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!
Just Our Nature - news, updates and insights
When hobbies intersect: Radio and Wilderness
By Gabriella Schuckers on
Blog: Just Our NatureAre you looking to spend more time in the backcountry? While spending days or weeks away from civilization is a great adventure, you may have some worries about safety. Garmin in reach and other devices allow for backcountry communication but come with a large price tag. Still, there is something else that allows for 2 way communication and is a fraction of the price. It's traveling through the…
The "Cray"zy fish of North Country Waterways
By Tadd Ledoux on
Blog: Just Our NatureWhen I was young, what fascinated me most about the outdoors was discovery. The unveiling of a whole teeming world right outside always kept me coming back. One moment I remember fondly was my father showing me a Crayfish for the first time on the shore of Lake Ontario. I couldn't believe that such a strange and fascinating creature with huge pincers and strange long antennae was dwelling in the…
North Country Native Plant Gardening - A Sustainable Approach
By Taylor Beidler on
Blog: Just Our NatureGardening in the North Country presents unique challenges and opportunities. With its distinct climate, soil conditions, and ecosystem, the North Country is the perfect place to embrace native plants in your garden. Native plants are species that have evolved to thrive in this specific region, making them an excellent choice for sustainable and low-maintenance gardening. Here’s why you should…
Reel in the Summer Fun with Fishing!
By Patrick Chase on
Blog: Just Our NatureReel in the summer fun with summer fishing!
Ah, summer, the days are brighter, the sun is sunnier, and the warm weather is just begging you to go outside. But so often we fail to meet this call, and frequently that begins with running out of ideas. You’ve taken a stroll around town, rode your bike on the trails, and even visited the park for some light hiking. Yet still after all that, you look…
8th Annual Earth Day 7k Recap!
By Dan French on
Blog: Just Our NatureThe flags have been picked up, the apples have been eaten, and photos have finally been rounded up, but we're still thrilled with the turnout and fun had at this year's 8th Annual Earth Day 7k! With almost 70 registrants and over $1500 raised, the North Country community demonstrated what generosity, grit, and passion look like this past Sunday, April 21st, 2024. With the course starting on the…
Black and Grey: The current and lost predators of the North Country
By Patrick Chase on
Blog: Just Our NatureOne of the defining characteristics of the North Country is its connection to the natural world. If it weren't, Nature Up North wouldn't exist, and that is a timeline truly too dark to imagine. The animals that inhabit the North Country play a huge role in defining the region's character. From the iconic white-tail deer, whose presence has earned them a place on the St. Lawrence County seal, to…
From Tree to Topping: The Journey of Maple Syrup to Your Pancakes
By Nela Chestojanova on
Blog: Just Our NaturePicture yourself wandering through a forest in early spring, the air crisp with the promise of warmer days ahead. Amidst the trees, something magical is happening – the sap is flowing, marking the beginning of the sweet journey from tree to topping. Join me to uncover the delightful process of making maple syrup, from forest to breakfast table.
Upon arriving in the North Country in August last…
Why Springs Smells So Good
By Paul J. Hetzler on
Blog: Just Our NatureAs the soil warms up in April and May and green plants spring forth once again, a delicate aroma hangs in the air, apart from any floral scent wafting on the breeze. It’s earthy and fresh, and I find it almost intoxicating. It turns out that spring’s special perfume has some fun and quirky root causes.
Spring’s perfume has long intrigued humans, to the point that sixty years ago, Australian…
Eye Candy, Cough Syrup, and Early Flowers
By Paul J. Hetzler on
Blog: Just Our NatureAfter so many months of winter whiteness, it’s a relief to watch the snow recede at last. We’re always grateful for the spring melt, even though the loss of snow cover gives way to a mostly brown world: brown grass, sand everywhere along the roads, and brown needles under the pines. Not to mention the brown leaves we missed last fall, and maybe the dog poop that had built up, mercifully…
Beneficial Beavers
By Liz Anderson on
Blog: Just Our NatureDid you know that the beaver is New York’s official state mammal? It’s a warranted distinction due to their critical importance in the ecosystem. Beavers are a keystone species, meaning that their presence is essential for biodiversity and a sustained, healthy ecosystem. Beavers accomplish this promotion of biodiversity by altering the habitat of an area by way of building dams and changing water…
