Event Search Results
33 events matched your search
Fri
27
Jun
Friday, June 27, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you
interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every
Friday in June. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile
walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which
can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged
to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding field guide,
or field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested participants are
welcome to attend one or every program. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sun
29
Jun
Sunday, June 29, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join
Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator, for a morning stroll to check out the cliffside
views of the Palmaghatt Ravine from Patterson's Pellet, a glacial erratic
perched on the cliffs above this scenic ravine. From here, we'll return to Lake
Minnewaska, following the carriage road around from west to east, until we
encounter the Beacon Hill Footpath. This lovely trail, which does include hills
and some tricky footing, snakes along the cliff edge looking east towards New
Paltz. The total distance for this walk is approximately six miles. Please
bring enough water and food to sustain you and dress for the season, wearing
boots with good traction. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
01
Jul
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 07:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those
just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by
Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants
should bring binoculars and water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing
destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions
will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program.
The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00 am. Late arrivals will
NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants
for this program is limited to twenty-four individuals. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Required
Thu
03
Jul
Thursday, July 3, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail
Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator to
learn about two prominent types of decomposers, fungi and worms. Have you ever
wondered where dead trees disappear to or how new soil is made? Program
participants will be introduced to the wild world of food webs and how they
cycle nutrients through the ecosystem, and they'll also learn about the key
players in this important cycle. Following a brief lesson, participants will
utilize their decomposer identification skills along the approximately
two-mile, round-trip hike on the Beacon Hill Carraige Road, and they will also
play a tag game, if time permits. This program is recommended for children
between the ages of seven to twelve years old, accompanied by a parent or
guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome.
Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required
by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
04
Jul
Friday, July 4, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for a holiday hike
on several trails at Minnewaska. We will begin on Beacon Hill Carriage Road, a
gravel-covered trail with gentle declines, which we will walk until we are
greeted by a stunning view of the Peter's Kill cliffs, the Catskill Mountains,
the Wallkill Valley, and beyond. From here, we will hike the Beacon Hill
Footpath, which features some tricky footing and a few sections of moderate
elevation change. We will depart this trail at its conclusion at the Beacon
Hill field, where we will be treated to another breathtaking view. Afterwards,
we will loop along Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road to return to the Visitor
Center. Participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing and sturdy
footwear, plenty of water, and food to sustain themselves. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat
05
Jul
Saturday, July 5, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Bring your children to the Minnewaska Nature
Center to make their own plaster animal track and/or nature-themed, sun prints
to bring home. There are a variety of rubber, wild animal molds to choose from
for the plaster tracks, including beaver, fisher and bobcat. While the plaster
hardens and the sun print dries, participants can explore the trails near the
Minnewaska Nature Center. This activity is recommended for children over the
age of six years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
Siblings of any age are welcome; however, younger siblings may need parental
assistance. Pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Sun
06
Jul
Sunday, July 6, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail
Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an approximately four-mile-long hike
to reach two, prominent, scenic vistas. From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor
Center, we'll start by heading around the west side of Lake Minnewaska to reach
an intersection with the old golf course. We'll wander up a hill through the
old golf course until we reach the intersection with Castle Point Carriage
Road. From here, we'll continue along this route until we come to Kempton Ledge,
a scenic overlook along a cliff edge. Then, we'll retrace our steps until we
intersect with Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we reach
Echo Rock, another scenic vista on a protruding cliff edge. From here, we'll
head back towards Lake Minnewaska and walk around the east side of the Lake
until we arrive back at our starting point. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Mon
07
Jul
Monday, July 7, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Come spend the morning exploring Minnewaska State Park
Preserve with your preschooler. Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps
Environmental Educator, Abigail Hedler, will begin the morning by reading a
short story centering on environmental appreciation and awareness. Following
the story, we will take a two-mile hike along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage
Road. Infants and young children must be in a secure carrier or jogging-type
stroller designed for rough terrain for the duration of the hike, if unable to
walk. It is recommended that parents also bring food and water. All children
must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at
the Lake Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Mon
07
Jul
Monday, July 7, 2025 03:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura
Conner, Environmental Educator, for a summer, bike-to-swim, adventure. Starting
on Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll ride to Upper Awosting Carriage Road,
which we'll follow until it ends at Lake Awosting. From here, we'll continue
along the Lake Awosting Carriage Road until we reach the beach area, where
we'll lock our bikes on a bike rack. This quiet, rock-slab beach is surrounded
by nothing but forest. Then, everyone will have an opportunity to dip into the
cool, clear lake, followed by a snack at the beach. For our return ride, we'll
cruise along a short section of Castle Point Carriage Road until we connect
with Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers gorgeous sweeping views of the
Palmaghatt Ravine. Then, we'll ride the last part of our journey along
Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads. The total distance for
the bike ride is approximately nine miles and participants must be able to
maintain a modest speed, in order to keep up with the group. Participants must
bring their own bikes, equipment, swim gear, towels, food and water. The Lake
Awosting Swim Area has a changing area and composting toilets. Only Class 1,
pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
08
Jul
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 07:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those
just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by
Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants
should bring binoculars and water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing
destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions
will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program.
