Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Explore scenic sections of the historic Hamilton Point Carriage Road on this approximately three and a half 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 of views of the Lake and the surrounding Wallkill Valley. Participants will want to bring comfortable hiking shoes or boots and water and a snack. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Join local Holistic Health Educator and Culinary Herbalist, Amy Nielsen, for an introduction to wild herbs and edible plants. We will begin with a discussion on how local plants have been used to support the health and wellbeing of people for generations. After, we will ramble to a special spot brimming with the diversity of this amazing habitat, where we will learn to identify herbs and edibles in the field. There is nothing like a bit of five senses learning to seal the knowledge in your memory. We will touch on what constitutes an herb and how they are similar and different to food plants. As Minnewaska is ripe with natural edible plants, we will talk about which wild foods are abundant in our forests. We will also discuss ethical and sustainable foraging and collecting practices, which are prohibited in New York State Parks, and we'll share some recipes for the bounty we will see too. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Come to the Gardiner Library to learn all about phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals, and its use in tracking climate change. Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member, Emily Shertzer, will be giving a short lecture about this fascinating branch of science. Then, we will go for a short walk on the Wallkill Rail Trail to observe some of the plants growing there. For more information and to register for this program, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255.

Designed for birding enthusiasts, or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer various outings led by experienced birding volunteers and park naturalists. Participants will meet at the Minnewaska main entrance and should come prepared with binoculars. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program.

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member, for this challenging eight mile hike up the Long Path along the Mine Hole Footpath section. Leaving from the small parking area on Foordmore Road in Kerhonkson, this trail climbs steadily, gaining approximately 1,600 feet in elevation in just over three-and-a-half miles. The view from Napanoch Point, especially with colorful fall foliage, is breathtaking, encompassing much of the Rondout Valley. This hike is for experienced hikers only, who must come prepared, wearing hiking boots, proper clothing and carrying enough food and water to sustain them for the day. We will be ride-sharing to the small parking area at the trailhead, so carpooling is recommended. Meet in the Awosting Parking Area.

For this approximately two and a half mile hike, we will explore a variety of trails in the Peter's Kill Area. Starting from the parking area, we will depart on the Red Loop Footpath until the intersection of the Bullwheel Footpath and take the High Peter's Kill Footpath to the Peter's Kill stream. From here, we will follow the Yellow Connector and Red Loop along the edges of the Peter's Kill and follow some sustained uphills back up to our starting area. This hike offers beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains, in addition to getting close-up views of the Peter's Kill stream. Participants will want to come well prepared with sturdy hiking boots, water and lunch or snacks. Meet in the Peter's Kill Area.

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 and screech owl. Stop by the Minnewaska Nature Center to meet these amazing and beautiful animals in person!