Education

Bee on purple flower
Jodi Towne

You’re helping pollinators at our conservation areas

Increasing native plant diversity helps pollinators thrive

When Serena Soldani went out to clean off her car this spring, something clicked. “Normally, I would mutter to myself about all the pollen on…

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Tracks and Signs book and other guides are included in the Backpack

Making outdoor learning fun and easy

With so many challenges facing families these days, getting outside for fun and learning shouldn’t be one of them. The custom-designed Tug Hill Explorer Backpacks…

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students developing self-esteem and team building

Inspiring the love of the land

Welcoming experiences in nature last a lifetime

Thanks to partnerships with Verona Beach State Park, Delta Lake State Park, private landowners, Midtown Utica Community Center, and Young Scholars LLP in Utica, more…

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nature backpack journaling

Kids are the Future

Tug Hill nature backpacks help kids and families explore the outdoors

More resources for outdoor exploration are in kids’ hands this year, with families spending more quality time together in the outdoors. So far, seven libraries…

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group photo with kids

Youth matter. So does nature. The combination is a “win.”

In the southern region of the Tug Hill, there’s a growing sense of purpose and excitement. You might assume that the woodlands, meadows, and streams…

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reading in the woods

Can a backpack save the day?

Did you know that kids spend more time on their phones and electronic devices than ever before? According to a study by the nonprofit research…

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protecting critical habitat

Critical habitat is protected thanks to a team effort

An unexpected special place helps save threatened and endangered bats If you were driving down Route 11, you might be hard-pressed to know that you…

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restoring the American chestnut
New Hope

Restoring the American Chestnut

According to the American Chestnut Foundation, nearly four billion American chestnut trees once flourished in the eastern U.S. Sadly, in the early part of the…

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Classroom Outside

Local school connects with nature to enhance learning

When was the last time you visited a school with an outdoor, nature-based, classroom? Nationwide, educators and conservation organizations are partnering up to create natural…

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map of new york state

Lewis County takes steps to become a Climate Smart Community

This past winter, the Lewis County Board of Legislators took the first step necessary to become certified as a Climate Smart Community, by adopting a…

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