Rural Intelligence Outdoors: Photography and Amphibian Crossings
Quack for the camera!
Instead of hiking or skiing, spend a winter afternoon outdoors with your camera. Join owner Diana Bellissimo at Lilymoore Farm and capture the specialized character of barnyard life. The afternoon includes a private tour as well as free time to capture some wonderful and unique images. “I’m opening up areas of the farm that are not normally accessible to the public,” the owner says. “And the farm will be closed for the day so shutterbugs can explore, focus and snap photos to their hearts’ content.” Whether you snap landscapes, close-ups of the animals — including chickens, ducks, horses and alpacas — barn details, gorgeous scenery or just smiling friends, this winter venue can be a refreshing backdrop for some creative focus. Dress appropriately. For ages 8 and up
Winter Photo Shoot Opportunity
Saturday, March 2, 2:30 p.m.
Lilymoore Farm
21 Moore Rd., Pleasant Valley, NY
(845) 605-7002
$25.00 – Advance reservations required.
Caution: Amphibian Crossings!
Last year, on a single evening, more than 534 spotted salamanders were assisted at road crossings and 95 were found dead. That’s a mortality rate of more than 16 percent. Columbia Land Conservancy’s Conservation/Education Manager, Heidi Bock, wants to change that. At a training session held at their Chatham headquarters, Bock will discuss the breeding habits of local amphibians. “They mate in the same woodland pools for generations,” she explains. “If a road comes in between, they will chance it to get to the right pool.” Thankfully, most crossings occur at known locations and on the same spring night. Based on temperature and rainfall, amphibians will be on the move at the end of March. The CLC sends out an e-mail alert for the exact “Big Night” date. In preparation, learn how you can help save these species — including spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders and wood frogs. A simulation of these crossings will allow participants to learn what equipment they will need and how to use it. On April 13, a follow-up program visits several woodland pools — hopefully teeming with new life.
Amphibian Migration & Road Crossings Training
Tuesday, March 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
CLC Office
49 Main St., Chatham, NY
(518) 392-5252
Free. Advance sign-up requested.
More To Do In The Great Outdoors:
Anytime
Cross-country Ski Among Art – Art Omi, Ghent, NY (check Facebook for information on groomed trails)
Outdoor Activities from March 2-22
March 2: Notchview Bread ‘n’ Jam Classic – 10K ski classic, Windsor, MA
March 2: The Secret Lives of Owls – White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
March 2: Winter Wildlife Tracking – Mud Creek Learning Center, Ghent, NY
March 3: Owl Prowl with Fran Zygmont – White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
March 9: Sunset Ski Wine & Cheese Tasting – Notchview, Windsor, MA
March 10: Clear A Trail! - Overmountain Volunteer Day, Ancram, NY
March 16: Ecology Walk/Farmscape Ecology Program – Ancram, NY
March 16: Maple Sugaring Tour – Hudson, NY
March 22: Star Gazing – White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
March 22: Owls of Columbia County – Mud Creek Learning Center, Ghent, NY
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