Long Island Pine Barrens Discovery Day



Discovery Day 2013 Descriptions of Events
FUNSHOPS
		Presenters
Birds of Prey		Quogue Wildlife Refuge
	This program will introduce folks to live birds of prey, as they meet a few of the Refuge’s resident raptors. Learn the personal history of each native New York animal and why it lives at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, as well as the adaptations that allow these animals to be such incredible hunters. Come see LIVE Birds of Prey up close and personal! Ages – All ages! Location: Southern Back Patio Maximum occupancy – 50
Forest Fire Control in the Pine Barrens		Michael Thompson, NYSDEC Forest Rangers
	This will be a fun introduction to the Forest Ranger's job, description of a prescribed fire and its benefits and tools and equipment used to fight forest fires. There will be a demonstration of tools and equipment used on prescribed fires and forest fires. See first hand Engine # 161 spray some water, apply some fire foam and show all the tools needed to keep us safe! Ages – all ages Location: Southern Patio, rear of building, grassy area Maximum occupancy – 15 people
Wildlife Forensics		Ron Gelardi, NYSDEC
	This presentation will analyze the skulls of native mammals, and interpret adaptations. We will examine teeth, eye sockets, jaws, and brain cavities to figure out what these animals ate when they were alive. Ages –7 and up Location: Environmental Education Room Maximum occupancy – 50 people
The Pine Barrens: What to See and Where to See It		Tom Casey, Long Island Greenbelt Trail
	This will be an illustrated overview of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and the flora and fauna that call it home. Did you know there are more endangered animals in the Pine Barrens, than anywhere else in the state of New York? Plus you’ll be given a handout on where to hike….priceless! Ages – all ages Location: Multipurpose Room Maximum occupancy – 50 people
The Living Sea Shore		Chris Brady, Long Island Aquarium
	The creatures living along our shores come in many different colors and shapes, and this program gives participants the chance to meet some of these diverse characters. Attendees will learn about the diverse coastal environments surrounding Long Island, as well as the animals that have adapted to those specific habitats. Age –All ages Location:Southern Back Patio Maximum occupancy – 30 people
Birds of the Barrens		John Turner, Alula Natural History Tours
	From whip-poor-wills to warblers, to buntings to birds-of-prey, or sparrows to shorebirds, several dozen bird species use the various forest, field, and wetland habitats of the Pine Barrens for breeding, to feed in during spring and fall migration, and over the winter months. If you are interested to learn more about these beautiful and interesting species come to this informative program to learn the "Birds of the Barrens". Age limits–7 and up Location: Multipurpose Room Maximum occupancy – 50 people
Pine Barrens Ecology		Melissa Griffiths, Central Pine Barrens Commission
	The Long Island Pine Barrens is Long Island’s premier ecosystem. It overlies the greatest quantity of the purest drinking water remaining on Long Island and boasts the greatest diversity of plants and animals in New York State. Join us to explore the unique animals and plants that live there, learn why fire is important to this ecosystem and why the water we drink is so clean! Age –All ages Location:Environmental Education Room Maximum occupancy – 50 people
All About Bats!		Michael and Julie Fishman, Biologists
	The creatures living along our shores come in many different colors and shapes, and this program gives participants the chance to meet some of these diverse characters. Attendees will learn about the diverse coastal environments surrounding Long Island, as well as the animals that have adapted to those specific habitats. Age –All ages Location:Environmental Education Room Maximum occupancy – 50 people
The Long Island River Otter Project		Juliana Duryea, The Long Island River Otter Project
	Did you know that Long Island has river otters? Do they only live in rivers? How do they keep warm in the winter? How do they use their eyes, ears, nose, whiskers and tail while they swim? Join Juliana Duryea of the Long Island River Otter Project to learn about the biology and ecology of river otters and current research regarding river otters on Long Island and in the Pine Barrens. Age –All ages Location: Mulitpurpose Room Maximum occupancy – 35 people
American Eel and the Pelagic Alewife: Long Island Waters, a Cycle of Life		George Costa, Art Flick Chapter Trout Unlimited
	The presentation will highlight the historical and current importance of efforts in monitoring, restoring and maintaining these two endangered species of fish, the American Eel and the pelagic Alewife. Long Island waters may not have the visual impact of the millions upon millions of returning salmon to Alaska, but these two species of native fish have their own life stories to be revealed. Age –All ages Location: Mulitpurpose Room Maximum occupancy – 50 people
Pitch Pine Bonsai		Giacomo Mule, Master Gardener and Organic Horticulturist
	In this fun shop, traditional techniques of pruning, wiring, shaping and transplanting will transform a Pitch Pine Seedling into a starter bonsai. As we work on our tree, we will talk about the important role of the Pine Barrens ecosystem on Long Island. Each participant will receive one tree, training wire, groundcover, bonsai pot, care sheet, and hands-on instruction to create his or her bonsai. Age –All ages Location:Environmental Education Room Maximum occupancy – 25 people
Pine Barrens Walk @ Black Tupelo Trail		Guides: Trish Manzi- Executive Director Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids (LINCK) Alice Heller- Great South Bay Audubon Society
	The new Black Tupelo Trail offers views of the Carmans River, a New York State-designated scenic river and features oak-pine woodlands, grasslands, and fresh, brackish and salt water wetlands. These habitats attract and support many types of wildlife including white-tailed deer, osprey, muskrat, fox, turtles, frogs and fish. This hike takes place on the east side of the Carmans River. Wear sturdy footgear bring water and insect repellentrepellent and your camera if you like to capture nature at its best! Location: Meet at Trail Head behind Visitor Center Suitable for ages 7 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult Maximum occupancy – 20 people
Pine Barrens Walk @ White Oak Trail		Guides: Steven Englebright- NY State Assemblyman John Turner- Alula Natural History Tours
	The White Oak Trail features oak-pine woodlands, grasslands, and fresh, brackish and salt water wetlands. These habitats attract and support many types of wildlife including white-tailed deer, osprey, muskrat, fox, turtles, frogs and fish. This hike will take you to the west side of the Carmans River. Wear sturdy footgear bring water and insect repellentrepellent and your camera if you like to capture nature at its best! Age – 7 years to Adult Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult Location: Meet in front of Building Maximum occupancy – 20 people
Pine Barrens Walk to the Carmans River Impoundment		Guide: Bob McGrath, The Pine Barrens Society
	Enjoy a part of the refuge that is usually closed off to the public! Walk through pristine Pine Barrens habitat and wetland habitat along the Carmans River. In addition to experiencing what the Black Tupelo trail offers, on this extended version, various water birds and Osprey are commonly seen, as well as the occasional Bald Eagle. Wear sturdy footgear bring water and insect repellentrepellent and your camera if you like to capture nature at its best! Location: Meet at Trail Head behind Visitor Center This is a 4.5 mile hike - experienced hikers only! Children must be accompanied by an adult Maximum occupancy – 15 people
Exhibitors –
The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission Quogue Wildlife Refuge NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Long Island Aquarium Mike and Julie Fishman, Wildlife Biologists Giacomo Mule, Master Gardner & Organic Horticulturist Trout Unlimited Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids Great South Bay Audubon U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service- Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference Long Island Paddlers National Park Service- Fire Island The Nature Conservancy- Fire Tower exhibit Fire Wise New York Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research Seemore Carnivorous Gardens Volunteers for Wildlife Your Connection to Nature Ducks Unlimited Brookhaven National Lab Friends of Wertheim NWR			Questions? Call: 631-288-1079 Tell a friend

Exhibitors –