This tree’s a real bleeder! Tree sap oozes to beautiful effect from tiny holes that something (or someone?) had meade in the trunk. Puncturing the tree’s protective bark does open it up to potential desease, and isn’t an activity that I would recommend. But this tree “artwork” caught my eye, and I wanted to share it with you.
This bee was so jazzed about the nectar and pollen in the flowers a tree had shed, that it was foraging on the ground. Watch where you step!
Cicadas are starting their annual serenade for mates as we speak. Every night, new ones emerge from their underground homes, crawl their way up tree trunks or other vertical surfaces, and shed their old skins to start life as winged adults. Watch for these discarded skins on your walk through the city. Katz’s pastrami to anyone who captures footage of them “taking their clothes off” so to speak.
Students from the School Greens Club at North Star Academy are on a mission to educate their school and community about healthy eating and more sustainable sources of food. But first they have to educate themselves. Host Kelly Rypkema follows these enterprising teens on their journey from the farm and kitchen of Stone Barns Center to the grand opening of their own rooftop garden in the middle of Newark, the biggest city in New Jersey.
Trouble viewing? Watch on YouTube instead.
Venus flirted with us New Yorkers yesterday as she and the Sun peeked in and out behind the passing clouds. I got a couple of great glimpses, including this one. Did you see Venus? Tell us your story!
Every spring, thousands of amphibians emerge all at once to begin an important but rarely seen migration. But some of these frogs, toads, and salamanders face man-made obstacles in their path which threaten their survival. Host Kelly Rypkema joins a team of biologists and volunteers who are working to save these animals by taking matters into their own hands – literally.
Trouble viewing? Watch on YouTube instead.
This guy “posed” a problem while filming an episode of Nature Minute. He always seemed to be underfoot…, and we couldn’t see him well…. He literally kept us on our toes!
Check out “Amphibian Crossing” to see what this Critter in Camo looks like up close.
What do you think these pigeons are saying? Leave your caption in the comments. Can’t wait to see what you clever folks come up with!
Earth Day is this Sunday, and there is a smorgasbord of events planned in the NYC area to celebrate our planet. I’ve trolled through a bunch of them and come up with this short list of activities to try. Of course, it’s totally biased. These are things I would like to do!
Green Vehicles Fashion Show
Friday, April 20, 11-1pm Father Duffy Plaza, Times Square
Eco-friendly cars are featured from fully-electric sportscars, to hybrid street-sweeping trucks. Concept cars, everyday cars, Li-Ions and tigers and bears, oh my! If it’s fueled by electricity or another alternative fuel, you just might see it in this parade.
http://bit.ly/JcQgqY
FREE Pedicab Ride
Saturday & Sunday, April 21-22, Penn Station 33rd & 8th
Take a FREE Pedicab to the Green Festival, the “Nation’s Premiere Sustainability Event” at Jacob Javits Center. Pick-up place is at Penn Station. Look for the Green Festival-themed pedicabs and you’re on your way.
http://bit.ly/HQsCAz
“Make a Salad” Art Performance
Sunday, April 22, 10-1pm Chelsea Market Passage on the High Line (16th Street & 10th Ave)
Visit the High Line, watch a giant salad get made to the beat of a different drum, and eat at a communal table as part of the High Line’s Earth Day festivities.
http://bit.ly/HQsLnE
NYC SAFE Disposal Event
Sunday, April 22, 10-4pm Union Square, north plaza
Drop off your household & automotive chemicals, spent rechargeable batteries, old electronics and more at this Department of Sanitation event. Check their website for details on accepted items and drop-off events in all 5 boroughs.
http://on.nyc.gov/JcR9jb
Picnic for the Planet
Sunday, April 22 11-4pm NY Botanical Garden, Bronx
Join a global picnic with the Nature Conservancy’s Picnic for the Planet campaign. Check this website for your nearest picknicking location, or create your own!
http://bit.ly/I2aeYH
Nocturnal Wildlife of Central Park
Sunday, April 22, 7pm Belvedere Castle
Catch up on some wildlife viewing (and I don’t mean of the human kind!) in this program led by Urban Park Rangers.
http://bit.ly/JgIWxf
FESTIVALS
There are so many to choose from in the neighborhoods of NYC, but these are just a few that caught my eye.
Earth Fair NYC
April 19-21, Grand Central Station
http://bit.ly/I61qAn
Harlem Earth Day
April 22, Parks throughout Harlem
http://bit.ly/HPRHAd
Green Festival NYC
April 21-22, Javits Center North
http://bit.ly/IKIyTC
Whether you venture out or enjoy a relaxing day at home, this weekend I hope you take a moment to feel the sun on your face, or the rain, or the breeze. That’s right. I did it. I basically just asked you to stop and smell the roses. And what better occasion than Earth Day?
“Rounder” Dave Schwartz of WPKN radio interviews Kelly Rypkema, host of Nature in a New York Minute, about a rarely seen phenomenon happening right now in the Northeast. Hint: It involves rain, roads, and slippery animals. Listen to the full interview, or just a snippet.
Listen to the 60 second preview
Listen to the full interview
Want more nature? Subscribe to Nature Minute videos at NatureMinute.com.
