23 events matched your search
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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, 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 8:00 am. Late
arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to twenty-five 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.
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 10, 2024 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 during May. 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 into a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend
one or all Friday programs. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. 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.
Ulster County Spring Census: Big Day Bird Count Outing in the Former Awosting Reserve at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 11, 2024 08:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Park Preserve
Educator, Nick Martin, for a birding outing on the Awosting Reserve Access Road,
a woods road in the southern part of Minnewaska. During this outing, we will be
looking and listening for the arrival of migratory birds and year-round birds
as we walk. The distance and pace of the hike will depend on the presence of
birds and may total around three miles maximum or as little as a half a mile.
Distractions by other natural curiosities, such as plants, are welcomed and
encouraged. This route has continuous uphill sections of crushed stone and
soil, which some may find challenging, but the return trip will be all
downhill. All participants should wear appropriate footwear and
bring sufficient food and water to sustain themselves for the duration of the
outing. Participants are also encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them
and wear bug spray. Meet at the Aumick Road parking area. Pre-registration is required by
calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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, 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 8:00 am. Late
arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to twenty-five 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.
Tuesday Trek: Two Views on the Peter’s Kill Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for
an approximately two-and-a-half-mile hike on the footpaths in the Peter's Kill
Area. Starting from the Peter's Kill parking area, we'll make a loop out of the
Red Loop, Bullwheel, High Peter's Kill, and Yellow Connector Footpaths. This
hike, which features views of the Skytop firetower, Catskills Mountains and the
surrounding Park Preserve, meanders through beautiful forests, near striking
rock formations, and alongside the Peter's Kill stream. This outing includes
some sustained uphill and downhill sections that may be challenging for some,
along with a varied terrain of roots, rocks, and cliff edges. Meet at the
Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Forest Mysteries
Thursday, May 16, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska is no stranger to
unique natural features. With its sparkling white cliffs, centuries-old, dwarf,
pitch pines and huge boulders that appear to have fallen from the sky, you
might wonder how the landscape came to be. Bring your homeschooled children for
a chance to explore these mysteries and more. Park educators will teach
concepts in the areas of geology, ecology, and natural history as we take a
hike to explore these curiosities. 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 years
old. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome, but please note that
this program will involve hiking. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Forest Mysteries
Thursday, May 16, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska is no stranger
to unique natural features. With its sparkling white cliffs, centuries-old,
dwarf, pitch pines and huge boulders that appear to have fallen from the sky,
you might wonder how the landscape came to be. Bring your homeschooled children
for a chance to explore these mysteries and more. Park educators will teach
concepts in the areas of geology, ecology, and natural history as we take a
hike to explore these curiosities. 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, but please note that this
program will involve hiking. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 17, 2024 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 during May. 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 into a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend
one or all Friday programs. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. 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.
Mindfulness Woods Walk at Minnewaska
Friday, May 17, 2024 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Begin your day with peace of mind when you join Jane Dobson with
Mind the Forest for a meditative walk in the beautiful forest at Minnewaska.
Guided by the Japanese practice of forest bathing, called Shinrin Yoku, Jane
will lead you through a series of sensory experiences to bring awareness to the
present moment, while observing the wonder of the natural world. The desired
outcome is a calm mind and a sense of connection to nature and to ourselves.
This forest bathing brings a host of mental and physical health benefits to us,
including real and measurable reduction in our stress cortisol levels, reduced
anxiety, improved mood, focus and sleep. This free program is open to
participants over the age of 16 years old. Meet at the Peter's Kill Climbing
Area, 5080 Rt 44/55, Gardiner, NY. Pre-registration is required by calling
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Citizen Science and Wildlife Walk on Beacon Hill at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Josh Grosse, Student
Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a fun,
educational twist to your average hike. We will investigate signs of wildlife
along the Beacon Hill Carriage Road and Footpath, which often includes coyotes,
porcupines, and vultures. As we walk, we will learn about the life cycles of
some of our most notable plants and trees by investigating them for signs of
new growth as seasonal changes appear. Beacon Hill Carriage Road and Footpath
is considered a "phenology trail", which provides Minnewaska with valuable
information about how climate change affects the "pheno" or "life" cycles of
the plants, year to year. Come on this three-mile, picturesque hike, and learn
about the many fascinating plants and animals that live here. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Drop-in Program: Live Birds of Prey at Minnewaska
Sunday, May 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Annie Mardiney, wildlife rehabilitator from
Wild Mountain Birds, for an up-close and personal look at some of the raptors
common to the Shawangunk Ridge. Live education birds may include red-tailed
hawk, broad-winged hawk, American kestrel, barred owl, screech owl and great
horned owl. Stop by the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center to meet these amazing
and beautiful animals in person. Pre-registration is NOT required.
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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, 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 8:00 am. Late
arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to twenty-five 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.
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 24, 2024 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 during May. 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 into a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend
one or all Friday programs. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. 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.
