DEC to Host 'Fish and Wildlife Day' at Doodletown Wildlife Management Area in Columbia County on Sept. 28

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

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 is seeking volunteers for the first-ever 'Fish and Wildlife Day' event Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Fish and Wildlife Day will offer service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrating New York's diverse wildlife and habitat and encouraging 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.

Columbia County:
Doodletown Wildlife Management Area
Time: 10am - 2pm
Location: Wildlife Management Area parking lot on County Rte. 27, Ancram, NY, near intersection of New Forge Rd and Co Rte 27.
Project: Mechanical removal of invasive species (e.g., honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, autumn olive, multiflora rose).
Cost: FREE, appropriate for ages 13 and up
What to bring: Volunteers should wear work gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and wear appropriate footwear.

This event is rain or shine.

Volunteers should sign up ahead of time at Parks & Trails New York. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footwear/work boots, and long pants. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended. A bagged lunch and/or snacks and water are appropriate.

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.