Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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15 events matched your search
Tue 13 May
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 13, 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 13 May
Tuesday Trek: Out to Kempton’s Ledge and back along the Cliffs at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 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 Kempton's Ledge, a vista on top of the cliffs over 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
Fri 16 May
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 16, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 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 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 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 16 May
Spring Forest Bathing at Minnewaska
Friday, May 16, 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 17 May
Hike to Echo Rock and through the Meadows at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 17, 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 18 May
Drop-in Program: Live Birds of Prey at Minnewaska
Sunday, May 18, 2025 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.
Registration: Not required
Tue 20 May
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 20, 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
Fri 23 May
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 23, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 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 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 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 24 May
Wawarsing Turnpike, Jenny Lane, and Lower Awosting Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 24, 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 25 May
The Shorter and More Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Sunday, May 25, 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. 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 26 May
Upcycled Crafts at Minnewaska
Monday, May 26, 2025 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Bring your family and join Abigail Hedler, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, to make creative, upcycled crafts. We'll provide the supplies for you to make nature journals and collages from recycled paper materials, and painted ornaments from dried, slices of branches. Bring your inspiration and ideas and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of crafting! Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Nature Center. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Tue 27 May
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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 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: Required
Tue 27 May
Tuesday Trek: Rainbow Falls and Scenic Views Bike Ride at Minnewaska
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a somewhat challenging, eight-mile-long bike ride and one-mile-long hike to Rainbow Falls. Our route will follow Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which gradually rises in elevation through a shaded, mature forest. Crossing a bridge over a babbling brook, we'll get distant views of Rainbow Falls, before we reach the trailhead for Rainbow Falls Footpath. We'll park our bikes, locking them here, while we walk through the Huntington Ravine to see Rainbow Falls up close. We'll return on the same route, making an approximately one-mile scenic detour before getting back on our bikes. We'll continue riding until we reach Lake Awosting Carriage Road. From here, we'll pedal uphill until we reach first Castle Point Carriage Road and then, shortly after, Hamilton Point Carriage Road, one of the most scenic routes in the Park Preserve. Along the way, we'll stop to admire all the beautiful scenic views. This route, which follows gravel-surfaced carriage roads, does include some challenging hills and participants should be prepared to maintain a modest pace in order to finish on time. Participants must bring all their own gear, including a bike or pedal-assist e-bike, a helmet, 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
Fri 30 May
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, May 30, 2025 08:30 AM - 10:00 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 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 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 31 May
Learn about the Lichens of the Shawangunk Mountains at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 31, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join lichen photographer and Department of Environmental Conservation Steward, John Franklin, for a walk and talk on lichens, those amazing little organisms that we see growing on trees and rocks throughout the Park Preserve. We will walk up to two miles on carriage roads, stopping to discuss lichens along the way. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Please bring binoculars, a hand loupe, or a magnifying glass, if possible, to aid you in close-up observations of the lichens. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required