Watchable Wildlife: Tifft Nature Preserve 
Just a five-minute drive from downtown Buffalo and situated on the Outer Harbor, Tifft Nature Preserve encompasses 264 acres of restored habitat with five miles of trails and boardwalks. A former industrial site and landfill, this area was rehabilitated into a nature preserve in the 1970s, for the purpose of passive recreation and environmental education. Birders can enjoy the many boardwalks and bird blinds that overlook a 75-acre remnant cattail marsh, which provides excellent viewing opportunities. Designated as an Important Bird Area by National Audubon Society, Tifft Nature Preserve also features an environmental education center that offers year-round programs for all ages and skill levels. Check out some of the most recent bird sightings on eBird and use Merlin to help identify species. Photo courtesy of Tifft Nature Preserve
Volunteers Needed for Hudson River Eel Project 
DEC is seeking volunteers to help study eels in streams of the Hudson River estuary. Volunteers can check specialized nets for young transparent "glass eels" as they enter freshwater from their spawning grounds more than 1,000 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean. Eels are counted, weighed, and released upstream, and environmental conditions are recorded. Sample sites include streams from New York City to near Albany, and all gear is provided. If you're interested in participating, email eelproject@dec.ny.gov and include where you live and a little bit about yourself, so we can match you with the best nearby site. For more information, visit the Hudson River Eel Project page on DEC's website. Photo by Chris Bowser
Join DEC's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program 
Do you fish for striped bass in the tidal Hudson River or in New York's marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge? You can be part of DEC's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Programs, whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery. Join today! The recreational striped bass fishing season in the Hudson River and its tributaries north of the George Washington Bridge begins April 1, and in marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge on April 15. Visit DEC's Hudson River Cooperative Angler website or email hudsonangler@dec.ny.gov for information about the Hudson River angler program. If you primarily fish for striped bass in New York's marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge, contact the Diadromous Fish Unit at sbcaprogram@dec.ny.gov or visit DEC's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler website. Get hooked on The Fishing Line Whether you're an avid angler, only just getting into fishing, or wanting to stay in the loop with DEC Fisheries, the Fishing Line newsletter has something for you! Get the latest updates on fisheries management and how it ties into fishing, meet the staff making it happen, learn about survey opportunities, and more. Sign up and get hooked today! Photo by Don Denapole
Take the 2023 I Bird NY Challenge and NYS Birding Trail News 
The I BIRD NY Challenge is back and better than ever! Birders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to see or hear and record any 10 bird species of their choosing, with opportunities for both youth and adult participants to win great birding prizes. New this year, the challenge will run from March 1 to November 1, observation logs may be submitted via an online form, and all participants will receive a commemorative challenge patch. For more information, including ideas on species to observe and places to go, visit DEC's birding webpage. DEC also added seven new locations to the New York State Birding Trail and announced an updated site nomination process. Read the full press release on DEC's website.
2023 DEC Camping Reservation Changes 
DEC has announced changes to reservations at DEC campgrounds for the upcoming season, including new same-day reservations to help add flexibility and ease to last-minute bookings. The change will afford last-minute campers the security of a reserved campsite at any of DEC's 52 campgrounds and aligns the Forest Preserve-based campgrounds with the reservation window currently employed for campgrounds run by State Parks. Reservations will be required, and patrons can now book a camping reservation as late as 5:00 p.m. on the desired day of arrival. The public will also be able to book a one-night stay for the 2023 season at any DEC campground beginning April 7, 2023. This will mean that gaps between reservations will be able to be filled earlier than in the past. For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, visit DEC's website or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of DEC's camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website.
Summer Employment Opportunities Would you like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves this summer? 2023 Summer Camps Program We are actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program. All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer. Employment at camp begins in mid-June and ends mid-August. Learn more about the employment opportunities and how you can apply at DEC Environmental Education Camps. DEC Campgrounds and Day-use Areas Be a part of a team that helps vacationers enjoy the great outdoors in the Catskill Forest Preserve and Adirondack Park. Positions available include Lifeguard, Maintenance, Security, Supervisor, and more! Some positions start as early as May, but varying start dates can be accommodated based on school and work schedules. For more information on available positions or to apply for a position call 518-457-2500, e-mail campinfo@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Campground Seasonal Employment webpage on DEC's website. 
Lifeguard Positions Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations. For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Lifeguard Positions webpage on DEC's website.
Reminder: The Annual Burn Ban is Now in Effect through May 14 Open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York State. Since the spring burn ban was implemented in 2009, the number of wildfires has decreased by more than 40 percent. Learn how you can prevent pollution and wildfires on DEC's website. Read the full Burn Ban press release.
Download Conservationist for Kids in Spanish 
Starting with the Winter 2023 "Rocks Rock!" issue of Conservationist for Kids, a Spanish version (PDF) is available as a PDF download on DEC's website. Since 2008, Conservationist for Kids has been mailed free of charge in classroom packets to all 4th grade classes in New York State, reaching more than 275,000 students each issue. Published three times per year, Conservationist for Kids is also included as an insert in Conservationist magazine in the February, April, and October issues. To date, more than 40 issues have been produced, covering everything from birds to trees and climate change to electric vehicles. All past issues are available as PDF downloads on DEC's website, and Spanish versions of future issues will be made available online as well.
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 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, 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.
Don't Miss the Latest Issue of the Conservationist 
As the weather warms up, many people are excited to get outside and enjoy nature. The April/May 2023 issue of the Conservationist (coming soon!) includes articles about the challenges of American Shad, as well as efforts to protect native pollinators and restore the Hudson Raritan Estuary. You can also read about the strong bond between a man and "Doc," as they fished together for years, and a husband's hunting outing with his wife, which became a cherished memory. We also celebrate the return of whip-poor-wills to the Albany Pine Bush. After banding some of these birds, scientists will be able to track their movements, which they hope will indicate their return to the region. All this and more in the latest issue of the Conservationist. Visit DEC's website to subscribe. We now also offer a digital-only subscription for just $6 a year. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment