Williamson Town Park Loop Trail

a message from NYS DEC:

During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature is a way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Scientific studies show that time outside in nature, especially among trees, significantly reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, energy, and sleep, and boosts the immune system.

Hiking

While indoor spaces and restrooms at NYSDEC environmental education centers, hatcheries, and other public facilities are closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, the grounds and trails are open to welcome visitors during daylight hours, seven days a week. Any entry fees are waived. Public trails in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks and State Forests throughout the state are also always open (please note: there is still snow in many areas, please check local conditions). Find a location near you on the DEC’s website. As always, State Lands and facilities are being monitored by DEC Forest Rangers and other staff, though interactions with visitors will incorporate social distancing to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

Families with children at home during this time are encouraged to visit DEC’s education webpage to find activities to help explore nature and fun outdoor activities under “Kids G.O (Get Outside)” and “Nature Activities,” plus lesson plans on a variety of topics for different grade levels in “Educator Lesson Plans” and “Hudson River Lesson Plans.” In addition, students can read about nature in “Conservationist for Kids.”

In addition, New York State sporting licenses for anglers and hunters are available on DEC’s sporting license webpage.

DEC will provide updates periodically via email, social media, and at www.dec.ny.gov. We will also be available to respond to questions or concerns regarding visitation opportunities at contact@dec.ny.gov.

While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

• Try to keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others.
• Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and kissing.
• Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and playground equipment.

The NYSDEC recommends avoiding busy trailheads. Find the trails less traveled and visit when trails may not be as busy during daylight hours. Remember to always be safe and sustainable when recreating outdoors. Learn more about how you can protect natural spaces when exploring outdoors by following the seven principles of Leave no Trace. Please note that campgrounds, boat launches, and other gated facilities that do not typically open until late spring or early summer will open and operate as usual. Visit the campground and day-use area webpage for more information.

Please visit nature and the outdoors responsibly and stay safe.

Thank you.

New York State is truly The Big Apple for a reason. It is the second largest apple producing state in the United States.

Wayne County NY, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, is the number one apple producing county in New York State. Travel our scenic country roads, ablaze in autumn glory from market to market. Take this opportunity to explore the essence of the apple. Each stop is unique, as is the taste and texture of apples. Discover the flavors, colors, and sizes…apples are as individual as we are! Everyone can be an expert!

Apple taste testing is one way to learn the differences in apples including taste, texture and scent. Drive yourself from market to market and taste the different varieties and take the “Apple Taste Test”. Enjoy apples, baked goods, cider, fresh produce, door prize drawings and more!

20th Annual Apple Tasting Tour

Tour Challenge – October 1 – 31, 2017
Click here for a link to the apple tasting tour challenge form and brochure. Collect stamps at each stop for a gift basket giveaway

Tour Feature: Tasting Weekend is October 6 – 9, 2017.
Each stop is unique during this special weekend. Apple tastings, food samples, door prizes, great events and lots of fun!

www.facebook.com/AppleTastingTour
www.AppleTastingTour.com

MARSH! is part of a larger effort to restore, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat on nearly 50,000 acres in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. This VOLUNTEER program supports the habitat restoration efforts of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Montezuma Audubon Center and other partners at Montezuma. This group works on controlling invasive species in grassland, shrubland, forest, marsh and river. The work is hands-on as we monitor, cut and pull invasive species & replant and monitor natives that will be more beneficial to wildlife & less harmful to Montezuma habitats overall!

MARSH is part of a larger effort to restore, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat on nearly 50,000 acres in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.
MARSH! workdays run 9:00AM to 1:00PM.

YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE before noon on the day before work day
For Refuge/Seneca Meadows workdays, call 315-568-5987 or email nicholas_vermeulen@fws.gov
For MAC/DEC work days, call 315-365-3588
You can download a flyer here

Bats of New York Friday, August 26th 7 PM – 9 PM
To register: https://act.audubon.org/a/bats-new-york
NYSDEC Wildlife Biologist Christina Hoh will be leading us through an educational evening of learning all about the bats that call New York State their home. We’ll learn what they eat if they migrate or hibernate, and that they’re not an animal to be afraid of. The program will begin indoors with a presentation detailing the nine species of bats found in NY. Once darkness falls, we’ll head outside for a short hike and demonstration of some of the technical equipment used to survey different bat species. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent! Long sleeves and pants may be desired as well.
-Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $30/family.
-Suitable for all ages!
Space is limited and pre-paid online reservations are required.
Call 315-365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.

Audubon continues to take necessary precautions to reduce COVID spread, but no public activity can be 100 percent safe. We ask anyone who is feeling unwell or who has had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 to not participate in any in-person program until the risk for infection has passed.
Program Cancellation/Reimbursement Policy:
If the MAC cancels an event, we will initiate a full reimbursement.
If you need to cancel registration for an event, you must call or email the MAC at (315) 365-3588 or montezuma@audubon.org
If you cancel more than a week before the event, we will initiate a reimbursement minus a 10% administrative fee, or credit you for a future event.
No reimbursements are issued for cancellations received less than a week before the date of the event.
Bats flying at night. Photo: Stuart Anthony/Flickr