New York Master Naturalist Program

10/20/2026

Already there are signs that forest managers can’t count on natural recovery. In the western United States, researchers have documented little natural regeneration within many severely burned forests. Some worry that if more isn’t done to help seedlings establish, land that was once forest could become shrublands or meadows—an ecological shift that has potentially dramatic implications for biodiversity, regional water supplies, and the landscape’s ability to absorb planet-warming carbon.

Ecologists testing “assisted migration” are pushing seedlings to the limits—and finding that location matters

10/19/2026

We are looking for more volunteer scientists to participate in Snapshot NY - a collaborative wildlife monitoring project - specifically in the Adirondack, Tug Hill, and Catskill regions! As you can see, we have some gaps in these areas where grid cells are not selected.

We have a subset of trail cameras available to loan set aside specifically for these areas! If you have a seasonal cabin in one of these regions, have friends or family, or know of anyone who might want to participate - please spread the word! If you are interested, please check out our website for more information! www.snapshotny.org This is a screenshot of our grid map showing the areas in the green rectangles where we need more participation. You can find the live map on our homepage that shows which grid cells are selected (red) and which ones are available (clear). If your grid cell is taken, you can still click on it to be placed on our waitlist.

10/13/2026

Tree swallows in the northern U.S. and Canada face the greatest risk from climate change despite responding to temperature the same way as tree swallows in the southern U.S, according to a new study led by Cornell researchers that analyzed nearly 95,000 nests across five decades.

Tree swallows in the northern U.S. and Canada face the greatest risk from climate change despite responding to temperature the same way as tree swallows in the southern U.S.

10/07/2026

Scientists and philosophers encounter the limits of their own vision through the eyes of animals.

09/29/2026

Slow down and enjoy the birds.

LEARN MORE: https://hubs.la/Q03YxdB_0Slow down and enjoy the bird...

09/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DjX9o5aRK/

💦 Help State University of New York, Environmental School of Forestry (SUNY ESF) researchers learn more about water quality across Central New York!

On Saturday, 10/3/26, SUNY ESF is hosting a community-wide water sampling event through SHARCS (Sampling for Healthy Aquatic Resources with Community Support). Volunteers can collect a water sample from any lake, river, stream, or other body of water in Central New York and contribute to research being conducted by ESF students and faculty.

No previous experience is required—just bring your curiosity! Volunteers must be 18 or older.

🔬 What will the samples help researchers understand? The project is designed to give ESF students hands-on training in water quality analysis, data visualization, and statistics while contributing to research questions about our region's water resources.

💧 How to participate:
1) Sign up directly through the ESF SHARCS program at this link: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1a7449364acc4750831e3ac5be9b8410/page/Get-Involved
2) Pick up a sample container from CSI beginning Monday, September 28 through Saturday, October 3.
3) On October 3, collect a sample from a waterbody of your choice and complete the accompanying survey.
4) Return your sample to CSI's after-hours sample shed by 8 AM on Sunday, October 4.

📍Questions about the sampling or research project? Please contact Aaron Ninokawa ([email protected])

Help researchers build a more detailed picture of water quality across Central New York—one sample at a time. 💧

The Central New York Land Trust SUNY ESF Chemistry

09/21/2026

A new tree grows in Brooklyn – but is it in the right place to optimize shade that protects residents from dangerous summer heat?

Announced Aug. 5 at Cornell Tech, a research partnership will help neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx identify where new trees are needed most to improve public health.

09/15/2026

When a team of researchers recorded a low thundering underneath the surface of the Hudson River, they thought they were hearing the muffled rumble of trains.

The finding gives New York state another tool to locate and understand the behavior of the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, an iconic species decimated by overfishing.

09/07/2026

The lives that slither and scurry beneath the soil’s surface are vital for ecological health: now we can listen in to them

08/31/2026

Meet the mysterious Eastern Whip-poor-will! This quick 2-minute introduction presents all the basic information you need to know about this North American night bird, from identification to diet, nesting behavior, range, and more.

Description: Explore the Eastern Whip-poor-will and 750+ more bird ...