The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00 am. Late arrivals will
NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants
for this program is limited to twenty-four individuals. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue
08
Jul
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Have you ever stopped to think where your food came from? I
mean really thought about it? Despite being an agricultural metropolis,
many residents of the Hudson Valley still remain disconnected from where their
food comes from. Join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to explore the complexities of
our modern food system and its environmental, nutritional, and social
ramifications. Participants will be educated on how to think critically when it
comes to grocery shopping, and how to choose foodstuffs that align with their
values. Following the presentation, we will take an approximately half-mile
hike along Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road to the north-east field behind the
overlook fields to take in the scenic views. Along the way we will discuss the
history of blueberry and huckleberry picking at the Park Preserve and how our
modern food system scarcely resembles that of the past. Participants should
come well-prepared with enough food and water for the outing and they are
encouraged to wear proper footwear. Participants may want to bring binoculars
if they have them, otherwise a few pairs will be available for participants to
borrow. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu
10
Jul
Thursday, July 10, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator to learn the fun art of
papermaking. We will learn how paper is made then make paper ourselves,
embedded with wildflower seeds! We will take a short hike while our paper dries
and if time and drying permit, we will paint our homemade creations. This
program is recommended for children between the ages of seven to twelve years
old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved
younger siblings are always welcome. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu
10
Jul
Thursday, July 10, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for a talk and
walk that will focus on the songbirds of summer at Minnewaska. A short
presentation in the community room at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center will
be followed by a discussion about these interesting songbirds. Afterwards, we
will go for a slow-paced, bird walk of up to two miles on the carriage roads
near Lake Minnewaska. Participants should come well-prepared with enough food
and water to sustain themselves for the outing. Participants are also encouraged
to bring binoculars, if they have them. If not, a few pairs will be available
for participants to borrow. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
11
Jul
Friday, July 11, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Park Preserve Educator,
for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in July – except
for July 4th. During this program, we will take an approximately
one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic
Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are
encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding
field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested
participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sat
12
Jul
Saturday, July 12, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for this
three-and-a-half-mile hike along Mossy Glen Footpath, Blueberry Run Footpath,
and Lower Awosting Carriage Road. Starting on the Lower Awosting Carriage Road,
we'll quickly intersect the Mossy Glen Footpath trailhead. From here, we'll
hike along this footpath, which navigates into and out of deep forests, through
stands of rhododendron, and along the edges of the bubbling Peter's Kill
stream. This footpath does have some tricky footing, in the form of slippery surfaces,
mud, tree roots, and uneven, rocky areas. At the end of this trail, we'll
intersect the Blueberry Run Footpath, which we will take for a short jaunt
until we intersect the Lower Awosting Carriage Road once again. We'll take this
easy-going route back to the parking area to complete our loop. Meet at the
Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
13
Jul
Sunday, July 13, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a morning stroll to check out the
cliffside views of the Palmaghatt Ravine from Patterson's Pellet, a glacial
erratic perched on the cliffs above this scenic ravine. From here, we'll return
to Lake Minnewaska, following the carriage road around from west to east, until
we encounter the Beacon Hill Footpath. This lovely trail, which does include
hills and some tricky footing, snakes along the cliff edge looking east towards
New Paltz. The total distance for this walk is approximately six miles. Please
bring enough water and food to sustain you and dress for the season, wearing
boots with good traction. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
15
Jul
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 07:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those
just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by
Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants
should bring binoculars and water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing
destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions
will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program.
