Watchable Wildlife: Joseph Davis State Park Lewiston, Niagara County  Located on the banks of the Lower Niagara River, the park's diverse habitats enable visitors to enjoy the natural world. Wetlands, successional shrublands, fields, meadows, forest, and open waters attract an abundance of wildlife species. The park has a nature trail, as well as cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails.
Part of Joseph Davis State Park has been designated a Bird Conservation Area (BCA). It includes approximately 1,400 feet of frontage on the Niagara River and 31 acres of underwater land. About two-thirds of the BCA is successional shrubland. Mature second growth forests are found in the eastern portion of the BCA and along the Niagara River shoreline. Other ecological communities are old fields, open water, and wetlands. The habitats along the Niagara River shoreline support an exceptional diversity of migratory songbirds during spring and fall migration. The vegetation, including several species of berry producing shrubs, provides significant food sources for migratory birds. The fields host northern harrier, horned lark, savannah sparrow, bobolinks, and eastern meadowlark. Species at risk include: state threatened pied-billed grebe, bald eagle, northern harrier, and common tern. State species of special concern include: osprey, sharp-shinned and cooper's hawk, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, horned lark, and yellow-breasted chat. Joseph Davis is also one of the best spots in the Niagara Region for wintering eastern bluebirds.
Western New York Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens  The Greater Niagara segment of the New York State Birding Trail, which highlights the State's world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities, is now open. The Greater Niagara segment includes 36 locations throughout Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.
From the awe-inspiring Niagara River Corridor, which is part of a globally important migratory bird area designated by the National Audubon Society, to Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve's 292 acres of forests, ponds, and wetlands, the Greater Niagara region offers multiple opportunities to observe migratory birds. In the summer and fall, visitors can take the Discover Niagara shuttle to Fort Niagara State Park, Stella Niagara Preserve, ArtPark, and multiple locations along the Niagara River Corridor. Visit Tifft Nature Preserve and Buffalo Harbor State Park on the southern tip of the Niagara River to take in views of Lake Erie and observe more than 200 bird species. Knox Farm State Park is a premier destination for grassland birds and hosts a display of bluebird boxes. New segments of the Birding Trail will be opened in a phased approach. DEC announced the New York City trail segment in October, which includes 33 locations throughout the five boroughs. Once finished, the Statewide Birding Trail will provide birding opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity or background, across New York State. The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site, such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Additional information on birding, and educational and interpretive information is also available. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so we encourage budding outdoor enthusiasts to check back often. Visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (PDF) (also available in Spanish), and additional resources.
Leave No Trace  Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of our shared public lands. Use proper trail etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for yourself and others and tread lightly. If you Love Our NY Lands, you will help ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Become a Citizen Scientist Citizen science (otherwise known as community science) is a popular movement that allows people from all walks of life to help advance scientific research and land management efforts by collecting and sharing data gathered in natural areas. Leave No Trace's citizen science program helps protect the natural world by building a community of people working together to monitor impacts caused by recreation. Learn how you can get involved and contribute or create projects in your area. Be a citizen scientist for DEC by sharing wildlife observations and finding and reporting invasive species.
What to Bring in an Emergency Kit  When we head outdoors, we always hope for the best-case scenario – perfect weather, no injuries, and a hike that goes exactly as planned. While it would be great if every hike went this way, the unexpected can happen so it's important to be prepared. A well-packed emergency kit will help you manage most any circumstance the outdoors throws your way. Include the following items in your emergency kit:
- A whistle will help you attract the attention of nearby hikers or rescuers.
- A signal mirror can reflect sunlight up to rescue aircraft, indicating your location if you are lost.
- Bright colored cloth stands out against a forested backdrop, making it easier for rescuers to spot you. Bright cloth can be handy even outside of a rescue scenario. If you need to leave the trail for any reason, tying the cloth to a tree at the edge of the trail can help you navigate your way back safely.
- Duct tape is handy for fixing gear or making quick shelters.
- A pocketknife or multitool can serve many purposes, both in an emergency and in general.
- A space blanket provides warmth and protection from the elements and can be used to make an emergency shelter.
- An emergency shelter is good to have on backcountry trips, too. This could be a tent or simply a tarp and rope.
Nature Notes Did you Know... New York State has over 18 million acres of forest and wild lands within its borders, and DEC Forest Rangers conducted more than 425 search and rescue missions on those lands in 2021.
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 and nighttime hiking to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.
Conservationist  As we approach a change of seasons, it's a great time to focus on our environment – how to enjoy and protect it. The February/March 2022 issue of the Conservationist contains articles on the rebirth of the Buffalo River and efforts to address climate change, as well as information on estuaries and cisco, a fish that is making a comeback. And don't miss the articles on Becoming an ECO, and how Your Voice Matters. These and more in the latest issue of the Conservationist. Subscribe today by visiting DEC's website or calling 1-800-678-6399.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment