DEC Does What?!

With peak spring bird migration season underway, hosts Adriana Espinoza and Sean Mahar talk with DEC wildlife biologists Abby Valachovic and Meghan Oberkircher about the science and biology behind annual migration patterns of more than 450 native bird species, how DEC tracks bird species and protects local habitats across the State, and tips for New Yorkers to protect birds living in their community.   The episode also features Tom Collins, environmental program specialist with DEC’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, who shares how the New York State Birding Trail is helping New Yorkers “Get Offline and Get Outside” as part of the I BIRD NY Challenge.   Birds - NYSDEC I BIRD NY Challenge New York State Birding Trail DEC Launches I BIRD NY Library Lending Program DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep 'Lights Out' to Protect Migrating Birds   About:    “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice Adriana Espinoza and Region 4 Director Sean Mahar. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast    Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at [email protected] using the subject line “DEC Podcast”. 

We explore the work of DEC’s organics reduction and recycling experts who oversee statewide food waste management and composting efforts.   Episode Notes:  Ahead of International Composting Awareness Week, hosts Adriana Espinoza and Sean Mahar talk with experts from DEC’s Division of Materials Management—Kristine Ellsworth, Environmental Engineer, and Miranda Wolf, Environmental Program Specialist—about the State’s investments in growing and supporting the composting industry throughout New York State. The episode also provides information for New Yorkers looking to start composting at home or through programs available in their local community.   Resources: Composting & Organics Recycling Home Composting Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law International Composting Awareness Week New York State Burn Ban Trout Fishing Season (2026)   About:  “DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice Adriana Espinoza and Region 4 Director Sean Mahar. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast    Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at [email protected] using the subject line “DEC Podcast”. 

Learn all about moose with Dave Kramer, a Research Scientist in the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Hear about all the ways DEC monitors the moose population in New York State using aerial surveys, GPS tracking, and public sighting reports. You’ll also hear about what to do if you encounter a moose in the wild and a little bit about moose butts. Episode Notes: Moose species profile, with link to report moose sightings Moose management Public Moose Sightings by Town Map 2014-2022 Snapshot NY   For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast 

This Season 4 kick off episode spotlights DEC’s affordable and fun DEC summer camp offerings and the lifelong bonds they help create. DEC’s Summer Camp program attracts 1,400 children each summer to the State’s week-long sleepaway learning experience at four different locations across the state. Episode Notes:   Summer Camp Experience Register Online Employment at Education Camps    For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast   

In this episode, hosts Sean and Erica are joined by DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton about the opportunities and challenges leading New York’s expansive environmental agency, the foundational role of the State’s natural environment to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and the importance of standing up and leading on environmental protections.   Episode Notes: Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton GOGO: Get Offline, Get Outside Transformational Opportunities Under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act 25 Million Trees Toolkit Mount Vernon Water Infrastructure Improvements BearWise Basics