Community Conversation: Summer Fun in WSKG-land
Originally broadcast June 16, 2009 on WSKG Radio
Listen to the program now
in streaming audio (59 minutes):
WSKG broadcasts to a 22 County area in South Central New York and North Central Pennsylvania, and there is so much to see and do in that region! From Cooperstown and Oneonta in the north to Mansfield Pennsylvania to the south, Alfred and Hornell to the West and Delhi and Delaware County to the east, where we live boasts a wealth of opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Whether your interests are historical sites and museums, town fairs and festivals, or enjoying the outdoors hiking and boating or camping, it is a beautiful and interesting place to live. On this Community Conversation we invite you to share what you like to do in the summer in this area, and we'd especially like to highlight some of what you would consider a "hidden gem", such as a favorite festival or even a favorite ice cream stand. It's time to Celebrate this region we live in!
Guests for this program will discuss arts and historical activities and places, and ways to learn about and enjoy the natural outdoor riches.
John Greene : NYS licensed guide; Former Asst. Manager of Eastern Mountain Sports in Ithaca who also teaches hiking for Binghamton Outdoor Pursuits at Binghamton University
Laura Carey: Environmental Educator at the Rogers Environmental Conservation Center in Sherburne NY
Scott Flaherty: Empire State Development Bureau of Media Services
To join in this COMMUNITY CONVERSATION, call during the live program to 1-888/359-9754 or post a question or comment to CommunityConversation@WSKG.ORG .
INPUT FROM THE PROGRAM
From Laura Carey:
I recommend people not overlook their own backyard – literally. Ideas: Kids Nature Fort, Nature Journaling, Bird Feeding/Watching – Lab of O website, Wildlife, Life List, Special Place, Star Watching, Fireflies, Crickets – enature.com website, Grow a garden for veggies, butterflies, birds, native flowers. Container gardens are a good start. Go fishing at a nearby waterway. Go for a walk in your neighborhood – listen for birds, smell the flowers that are in bloom, watch for squirrels, bugs, butterflies. PDF of New York animals.
Look for whacky nests – lab of O challenge! (see website--at right)
Whenever spending time outdoors, remember to have water, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, sunglasses, snack. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Sign in the register.
The Finger Lakes Trail crosses New York State from Niagara Falls to the Catskills right through the listening area – this is a true hidden gem. No fee, maps are available, beautiful, can hike for hours without seeing anyone else. Travel through varied habitats, forest, field, ridge lines, streams, farm land – just breath-taking!
Hawk Mountain (Northern PA) is open everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. 9-5. $5 fee-adults, $3 – children (under 5-free). There are 8 miles of trails, visitor center, gift shop, native plant garden, snacks and beverages, hawk sculptures, binocular rentals.
Cooperstown is more than Baseball. The Farmer’s Museum has changing exhibits and also has special events throughout the summer season. The Fenimore House has upscale exhibits that you would expect in an urban museum. Very interesting and entertaining. Also, County Fairs. One of our favorites is the Otsego County Fair. There are antique exhibits and lots of interesting things to enjoy (just stay off the midway). We always end up the summer with a day at the New York State Fair. Also, lots of antique shows/flea markers around Central NY area.
**Thanks to WSKG's NYSBA intern Teresa Peltier for compiling many of the links to our region's resources to the right --->
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION is a recipient of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
My Source Community Impact Award for Engagement
