Virtual Lessons and More!
When we can't get together in person, check in here or on our Facebook page for virtual trips and lessons.
Share Your Spaces
Introducing our new Sharing Our Spaces series! Check back here and on our Facebook page each Monday and Tuesday to see what we are discovering at the Huyck Preserve and in our own backyards. On Mondays, we will focus on topics geared toward our youngest naturalists (find those posts on our Kids' Nature Corner page). Tuesday’s share will be oriented more toward adults, but certainly can be discussed as a family. We encourage you to see what you can discover in your backyard, and share it with us, too! Email pictures you might have to [email protected], and we may post them in a future week. We hope you enjoy these short educational opportunities as you spend time at home!
May 12, 2020
This photo was snapped (pun intended) by a member of the Preserve last week. The common snapping turtle is found as far north as Canada, and as far south as Florida. In the wild, these reptiles can live up to 30 years or more, and can weigh over 30 pounds!
Unlike other turtles in our region, snapping turtles cannot fully retreat into their shells. Because of this, biting with their sharp beak is one of their defense mechanisms. You don’t have to worry about that though, provided you don’t try to handle them. Snapping turtles aren't aggressive, and, in the water, they will swim away rather than confront you. If you see one on land, please give them space and keep an eye out for them along roadways! During this time of year females are looking for places to lay their eggs on land, which will then hatch out between August and October.
Photo Credit: Sarah Nelson
Introducing our new Sharing Our Spaces series! Check back here and on our Facebook page each Monday and Tuesday to see what we are discovering at the Huyck Preserve and in our own backyards. On Mondays, we will focus on topics geared toward our youngest naturalists (find those posts on our Kids' Nature Corner page). Tuesday’s share will be oriented more toward adults, but certainly can be discussed as a family. We encourage you to see what you can discover in your backyard, and share it with us, too! Email pictures you might have to [email protected], and we may post them in a future week. We hope you enjoy these short educational opportunities as you spend time at home!
May 12, 2020
This photo was snapped (pun intended) by a member of the Preserve last week. The common snapping turtle is found as far north as Canada, and as far south as Florida. In the wild, these reptiles can live up to 30 years or more, and can weigh over 30 pounds!
Unlike other turtles in our region, snapping turtles cannot fully retreat into their shells. Because of this, biting with their sharp beak is one of their defense mechanisms. You don’t have to worry about that though, provided you don’t try to handle them. Snapping turtles aren't aggressive, and, in the water, they will swim away rather than confront you. If you see one on land, please give them space and keep an eye out for them along roadways! During this time of year females are looking for places to lay their eggs on land, which will then hatch out between August and October.
Photo Credit: Sarah Nelson
Science Snapshot Tours
Introducing our new Science Snapshot series! Each Thursday we will post a brief video or slideshow highlighting various ecological topics.
This week, our Membership and Outreach Coordinator, Michaela Fisher, teaches you one way to identify mammal skulls.
Introducing our new Science Snapshot series! Each Thursday we will post a brief video or slideshow highlighting various ecological topics.
This week, our Membership and Outreach Coordinator, Michaela Fisher, teaches you one way to identify mammal skulls.