The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00 am. Late arrivals will
NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants
for this program is limited to twenty-four individuals. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue
15
Jul
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, will lead
this three-and-a-half-mile hike that follows the Peter's Kill, a gently
gurgling stream that runs through cool, hemlock forests and tropical-feeling,
blooming rhododendrons. This trail does include some tricky footing, such as
slippery rocks and exposed tree roots, but the second half of this route, which
follows along the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, is an easy stroll. All
participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and
water. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required
by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
18
Jul
Friday, July 18, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Park Preserve Educator,
for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in July – except
for July 4th. During this program, we will take an approximately
one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic
Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are
encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding
field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested
participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sat
19
Jul
Saturday, July 19, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for this three-mile hike to
Kempton Ledge and around Lake Minnewaska. Starting from the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center, we'll hike around the west side of the Lake Minnewaska Carriage
Road to reach the entrance to the old golf course. We'll wander up a hill
through the old golf course until we reach the intersection with Castle Point
Carriage Road. From here, we'll continue on this carriage road until we come to
Kempton Ledge, a scenic overlook along a cliff edge with panoramic views of the
Palmaghatt Ravine, the Park Preserve and beyond. If conditions are clear, there
are lovely views over the ravine from this scenic vista. From here, we'll head
back towards Lake Minnewaska, walking south and east along the Lake's edge, taking
in all of the scenic views on our way back to our starting point. Meet at the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
20
Jul
Sunday, July 20, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, will lead this
three-and-a-half-mile hike that follows the Peter's Kill, a gently gurgling
stream that runs through cool, hemlock forests and past
tropical-feeling, blooming rhododendrons. This trail does include some tricky
footing, such as slippery rocks and exposed tree roots, but the first half of
this route, which follows along the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, is an easy
stroll. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear,
food, and water. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Mon
21
Jul
Monday, July 21, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Come spend the morning exploring Minnewaska State Park
Preserve with your preschooler. Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps
Environmental Educator, Abigail Hedler, will begin the morning by reading a
short story centering on environmental appreciation and awareness. Following
the story, we will take an approximately one-and-a-half-mile hike along the
Beacon Hill Carriage Road, featuring spectacular views at its terminus. Infants
and young children must be in a secure carrier or jogging-type stroller designed
for rough terrain for the duration of the hike, if they are unable to walk. It
is recommended that parents also bring food and water. All children must be
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
22
Jul
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 07:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those
just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by
Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants
should bring binoculars and water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing
destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions
will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program.
The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00 am. Late arrivals will
NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants
for this program is limited to twenty-four individuals. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue
22
Jul
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for an approximately five-mile hike to Echo Rock and
Kempton Ledge, returning through the Meadows, where we'll pick blueberries as
we walk. The cliff-edge, scenic views from both Echo Rock and Kempton
Ledge are spectacular, featuring the surrounding Park Preserve and sometimes
even High Point State Park in New Jersey. To reach our destinations, we'll walk
along Lake Minnewaska, Castle Point, Millbrook Mountain and Hamilton Point
Carriage Roads. These carriage roads offer a flat, even surface that is perfect
for walkers who may find rocky and root-covered footpaths challenging. All participants should come well prepared with
appropriate footwear, food, and
water. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center.
Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at
845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Wed
23
Jul
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an evening, open-discovery
hike along some of the carriage roads near Lake Minnewaska and through the old
golf course and orchard. During this approximately two-mile hike, we will focus
on awareness of the natural world – looking at and discussing what participants
are interested in, such as trees, mosses, amphibians, birds, and more. Part of
this hike will take place on Lake Minnewaska and Upper Awosting Carriage Roads,
which are gently sloping, gravel trails. The other part of this hike will take
place on the grassy paths that wind through the old orchard and golf course,
which may be muddy or wet. Through the orchards, we will discuss the history of
blueberry and huckleberry picking at the Park Preserve and we'll look for signs
of wildlife in the grasses and ponds. Attendees must bring their own one-quart
containers. Participants should come well-prepared with enough food and water
for the outing, and they are encouraged to wear sturdy and waterproof boots.
