Event Search Results
31 events matched your search
Sat
29
Mar
Saturday, March 29, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for a hike on some of the lesser-travelled trails
at Minnewaska during this approximately five-mile outing. Leaving from the
Lower Parking Area, we will follow Wawarsing Turnpike Footpath to the west
until it intersects Jenny Lane Footpath. Crossing over Route 44/55, we'll
follow this trail until it intersects Blueberry Run Footpath. From here, we'll
hike a short section of this trail to reach Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which
will take us back to our starting point. While scenic views are limited on this
outing, it traverses beautiful sections of forest, through stands of evergreen
mountain laurel shrubs, across rock slabs with twisted pitch pine trees, and
across two clear, mountain streams. This outing includes a few sustained uphill
and downhill sections and two stream crossings that may be challenging for
some. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes
or other ice traction devices. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
01
Apr
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 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 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, but no earlier than 7:30 am. 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.
Registration: Not required
Tue
01
Apr
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 10:00 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 this approximately four-mile
hike along the Peter's Kill stream, through mixed forests and across exposed,
quartz conglomerate rock. The first part of this hike will take participants
along the full length of the beautiful Mossy Glen Footpath, which is just under
two miles. The return trip will follow the easy to walk Lower Awosting Carriage
Road. The footpath may include challenging conditions for some, including
slippery rocks and tree roots. If conditions are icy, participants are
encouraged to bring micro spikes or other ice traction devices. Meet in the
Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
04
Apr
Friday, April 4, 2025 08:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Minnewaska Park Preserve
Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday
during April. 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 of these 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
05
Apr
Saturday, April 5, 2025 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Collecting maple
sap and boiling it down to sugar has been a long-standing tradition in North
America. Indigenous Peoples in the northeast first collected the sap, boiled it
into sugar, and used it in their cooking. When European colonists arrived, they
learned how to process the sap from Indigenous Peoples. It was used as a
sweetener, in place of expensive cane sugar, in a variety of foods including
oatmeal, sausage, and baked goods. Join the staff of
Senate House State Historic Site to celebrate the maple season for its annual
Sugaring Off event. Activities include boiling maple sap into syrup and maple
crafts. Local militia units will also be on-site demonstrating camp-life during
the 1700s. Mark Rust will be providing musical entertainment, including
a variety of musical instruments such as the banjo, violin, guitar, and spoons.
Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator,
will join Senate House staff in Kingston for this program and will be making
maple candy for participants to enjoy. This is a free, family-friendly event!
This is a walk-in program; no registration is necessary. For more information,
contact the Senate House State Historic Site directly at 845-338-2786.
Registration: Not required
Sun
06
Apr
Sunday, April 6, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Explore scenic sections of the historic Hamilton Point
Carriage Road on this approximately five mile hike to Echo Rock, a cliff edge
vista with panoramic views. Participants
will hike on the western side of Lake Minnewaska, to reach Millbrook Mountain
and Hamilton Point Carriage Roads. After reaching Echo Rock, we will retrace
our steps to Lake Minnewaska and hike around its east side, soaking up views of
the Lake and the surrounding Wallkill Valley. Participants will want to bring
comfortable hiking shoes, water and a snack. 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
08
Apr
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 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 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, but no earlier than 7:30 am. 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.
