New York State Symbols

1. New York StateSymbols By Mrs. Ardalan

2. State Symbols • Each state adopts its own symbols. • These official symbols reveal facts about the state. • As you watch, you will learn about many natural resources that can be found in New York State.

3. State Animal • New York State adopted the beaver as the state animal in 1975. • Adult beavers are 3 to 4 feet long and weigh about 40 to 50 pounds. • Beavers build dams across many of the streams throughout New York State by packing mud with their long, flat tails.

4. State Animal • In the early 1600s, near our present capital of Albany, Indians traded beaver pelts to the fur traders. • These pelts were made into clothes, hats, and mittens. They were then sold to the Europeans.

5. State Bird • The Eastern Bluebird was adopted as the state bird in 1970. • The Eastern Bluebird is a red-breasted bird with blue feathers on its head, back, wings and tail.

6. State Bird • The Eastern Bluebird has a sweet, gentle sound. • The Eastern Bluebird is one of the first birds to return North each Spring. • They make nests in trees and lay light blue eggs.

7. State Fish • The trout was adopted as the state fish in 1975. • Trout are silvery-brown or rainbow-colored fish. • They live in cool, clear freshwater brooks, lakes, and streams throughout New York State.

8. State Fish • The native brook trout are also called “brookies” or “speckles”. • Many fisherman throughout New York State catch trout. • Trout is a favorite food for many New Yorkers.

9. State Shell • The Bay Scallop was adopted as the state shell of New York in 1988. • Bay Scallops live at the bottom of the sea and can swim. • Many people enjoy eating Bay Scallops.

10. State Fossil • The sea scorpion, which is now extinct, is a relative to the modern king crab. • During the Silurian Age (over 400 million years ago) the sea scorpion crawled along the bottom of sea that once covered much of New York .

11. State Insect • The ladybug was adopted as the state insect in 1989. • The ladybug is an orange beetle with black spots. • Ladybugs help gardeners by eating tiny bugs that ruin plants.

12. The Sugar Maple was adopted as the New York State tree in 1956. State Tree • The sap, which is stored in the trunk of the Sugar Maple and tapped in the early Spring, is our main source of maple syrup.

13. State Tree • The fruit, or seeds, of the Sugar Maple appear during the Spring. • The leaves of the Sugar Maple are pointed, and turn bright colors in the Fall.

14. State Flower • The rose was adopted as the State flower in 1955. • The rose grows in a variety of colors, such as red, pink, yellow, and white.

15. State Flower • The rose is a fragrant flower with a thorny stem. • They can be found growing in many gardens throughout New York State.

16. State Fruit • The apple was adopted as the state fruit in 1976. • In the 1600s, European settlers brought apple seeds to New York. • Now many varieties of apples are grown in orchards all over New York State.

17. State Fruit &State Muffin • Many delicious pies, cakes, desserts, drinks, and jellies are made from New York apples. • The apple muffin, which is made with chunks of apples, was adopted as the state muffin in 1987.

18. State Beverage • Milk was adopted as the state beverage in 1981. • Milk comes from the dairy cow. • Dairy farming is a major industry in New York State.

19. State Beverage • Butter, cheese, and ice cream are all products of milk.

20. State Gem • The garnet was adopted as the state gem in 1969. • Garnet is a dark red stone that is used in a lot of jewelry. • Barton Mines in the Adirondack Mountains is the world’s largest garnet mine.

21. State Coat of Arms • New York State’s Coat of Arms is a group of symbols that represent the state. • The eagle sits facing right for good luck, and showing that New York is part of the United States. • The eagle rests upon a globe, showing North America.

22. State Coat of Arms • In the middle of the Coat of Arms is a shield which shows two ships on a river, showing the many valuable rivers in New York State. • In the background there is a sun rising over mountains. • On a banner below is the State Motto, EXCELSIOR, meaning “Ever Upward”.

23. State Coat of Arms • On the left, stands Lady Liberty, who stands for freedom. • Holding a staff of freedom, Lady Liberty is stepping on a crown, showing the freedom from England after the Revolutionary War.

24. State Coat of Arms • On the right, stands Lady Justice. • She wears a blindfold, carries a sword and the scales of justice, showing that everyone is treated equally under the law.

25. State Seal • The Great Seal of New York State was first established in 1777 to act as the official seal of the state. • New York State’s seal features the coat of arms surrounded by a golden seal with the words “The Great Seal of the State of New York”.

26. State Flag • The New York State flag shows the same New York State Coat of Arms on a royal blue border. • It proudly waves for freedom and justice.

27. The End