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!
Nature Up North
Make a Fairy House!
Looking to get creative in the outdoors? Come learn how to build your very own fairy house at Heritage Park! Join us for an enchanting evening as we make whimsical fairy houses out of objects and plants found in nature. Included in the workshop is a 15-20 minute walk along the trails to gather supplies, which we will then use to build the fairy houses! No prior knowledge or skill is necessary - just bring your imagination. RSVP by emailing info@natureupnorth.com or contacting @natureupnorth on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Potsdam Summerfest: Plant based tie-dying and Bee House Workshop (free)
Come see us at Summerfest on Saturday, July 13th for family friendly activities. Tye-dye: Using natural plant-based products to color textiles is an ancient practice. Most clothing today is dyed with synthetic dye. Stop by to experience the magic of coloring a t-shits or bandana with plants you can find in your backyard! Time commitment, 10 minutes. Bee Houses: Pollinators such as solitary bees (non-stinging) need friendly places to live if you want them to pollinate your garden as well as nearby fields and forests.
Community Campfire StorySlam: Outdoor Stories
Join us for a community campfire in Canton for some s’mores and storytelling. Come tell at 5 minute story of your choice about an outdoor experience, or just come to listen. Wachtmeister Field Station is located at the south end of the SLU campus in Canton. Proceed south down Park St. approx. 1/4 mile past the campus athletic fields. The drive will be on the left coming from the SLU campus and right if coming from Route 27. This event is free and open to all ages. Water and restrooms available.
Family Frog Walk
Love frogs? Join us for an afternoon walk on the St. Lawrence University Kip Trail discovering the amphibians in the North Country. Throughout the walk we'll discuss the characteristics and life cycle of amphibians and search for frogs along the trail. Be prepared to get a little wet - shorts and close-toed sandals or old sneakers are great options for walking by the water. We'll meet at the Wachtmeister Field Station off Route 27 in Canton. Bug spray provided.
Papermaking with Plants
Imagine making paper from plants in your backyard! Guess what, you can! Come and explore the ancient art of papermaking with us this Saturday! In this workshop, you’ll learn about the entire papermaking process, from identifying effective paper making plants to making and decorating your own paper. We’ll provide all the materials. RSVP by emailing info@natureupnorth.com or contacting @natureupnorth on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Community Paddle on the Little River
Looking to get out on the water? Join us for a relaxing evening paddling on the Little River in Canton. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or borrow one from us for free. Never paddled before? No problem! We'll be happy to provide tips for newer paddlers. Meet at the Little River Boat Launch on Park Street/Rt. 27 in Canton at 6:30pm.
This event is part of our Summer Paddling Series. Join us on June 11th, June 25th, July 9th, July 20th and July 23rd for Evening Paddles.
Community Paddle on the Little River
Join us for a relaxing evening paddling on the Little River in Canton. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or borrow one from us for free. Never paddled before? No problem! We're happy to provide tips for newer paddlers. Meet at the Little River Boat Launch on Park Street/Rt. 27 in Canton at 4:30 pm. To reserve a boat, please RSVP with your name, groups size and canoe/kayak preference. Reach us by email at info@natureupnorth.org or on social media at @natureupnorth.
Intro to Fishing Clinic
This fishing clinic at Ives’ Park in Potsdam is open to all ages and abilities. Learn about local fish and how to cast - fishing poles included, free of charge! This is NYS Free Fishing Weekend, so no fishing license is required for NYS residents. Ten fishing poles will be provided, but participants are invited to bring their own gear as well. You may also want to bring sunscreen, water, and a camera (to post pictures of your catch on natureupnorth.org).
Night Hike to Lampson Falls
Join us on this evening walk to Lampson Falls to discover the beauty of the falls under twilight. We will begin with a short guided walk along the trail, arriving at the falls for sunset, where we will enjoy the spectacle together. During the evening, we will discuss the senses and adaptations that allow nocturnal animals to navigate the landscape after nightfall. Please wear or bring long sleeves and comfortable walking shoes. Bug repellent and headlamps provided. The evening will begin at the trailhead to Lampson Falls off Rt. 27 at 8:00 pm.
Azure Mountain Hike
Join Nature Up North for a community hike up Azure mountain to celebrate the summer! Azure mountain is a short hike perfect for those looking for a nice walk with a great view. This guided hike will include stops along the way to identify various plants on the trail. The one-mile trail to the summit covers steep yet navigable terrain and there are plenty of flat areas for water breaks and rest stops. Meet at the trail head at 10:00 am. Shuttle available from Canton, meeting at the Brewer Bookstore at 8:45 am.