Registration: Not required
Thu
10
Apr
Thursday, April 10, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to learn about the amazing
amphibians awakening within the vernal pools of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
this spring! We will learn about the common characteristics
of amphibians and their mating habits as well as investigate the metamorphic
cycle of wood frogs, the most abundant frog species residing within the Park
Preserve. We will take a leisurely hike to hunt for vernal pools from the
Peter's Kill Area. Students will get the opportunity to view live wood frog
eggs incubating within vernal pools as well as play an interactive game
depicting the frog metamorphic cycle. This program is recommended for children
between the of ages six to eleven years old, accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome
to join. This program is open to all students learning from home accompanied by
a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. The total number of
participants for this program is limited to 12 individuals. Meet at
the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu
10
Apr
Thursday, April 10, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to learn about the amazing
amphibians awakening within the vernal pools of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
this spring! We will learn about the common characteristics
of amphibians and their mating habits. We'll also investigate the metamorphic
cycle of wood frogs, the most abundant frog species residing within the Park
Preserve. We will take a leisurely hike to hunt for vernal pools in the Peter's
Kill Area. Students will get the opportunity to view live wood frog eggs
incubating within vernal pools as well as play an interactive game depicting
the frog metamorphic cycle. This program is recommended for children between
the ages of six to eleven years old, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings capable of participating are
welcome to join us. The total number of participants for this program is
limited to 12 individuals. Meet at the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
11
Apr
Friday, April 11, 2025 08:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Minnewaska Park Preserve
Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday
during April. 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 of these 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
Fri
11
Apr
Friday, April 11, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Immerse yourself in the beautiful forest at Minnewaska on
this guided walk led by Jane Dobson with Mind the Forest. The wellness practice
of Forest Bathing is the perfect antidote to the fatigue and stress many of us
feel as a result of our technology-laden and busy lives. On this approximately
half-mile walk, we will slow down and directly experience the world through our
senses. We'll rekindle curiosity and let go of our to-do lists. As we mindfully
connect with the natural world, our perspective shifts, opening us to awe and
wonder, and deepening our sense of connection. This wellness practice continues
to grow across the globe as science demonstrates the health benefits of Forest
Bathing, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, focus and sleep.
Join us for one or all sessions of this five-part spring series as we use
mindfulness to explore themes of sensory anesthesia, species loneliness, and
our relationship with time. This program is open to participants aged 16 and
older, with minors accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. 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
12
Apr
Saturday, April 12, 2025 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin,
Park Educator, for an approximately four-mile hike on five historic carriage
roads and one footpath. Starting from the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we
will hike a short section of the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road to reach the
Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we intersect the Meadows
Footpath. Then, we'll meander through sections of the former Lake Minnewaska
resort's apple orchard and golf course, until we intersect Castle Point
Carriage Road. We'll continue west on this carriage road for a short while,
taking the connector trail down to Hamilton Point Carriage Road. From here, we
will continue until we arrive at Echo Rock, a cliffside, scenic vista that
offers an expansive view over the Palmaghatt Ravine. We will return by heading
back on the Hamilton Point, Millbrook Mountain, and Lake Minnewaska Carriage
Roads, circling the east side of the Lake 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
13
Apr
Sunday, April 13, 2025 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a guided walk for parents
with infants and/or young children. We'll take a leisurely stroll along the
two-mile loop around Lake Minnewaska, allowing ourselves to take plenty of
rests and admire the scenic views. Children must be accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian over the age of 18. Infants and young children must be in a
secure carrier or jogging-type stroller designed for rough terrain for the
duration of the hike. Older
siblings are always welcome, too. The total number of participants for this
program is limited to 20 individuals. 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
13
Apr
Sunday, April 13, 2025 09:30 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 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
Sun
13
Apr
Sunday, April 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
Apr
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 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 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, but no earlier than 7:30 am. 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.
Registration: Not required
Tue
15
Apr
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Do you want
to take your family 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? Join Minnewaska's Educators with special guest presenter, Myra
Romano, Trail Steward Program Coordinator and Level Two Leave No Trace
Instructor with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, for a fun day of
hiking and learning. Myra 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 hiking and
camping. And, she'll teach everyone about the best practices for Leave No
Trace, so that your enjoyment doesn't damage the natural area that you're
visiting. After the presentation, we'll all take a three-mile-long hike
along the scenic Beacon Hill Loop, which traverses carriage roads as well as a
narrow, cliff-edge footpath. The views are gorgeous and we'll stop along the
way to look for signs of spring. This program is recommended for families with
children over the age of eight years old, but younger siblings who are capable
of participating are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian over the age of 18. Please come properly prepared with adequate hiking
shoes, water and food. 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
16
Apr
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Bring your family and join Abigail Hedler,
Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to review
the basics of climate change. We'll debunk the common misconceptions about
climate change, explore the science behind the greenhouse effect, face the
effects of climate change, and explore the ways in which we can combat the
crisis. Following the presentation, we'll create our own informative climate
change posters to display at home and educate friends. We will wrap up the
program with an approximately two-mile hike around Lake Minnewaska to center
ourselves and appreciate the natural world we are enveloped in. This program is
recommended for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian over the age of 18. Infants and young children must be in a
secure carrier or jogging-type stroller designed for rough terrain for the
duration of the hike. The
total number of participants for this program is limited to 20 individuals.
