Get Outdoors and Get Together Day – June 10 
Join DEC, State Parks, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and New York State Department of Veterans' Services on Saturday, June 10, to celebrate Get Outdoors and Get Together Day – a day of inclusion for all people at New York's accessible parks and DEC lands! New Yorkers of all ages and abilities can discover new skills and try out a range of introductory outdoor activities, such as fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, bird watching, archery, nature photography, camping, and more. Adaptive equipment and opportunities will be available at some locations. Each location will have its own array of special activities.
Watchable Wildlife: Braddock Bay (Monroe County) 
Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area is an expanse of grasslands, marshes, and open water, just west of Rochester on the south shore of Lake Ontario. This Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is an important stop on the Atlantic Flyway for large gatherings of migrating raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds in the spring and fall. The geography here funnels thousands of birds to food, shelter, and nesting sites among its wetlands, scrub, and woods. For these reasons, this site has been designated as a Bird Conservation Area. Check out some of the latest bird sightings on eBird. Braddock Bay has an accessible wildlife observation and fishing platform on Salmon Creek, with accessible parking located off Manitou Beach Road. An accessible parking lot, kayak launch, and fishing platform can be found off East Manitou Road. To plan a visit to this site or to check out more unique birding areas located around New York, check out the NYS Birding Trail map.
Watch Out for Whales in New York's Waters 
Humpback whales are the most common whales seen in New York's waters. The Atlantic Ocean humpback whale population has been increasing in recent years and they were federally delisted as Endangered in 2016. More humpback whales have been observed overwintering in our nearshore waters, likely due to factors related to climate change, increased food abundance, and improved water quality. Vessel strikes and gear entanglement are the most significant threats to whales along New York's shores and were the cause of many recent whale deaths. DEC, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its stranding response partners, strives to respond to all whale stranding and mortality events, to collect data and biological samples from the animals. If you come across a stranded marine mammal in New York, remain at a safe and legal distance, and immediately call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report its location. NOAA administers vessel speed reduction zones, which include both mandatory and voluntary speed reduction areas for vessels, to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to critically endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with vessels. All boaters from Maine to Virginia, or interested parties, can sign up for email or text notifications about the latest Right Whale Slow Zones and Seasonal Management Areas. Slow Zones provide added protection to all large whales and marine mammals.
Help Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species 
With boating season upon us, it's important to remember to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) using the "clean, drain, dry" method for boats, as well as disinfecting fishing gear. Boat stewards are available at more than 200 launches across New York State to educate and assist boaters in practicing these techniques every time they come off the water and prior to launching. AIS Prevention Tips: - Inspect your watercraft and trailer, and remove anything that shouldn't be there, like plants, animals, mud, or debris.
- Discard in a trash can or at a disposal station.
- Drain all water-holding compartments.
- Wash your boat and allow it to fully dry before entering a new water body.
Boating in the Adirondack Park: As of June 2022, all boaters operating any kind of motorized watercraft in the Adirondack Park and within ten miles of the Blue Line are required by law to possess certification that their vessel has undergone the proper cleaning measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Boaters can get their certification from a boat steward at a DEC-designated inspection station or by completing a self-issued certificate (PDF) prior to launch. Have questions about this regulation? See our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).
Upcoming Events Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View upcoming activities 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 Visit DEC's Facebook page for updates and to view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hikes to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.
Don't Miss the Latest Issue of the Conservationist 
In the June/July issue of the Conservationist, readers can learn how a form of fishing therapy is connecting kids diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses to the magic of fishing, and providing the healing power of nature and peace that comes with spending time on the water. You can also read about DEC's ongoing work building hiking trails, campsites, boat launches, and scenic overlooks that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, making the outdoors available to everyone. New York's rich history is on display in an article about those historic markers that can be spotted along our roadsides. This issue also includes a piece recognizing the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Civilian Conservation Corps, an article about the multiple benefits of that ubiquitous and colorful roadside plant, staghorn sumac, and an article about the insect that looks and acts like a bird, the hummingbird moth. All this and more in the latest issue of the Conservationist. Visit DEC's website to subscribe, or call 1-518-402-8047. We now also offer a digital-only subscription for just $6 a year. |
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