What Are Those Twirling Helicopter Seeds In New York State?

While we're outside enjoying the beautiful weather in New York State, we may notice this leaf looking object. Recently, I’ve noticed these falling from trees and twirling around in the air.

Naturally, I was curious and wanted to find out more about this as it relates to nature which I love. I figured that there would be other outdoor enthusiasts who are curious as am I too!

What Are Those Twirling Helicopter Seeds In New York State?

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It appears that we all have nicknames for these leaf looking objects that come from trees in New York State. I was calling them, twirling things haha. The Farmers Almanac shared a few names for them including

“Helicopters, maple ‘copters, whirlybirds, twisters or whirligigs”

They included that we can also call them maple seeds.The Adirondack Explorer referred to them as Samaras which is more of their scientific name!

Why Do We See These Seeds Falling From Trees In New York State?

I’m going to refer to them as helicopter seeds moving forward because I like that nickname. The Adirondack Explorer shared that we can see these seeds coming down from trees for a reason. They are naturally dropping from maple trees!

You may notice them on your car, sidewalk, in the grass or randomly in your hair if you have been outside.

Gardening Know How shared that these seeds can also be referred to as Samara fruit. They explained,

“Some samara fruits split into two wings, technically two samaras, while others simply form one samara per fruit."

They also highlighted,

"The wing causes the fruit to move through the air while spinning, like a helicopter."

Did You Know That New York Chose This Tree As Its Official State Symbol?

Since this seed comes from maple trees, we can also appreciate how this tree is a symbol.

There are so many beautiful trees within New York State. We may know about pine, elm or even hemlock trees. However, the sugar maple is special because it represents a symbol of New York State.

State Symbols USA shared that the sugar maple has been known for being the official state tree of New York since the 1950’s. Other states such as West Virginia, Wisconsin and Vermont refer to the sugar maple as their state tree too.

It was fun to learn about those helicopter seeds in New York State. Have you noticed them too? What do you refer to them as? Tell us more below.

The Best New York State Park To Visit Based On Your Zodiac Sign

It’s time to learn more about yourself based on your zodiac sign. Relating your sign to which New York state parks to visit can give you an idea of a fun day trip to explore.

The New York State Parks & Historic Sites shared an interactive post on their social media platforms which included,

"Which state parks do you gravitate toward? Our experts have some illuminating suggestions according to your sun sign."

"Introducing... Parkstrology!"

You could share this with your fellow astrology loving friend and create some vacation ideas within New York. Let’s have fun!

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

5 Ways To Know It's Spring In The Hudson Valley

I always know that spring has started when I first hear the sound of spring peepers. This may also consist of flowers start to blossom, the greenery throughout mother nature and return of several wildlife critters.

Others may also agree and share their opinions too.

As we are different people, we notice things differently as well. While someone takes an interest in a woodpecker in the tree on a soothing morning, someone else may notice a lawnmower humming noise during their breakfast.

On WRRV, a Facebook post asked local residents to share their opinion.

The question stated:

"Tell me it’s spring in the Hudson Valley without telling me it’s spring in the Hudson Valley, GO!"

Hudson Valley residents were not shy when it came to answering this question. Let's take a look at ways we can notice that it's spring in the Hudson Valley from all age groups and different locations.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay, WRRV's Facebook Page,