3 ways to celebrate International Mud Day

3 ways to celebrate International Mud Day

If you think back to your childhood years, one of your memories may be of carefree summer days spent playing in the mud. Perhaps you made a mud pie fit for a king, an epic castle or just enjoyed the satisfying squelch of mud between your fingers and toes. International Mud Day on June 29 is a chance to reconnect with those childhood memories and introduce a whole new generation to the joys of messy play.

Why should we care about declining amphibian populations?

Why should we care about declining amphibian populations?

Amphibians are a diverse group of vertebrates with more than 6,500 unique species. In New York State, there are 32 described amphibian species that occur naturally. This is a significant number of species for a temperate climate. However of the 32 species, 9 species are listed as either endangered, threatened or special concern by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, with 2 more species listed as high priority. 

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Part I: Beginner’s Guide

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Part I: Beginner’s Guide

Allowing nature to flourish is all about balance. While you might want to optimize your yard for wildlife, you don’t want to make it too inviting. Keeping critters at an arm’s length is part of keeping them wild. So how do you create habitat that benefits both human and nonhuman animals? Let’s explore some options you can incorporate into your normal yard care routine.

Stewardship tip: avoid social trails

Stewardship tip: avoid social trails

Anyone who has gorged on freshly baked cookies fresh out of the oven knows: you can have too much of a good thing. With increased visitation comes increased impacts to the preserve, including the creation of social trails. But why are social trails a bad thing? Let's dive in.

How to help turtles safely cross the road

How to help turtles safely cross the road

With the warm weather approaching, our shelled friends will soon be on the move. With their mental maps set, they will head from their hibernation sites to nesting areas and spring/summer ponds and lakes. This often puts them in danger as they attempt to cross roads. If you happen to be driving and see a turtle in the road and can safely pull over, here is how you can help get them to safety.