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
17
Apr
Thursday, April 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Bring the whole family and join Abigail Hedler,
Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to learn
the basics of animal track identification. We will view a brief presentation
detailing the ins-and-outs of animal track identification, then we'll take a
stroll along the Beacon Hill Carriage Road, which features a scenic view at the
terminus. This one-mile roundtrip route is frequented by wildlife and, if we're
lucky, we may find signs of their visits here. Participants will be provided
materials needed to document their animal track finds. This program is
recommended for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian over the age of 18. Infants and young children must be in a
secure carrier or jogging-type stroller designed for rough terrain for the
duration of the hike. The
total number of participants for this program is limited to 20 individuals.
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
18
Apr
Friday, April 18, 2025 08:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Minnewaska Park Preserve
Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday
during April. 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 of these 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
Fri
18
Apr
Friday, April 18, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Dust off your old, field identification guides and join
Becca Howe-Parisio, Environmental Educator, on a hike to learn how to use it.
On this three-mile, moderate adventure, we will search for amphibians along the
Loop Road and use a field guide to identify different critters living in the
Park Preserve. Taking the time to learn tracks using field guides and rulers
reinforces your knowledge of the unique characteristics of that animal. This
leaves a more durable memory than the quick impression made when using apps on
technology. Do not fret if you don't own a field guide, there will be field
guides available to borrow. Field Guide Friday will be a monthly program,
focusing on different topics as the seasons change. This program is suited for
anyone who is old enough to read and is interested in learning how to use a
book to identify plants, insects, and more. Participants must bring water and snacks and wear appropriate hiking
shoes. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required
by signing up via Eventbrite.
Registration: Required
Sat
19
Apr
Saturday, April 19, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for a hike on some of the lesser-travelled trails
at Minnewaska during this approximately five-mile outing. Leaving from the
Lower Parking Area, we'll cross over Route 44/55 and hike the Wawarsing
Turnpike Footpath to the west until it intersects Jenny Lane Footpath. Crossing
over Route 44/55 again, we'll follow this trail until it intersects Blueberry
Run Footpath. From here, we'll hike a short section of this trail to reach
Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which will take us back to our starting point.
While scenic views are limited on this outing, it traverses beautiful sections
of forest, through stands of evergreen mountain laurel shrubs, across rock
slabs with twisted pitch pine trees, and across two clear, mountain streams.
This outing includes a few sustained uphill and downhill sections and two
stream crossings that may be challenging for some. Meet in the Lower Parking
Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
20
Apr
Sunday, April 20, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Park
Educators for an approximately three-mile hike along Beacon Hill Carriage Road,
Beacon Hill Footpath, and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road. From the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll walk down to the Beacon Hill Carriage Road,
which we'll follow until we connect with the Beacon Hill Footpath, which ends
near Lake Minnewaska. We'll then continue around the west side of Lake
Minnewaska on the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road. On a clear day, this route
offers numerous, beautiful, scenic vistas of the Park Preserve and the Wallkill
Valley. The footpath section of this hike includes some continuous uphill
sections and uneven footing, which may be difficult for some. 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
Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
22
Apr
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 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 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, but no earlier than 7:30 am. 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.
Registration: Not required
Tue
22
Apr
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, and Abby Hedler,
Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an adventurous, six-mile round-trip hike to Gertrude's Nose and back
along 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 long
set of steep, rock stairs, as well as a few hills and some tricky footing.
