The Wonder of Trails
Week of July 12, 2026 – July 18, 2026 by David DuBois, Director of Stewardship Trails are wonderful. They can get you from one place to another without getting lost, fighting through dense brush, or getting covered in ticks. But there is one thing that every hiking trail fears above all others, the thing most likely to destroy that beautiful form of conveyance that has helped humanity get around for millennia: [...]
Fireworks or Fireflies?
Week of July 5, 2026 – July 11, 2026 by Amelia Gross, Environmental Educator This weekend hundreds of millions of people gathered to watch fireworks across the country. While an impressive display, it led me to think about things we witness in nature that are equally (if not more) awe-inspiring. My brain quickly jumped to the most comparable – the northern lights, meteor showers, or even a vibrant sunset taking up [...]
A Reflection of the Year
Week of June 28, 2026 – July 4, 2026 by Katie McLaughlin, Environmental Educator Happy Birthday! Yep – Today is my birthday (and if a camper asks I am now 8,730 years old.) Every year I do a reflection of where my life is and what I have accomplished this year – and I want to share part of this reflection with you this year. Over the past year my biggest [...]
Transitioning to Summer
Week of June 21, 2026 – June 27, 2026 by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator Summer solstice happened early this morning, marking the longest day of the year and bringing a time of many changes. In the natural world, a bustling community of insects are becoming more active. Fireflies light up the night while moths are drawn to our porchlights. You may notice crickets and katydids serenading you more often, and as [...]
Beating the Heat
Week of June 14, 2026 – June 20, 2026 by Amelia Gross, Environmental Educator If you are anything like me, the second the weather warms up, spending as much time outside as possible becomes a top priority. Maybe you’ve been taking more walks or enjoying meals outside, while remembering what it feels like to not need multiple layers of clothing. I have been lucky enough to spend several days a week [...]
Garlic Mustard: A Cautionary Tale
Week of June 7, 2026 – June 13, 2026 by David DuBois, Director of Stewardship Tomorrow marks the start of New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week. This week is a reminder of the risks that invasive species pose to the environmental health of the state and also motivate us to help reduce the effects that invasive species have. Invasive species, by definition, are organisms that have come to an area from [...]
Fact or Scat
Week of May 31, 2026 – June 6, 2026 by Katie McLaughlin, Environmental Educator Whenever I go outside, I find my own knowledge being tested. Do I know what this plant is? Or that animal calling in the distance? Sometimes I know straight away, other times I need to look it up or ask someone else. We all have our strengths in knowledge, but I am always looking to grow my [...]
Birdathon
Week of May 24, 2026 – May 30, 2026 by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator I still remember when I really got the birding bug back in second grade. I was lucky enough to tag along with some hardcore but fun birding mentors who worked and volunteered with Mass Audubon, where I grew up in eastern Massachusetts. One of my favorite activities was the 24 hour Birdathon each May. This fundraiser for [...]
From Fear to Curiosity
Week of May 17, 2026 – May 23, 2026 by Amelia Gross, Environmental Educator I have to start with a confession. As an environmental educator, and general animal lover, I’m reluctant to admit I was less than excited to lead Nature in the City lessons focusing on aquatic insects. I’m not afraid of bugs per se, but leeches or beetles have never been my particular environmental interest. Alas, with the final two third [...]