The Wild Center wraps up Wild Lights this weekend, there’s a battle on snowshoes at Fort Ticonderoga, and Long Lake is hosting the annual Hors D’Oeuvres Tour. See what else is happening in the ADK, including the opening of an outdoor ice rink.
Ice Fishing, Star Gazing & Many More Cool Happenings in the Adirondacks
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Youth Ice Fishing Workshops at Crown Point: February 25
- Friday Night Lights & Flights at The Wild Center: February 25
- Long Lake Hors D’Oeuvres Tour: February 25
- Adirondack Winterfest: February 25 – 27
- Frozen Fire & Lights: February 26
- 1759 Battle on Snowshoes at Fort Ticonderoga: February 26
- Snocade in Indian Lake: through February 26
- Wild Lights at The Wild Center: through February 26
- Lake George Winter Carnival – Weekend 4: February 26 & 27
- Hague Ice Fishing Tournament: February 26 & 27
- Stargazing at John Brown Farm: March 2
- Lake George Winterfest: through March 11
View the full events calendar >>
An Ice Rink Open, An Ice-Out Contest, A New Moose Study & More
Ice Rink is Now Open in Dannemora
Sun Community News reports that the ice rink has opened in Dannemora. It’s open Monday through Thursday 4pm to 7pm, Friday 4pm to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm. It will remain open for the rest of the season, weather permitting. And, they have rentals!
Enter This Ice-Out Prediction Contest for Cranberry Lake
The Cranberry Lake Boat Club is hosting an Ice-Out Contest. Guess the date and time the ice melts this year – as many times as you want at $2 a guess – for a chance to win cash. Last year the winning amount was $308.
See the details: https://www.facebook.com/CLBClub/posts/10158475170501135
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Grants a Wish
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is bringing back the fun for one day only, today, February 24, to fulfill a Make-A-Wish dream for a 13-year-old from Oswego County. Logan Baugh asked to stay in an Adirondack cabin and have a pizza party at the Ice Palace. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not allow the Ice Palace portion to happen, however, the Winter Carnival Committee has put together a (scaled down) Gala Parade.
The parade will start at 11:30am at the Adirondack Carousel and will then make its way down Bloomingdale Avenue to Broadway, finishing at the Main Street parking lot. Logan will be riding on a float in the parade – if you’re in the area this afternoon, make sure to come out and cheer him on!
DEC Issues Guidance to Avoid Coyote Conflicts
“This is the time of year when New York’s resident coyotes breed and set up dens for pups that will arrive in the spring,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. Indeed, now is the time when you are more likely than at other times of the year to see coyotes. Here are tips on what to do and not do, courtesy of the DEC, on how to best avoid coyote/human conflicts:
- Do not feed coyotes.
- Do not leave food outside, including pet food and garbage. This means not feeding pets outside, and preventing access to garbage bins.
- Do not allow pets to run free.
- Fence or enclose compost piles, or even fence yards in general. The fence should be at least four feet tall.
- Eliminate availability of bird seed – birds and rodents that come to feed can attract coyotes.
- Remove brush and tall grass around the home that can serve as places for coyotes to hide.
- If you see a coyote, stand tall and look as aggressive as possible. Wave your arms and make loud noises if need be, or even throw sticks or stones.
- Ask your neighbors to follow the above steps.
Coyotes frequent a variety of habitats, from farmland to forests to even more urban areas. If you happen to see a coyote, it’s not necessarily cause for alarm, unless it is acting aggressively or is seen daily near residences. If you do feel the need to report a coyote, please contact the regional DEC Wildlife Office: https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html
Researchers Initiate a New Moose Study
After making a resurgence in population in the 1980s, the moose population in New York State has flattened, at least up north, according to Adirondack Explorer. Last month, researchers put GPS collars on 14 moose in the Adirondacks, including 12 calves, and are tracking their movements, including when they leave their families. Scientists are looking at everything from parasites to winter ticks, and are utilizing trail cameras as well. The research is being funded by a Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Grant, and more moose are expected to be fitted with tracking devices.
Kids off this week? Find family-friendly fun in the ADK >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Making a Winter Carnival wish come true
- Adirondack Explorer: Northern NY’s moose population is flat
- Sun Community News: Dannemora ice rink opens for the community
