red winged blackbird on a cat tail

2026 I BIRD NY Challenge

The annual I BIRD NY Challenge is back! Use your observation skills and take the Challenge by identifying any 10 bird species of your choosing in New York State and enter into a drawing for great birding prizes.

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Safe ice should be your number one consideration when heading out to go ice fishing. Check ice thickness frequently and keep in mind that ice thickness varies!

Regenerate NY provides grant funding to support landowners in restoring their forests or assist with establishing new forests. See if you're eligible here.

Enjoy exclusive winter access to the preserved buildings of the former great camp. The 2026 Winter Weekend events will take place January 17–18; February 14–15; and March 14–15.

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Upcoming Events

Mar. 11, 2026 10:00 am EDT
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center
Event Senior Saunter - Reinstein Woods
Mar 11
Mar. 11, 2026 01:00 pm EDT
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Event Friends of Five Rivers Talk and Trek: Adult Education – Hi Bud! Tree ID by Bud - Five Rivers
Mar 11
Mar. 11, 2026 04:00 pm EDT

Douglaston Library 
249-01 Northern Blvd
Douglaston, NY 11363

Event Intro to Fishing in NYC Library Lesson (Douglaston)
Mar 11
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Don't Be Salty New York

Excessive rock salt applications pose significant impacts to public health and the environment through contamination of surface water (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams), groundwater used for recreation and as sources of drinking water, as well as infrastructure failure because of excessive corrosion.

How You Can Reduce Salt Spreading for a Healthy Environment

  • Shovel what you can first. Removing snow and ice first helps reduce the amount of rock salt you’ll need.
  • Think twice before you start spreading rock salt. You only need 12 ounces to effectively melt snow and ice on a 20-foot driveway.
  • Know the temperature. Rock salt will not melt snow or ice below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

More tips at the Rock Salt Reduction webpage!

DEC offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make a difference in environmental protection and natural resource management.