Participants may want to bring binoculars if they have them, otherwise a few
pairs will be available for participants to borrow. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu
24
Jul
Thursday, July 24, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
July is wild blueberry season, so join Abigail Hedler,
Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, and other
families to pick your own wild blueberries while taking a one-and-a-half-mile
hike on the Meadow paths. Along the way, we will discuss the history of
blueberry and huckleberry picking at the Park Preserve and we'll look for signs
of wildlife in the grasses and ponds. Attendees must bring their own one-quart
containers. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate
footwear, food, and water. This program is recommended for children between
the ages of seven to twelve years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over
the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome. Meet
at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
25
Jul
Friday, July 25, 2025 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Park Preserve Educator,
for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday in July – except
for July 4th. During this program, we will take an approximately
one-mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic
Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are
encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes, bring binoculars, and a birding
field guide, or a field guide installed onto a smart device. Interested
participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. Meet at the
Gardiner Library, in the Lower Parking Area. No pre-registration is
required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at
845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sat
26
Jul
Saturday, July 26, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin,
Park Preserve Educator, for an approximately four-mile hike to Echo Rock. Echo
Rock is a scenic vista perched on a cliff edge above the Palmaghatt Ravine.
Beautiful views of the surrounding Park Preserve and Wallkill Valley can be
seen from here on a clear day. Our roundtrip will take participants on a few
historic carriage roads and one footpath. We'll hike out Lake Minnewaska,
Millbrook Mountain, and Hamilton Point Carriage Roads to reach Echo Rock. The
section of Hamilton Point Carriage Road that leads to Echo Rock is lovely –
with exposed rock formations, scattered boulders, and lush ferns. Our return
trip will be slightly different, as we will follow Hamilton Point and Castle
Point Carriage Roads, the Meadows trails, and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road to
return to our starting point. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor
Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor
Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
27
Jul
Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Abby Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a summer, bike-to-swim, adventure. Starting on Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll ride to Upper Awosting Carriage Road. From here, we'll continue along the Lake Awosting Carriage Road until we reach the beach area. This quiet, rock-slab beach is surrounded by nothing but forest. Then, everyone will have an opportunity to dip into the cool, clear lake, followed by lunch at the beach. For our return ride, we'll cruise along a short section of Castle Point Carriage Road until we connect with Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers gorgeous, sweeping views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. Then, we'll ride the last part of our journey along Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads. The total distance for the bike ride is approximately nine miles and participants must be able to maintain a modest speed, in order to keep up with the group. Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, swim gear, towels, food and water. The Lake Awosting Swim Area has a changing area and composting toilets. Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Mon
28
Jul
Monday, July 28, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Are you new to the outdoors, hiking and camping? Do you want
to take yourself on exciting, hiking trips, but first you'd like to learn what
to bring, how to be prepared and how to also be respectful of the land? Whether
you are a seasoned, solo hiker or looking to begin your journey, join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to learn the basics of packing
for a long trek and how to keep both yourself and the environment safe. Abigail
will bring her backpack with all the tools she carries on long hikes. As she
unpacks her tools, she'll give a demonstration and discussion about the
importance of being properly prepared for solo hiking. Following the
presentation, we will take an approximately four-mile hike along the Beacon
Hill Carriage Road, Beacon Hill Footpath and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road.
We'll begin our walk on the Beacon Hill Carriage Road. Then, we'll hike the Beacon Hill
Footpath. Then, we'll land on the Lake Minnewaska
Carriage Road, which we'll follow around the Lake from east to west. This walk will offer beautiful
views of the Rondout and Wallkill Valleys below and the Catskill Mountains to
the north. The carriage roads are relatively easy walking, however, the
footpath does include some hills and tricky footing. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
29
Jul
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 07:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those
just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by
Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants
should bring binoculars and water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing
destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions
will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program.
The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 7:00 am. Late arrivals will
NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants
for this program is limited to twenty-four individuals. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Tue
29
Jul
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for a nearly five-mile loop hike on the High Peter's
Kill, Yellow Connector and Red Loop Footpaths and the Awosting Falls Carriage
Road. Highlights of this outing
include scenic views of the Skytop fire tower, close-up views of the
fast-flowing Peter's Kill stream, and the iconic 65-foot tall Awosting
Falls. The footpath section of this hike features sections of trail with steep,
rocky, and narrow footing, which some may find challenging. All participants
should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Wed
30
Jul
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Come to Minnewaska State Park Preserve to learn about the
importance of bees of all shapes and sizes. Our pollinator friends are
responsible for more than just helping pretty flowers reproduce. Between
keeping our ecosystems healthy, to ensuring that the world's food supply is
maintained, our planet is home to some truly busy bees! In this program, we
will play a game about pollination, try some tasty, local honey, and construct
bee houses that you can bring home with you. This program is recommended for
children between the ages of seven to twelve years old, accompanied by a parent
or legal guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always
welcome. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required