group of people cross country skiing in the snow

Living the Green Life

Top Living the Green Life

Green Recreational Opportunities in New York

School breaks and holidays make February a popular time of year for vacations. Looking for adventures in the great outdoors here in New York? From hitting the slopes, to reeling in catches, our state has a lot to offer. Interested in making plans? Here are some ideas to get started:

Visit Camp Santanoni Historic Area for a Winter Weekend Event. Take in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks with this winter adventure. Additional details for this recreational opportunity. Mark your calendars for upcoming dates:
- February 14-15; and
- March 14-15.

Cross-Country ski this winter. New York's many trails provide a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. From snow covered trees, to simple silence, to songs from our feather friends, a cross-country ski trail can lead to many memorable adventures.

Downhill ski on one of these New York State owned skiing opportunities:
- Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington
- Gore Mountain in North Creek
- Belleayre in Catskill

Snowshoe and get off on the right foot for an experience that provides great exercise. Also, check out snowshoe events at our state’s environmental education centers, such as Five Rivers.

Go birdwatching - if you have a bird feeder, you don't need to go far to enjoy a variety of feather friends. Remember your binoculars and to log the different species you see. Also, check out sites on the New York State Birding Trail when open weather permitting.

Hike close to home and enjoy the scenic winter wonderland and serenity. DEC suggests Great Winter Hikes across the state.

Visit your closest Environmental Education Center. Check out DEC's Public Events Calendar for events near you. With trails to explore and a variety of educational offerings for all ages you are sure to find entertainment and adventure close to home. Locations include: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Region 4), Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center (Region 9), Rogers Environmental Education Center (Region 7), and Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Region 3). Enjoy events this February and offerings year-around.

Go to new heights by starting the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge (weather permitting). This is an activity you can take part in other times of the year as well and be prepared to enjoy the views. And note the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge has been expanded for 2026!

Drop a line and go ice fishing (weather permitting and safety first). Remember to follow ice fishing regulations, have an appropriate license, and that 4 inches is the minimum ice thickness to handle the load of ice fishing or other activities on foot. DEC's ice fishing webpage includes an Ice Thickness Table (for new, clear ice only) and additional safety guidance. Check DEC’s website for free fishing clinics and the Calendar of Events for additional fishing activities.
Looking to get the kids outside? Attend GOGO events - Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge. New York State’s kids aged 12-18 are challenged to complete all 50 activities before the age of 19. Not sure where to start? Check the toolkit for ideas and resources.
Give your time to science by volunteering! Interested in assisting with Amphibian Migration and Road Crossings? There are upcoming trainings this month! In-person trainings will be held in Albany County on Feb. 11, in Ulster County on Feb. 14, and in Putnam County on Feb. 18. The virtual session will be on Feb. 24. Learn more and register to attend. DEC has other volunteering opportunities as well - check them out.

No matter what activity you choose, remember to recreate responsibly, plan ahead and Leave No Trace™. DEC’s website provides additional information about #AdventureAtHome and outdoor recreational activities.

Three people hiking up a snowy trail — Winter hiking

Parent holding their child's hand as they walk towards the CDTA bus — CDTA Nature Bus - seasonally available to connect to Environmental Education Centers

two children on a viewing platform looking at birds — Kids birdwatching

kids at a summer day camp listening to a forest ranger — Youth Camp

Two people on accessible trail — Accessible Trail

Amphibian crossing road in the dark — Volunteer to help with Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings

Did You Know That?

Active-duty personnel, veterans with a military disability, senior citizens, residents with permanent disabilities, and Native Americans can receive discounts for outdoor recreation as long as they are a New York State resident.

Discounts for outdoor recreation

Subscribe to these newsletter topics if you're interested in more Outdoor Recreations News:

Outdoor Discovery (monthly)
Find Your Adventure / Encuentre Su Aventura (monthly)
Words of a Feather (monthly)
The Fishing Line (monthly)
Adirondacks (weekly tips and trail information)

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DECinfo Locator is available to help you find your next adventure. This is an interactive map of hiking trails, fishing spots, campsites, lean-tos, boat launches, and other DEC-managed assets to help you enjoy the outdoors.

DECinfo Locator

Be a Friend of the Environment

Be "super" prepared - have reusable cups, plates, and silverware available for all your game day snacks, whether you are tailgating or hosting a watch party. Plan out how much food you'll be needing to avoid waste. Ask guests to bring reusable containers so they can take home any leftovers. If you are looking to wear your favorite team's colors, consider thrifted jerseys, apparel and other second-hand team-related memorabilia. No matter what your team's colors -- make it a "goal" to think green and help our environment. That will be a "win/win" for all of New York. Also, if you are using a cooler for your tailgating of football parties remember the expansion of the polystyrene foam ban in New York to include foam coolers, took effect on January 1.

Love to donate - food drives are popular around November and December holidays. But food pantries often need donations year-round. Show some love for your community by donating items to a local food pantry. Call ahead to find out what items they need most. Maybe you have items in your pantry you do not need or will not use which are still well in-date. Let's all work together to help those in need while reducing food waste. Want to learn how certain businesses and other institutions work to minimize waste food? Read more about the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

It's in the bag - remember to bring your own bag when you shop. Place bags in your car or near the entry way of your home so they are easy to grab and go. Some stores are no longer supplying paper options, so be prepared and you will be able to transport your purchases with ease. Read more about New York’s Bag Waste Reduction Law.

DEC's annual tree and shrub seedling sale – the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale is open to the public and runs until May 13, 2026. For more information including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website. Some species sell out early, so it is recommended to place orders by phone. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at 518-587-1120.

Free seedlings available for youth education through the school seedling program - applications are now being accepted for the nursery's School Seedling Program. From now until March 27 (or while supplies last), schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at 518-587-1120.