Our American Mink
The mink is a bioindicator for aquatic environments.
A Closer Look at Plants & Animals
Enjoy these feature stories about amazing life forms in the Finger Lakes region. Explore them further when you visit the preserves and volunteer.
Lazarus of the Amphibian World
The North American wood frog is freeze-tolerant.
The Ever So Adaptable Fisher
Fishers are a lot more resilient than anyone had expected.
The Thrush in My Woods
The Wood Thrush often sings until nightfall.
The Mysterious Merlin
Merlins seem to be a particularly adaptable species.
The Surprisingly Common Bobcat
Although bobcats are secretive and solitary, they are fairly common.
Handle with Care! Snapping Turtles
The snapping turtle appears prehistoric because it is.
The Honey Bee: Our Friend in Danger
No one knows why the bees are dying or how to save them.
Winter for Black-Capped Chickadees
How does this tiny bird survive subzero temperatures?
Teasel: Our Prickly Relationship
Hard to eradicate from the landscape, but also useful and beautiful.
The Prickly Porcupine
Exquisitely adapted to a life high above the forest floor.
Masting: Survival of the Seediest
Masting has dramatic effects that ripple through forest ecosystems.
The Elusive Spotted Salamander
A secretive denizen of eastern U.S. and southern Canadian woodlands.
Forest Ephemera: Vernal Pools
Their role in the landscape is larger than one would expect.
Spring Wildflowers and Myrmecochory
Many spring flowers depend on ant colonies to spread their seeds.
Damsels and Dragons
Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies and rest with wings folded back.
Keeping Bald Eagles in Sight
Identifying and protecting key habitats is essential for future population success.
Saw-Whet Owls Sound Off
Active only at night, these pint-sized mousers are normally silent.
Lounging Lizards of the Finger Lakes
Coal skinks are one of New York State’s four lizards.
Norway Maple and Ailanthus
These trees are widely naturalized, but they’re exotics.
