should dress horses in hunter orange and wear hunter orange while riding. Stay on or close to trails and give hunters space. Don't attempt to scare game, sabotage a hunt, or tamper with traps, and never harass hunters or trappers. Not only is it disrespectful, it's illegal. Be aware that you might encounter hunters carrying firearms, bows, or crossbows on trails or in camping areas. Hunting and trapping are legal activities that are critically important for wildlife management. Additionally, the sale of hunting licenses and gear funds important wildlife research and surveys, and the acquisition and maintenance of many of the public lands we all enjoy. So please, be respectful of hunters, trappers, and all other State land users. Visit DEC's website for more safety tips before heading into the woods this hunting and trapping season.
Love Our NY Lands  New York is home to tens of thousands of acres of State lands to visit, dozens of campgrounds, and thousands of miles of trails across the state for hikers of all abilities. @NYSDECAlerts provides real-time updates from DEC-managed lands across New York State. Love Our NY Lands and follow @NYSDEC to recreate responsibly, plan ahead, and Leave No Trace™.
State Lands Belong to All of Us All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. These lands belong to all of us, our families, and our neighbors. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy.
Hiking Safety  As the amount of daylight decreases in the fall, it's especially important to be prepared when venturing into the wilderness. Don't get left in the dark on your next hike—bring a headlamp. A headlamp (along with extra batteries) is one of the 10 essential items you should bring on every hike. Even if you plan to finish your hike before sunset, bring a headlamp in case of emergencies or unexpected delays.
Hiking in the dark without a light increases your chances of getting lost or injured, which can lead to an avoidable rescue situation. Don't rely on your phone's flashlight either. Phones can die, and using the flashlight will drain your battery quickly. Whether you're going for a hike, a bike ride, a paddle, or fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 hiking essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.
Nature Notes Did you Know... Every year, nearly one billion birds collide with glass in the U.S., and most of those fatalities happen at homes and buildings shorter than four stories tall. Birds collide with glass when they see natural reflections (clouds, the sky, or trees) in the glass, when they see plants through windows, and when they are attracted to landscaping or interior lights. To learn what you can do to reduce these impacts, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Upcoming Events Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View activities for the upcoming month or all the planned events available, including public hearings and meetings. For specific information about upcoming events at DEC's Environmental Education Centers, see 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 As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for updates and to view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries, nighttime hiking, and Q&As about Black Bears, there is always something to see and learn.
Conservationist  It's hard to believe that Conservationist magazine has been around for 75 years. Check out the August-September 2021 issue to learn about the creation of the magazine and view some of the amazing cover designs from past issues. You can also check out articles on striped bass and the northern harrier, a distinctive raptor, and how New York is working to protect our drinking water. This and more, in the latest issue of Conservationist.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of Conservationist, subscriptions are just $2, for a limited time! Subscribe today by visiting DEC's website or calling 1-800-678-6399. | 
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