Trail marker on tree with group walking in distance

Living the Green Life

Top Living the Green Life

Lifelong Learning—Choose Your Path

New York State is home to numerous environmental education centers and programs. At the centers, you can walk paths, take part in educational programming, explore natural wonders, and so much more. Gear up for National Trails Day on June 1 and plan your next adventure. Learn about DEC’s environmental education centers and programs in your area of the state:

Long Island – serving Nassau and Suffolk counties. A variety of opportunities exist to explore natural resources and take part in stewardship. Whether you explore the wonders of nature during a guided walk, a hands-on workshop, or a speaker program, there is something for all interests.

New York City – The environment is top of mind in the wide variety of school, community, public outreach, and professional development programs offered. Environmental educators raise ecological awareness and inspire stewardship through programs and informational displays in an urban setting.

Western ADKs, Central NY, and Finger Lakes – Offerings include tours and outreach at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery. Professional development for educators working with youth is of great importance and emphasized through a variety of hands-on workshops. These programs provide the ideal opportunity to network and share resources.

Five Rivers – Capital Area – From watching birds to observing other members of our state’s wildlife community, this center provides 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands, with 10 miles of trails to explore. A variety of programs are offered through the on-site visitor center. Remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace^TM when visiting this and any other center. (Friends of Five Rivers website.)

Reinstein Woods – Western New York – Plan a day trip to this unique 292-acre complex of forests, ponds, and wetlands in their suburban surroundings. Enjoy a guided tour, seasonal activities such as snowshoeing, and of course the change of season’s highlighted with the annual Fall Festival. Other centers have Fall Festivals too – look for happenings where you live or plan to visit in New York. (Friends of Reinstein Woods website.)

Rogers – Central New York – This environmental education center makes nature accessible to all through facilities and services including a day use area, picnic tables, nature walk, and pavilion. Enjoy the splendor of the on-site trout ponds and other outdoor exhibits covering species such as waterfowl and pond life. Many species make Rogers their home, and you will feel right at home here too! (Friends of Rogers website.)

Stony Kill Farm – Lower Hudson Valley – From the Verplanck Garden, which is home to pollinators, to the Tenant Farm House, this region is rich in history. That results in a multitude of opportunities for learning and exploring. A Naturalist Intern Program is even available for those looking to acquire professional experience in environmental education. (Stony Kill Foundation website.)

Plan your trip to one or more of these environmental education centers. Look into using public transport where possible. To keep up to date with the latest events and educational offerings, visit the respective websites of facilities in your area and check out DEC’s website calendar for featured events.

Father and child looking out towards the trees at Reinstein Woods EEC — Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center

Crowd standing in front of Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center — Trail at Stony Kill Environmental Education Center

People on wheelchair accessible trail at Stony Kill Education Center — Accessible Trail at Stony Kill

Did you know that?

Environmental education centers offer a variety of programs for children from story times, to summer day-camps. Check the center’s website or the DEC calendar of events for listings and details. Pre-registration is often required.
Educator workshops are just one of the many offerings provided by select environmental education centers. Topics vary by location and offering.
Other educational offerings provided by DEC include summer camp for youth ages 11 to 17 and the Hunter Education Program.

Be a Friend of the Environment:

Be cool – help our environment and be comfortable this summer by:

Turning off the lights when you leave a room.
Closing blinds during the day.
Opening windows at night.
Running fans - don't rely so much on all-home air conditioning units.
Conserve by turning the thermostat up in the summer (down in the winter).
Using a programmable thermostat.

Air Quality Index (AQI) – Check the daily ozone and particulate matter forecast for your area of New York State. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345 or by signing up for email notifications through DEC Delivers. DEC forecasts the AQI (Air Quality Index) to keep people informed about their air quality. If the air quality is bad, an AQI alert will be issued to safeguard public health. High ozone levels affect young people, the elderly, people with asthma, and people with heart or lung conditions the most. These people are part of the "Sensitive Groups" designation.

Hunter safety – It is not too early to look ahead to the Fall. This summer is an ideal time to take your qualifying hunter safety course for the coming game seasons. Classes fill up quickly so register promptly. Classes include hunter education, bowhunter education, waterfowl education, and trapper education. And don't forget to check out information for crossbow hunting qualifications. Most in-person classes are taught between March and September. Prior studying and homework are required. Remember an appropriate safety course completion certification is required to obtain corresponding sporting licenses.

Fire safety tips –

Check the fire danger map to make sure it's safe to have a fire where you are.
Don't burn on windy days.
Campfires should be less than 3 feet high and less than 4 feet wide.
Keep flammable objects and debris at least 3 feet away from the fire.
Never burn household trash. This includes plastic, glass, and metal (like tin and aluminum cans).
Burn only local firewood. (This also helps stop the spread of invasive species).
Stay out of the smoke. Inhaling smoke is unhealthy for you and your pets.
Keep water or a fire extinguisher handy.
Never leave your fire unattended.

We don't recommend using a burn barrel for any materials, but if you do, never burn trash or fall leaves. Burning is allowed in certain towns in New York State for items such as brush-outside of the spring burn ban. Read more about open burning.

Refuel safely – use a funnel or a spill-proof spout when refilling gas cans and lawn/garden equipment. Don't rush! Make sure you do not overfill. Refill over a concrete surface or another hard surface whenever possible. Also:

Consider a gas can that seals automatically when the spout is not being used. Newer models keep the gas and vapors in-where they belong.
Store the gas can (and lawn equipment) out of direct sunlight, in a cool place.
Do not tip equipment on the side when the gas tank is full.
Avoid operating lawn and garden equipment on high ozone days.

Better yet, consider electric-power for your lawn mower, weed eater, hedge clipping, and other residential landscaping needs.

Life's a picnic – heading to a local park and packing a picnic? With a little planning and a few simple steps, you can make sure your picnic is "zero waste." Start by walking or biking to your picnic site. Also, pack reusable plates, cups, silverware, napkins, and more. Choose compostable items and serve locally sourced foods on your menu. Remember to carryout what you bring in and enjoy!