Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Pet Adoption Fair
Hugs From Henry, Inc. will hold a Pet Adoption Fair to benefit local pets for medical needs and to find their forever home. The event will be held on Sun., May 5th, Benson’s Pet Center, 3083 NY-50, Saratoga Springs, NY from 10 am to 3 pm. Local shelters and vendors will be on hand.
If you are Spring cleaning and find unneeded pet supplies to include old towels, sheets or blankets, bring them and we will provide them to people adopting a pet or the shelters will take what they need. We will give you a donation receipt.
Creatures of the Air Series: April 6th and May 4th: 1-3pm
Grafton – The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is offering a series focusing on the flying animals of the Rensselaer Plateau. Youth will explore the amazing worlds of Bats (April 6) and Birds (May 4) through these interactive programs. Attend one or both sessions for $3 per session.
Session 1: Bats
Youth will learn about native bats and what makes them special, complete a bat themed craft and play a game to enhance understanding of how bats hunt. Preregistration required.
Session 2: Birds
Youth will learn about the adaptations that make birds unique from all other animals as well as how to identify common local birds by sight and sound. We will cover binocular use before taking a short hike to practice our identification skills and to explore habitat. Binoculars are available for loan to all participants. Preregistration required.
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Preregister for all events by calling (518) 658-2055 or email dykenpond@gmailcom. Call for more information and a complete schedule of our winter events or visit www.dykenpond.org.
DEC Advises New Yorkers to Remove Bird Feeders to Prevent Attracting Bears
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminded New Yorkers to take steps to prevent bears from easily accessing food sources like bird feeders and garbage.
Due to poor natural food availability last fall, many black bears went into their dens with low fat reserves and as they begin to emerge from winter dens, have already begun seeking out food sources around homes.
DEC has already received several reports that bears are knocking down bird feeders to eat the seed. Feeding bears either intentionally, which is illegal, or unintentionally through careless practices around properties, has consequences for entire communities. DEC advises everyone who lives in or visits bear country to remove items that are attractive to bears. People should take down bird feeders by April 1, store garbage inside secure buildings, and feed pets indoors. Allowing bears to find food naturally keeps them out of trouble and reduces negative interactions with people and property.
For more information about how to reduce human/bear conflicts, visit DEC’s website.