Outdoors

FINGER LAKES -- Hyperphagia is still in full swing all over the country in October and will continue as long as food is available. Even bears that won't hibernate until December still industriously look for food practically around the clock and eat as much as they can find.

KEUKA/SENECA LAKES -- Sustainable Finger Lakes is accepting applications for their first-ever round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants in Yates, Schuyler, and Seneca Counties. Local residents often know best what projects would improve quality of life for their neighborhoods, but some need a little help covering the costs.

FINGER LAKES - To help dog owners protect their pets from toxic algal blooms, New York Sea Grant has published a "Protect Your Dog from Harmful Algae" brochure, freely available at www.nyseagrant.info/dogsandhabsbrochure, with information on: Signs of harmful algae that can occur in waters from small puddles to large lakes, Indications of harmful algal blooms (HAB) poisoning in your pet, Tips for reducing the risk of exposure, Pet emergency hotline contacts in New York state, and N.Y.S Dept. of Environmental Conservation and Dept.of State websites for reporting waters that may have a harmful algal bloom.

NAPLES — The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) today announced it has acquired two parcels that encompass more than 200 acres within the Hemlock to High Tor corridor, and has also secured contracts to purchase two key additions to existing nature preserves within the Canandaigua Lake watershed. Each of these projects is part of the organization's increased efforts to create a greenbelt of conserved land connecting Hemlock Lake to Canandaigua Lake.

PENN YAN - Two events will occur Saturday, Sept. 13 on the Keuka Outlet Trail to wind up the summer season on a fun and festive note that is perfect for the whole family.

MIDDLESEX - The Middlesex Heritage Group hosts its 32nd annual Seneca Heritage Day from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.