DEC to Host Two 'Fish and Wildlife Day' Events in Region 8 on Sept. 28

Opportunity Supports Governor Kathy Hochul's 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 8 is seeking volunteers for the first-ever 'Fish and Wildlife Day' event Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Fish and Wildlife Day offers service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrates New York's diverse wildlife and habitat, and fosters public involvement in fish and wildlife conservation. Hosted in partnership with Parks & Trails New York and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the event is part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign to encourage year-round stewardship and highlights the State's outdoor recreation assets through a series of themed stewardship days. Participant registration is currently open.

DEC Region 8 is hosting two volunteer opportunities for the public:

Ontario County:
High Tor Wildlife Management Area - Event hosted in partnership with the Naples Trail Collective.Email [email protected]with questions. Appropriate for ages 13 and up. Register at Parks & Trails NY!
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Parking lot in front of DEC's Naples Operations Field Headquarters, 8209 State Route 245, Naples, NY.
Project: Assist with forest habitat improvement adjacent to Naples Creek, including cutting invasive vines and shrubs away from trees, installing protective tubes and cages onto young trees, trail maintenance (cutting overhanging branches and picking up fallen branches) and litter clean-up.

What to bring: If possible, bring work gloves, loppers, and small hand saws. Some gloves and tools are available to borrow. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footwear/work boots, and long pants. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended. Drinking water and snacks.

Seneca County:
Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve/Montezuma Audubon Society - Event hosted in partnership with the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Email [email protected]or call (315) 365-3588 with questions. All ages welcome. Register via the following link: Fish & Wildlife Day - Montezuma
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Parking lot of the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve, 1712 Black Brook Road, Seneca Falls, NY. Project: Collecting native plant seed used to help restore native habitat.
What to bring: Tools are provided. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footwear/work boots, and long pants. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended. Lunch provided by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Both events are rain or shine.

This event complements Governor Kathy Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign to encourage New York's kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. The campaign builds on the Governor's efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families, including signing first-in-the-nation legislation to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.