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!

Trails under the snow!

I was walking on the Saddlemire Trail this evening and saw these little trails under the snow. I thought they were so fascinating, and am wondering what creature is responsible for them! My best guess would be some small rodent, like mice or voles.

Owl on Kip Tract Trail

I was walking on the Kip Tract Trail in the evening and was lucky enough to see a beautiful owl! I don't know what species it was.

Afternoon Ski

A friend and I decided to go Nordic skiing. It was probably the fourth time in my life I’d gone, and it was an absolute blast. We explored the packed trails and through the untracked forest. It was an incredibly peaceful time in a wonderfully snowy afternoon.

St. Lawrence Golf Course XC-Ski

A fellow classmate and I had a joyous time skiing around the St. Lawrence University Golf Course, sticking to the track for a while until we came upon a wooded area we wanted to explore, where we broke trail, took a quick nap on a log, and appreciated the serenity of it all. I love mixing up some speedy track skiing with slowing down and appreciating the way the snow settles on the trees or how the giant, fluffy flakes puff up around me when I fall.

A snowy Sunset

With a fresh layer of snow, the woods and fields lay under a blanket of white. This blanket muffles and hides the subtleties of the woods leading the mind to wonder what critters scurry below the layers of snow. Above the snow the trees stand tall awaiting the spring to waken and continue their growth into the sky. But for today, a sun sets on another beautiful winters day.

Snowy Pyrites Adventure

It was a beautiful day for an adventure! The 20°F weather felt unusually warm in the sun after all of the cold temps we have had. I snowshoed from Rt. 47 along the Grasse River to the hydro plant and back. The snow depth was quite variable and had drifted up to knee-height in places. Snowshoes were helpful but the snow was too dry to stay on top of it. Gaiters would be a nice addition next time.

February Frolic - Snow Sculpting!

One of my favorite snowy day activities is building snow sculptures, whether that be the classic snow family or something a bit more outside of the box. And with all this fresh snow from our most recent winter storm, now is the perfect time! Matthew Morris, of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, has taken the snow sculpting game up a notch. See his most recent sculpture, a rendition of the Tower of Pisa, below for an example of his incredible snow skills. 

North Country explorer and a small snowperson
Igloo at St. Lawrence University
A snow family in front of the Arts Annex at St. Lawrence University

February Frolic - Who’s Frolicking With You?

If you’ve been getting outside and frolicking this February, you may have noticed some signs left in the snow that you aren’t alone! This gallery features some tracks found by other North Country explorers, as well as resources to help you identify what you're frolicking with! And remember, no matter what you spot, be sure to share it with us via our Encounters page (https://www.natureupnorth.org/encounters). 

Mice tracks in snow
Porcupine "snow tube"
Deer and squirrel tracks in snow
Rabbit tracks in snow
Deer tracks in snow
Otter slide tracks in snow
Mink tracks in snow

February Frolic: Get Outside With Nature Up North 

Are you tired of being inside? Don’t let the cold weather get you down, get up and get outside with Nature Up North! Here are some activities you can do outside while in the North Country. Make sure to always layer up and stay warm! 

 

  1. Snowy Hike 

You can’t go wrong with a hike during the cold winter months. Make sure to layer up and stay hydrated as you explore the winter wonders of the North Country. 

Piece of ice on Kip Trail
Snowmans
Whiteface skiing
Trees in winter

Conservation Through the Lives of Adirondack Loons

Event date and time
January 29, 2021 - 6:30 PM to January 29, 2021 - 7:30 PM
Event description

Join us Friday, January 29, at 6:30PM for Conservation Through the Lives of Adirondack Loons.

Dr. Nina Schoch, Executive Director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, will provide an overview of loon natural history and behavior, threats affecting loon populations, and the work of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.

A Zoom link will be emailed prior to the start of the event. Presentation will last an hour. Space is limited.