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!

Chicory Flower

A blue chicory flower. This plant first came to North America with the Old World colonists. As I have researched, it is edible, and the root of the plant contains insulin.

More Interesting Fungi

Various fungi found on the trail in my woods.

Interesting Fungi

These pictures were all taken on a trail in my woods.

Cedar or Bohemian Waxwing?

While walking on the trails at the Fiver Rivers Environmental Education Center, this waxwing was flying around us and landing on the railing of a bridge over a pond. I couldn't tell if it was a Cedar or Bohemian Waxwing because I have a hard time telling one from the other without comparing size side by side. Can anyone tell from these photos?

Dog Vomit Fungus!

I was dog sitting on Pine Street in early July and while I was walking the dog I noticed a bright yellow fungus growing beneath a tree on some mulch and I had to take a photo - it was such a pretty color. Did a quick google search of yellow ground fungus since I didn't know what this was or if it was even fungus. Turns out (according to Steve Maczuga of Penn State) that Dog Vomit Fungus, or Fuligo septica is not a fungus, but a slime mold. 

Paper-making with Wild Plants

Event date and time
July 30, 2017 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Event description

What if you could make paper with plants collected from your own backyard? In this workshop we'll guide you through the paper-making process, from collecting and processing the plants to pressing and drying the paper. We will start with a short walk on the St. Lawrence University Kip Tract, where we will identify good plant material together before returning to the Field Station to make our own paper. Screens and other materials for paper-making will be provided.

Geology Rocks!!

Event date and time
August 5, 2017 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Event description

Do you know the different types of rocks?
Join Dino Zack, Geologist and Educator of kids of all ages!

You'll learn about the different rocks and minerals in our area and their uses, past and present, at this "hands-on" STEM event!

You'll also learn about careers in the field, and explore the Geologic Time Line. There will be rock and mineral samples, including fluorescent minerals, to check out as well.

Come join the fun and see for yourself how Geology Rocks!!

Wildflowers at Upper/Lower Lakes

Took a break from finals week this Spring to do a little wildflower walk! I think this much needed walk in nature helped raise my final exam grades be a few points! 

Coney Mountain

Coney Mountain is an ideal option if you are looking for a short hike with great views. The trail winds gradually around the mountain for just over a mile, across easy to moderate hiking terrain. Walking at a comfortable pace, the hike may take around 30 minutes to reach the summit at an elevation of 2265 feet. The summit is open rock, and offers one of the best 360 degree views in the region.