Event Search Results
36 events matched your search
Wed
06
Nov
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
Thu
17
Oct
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
Thu
05
Sep
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
Sat
31
Aug
Saturday, August 31, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 647-4611
Join Becca Howe-Parisio,
Sam's Point Environmental Educator, for a lesson on tree identification. We
will wander around the outside of the Library to look at the trees and learn
how to identify them using a field guide. We will color tree booklets that you
can take home to identify trees in your own yard. This program is recommended
for children aged six years old and up, accompanied by a parent or guardian
over the age of 18. Meet at the Cragsmoor Free Library. Pre-registration is
required by calling April Marl, Library Program Coordinator at 845-647-4611 or by
emailing April@cragsmoorfreelibrary.info.
Registration: Required
Sat
31
Aug
Saturday, August 31, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for
an approximately six-mile hike to Lake Awosting. Starting from the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll follow Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road down to
the intersection with Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll walk until we
reach Blueberry Run Footpath. From here, we'll hike this trail until the
intersection with Lower Awosting Carriage Road, taking a stop at the Peter's
Kill stream along the way. From Lower Awosting, we'll hike out this trail until
we reach Lake Awosting. We'll rest along the lake edge, taking in the scenery
while we have our lunches. Once we are ready to resume, we'll continue on the
Lake Awosting Carriage Road to reach Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll
follow all the way back to our starting point. The footpath section of this
hike has uneven terrain that may be wet and muddy, though the carriage road
sections are relatively easy 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
Fri
30
Aug
Friday, August 30, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick
Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library. 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 and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart
device with a field guide installed. 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
Registration: Not required
Thu
29
Aug
Thursday, August 29, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Every autumn, millions of songbirds and hawks take to the skies
as they fly south to their winter habitats. Learn where and when to look for
this amazing feat of nature during a presentation by Nick Martin, Park
Educator. After this discussion, we will go for a slow-paced walk of up to two
miles on the carriage roads near Lake Minnewaska. Participants should come
well-prepared with enough food and water to sustain themselves for the outing.
Participants are also encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them. If not,
a few pairs will be available for participants to borrow.
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
28
Aug
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Snakes, birds, and bears, oh my! Join SCA/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator, Josh Grosse, and learn about the various habitats that Minnewaska
provides for these animals. This program will also include a half-mile walk to
the Beacon Hill field, where we will play a game about finding the right
resources for different animals' habitats before we return to the Nature
Center. To finish out our time together, Junior Naturalists will make their own
mini "habitat in a box" for a native animal of their choosing, using model
trees, mosses, paints, and more. 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 Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
27
Aug
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a
three-and-a-half-mile loop hike on the Mossy Glen Footpath and Lower Awosting
Carriage Road. During the summer, lush green foliage along this narrow, shady
path gives it a peaceful, tropical feeling. This trail does have exposed roots
and rock slabs that can be slippery when wet. All participants should come well
prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. Meet at the Lower Parking
Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor
Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
27
Aug
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 07:00 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 6:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be
locked at 7:00 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
Sun
25
Aug
Sunday, August 25, 2024 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Before
Minnewaska became a State Park Preserve, it was home to a luxurious resort,
complete with two hotels on scenic vistas, plenty of recreational activities,
and a chance to "renew your soul" within the world of natural beauty. Join Park
Educators as we take a deep dive into this rich history by looking at historic
photographs from the collection of the Library of Congress as well as reprinted
copies of promotional brochures from over one hundred years ago. We will then
take a hike around the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, stopping to examine
various spots where those photographs were taken and vistas that inspired the
brochure covers. Along the way, we'll also discuss ecological differences
between then and now and the positive role that the resort had in preserving
this unique place. 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
24
Aug
Saturday, August 24, 2024 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for
an approximately eight-mile hike and optional swim at Lake Awosting from the
site of the former Awosting Reserve. The woods road and footpaths in this area
of Minnewaska have continuous uphill sections and the total elevation gain is
around 1,400 feet, which may be challenging for some. The return trip to our
starting point will be all downhill. All participants should wear appropriate
footwear and bring enough food and water to sustain themselves for the duration
of the hike. This program may be cancelled if weather conditions justify a
change. Meet at the Aumick
Road Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
23
Aug
Friday, August 23, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick
Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library. 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 and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart
device with a field guide installed. 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.
