Watchable Wildlife: Harbor Seals  New York's most abundant seal is the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), which can be found in the state's marine waters from late fall to late spring. Harbor seals can range in color from brown, tan, or gray to silvery-white. The best time to watch for seals is during the day. Good places to look for seals are Fire Island National Seashore or Montauk Point State Park. Please do not disturb seals if you see them resting along the shore. Disturbing seals is prohibited, and you must remain at least 150 feet from a marine animal as required by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. It's stressful for the animal to be approached, and they may become aggressive. Seals have sharp teeth and can carry communicable diseases. Bring your binoculars and you may be rewarded with a sight of a seal resting in a rocky area.
If you suspect a seal is sick or injured, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal. Photo by US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Purchase a $5 Habitat and Access Stamp to Help Improve Fish and Wildlife Habitat  Consider purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp to help conserve and improve fish and wildlife habitat. The 2022-23 Habitat & Access Stamp features an Eastern (red-spotted) newt. The Habitat & Access Stamp was created in 2002 by New York State Legislation. All funds from the purchase of Habitat & Access Stamps are directly deposited into the DEC Habitat and Access Account, which is used for ongoing and upcoming projects to conserve habitat and increase fish and wildlife recreational access.
A donation of $5 is all that's required to invest in the future of New York's outdoor recreational opportunities!
Recreation Highlight: Camp Sagamore Trail System  Within the 47,000-acre Blue Ridge Wilderness lies the Camp Sagamore Trail System. Located near and around the grounds of Great Camp Sagamore, a registered National Historic Landmark and one of few Adirondack Great Camps still in existence today, this trail system provides an immersive nature experience.
The system consists of four interconnected trails. At 3.8 miles, the Sagamore Lake Trail is the longest, looping around the shores of Sagamore Lake and briefly passing the camp itself. Though the trails are not part of the historic Great Camp Sagamore complex, reminders of the Gilded Age can still be found in the surrounding woods. Along the Powerhouse Trail lies the remnants of an old gatehouse and a powerhouse that once used natural water energy to create electricity for Great Camp Sagamore. Please use caution around these historic sites and help preserve these landmarks by leaving what you find for others to enjoy. Trailhead Locations:
All trailheads can be found on Sagamore Road in Inlet, NY. Turn onto Sagamore Road off Route 28 in Raquette Lake. The first trailhead will be for the Cascades Trail, the next for the Powerhouse Trail; you can find parking for the Sagamore Lake Trail just before the Great Camp itself. (N 43.771987°; W 74.637854°).
Winter is a Great Time to Visit Reinstein Woods  From learning about winter birds, animal tracks, and how to cross-country ski, to virtual programs about sustainable living, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Dr., Depew, Erie County.
Winter Wonderland in the Woods
Saturday, Feb. 4, from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Discover the woods in winter! Try snowshoes or cross-country skis for free. Make snow art, and enjoy ice fishing demonstrations, winter crafts for kids, and more. Refreshments are available for sale. For more information, visit the Reinstein Woods website or call 716-683-5959. No registration required.
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 events currently scheduled, including public hearings and meetings. For specific information about upcoming events at DEC's Environmental Education Centers, visit 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 Magazine  The start of a new year is always an exciting time. Many people look forward to enjoying winter activities, while also preparing for the coming of spring. As you likely know, New York offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities as the seasons change. In the upcoming February/March issue of Conservationist, you can read about bald eagles in Cobleskill (Schoharie County) and learn more about opossums, a unique and interesting little creature. And you'll enjoy articles on keeping a nature journal, the history of fingerposts (directional signs), and how DEC is using a MOTUS system to track birds, bats, and insects to help understand, manage, and protect small wildlife species.
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