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!

Nature Up North

Fall Colors Hike at Stone Valley

Event date and time
October 10, 2015 - 10:00 AM
Event description

Join Nature Up North on a fall colors hike on the Stone Valley trail. We'll admire the bright autumn and cascading falls on this approximately 3 mile out and back hike. Along the way, we'll discuss the science behind leaf color change, and what the timing of fall foliage means for forest health.

Little River Evening Paddle

Event date and time
July 23, 2015 - 6:30 PM to July 23, 2015 - 8:00 PM
Event description

Cool down and unwind after a long summer day with an evening paddle down a calm river. We will spend some time exploring the Little River and surrounding wetlands, while providing some basic canoe/kayak tips. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or borrow one from us for free! Boats are limited. Please RSVP to let us know you're coming! Adult-sized life jackets are provided, but if you are bringing kids, please bring your own kid-sized life jackets.

Wild Edible Plants Workshop

Event date and time
July 18, 2015 - 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event description

There are many common and uncommon edible plants growing naturally in the north country. Perhaps you may have heard of some of these plants, but weren't sure about eating them. Wild edible plants add a nutritious element to salads, jams, teas, trail snacks and more. Having a better understanding of what is edible and what isn't will enhance your connection to the local environment as well as your survival skills. Come spend a few hours learning how to find, identify and prepare local edible plants both responsibly and safely.

Letterboxing Workshop and Trail Walk

Event date and time
July 11, 2015 - 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event description

Letterboxing is a treasure hunt that anyone can participate in by looking online for clues, hearing about a box by word of mouth or running into one by accident. A letterbox is a small hidden container holding a unique stamp and log book. In our workshop we will create trail names of our own, find some letterboxes by the river, and check out cool wildlife along the way!

Never been letterboxing? No problem! We'll help get you started with all the materials you'll need for this event.

Fire Making and Hand Drumming Campfire with Len Mackey

Event date and time
July 9, 2015 - 7:30 PM to July 9, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Event description

Want to roast some s'mores? Learn the Earth's oldest ways of making fire with hand or bow drill. Feel the deep, peaceful power of songs from Native North America and Guinea West Africa, and learn how to play traditional rhythms during this interactive performance by Len Mackey.

Introductory Fishing Workshop

Event date and time
June 27, 2015 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event description

It's time for some reel talk: join the Nature Up North Team to learn about local fish and how to cast! No previous experience required! Fishing poles will be provided but feel free to bring your own gear. You may also want to bring sunscreen, water, and a camera (to post pictures of your catch on natureupnorth.org). You should be prepared to get a little wet. Shorts and close-toed sandals or old sneakers are ideal for wading in the water.

Participants over the age of 16 are required to have a fishing license. Please RSVP as we have a limited number of fishing poles.

Nature Up North Snowshoe to Lampson Falls

Event date and time
February 28, 2015 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event description

Join Nature Up North on a snowshoe hike to Lampson Falls and the Grasse River Wild Forest. On this approximately 2 mile, mostly flat out and back hike we will explore the explore the winter woods and view ice formations on the Grasse River. Beginner snowshoers and first timers are welcome. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, a snack, and a camera. Snowshoes are available to rent for the day at no charge.

Nature Up North First Friday Snowshoe Walk on the SLU Trails

Event date and time
March 6, 2015 - 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Event description

Nature Up North is beginning a series of afternoon outings on the first Friday of every month. For our first event, join us on a winter stroll through the St. Lawrence University trail system. This will be a great opportunity to get outside and explore the snow covered woods! This is an easy 2.8 mi round trip walk on flat terrain. Beginner snowshoes and first-timers are welcome. Meet at the Wachtmeister Field Station (first driveway on the left after crossing the wooden bow bridge heading south out of Canton on Park St/County Rte 27) at 4pm.

Build Your Own Bird Feeder

Event date and time
December 7, 2014 - 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Event description

Come join Nature Up North at the Wachtmeister Field Station for an afternoon of building your own bird feeder. You will have the option to make a simple feeder using a pine cone, peanut butter, and seed (great for kids) or a bigger feeder using a recycled plastic bottle (great for the kids at heart). Anything you build can be taken home with you!

Geocaching in the NoCo!

Event date and time
December 6, 2014 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Event description

Want to have the opportunity to experience a real-world treasure hunt in your area? Look no further! Come take part in our Geocaching event! This outdoor hunt is a family friendly event that has you working together to navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates where a geocache will be hidden. Start your adventures here and let your curiosity expand around the world!

The only necessities are a GPS device OR a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache. Dress accordingly, we will be outside for part of the event!