Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Have you figured out the answer to our mystery woodland creature post yet? Do you give up? Well, that little mammal that was sitting behind all the brush is in fact a Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)! Although the Gray and Red Fox share the same family and some similar colorations, there are several distinct differences that separate these relatives. For starters, Gray Fox are called gray for a reason. Their coat is short and the fur down their back and tail are dark gray, ending with black at the tip of the tail. Compared to the Red Fox, and many other North American canids, Gray Fox are...
Read MoreUnder the Hemlocks
This will be our view on Friday as we survey for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). We want to do everything in our power to keep this view looking the same for years to come by preventing the spread of this deadly invasive insect making its way across the northeast. All are welcome to join in the survey efforts and we will be meeting at the RTPI parking lot at 12:30 pm. We will leave from there and adventure down to South Valley State Forest in Cattaraugus County from about 1-5 pm. So bundle up and come join RTPI, JCC and CWC as we work to slow the spread of HWA throughout our forested...
Read MoreMystery Woodland Creature
Can you identify this mystery woodland animal that visited RTPI the other day? I’ll give you a hint: it’s a small, carnivorous mammal that isn’t too often seen during the day, but is relatively common to the region. Any guesses? Keep watch for a follow up post that will reveal the answer! Elyse Henshaw Conservation Technician
Read MoreHWA Surveys Set to Begin
This winter season the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Jamestown Community College and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy are teaming up to survey for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) at a number of sites within Chautauqua County. The public is welcomed to join in the survey efforts and will receive on-site training encompassing general information about hemlock trees, the threat of HWA as well as the protocols utilized to survey for the invasive insect. The survey team will evaluate South Valley State Forest in Cattaraugus County, New York on February 13th from 1:00-5:00pm and...
Read MoreCollaborative Forest Pest Project Update
They always say, pictures are worth 1,000 words. And in most cases I would agree with that. There is always an interesting story behind each photograph we take or view. Photographs can capture a joyous or disheartening scene, appeal to our emotions or bring our attention to someone or something in need. This past weekend, as a part of our joint Forest Pest Outreach Project with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, Betsy Burgeson, my husband Tyler and I all got out to North Harmony State Forest to erect signs on Eastern Hemlock trees along the main snowmobile trail and cross...
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