Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a living museum comprising over 450 acres of broad fields, towering forests, and tranquil wetlands. Five Rivers offers people of all ages a rich variety of guided and self-guided opportunities to encounter nature directly. Stimulating interpretive programs and guided school lessons promote awareness, knowledge and appreciation of New York State’s environment year ’round. With over 10 miles of trails for self-guided exploration, Five Rivers fosters discovery, spiritual refreshment and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

How to stay cool without air conditioning

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Staying cool without air conditioning can be challenging, but there are several effective strategies you can employ to beat the heat:

  1. Use Fans:
    • Ceiling fans or portable fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler.
    • Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a fan to create a DIY air conditioner.
  2. Close Curtains and Blinds:
    • Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight.
  3. Create Cross-Ventilation:
    • Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage cross-ventilation. This helps to draw in cooler outside air.
  4. Seal Gaps and Insulate:
    • Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent warm air from entering your home.
    • Consider using weatherstripping or draft stoppers.
  5. Use Natural Ventilation:
    • Open windows during the evening and early morning when the outside temperature is cooler.
  6. Stay Hydrated:
    • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help regulate your body temperature.
  7. Cooling Clothing:
    • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.
  8. Take Cool Showers or Baths:
    • A cool shower or bath can provide instant relief from the heat.
  9. Use Cooling Products:
    • Apply a damp cloth or use a cooling towel on your forehead, neck, and wrists.
    • Consider using a handheld personal fan or a cooling vest.
  10. Limit Heat-Producing Activities:
    • Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens and stoves during the hottest parts of the day.
    • Opt for meals that don’t require cooking, or use a microwave or slow cooker to minimize heat production.
  11. Create DIY Airflow:
    • Place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the air as it circulates.
  12. Hang Wet Sheets or Towels:
    • Hang damp sheets or towels in front of open windows to cool incoming air through evaporation.
  13. Sleep Low:
    • Hot air rises, so if your home has multiple levels, consider sleeping on the lower floors.
  14. Stay in Cooler Areas:
    • Spend time in air-conditioned public places like libraries, malls, or community centers during the hottest part of the day.
  15. Use Natural Cooling Techniques:
    • Plant shade trees around your home to reduce direct sunlight and lower the outdoor temperature.
  16. Limit Electronics:
    • Electronics generate heat, so reduce their usage during hot weather.
  17. Stay Informed:
    • Keep an eye on weather forecasts to plan your activities around cooler times of the day.
  18. Stay Still:
    • Physical activity generates body heat, so try to limit strenuous activities during the hottest hours.

Remember that staying cool without air conditioning requires a combination of strategies and adjustments. Experiment with these methods to find the ones that work best for your specific situation.