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!
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.
Naturalist Tech Series - Merlin
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.
This session is on the Merlin birding app, which can help you identify birds through sight and sound options. We'll learn to use it and practice on a nature walk.
Beaver Themed Community Paddle
Dying to get on the water and explore the Little and Grasse Rivers’ riches? Come join us for a relaxing evening on the Little River Friday, July 29th as we learn about and search for BEAVERS!
Summer Campfire Series: Bat Bonanza
Looking to learn about our flying nocturnal friends?Join us for our Summer Campfire Series, where this week we’ll be learning about our nocturnal flying friends, BATS!
Plan to gather at Wachtmeister Field Station on July 21st from 7:00-9:00 pm, or for as long as you’d like! We’ll be eating smores and reading “Stellaluna,” while trying to see if we can spot any bats flying overhead.
This event is free and perfect for all ages. Youth under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a friend and a fun bat fact!
Aquatic Insects Community Paddle
Our theme for the July 1st Community Paddle is: aquatic insects! Come down to the Little River Boat Launch in Canton from 6:30-8:00pm for a fun, educational paddle about the little ones who make our ecosystem tick (no pun intended). Bring shoes you don't mind getting wet and your favorite bug-lover! If you have a canoe or kayak feel free to bring your own, but if not one will be provided for you. Make sure to RSVP ahead of time so we know how many boats to prepare at info@natureupnorth.org. Hope to see you there!
Aquatic Plant Community Paddle
Wat-er you doing every other Friday? Join us Friday, July 15th from 6:30-8:00 pm for a relaxing evening on the Little River. New to paddling? No problem! We'll be happy to provide tips and guidance throughout the paddle. Community paddles are a great way to get outside and meet some cool people. This week will include some information about some common aquatic plants we might encounter on the Little River or on the Grasse River.
Introduction to Fishing
This fishing clinic at Ives’ Park in Potsdam is open to all ages and abilities. Learn about local fish and how to cast - fishing poles included, free of charge! Ten fishing poles will be provided, but participants are invited to bring their own gear as well. You may also want to bring sunscreen, water, and a camera (to post pictures of your catch on natureupnorth.org).
Full Moon Social
The Full Moon Social will be taking place at Lampson Falls in Clare on July 13th! We will meet at the trailhead at 8pm to walk down to the falls (the trail is less than a mile of relatively even, hard-packed dirt), and we'll wrap up around 10pm. There will be an optional swim (so bring a bathing suit and towel if interested), and then a good old fashioned s'more (and potentially veggie dog) roast while we talk about how cool the moon is. We'll have a front row seat to watch the moon rise at around 9pm! No werewolves allowed!! Can't wait to see you there!
Summer Campfire Series: Owl Prowl
Our second campfire of the summer includes our nocturnal owl pals! We will spend about 30 minutes learning about North Country owls, how to spot them and what their calls sound like. We will also enjoy a roaring campfire and snack on some treats! Basic s'mores supplies will be provided. If we are lucky we may even hear an owl while we sit by the fire. Bring your favorite owl encounter to tell around the fire. This event is free and perfect for all ages. Youth under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.