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
2023 Calendar Submissions Are Open!
By Kayla Edmunds on
Blog: Just Our NatureSeptember 8th through October 23rd
Calling all North Country nature photographers!
Got your camera at the ready? Nature Up North is once again hosting our annual calendar contest for nature photos that will be featured in our 2023 wall calendar. At Nature Up North we hope to inspire exploration and appreciation of the North Country environment. One way we do this is through the Encounters feature…
Tree Sign Language: Early Fall Color
By Paul J. Hetzler on
Blog: Just Our NatureDeciduous trees, ice-cream stands, and marinas close each fall for the same reason: as daylight dwindles and cold creeps in, they become less profitable. When income dips down to equal the cost of doing business, a wise proprietor will turn out the lights and lock the doors until spring.
Some enterprising holdouts stay open longer. Perhaps they have less competition, or a better location.…
North Country Summer: A Photo Essay
By Abigail Lateer on
Blog: Just Our Nature
Do you know which nature center in the North Country is home to this (and other) spooky and beautiful tree carvings?
As a summer naturalist intern for Nature Up North, one of the things I was most excited about was getting to live in the North Country for the summer. I feel so lucky I got the chance to explore this beautiful place, and I made this photo essay to capture some of my favorite…
North Country Nature Noises
By Leslie Herold on
Blog: Just Our NatureNature Up North has spent the summer getting back outside after a hiatus from summer activities due to COVID. We have really focused on being outside as much as we can and encouraged ourselves and other North Country community members to connect with nature this summer. There is so much to see, but our sight is only a small part of how we can really connect. Using all our senses when we are…
Ask A Fairy: Spring 2022 Answers!
By Thimble & Blossom on
Blog: Ask a FairyAfter 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…
On the Importance of Dirt
By Abigail Lateer on
Blog: Just Our NatureHave 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.
Some issues with the U.S. industrialized agriculture system seem more or less obvious. Most people intuit that…
Shell-ebrating North Country Painted Turtles
By Leslie Herold on
Blog: Just Our NatureAs 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…
Fanfare in the North Country
By Liz Hart on
Blog: Just Our NatureIt’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…
Ask A Fairy: Spring Into Summer With the Fairies!
By Thimble & Blossom on
Blog: Ask a FairyWe just heard that Thimble and Blossom, our migratory fairy naturalists, are back in the North Country! In the spring they like to bounce on blooming buds, zip around with dragonflies, and take cold dips in freshly melted puddles! Through all their woodland time they’ve become excellent naturalists, and are now here to answer any questions you may have! Between May 27th and June 24th, use the…
6th Annual Earth Day 7k Recap
By Kayla Edmunds on
Blog: Just Our NatureBy now any sore muscles have been iced and the race signs have been put away until next year, but we're still thinking about what a great time we had with the runners and walkers who attended Nature Up North's 6th Annual Earth Day 7k last Sunday! Although the morning started off a bit dreary with some sprinkles, by the time the starting countdown hit "go" at 10:30am, the sun was shining and…
