New guardian of the Hudson wants to boost river's profile

Some 5 million residents live in the region draining into the Hudson River. It's for them, said the new head of Riverkeeper, that the environmental organization seeks to protect the river and its tributaries. More

Watershed protection advocates stress education, local participation

As July comes to a close, so does this year's second annual Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month. More

Outdoor Notes: July 25 to Aug. 1

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County board meeting - Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, 2715 Route 44, Suite 1, Millbrook. 7:15 p.m. July 26. The Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting. Individuals interested in attending the meeting must call 845-677-8223 ext. More

Earth Talk: Does fertilizer/weed killer make food toxic?

Within my lawn I have more than 100 citrus, mango and avocado trees. When I use Scott's Bonus S Weed and Feed, am I feeding my new fruit any poison? Will the weed killer be taken up by the fruit? More

Outdoor Notes: July 18-25

Hike Plateau Mountain - Plateau Mountain, Catskill Mountains. 8 a.m. July 19. Strenuous 6-mile hike of 3,840-foot Plateau Mountain with the Rip Van Winkle Hikers. Inclement weather date is July 26. 845-246-8616. http://newyorkheritage.com/rvw More

EcoFocus: Take a moment to savor the age of 300 million ponds, lakes

If you ran a tourist agency for time-travelling, intergalactic visitors, what attractions do you think would bring aliens to Earth in 2010? As humans, I suppose we'd think our great buildings and art would attract visitors. More

Bird-watching can begin in backyard

Getting started in bird-watching is easy. All you have to do is take your interest in the natural world and step outside. Birds are everywhere, including your own backyard. Once you start looking for birds, you'll start seeing them. More

No record, but 94-degree high today

The temperature at Dutchess County Airport in the Town of Poughkeepsie reached 94 degrees today, according to the National Weather Service. More

Watershed volunteers collect stream insects

What do stream insects and the quality of Dutchess County water have in common? More

Earth Talk: Are there any fish that are still safe to eat?

I always thought eating fish was healthy, but now I'm concerned about mercury in tuna and other fish. Are there any fish that are still safe to eat? More

Outdoor Notes: July 11-18

D&H Canal Museum and Five Locks Trail - D&H Canal Museum, 23 Mohonk Road, High Falls. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 11, 17, 18. Explore the history of the D&H Canal by visiting the museum and walking the towpath trail. Open Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31. $4 adults, $2 children. 845-687-9311. More

New York parks attendance soars this year after funding threat

ALBANY — Attendance at state parks soared 11 percent, or by 1.3 million visitors, between April and June this year after the state briefly shut some of the parks because of its fiscal woes. More

Saving water with every rainfall: Reusing stormwater with rain gardens and rain barrels

Have you ever thought about where all the rain and snow goes after a storm? Although we often don't think about it, storm water can play an enormous role in the condition of our rivers, creeks, ponds, lakes and wetlands. More

EcoFocus: Water cycle runs on a local level

When we think about the water cycle, most of us remember the diagram we were taught in third grade. Arrows move water from one part of a stylized world to another, from alpine peaks into the big, blue ocean. More

Outdoor Notes: July 4-11

D&H Canal Museum and Five Locks Trail - D&H Canal Museum, 23 Mohonk Road, High Falls. Explore the history of the D&H Canal by visiting the canal museum and walking the towpath trail. Open Saturday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. $4 adults, $2 children. 845-687-9311. www. More