Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, and collect real data that can be used by New York scientists to monitor climate change. We are offering this hike once a month to monitor seasonal changes in plants along the Beacon Hill loop hike. This two mile hike offers beautiful views of the Rondout and Wallkill valleys as well as the Catskills. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Stop by the Minnewaska Nature Center for a drop-in program to learn just why birds, bees, and butterflies are so important. We'll talk about why native plants rely on pollinators and discuss strategies to attract pollinators at home. Then, you can plant the seeds of pollinator-friendly plants to take home!

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.

Have you ever wanted to swim at the gorgeous, rock slab beach at Lake Awosting, but didn't want to go the distance on your own? Join park educators on a guided hike to this pristine swim spot. Enjoy the company of other hikers as well as the stunning views from along the cliff-edge Hamilton Point Carriage Road. As a bonus, we'll also explore the backcountry Scenic Footpath, which features views from Margaret Cliff. This approximately ten mile route is mostly on carriage roads, which are easier and faster to walk than footpaths. There are some hills and the footpath section does have a couple of narrow, rocky areas to traverse. This hike is recommended for fit hikers who are comfortable with spending all day on the trail. All participants must wear appropriate shoes, carry enough water and food for the day and bring a swimsuit if they plan on swimming. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

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 park educators to learn all about the animals and insects that live in ponds, and then pick delicious blueberries! We'll take an approximately two mile long hike to visit two remote ponds where children will use nets to search for animals. When we've had enough fun with the ponds, we'll pick wild blueberries until our hands are purple! This program is recommended for six to ten year old children, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Join park educators on an exciting and fun orienteering nature challenge. We'll learn about using a map and compass, and then we'll go on a scavenger hunt using our new compass skills to find a secret prize! This program is recommended for eight to twelve year old children, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Come join volunteer leader Renee LaMonica, and other parents with babies or toddlers at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, for an hour of leisurely strolling. "Babes in the Woods" is offered the first Thursday of the month at Minnewaska and third Thursday of the month at Sam's Point. This program will be offered from June through October, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please bring a jogging type stroller or back/front pack child carrier. Meet at the Wildmere Parking Area at Minnewaska.

Bring your children to the Minnewaska Nature Center so they can make an insect hotel for the beneficial insects in your yard. Following a brief talk about native bees and other insects, we will look at examples of these insect hotels, which attract beneficial insects that use them as shelter or as a nesting site. Then, participants will construct a simple insect hotel to take home, using natural materials. 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. Younger children are welcome to attend, but may need parental assistance. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, will lead this three-and-a-half mile hike that follows along the edges of the Peter's Kill, a gently gurgling stream that runs through cool hemlock forests and tropical-feeling rhododendron stands along the Mossy Glen Footpath. This trail does include some tricky footing, including potentially slippery rocks and exposed tree roots, but the other half of this route, which follows along the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, is an easy stroll. Meet at the Awosting Parking Area.

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 Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/ AmeriCorps Intern, for a delicious morning stroll through the old Minnewaska golf course and orchard. This approximately mile-and-a-half long route wanders amongst blueberry and huckleberry bushes that should be ripe for the picking. Bring a small bag to collect berries as we hike. We will also look out for birds that frequent the golf course, so feel free to bring binoculars as well. Children of all ages are welcome; however, a backpack style carrier is necessary for children who are not able to walk this distance on their own. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

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 park educators for an exciting new program, making music in the Park Preserve. We'll participate in a listening activity on the trail to learn about sounds in nature and then we'll make our own instruments and play them together as a group. Children with music experience are welcome to bring their own instruments as well, but no prior musical experience is required. This program is recommended for six to twelve year old children, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Learn about a mysterious nighttime visitor at Minnewaska – the owl. We'll play a game about predator-prey interactions and practice using tools such as a spotting scope and binoculars, which birders and scientists use to observe these fascinating creatures. Then, we'll dissect real owl pellets. This program is recommended for six to twelve year old children, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Explore the scenic Peter's Kill Stream with Student Conservation Association/ AmeriCorps Intern Emily Shertzer on this three and a half mile hike. We'll follow along the stream on the Mossy Glen Footpath, surrounded by rhododendrons, then return on the easier Lower Awosting Carriage Road. The footpath includes some tricky footing, including potentially slippery rocks and exposed tree roots. Meet at the Awosting Parking Area.

Join Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Intern, for a Sunday morning stroll along the Castle Point and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Roads to reach two iconic, cliff-edge, scenic lookouts, Kempton's Ledge and Patterson's Pellet. These two spots are located across the Palmaghatt Ravine from each other and, if conditions are correct, we should be able to see one from the other and perhaps even the tower at High Point State Park in New Jersey. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

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.

Come take a wander on the trails near the Minnewaska Nature Center to discover, identify and document some of the wildflowers that we will meet on our excursion. As we meander, and come upon a wildflower, we will take some time to document it, through photographing or sketching the flower. Color pastels and sketch paper will be provided. Participants may want to bring a camera, sketch book or preferred medium to work in. For comfort and safety for the outing, participants will want to bring plenty of water, a hat or sunglasses and a comfortable or packable surface to sit on. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, and collect real data that can be used by New York scientists to monitor climate change. We are offering this hike once a month to monitor seasonal changes in plants along the Beacon Hill loop hike. This two mile hike offers beautiful views of the Rondout and Wallkill valleys as well as the Catskill Mountains. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

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.