The Beat

Albany NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve presents "Nature Night Out", a series of three summer evening events that invite everyone to drop everything and get into nature. The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center will extend operations until 7:30pm on each of these days, capitalizing on those longer sunlit summer hours. Visitors of all ages can enjoy live music while feasting on a meal from food truck vendors, go on a StoryWalk adventure along the trail and learn about the natural & cultural history of the Pine Bush with interactive Discovery Center exhibits. A fun evening out in nature awaits at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 on Wednesday June 29th, Friday July 22nd and Friday August 12th.

Inclusive and Accessible Day of Family-Friendly Recreation and Fun at State Parks and Public Lands on Saturday, June 11

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 'Get Outdoors & Get Together Day' events will be held at 21 select locations across New York State on Saturday, June 11. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Division of Veterans' Services, are hosting free and low-cost events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors. Get Outdoors & Get Together Day will bring people of all abilities, ages, identities and backgrounds together for fun, healthy activities as part of the launch of a new Governor's initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands.

Albany, NY - The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission rejoices in the arrival of spring with their annual Lupine Fest for the local community, held at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in the City of Albany on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10AM to 4PM.

Wild blue lupine is a beautiful native wildflower that blooms in May and June and is critical to the survival of the state and federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. Through interactive programs that showcase the globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush, the festival celebrates the annual blooming of wild blue lupine flowers in the pine barrens.

Cornwall, NY - The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is hosting two Weekend Nature Programs in the month of May,  “Go Flora Walk” on Saturday, May 7, and PHOTOsynthesis: Nature Photography for Beginners on Sunday May 22. Both Programs offer sessions at 10am and 1pm and will take place at the Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center location, 120 Muser Drive, off of Angola Road in Cornwall. …

Hudson Valley Birding Trail Includes 39 Locations in Six Counties

New Trail Provides Birding Opportunities for All New Yorkers, Regardless of Age, Ability, Identity, or Background

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the grand opening of the Hudson Valley segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the State’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. The Hudson Valley segment includes 39 locations on public lands throughout six counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. The announcement was made as part of DEC’s annual Earth Week celebration and in conjunction with the annual New York State Tourism Industry Association conference in Westchester.

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that The Wild Center is among 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Wild Center is one of two institutions in New York to be selected as a finalist for this award. Children's Museum of Manhattan is also a finalist.

“We are deeply honored to be selected as a finalist for the IMLS National Medal,” said Wild Center Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe. “This recognition is validation of the tireless work everyone at The Wild Center has done to achieve our mission of igniting a passion for our natural world - particularly in light of the challenges presented over the past few years.

Trail Includes 20 Locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

New Opportunities for New Yorkers, Regardless of Age, Ability, Identity, or Background to Enjoy Birding

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the grand opening of the Long Island segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. The Long Island segment includes 20 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

New Yorkers Can Fish Without a License February 19-20
DEC Urges New Yorkers to Practice Ice Safety While Outdoors  

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the State's first Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license.

"New York State is home to many great fishing spots, and I encourage both new and experienced anglers alike to take advantage of the annual February Free Fishing Day, which gives everyone the chance to appreciate the great outdoors at no cost and introduce family and friends to a new hobby," Governor Hochul said. "Getting outside to experience New York's natural beauty is a perfect way to have fun and recharge at one of New York's many world-class fishing destinations. Visiting your local fisheries provides both recreational enjoyment and serves as a vital economic generator, supporting local economies statewide."…

‘Greater Niagara’ Birding Trail Includes 36 Locations in Five Western New York Counties

New Trail Provides Birding Opportunities for All New Yorkers, Regardless of Age, Ability, Identity, or Background 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the grand opening of the Greater Niagara segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the State’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. 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.