Did you know a complete forest ecosystem exists in the heart of Manhattan? Or that mother bears can birth and nurse a litter of cubs while slumbering during winter hibernation? Or that in New York alone there are now over sixty nesting pairs of the once threatened bald eagle?

    You'll learn these fun facts about nature in New York and so much more by tuning in to Empire State Outdoors (ESO), a new, weekly, magazine-style show debuting statewide in December 2005. Produced under the direction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), each of ESO's thirteen, half-hour episodes feature "family friendly" outdoor adventures showcasing the state's abundant natural resources. Through fast paced, interesting show segments, ESO demonstrates how easy and fun it is for families to explore the Empire State's Great Outdoors. Interwoven into the show's storyline are educational reminders about environmental stewardship, underscoring the importance of protecting New York's resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

    Friendly and enthusiastic program co-hosts Tim Singer and Colleen McCarthy invite you to join them on exciting, weekly adventures. ESO's first season will take you back country camping in New York's Adirondack Mountains, paddling in the great Cooperstown Regatta, and fishing for bluefish in the Great South Bay. Other episodes take you aboard DEC's fishery research vessel the Seth Green on Lake Ontario, into a sugar shack as schoolchildren learn to make maple syrup, and on a walking tour of Albany's Pine Bush in search of New York's rare Karner Blue butterfly.

    Empire State Outdoors will help you discover the wonderful world outside your door, and help you create annual traditions of outdoor, family fun.