outdoors

Photos: A nature walk in DeWitt and the Ellicott Trail

Staff — May 15, 2024, 4:45pm

Photographer Jennifer DiQuattro decided to take a nature walk in Dewitt Recreation Area on Tuesday and found herself on the Ellicott Trail. Here are her photos from her stroll.

Photo: Red-bellied woodpecker

Howard Owens — May 11, 2024, 1:01pm

Jason Smith submitted this photo taken on Saturday morning in his Southside Batavia back yard of a red-bellied woodpecker.

Batavia PD releases safety tips after bear spotted in back yard on Vine Street

Howard Owens — May 9, 2024, 9:53pm

Batavia PD has a timely reminder for city residents: Never approach a bear.

The warning comes after a Ring camera on a residence on Vine Street recorded a bear walking through backyard.

Other safety tips:

Secure food, garbage and recycling;
Do not leave pet food outside;
Remove bird feeders if you spot bears in your yard;

More tips regarding being bear-wise can be found on the DEC website.

First year for new visitors specialist at Iroquois Wildlife Refuge sees 538% increase in guests

Virginia Kropf — May 6, 2024, 7:45am

Logan Sauer, who was hired last year as a Visitors’ Services Specialist at the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge, has increased participation in programs by 538 percent during his first year there.

When Logan Sauer learned there was an opening at the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge on Casey Road, he jumped at the chance to apply.

Sauer, 27, who grew up in Virginia, was working as a visitors services specialist for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the Twin Cities and

Photo: Porcupine in the woods in Alexander

Staff — Apr 19, 2024, 10:26am

A reader submitted this photo and said Spencer Wuest took a picture of a porcupine this past weekend while walking in the woods in Alexander.

Photos: Albino squirrel in Batavia

Howard Owens — Feb 20, 2024, 10:37am

Frank Capuano shared these photos he took of an albino squirrel who is a regular visitor to his yard in Batavia, sharing corn with his friends.

Photos: Deer in Elba

Staff — Dec 8, 2023, 7:14pm

Photographer Debra Reilly had her camera ready in Elba when she spotted a couple of deer.

Photos: Tree Swallow at Godfrey's Pond

Staff — May 25, 2023, 9:25pm

Photos submitted by Judy Schildwaster.

Photo: Woodpecker in Batavia

Howard Owens — May 19, 2023, 9:12pm

Frank Capuano shared this shot of a woodpecker in his backyard in Batavia. He said he had to act quick to get the shot. By the time he was ready to snap again a crow had chased it away.

Activities on calendar at county parks

Press Release — Apr 7, 2023, 8:23pm

Press releases:

Birding Walks
Come enjoy a birding walk with a birding guide! Join for Saturdays this spring: April 15 at DeWitt Recreation Area, then April 29th and May 13th at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Birding walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow and wetland habitats and helps you identify birds by sound and sight. Perfect for beginner and experienced birders. April 15 birding walk meets at Pavilion 3 at DeWitt Recreation Area. Walks at the Genesee County Park & Forest meet at Pavilion A on Raymond Road. Walks are approximately 1 mile long over easy terrain. This program is FREE! Please pre-register by calling (585) 344-1122, walk-ins are also welcome.

Amphibian Adventure
Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure at the Genesee County Park & Forest on Saturday, April 15, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm! Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center to learn how to identify our pest-eating pals. Then we will venture into the wetlands and forest at night to search for amphibians in their habitat! Hear their many calls as they welcome spring, and find out what you can do to help your tiny big-eyed friends! Dress for the weather, amphibians love rainy nights, and this program will go rain or shine! The cost is $5/person, $10/family. Pre-registration is required, call (585) 344-1122!

Environmental Science Camp
Registration is open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering 7th – 10th grade. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 17 – 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. This week-long adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more! The cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials and a camp T-shirt are provided. Transportation is provided from Batavia High School to and from camp each day. Maximum 20 campers, registration deadline is Wednesday, July 5th.

To register, download the registration form from click here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

For more information, visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Guided Dog Walks
Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest on Saturdays, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 1, and Aug. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. A current license or proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate. The cost is $5/dog, and all proceeds go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter Volunteers. Call (585) 344-1122 to register, walk-ins are also welcome.