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Common eastern fleabane (Erigeron strigosus) is a small flowering plant of the daisy family. The flower is about a half-inch in diameter and can be distinguished from other lookalikes by its many fine petals (50-100). It is considered native to this region, but can be opportunistic to favorable habitats, which is why some call it invasive. The flower prefers disturbed habitat such as that found near roadsides.
Roadside wildflowers
Years ago, roadsides and highway medians were regularly sprayed and mowed to keep the shoulders clear and improve sight distance for safety reasons. The mowing went out to wherever the road … more
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A river as night falls. The time big trout are on the prowl and easy to catch.
Night on the river
Once the spring fly hatches are over and the summer season begins, the most productive fishing is in the evening. The exception is that on cloudy, gray days, anglers may find a reprieve and see trout … more
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At left, James W. proudly holds his Snapshot NY camera and gear. At right, a black bear captured on a trail camera in Western New York.  
Interested in stalking animals in your own backyard?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton, in collaboration with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, today … more
This green frog joined me along a riverbank in the Upper Delaware River region recently to deliver a message of reverence for rivers. Take heed of some good advice from a fetching local amphibian!
What the frog said…
There was movement in the grass along the riverbank where I rested with pen poised above the page, contemplating ideas for this column. I was trying to cool down as the heat wave hovered over the … more
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Two little farmers with their lines in the salty brine.
A cast away
Vacation for farmers sometimes only means waiting on parts or weather to keep working. For us, however, with a whole lot of overtime and planning ahead, it meant the real deal, or should I say, the … more
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“Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.” (John Muir)..
Wanna go camping for the first time?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the return of the free First-Time Camper Program for the 2025 season. Through the First-Time … more
This is the bowl and doily spider as it clings to the underside of the bowl, waiting for a gnat or other flying insect to collide with an overhead strand and fall onto the topside of the bowl part of the web. The spider will feel its prey contact the web and will then move under its prey and deliver a bite through the web. This could be a safer hunting method if an insect too large for the bowl and doily spider to handle comes into the web.
A unique web to weave
Around the middle of May, a friend had sent me an image of a couple of spider webs on a small conifer tree; they were sheet-type webs that were woven horizontally, taking on a little bit of a bowl … more
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The fallen Beaverkill River Access sign. A problem that would not have occurred when Ed VanPut worked for the DEC.
A long ride home
The day was June 1 of this year. That was the date Judy Van Put chose to celebrate the life of her late husband Ed, who passed in December of 2024. A memorial was scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Catskill … more
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Whitetail deer
Electronic hunting tags, DMAP changes, youth opportunities
NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced several proposed regulation changes to streamline use and reporting of hunting tags and provide new … more
When the world seems spun upside down and turned around, try flipping your view for a fresh perspective. Lighten up with a lensball for photographic fun and the feeling that seeing things anew is possible.
Possibilities for perspective
The turbulence of these times is undeniable. Despite the welcome rise of spring’s wild and refreshing energy, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of hope that things will settle down, … more
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Packed in mud and carpeted with straw, at least the weeds are drowning too.
Mudding in
This spring has been a wet one for the record books. About two weeks before the last frost date, we thought we were prepared. And we were. But nature wasn’t. So neither were we. Fast track … more
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Here is an older, larger watersnake basking nearby a lake. This individual was about two-and-half feet long and is stout in appearance as most of the larger adults are. Notice that the back patterns are duller in appearance and darker. The back pattern starts fading towards the rearward third of the snake. This trait is found with many snake species, including the timber rattlesnake.
A serpentine motion of the aquatic kind
June is here, and many of us are taking advantage of the swimming and fishing opportunities in nearby natural waterways. It’s a great time to spot varied wildlife while near the water. You … more
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Sustainable Bethel to hold open house 
WHITE LAKE, NY — The Town of Bethel will host an environmental open house forum on Sunday, June 15 at the Duggan School gym from noon to 3 p.m. Residents and businesses can learn how to save … more
The Patagonia Chest Pack holds all that's needed for a day’s fishing.
What’s in your fishing vest?
When I began the process of switching from spin fishing with bait and lures to fly fishing for trout, I immediately became overwhelmed. Most of that was due to the fact that I purchased a copy of … more
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The photo app on my smartphone suggested that this deceased but intact fish found on a hillside overlooking Shohola Lake in Pike County, PA was a black bullhead catfish. However, the app could offer no explanation for how or why it got there!
ID me: Tools for nature lovers
Sometimes you just must find out what that shiny black elongated lump you discovered lying on a hillside in the snow might be. Maybe that palm-sized spider you uncovered when lifting the tarp from … more
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There are two kinds of church. This one reminds me of the title Creator.
A cathedral for creatures
Spring turkey season is one of my favorite hunting seasons of the year for many reasons, but right at the top is the more agreeable climate. In terms of large game, most of the predominant seasons … more
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Registration open for the Delaware River Sojourn
DELAWARE RIVER REGION — Paddlers of all ages and experience levels can register for the 30th Delaware River Sojourn, which takes place June 14-20. The sojourn is a guided paddling and … more
This two-to-three-week-old gray down-covered eaglet, in front of the adult, seems to be enjoying a spacious nest during this early May morning. The young eagle hatched in April.
A large construction project
With June just around the corner, a lot of breeding birds can be seen and heard almost anywhere outside. Some species of bird may even be building nests in one of your backyard trees or under the … more
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Joan and Lee, the early years.
The end of an era
I have a letter, dated April 14, 1978, that was addressed to Lee Wulff in New Hampshire. I sent that letter after I learned from Ed VanPut that the Wulffs were opening a fly fishing school on the … more
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Got harmful algae blooms?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today reminded New Yorkers to … more
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Currently viewing stories posted within the past 2 years.
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