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!
Building for Birds
Join us as we learn about some of the birds that call this area home! We’ll be talking about a few different species, their preferred living style and diet, and then building bird feeders with sticks, pine cones, and other natural items we find on the Kip Trail (there will be peanut butter being used). Come on down if you’re interested in learning about North Country birds and want to build a bird feeder for them!
This event is free and perfect for all ages. Youth under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ask A Fairy: Spring 2022 Answers!
After 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 around us. Read on to hear what they have to say!
Lauryn Tripp, 9, What’s the fairy’s name that lives here?
Paint with Plants
Join us for a mid-morning paint and sip! We'll use naturally made paints from local plants (we might even collect a few plants to see what colors they'll make) to get creative, all while enjoying some refreshing, non-alcoholic, beverages!
All you need to bring is yourself and an open mind - who knows what will happen once you put paintbrush and plant paint to paper? Meet at the Wachtmeister Field Station at 9:30am, we'll start with an introduction on the different plants we'll be using and how they make the colors we see. Then it's up to you to paint away!
On the Importance of Dirt
Have 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.
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!