Participants must bring water, snacks and lunch and wear appropriate hiking
shoes. Please note, if the trail is still closed for safety reasons, this hike
route will be changed. 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
Apr
Friday, April 25, 2025 08:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick
Martin, Minnewaska Park Preserve
Educator, for bird walks starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday
during April. 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 of these 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
Fri
25
Apr
Friday, April 25, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Immerse yourself in the beautiful forest at Minnewaska State
Park Preserve on this guided walk led by Jane Dobson with Mind the Forest. The
wellness practice of Forest Bathing is the perfect antidote to the fatigue and
stress many of us feel as a result of our technology-laden and busy lives. On
this walk along Mossy Glen Footpath, we will slow down and directly experience
the world through our senses. We'll rekindle curiosity and let go of our to-do
lists. As we mindfully connect with the natural world, our perspective shifts,
opening us to awe and wonder, and deepening our sense of connection. This
wellness practice continues to grow across the globe as science demonstrates
the health benefits of Forest Bathing, including reduced stress and anxiety,
improved mood, focus and sleep. Join us for one or all of the sessions in this
five-part spring series as we use mindfulness to explore themes of sensory
anesthesia, species loneliness, and our relationship with time. This program is
open to participants aged 16 and older, with minors accompanied by a parent or
guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat
26
Apr
Saturday, April 26, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Come join Nick Martin,
Park Educator, to celebrate the springing of spring! On this hike, we'll
explore Castle Point Carriage Road and search for signs of the arrival of
spring in the Shawangunk Mountains, where spring typically comes later than in
the surrounding valleys. This approximately seven-mile hike will start in the
Lake Minnewaska area and will follow the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road and
Castle Point Carriage Road to reach Castle Point, a scenic vista with
commanding views of the surrounding Park Preserve and Wallkill Valley. We will
return to Lake Minnewaska on Blueberry Run Footpath and Upper Awosting Carriage
Road. The footpath section of this hike has uneven surfaces, wet areas, and some potentially tricky footing that some may find challenging. 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
Apr
Sunday, April 27, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, and Abby Hedler, Student Conservation
Association/Americorps Environmental Educator, for an early spring hike through
an historic orchard that once served the grand hotels found at Minnewaska.
Planted on a steep hill, the view from the top of the orchard is gorgeous.
Continuing along our route, we'll pass through a former hotel golf course to
make our way over to Castle Point Carriage Road, which we'll walk until we
reach Kempton Ledge. From here, there are wide open views of the Palmaghatt
Ravine and Storm King and Breakneck mountains in the distance. Next, we'll make
our way down to Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we reach
Echo Rock, another scenic viewpoint where you can actually hear the echo of
your own voice. To return, we'll follow Hamilton Point, Millbrook Mountain and
Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads, swinging back on the opposite side of the Lake
to reach the Visitor Center. This walk is mostly along easy-going carriage
roads, with an estimated total distance of six-and-a-half miles. Please bring
water and food and dress appropriately for the season. 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
Apr
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 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 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, but no earlier than 7:30 am. 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.
Registration: Not required
Tue
29
Apr
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Come explore the picturesque High Peter's Kill
Footpath with Laura Conner, Environmental Educator and Abigail Hedler, Student
Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, on this
approximately four-and-a-half-mile hike. We'll start by walking
downhill on the High Peter's Kill Footpath, which features a variety of terrain
along a cliff edge with numerous, scenic viewpoints. We'll follow this until we
reach the Yellow Connector Footpath, which hugs the frothing edges of the
Peter's Kill stream. We'll hike up the east spur of the Red Loop Footpath and
take a short break at the Peter's Kill restrooms. For our return trip, we'll
walk along the easy-going Awosting Falls Carriage Road, past the beautiful and
iconic Awosting Falls. This hike does include rocky, narrow and steep sections
of trail that may be challenging for some. Participants should bring enough
water and food for the outing and wear proper hiking shoes. Meet in the Lower
Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required