What's Your Nature?
Become a Nature Up North explorer to share your encounters with wild things and wild places in New York's North Country. Post your wildlife sightings, landscape shots, photos from your outings, and even your organization's events!
Naturalist Tech Series - eBird
Join staff from Nature Up North, Nicandri Nature Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Indian Creek Nature Center for a four part series in nature tech this summer. Learn how to use apps that can help you identify what you see in nature - from birds to plants to slugs - and how to be part of app-based community science.
Connect with Creativity
Connection to our North Country environment is important, and people connect to nature in very different ways. Some people like to be active, some people like to learn about the flora and fauna around us, and some people connect through being creative. This 1 and ½ to 2 hour program will explore different ways we can connect to the north country through creativity.
Naturalist Tech Series - iNaturalist
Join staff from Nature Up North, Nicandri Nature Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Indian Creek Nature Center for a four part series in nature tech this summer. Learn how to use apps that can help you identify what you see in nature - from birds to plants to slugs - and how to be part of app-based community science.
Moth Madness
Join us at Wachtmeister Field Station on Saturday, July 23rd, 8:30-10:00pm, for a fun, educational mothing event! We’ll be using a white sheet and light to attract all kinds of moths (and probably a few other nocturnal insects), catching, and identifying them. We'll also take some time to learn about what a moth is and the important roles they play in our ecosystem. If you've ever wanted to get up close to a moth to see their neat colors, shapes, and patterns then this event is for you!
Just bring yourself and excitement for some moth madness!
Building for Birds
Join us as we learn about some of the birds that call this area home! We’ll be talking about a few different species, their preferred living style and diet, and then building bird feeders with sticks, pine cones, and other natural items we find on the Kip Trail (there will be peanut butter being used). Come on down if you’re interested in learning about North Country birds and want to build a bird feeder for them!
This event is free and perfect for all ages. Youth under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ask A Fairy: Spring 2022 Answers!
After a lengthy stay on North Country trails and in our backyards, our favorite naturalist fairies decided to continue north for the rest of the summer. But, before they left they made sure to write back to all of your wonderful nature questions! They wanted us to tell you that they loved answering your questions, and they hope you keep exploring and being curious about all the wonderful things around us. Read on to hear what they have to say!
Lauryn Tripp, 9, What’s the fairy’s name that lives here?
Paint with Plants
Join us for a mid-morning paint and sip! We'll use naturally made paints from local plants (we might even collect a few plants to see what colors they'll make) to get creative, all while enjoying some refreshing, non-alcoholic, beverages!
All you need to bring is yourself and an open mind - who knows what will happen once you put paintbrush and plant paint to paper? Meet at the Wachtmeister Field Station at 9:30am, we'll start with an introduction on the different plants we'll be using and how they make the colors we see. Then it's up to you to paint away!
On the Importance of Dirt
Have you ever spent time on a farm or around farmers? Do you remember helping your parents weed their garden as a kid–or do you make your kids help you weed yours? Chances are, you’re connected to agriculture in some shape or form, even if it’s just through the food you eat.
Shell-ebrating North Country Painted Turtles
As soon as the ponds thaw and the temperatures warm, we know the earth is preparing for spring and summer. The flowers begin to bud and the grasses green again. We pack away our winter jackets and dig out the t-shirts and shorts. But it’s not just humans who recognize this transition. Our North Country wildlife recognize these same changes in the environment and come out for the warmer months of the year. As we enter July you have probably noticed some of your favorite North Country animals reemerging. Birds, bears, bees, and painted turtles!
Fanfare in the North Country
It’s nesting season, which means the skies and waters are filled with life; chirping birds calling out for a mate, waterfowl patrolling the waters for a place to roost. But for a few centuries, wetland areas have been missing the notable honking of the largest species of waterfowl in the world. Weighing an average of 26 pounds and growing up to 6 feet in length, the massive Trumpeter Swan is truly an impressive creature.