Search for Spring Flowers along Mossy Glen Footpath, Jenny Lane, and Lower Awosting Carriage Road at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 25, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park
Educator, for an approximately five-mile hike along three footpaths and one
carriage road, as we search for signs that spring has arrived in the Shawangunk
Mountains. Starting from the Lower Parking Area, participants will hike along a
very short section of carriage road before following Mossy Glen Footpath. In
spring, this footpath can feature purple and painted trillium. Along the way,
we will pass in and out of different forest types, hike along open rock slabs
next to the Peter's Kill stream, and hike through dense stands of rhododendron.
At the end of Mossy Glen Footpath, we will follow Blueberry Run Footpath across
a wooden footbridge and follow it until it ends at Jenny Lane Footpath. From
here, we will hike west on Jenny Lane Footpath until it ends along Lower
Awosting Carriage Road, by the Fly Brook. From here, we will continue back to
our starting location by walking on the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which is
easy-going. On our return trip, we will search for other spring wildflowers,
such as violets, bluets, and fringed polygala. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Two Views Across the Ravine at Minnewaska
Sunday, May 26, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for a moderate, three-and-a-half-mile-long hike to
Kempton Ledge and Patterson's Pellet, two cliff-edge views on either side of
the Palmaghatt Ravine. Beginning from the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll
follow Lake Minnewaska, Castle Point, Hamilton Point and Millbrook Mountain
Carriage Roads on an approximately five-mile-long walk. Our first stop will be
at Kempton Ledge, where we'll see the Hudson River as well as Storm King and
Breakneck Mountains in the distance. We'll also enjoy glorious views of the
untouched forest in the Palmaghatt Ravine, bursting into its spring green of
new leaves. Then, we'll walk to Patterson's Pellet, where the stone tower at
High Point State Park in New Jersey can be seen on the horizon when the skies
are clear. Meet
at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by
calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tree Identification Hike on the Beacon Hill Loop at Minnewaska
Monday, May 27, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for a casual hike along the Beacon Hill hiking loop to
learn some of our more common trees. This approximately three-mile loop hike
features easy walking carriage roads as well as a cliff-edge trail with lovely
views of the Wallkill Valley and Catskill Mountains. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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, 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 8:00 am. Late
arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to twenty-five 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.
Tuesday Trek: The Short and Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for an adventurous,
six-mile hike to Gertrude's Nose and back on the same route. This footpath,
which traverses an escarpment edge, offers one of the most expansive views in
Minnewaska. From our start at Lake Minnewaska, this route will follow Millbrook
Mountain Carriage Road to Gertrude's Nose Footpath, which offers broad views of
the Wallkill Valley, Taconic Mountains, and beyond. This modestly challenging
hike includes a steep rock staircase, a few hills, and some tricky footing.
Participants must bring water, snacks, and lunch and wear appropriate hiking
shoes. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at
845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 31, 2024 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 during May. 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 into a smart device. Interested participants are welcome to attend
one or all Friday programs. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. 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.
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: June Bloom
Thursday, June 20, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
As flowers begin blooming around Minnewaska, we will take a
meandering walk through the Lake Minnewaska area to identify different flora
and discuss biodiversity at the Park Preserve. Students will get a chance to
engage almost all of their senses as we discuss the anatomy of the flower,
their role in the ecosystem, and the importance of pollination and
preservation. A fun art activity will be offered throughout our hike to further
immerse students in this beautiful and educational experience. 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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Eyes to the Sky: Raptors and Vultures
Thursday, September 5, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Many birds call
Minnewaska home, including impressive birds of prey and fascinating scavengers.
In this homeschool program, we will observe these important animals both up
close and from afar. We will discuss their roles in the ecosystem, from
carnivores at the top of the food chain to the vulture's equally valuable job
as nature's cleanup crew. After our lesson, we will walk up to a beautiful view
on the east side of Lake Minnewaska, where we will play a game and look for
large groups of migrating hawks and soaring vultures using binoculars. 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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Fall Foliage
Thursday, October 17, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
As autumn is ushered in, Minnewaska's green landscape becomes
peppered with flecks of red, yellow, and orange. Excellent views of the
surrounding valleys are matched by equally amazing educational opportunities.
We will start this lesson in the Visitor Center, where each student will use a
leaf press booklet to create their own identification guide. We'll use this
tool as we take a two-to-three-mile hike along one of the Park Preserve's many
carriage roads. We will make friends with trees, getting to know them by touch,
smell, and sight. We'll also hear their story about how they grew from seed to
adult, before giving them a big hug. We will also play some leaf matching games
to try out our identification skills! 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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Mosses, Mushrooms, and Lichen
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
With the last of the
trees shedding their leaves, late autumn begins to feel like a time of grayness
and death. However, not everything gets the memo. Join Josh Grosse,
Student Conservation Association/Americorps Environmental Educator, as we dive
into the exceptional world of mosses, lichens, and mushrooms. We will discuss
the role of each organism in the ecosystem, and why their rebellious greenness
and growth persists into the cold months. Our discussion will be followed by an
appreciation walk, where we will look at examples of each and make close
observations using magnifying glasses. 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