Registration: Not required
Thu
22
Aug
Thursday, August 22, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Park
Educators in learning the fun art of papermaking. We will learn how paper is
made then make paper ourselves! While our paper dries, we'll take a short hike,
and if time and drying permit, we will paint our homemade creations. 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 Minnewaska Visitor Center
at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Wed
21
Aug
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an evening open discovery
hike along some of the carriage roads near Lake Minnewaska and through the old
golf course and orchard. During this approximately two-mile hike, we will focus
on awareness of the natural world – looking at and discussing what participants
are interested in looking at, such as trees, mosses, amphibians, birds, and
more. Part of this hike will take place on Lake Minnewaska and Upper Awosting
Carriage Roads, which are gently sloping, gravel trails. The other part of this
hike will take place on the grassy paths that wind through the old orchard and
golf course, which may be muddy or wet. Participants should come well-prepared
with enough food and water for the outing and are encouraged to wear sturdy and
waterproof boots. Participants may want to bring binoculars if they have them.
A few pairs will be available for participants to who would like to borrow
them. 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
21
Aug
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
For many people, nature and art go hand in hand. In this fun,
family program, we will take a look at notable artists who used beautiful
landscapes along the Shawangunk Ridge as inspiration for paintings, and other
artists who have used natural objects, like sticks and rocks, to make their own
wonderful creations. After our discussion, we will take an approximately
one-mile round trip hike on the Red Loop Footpath to reach the Peter's Kill, a
cool mountain stream that's shaded from the summer heat by a dense forest.
Here, we'll collect natural materials to make our own sculptures right along
the stream edge. Once we've shared, we'll return the natural materials to where
we found them and walk back up to where we started. 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 Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration is
required by calling the Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
20
Aug
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Come explore the High Peter's Kill Footpath with
Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, on this approximately five-mile
hike. We'll start by walking downhill on the High Peter's Kill Footpath,
which features a variety of terrain along a cliff escarpment with numerous,
scenic viewpoints. 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 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
Mon
19
Aug
Monday, August 19, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a morning stroll
and hands-on lesson about ferns. These beautiful, non-flowering plants come in
many varieties, shapes and sizes. During the program, you'll learn about the
basic characteristics of these plants and how to identify some of our more
common ferns. We'll walk up to four miles along the carriage roads in the Lake
Minnewaska area on a search for these charismatic plants, learning as we go. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
18
Aug
Sunday, August 18, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Bring along a sketchbook and any art materials you feel
comfortable carrying for a four-and-a-half mile hike along some of Minnewaska's
lesser known footpaths with Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator. Along the way, we will discuss notable artists,
photographers, and writers who have been inspired by the Shawangunk Ridge's
myriad beauties and wonders. The scenic trails we'll follow include remnants of
an abandoned highway, a babbling stream crossing, and impressive walls of
vegetation—all of which will provide plenty of imaginative inspiration. We will
talk about basic artistic concepts like composition and color theory and do a
practice exercise or two to gain hands-on experience with these principles. Art
materials including watercolors, oil pastels, and colored pencils will be
provided by Minnewaska, as well as optional prompts for writing and
illustrating. Meet at the
Lower Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Wed
14
Aug
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Throughout modern history, people have used
long-distance hiking as a form of leisure, exercise, personal fulfillment, and
even political protest. Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an all day, eight-mile hike
on a combination of gently sloping carriage roads and rugged footpaths. On this
hike, we will discuss the lives and accomplishments of a few notable
long-distance hikers, including John Burroughs, Grandma Gatewood, and Dr. John
Francis. We will begin at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center and make
our way down to the Upper Awosting Carriage Road. We will follow this until we
intercept Blueberry Run Footpath, which we will take until we reach the iconic
Castle Point. On our
return trip, we will follow Castle Point Carriage Road until we meet the
trailhead for Rainbow Falls Footpath, which will take us back to Upper Awosting
Carriage Road. This section of trail includes some moderate rock scrambling.
We will follow Upper Awosting Carriage Road back to the Visitor Center. Please
note that this hike is intended for more experienced hikers, as the footpaths
include some steep sections with tricky footing. Participants
should come prepared with appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, and plenty
of water and food to sustain themselves. 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
13
Aug
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a bike ride to the gorgeous
and remote Lake Awosting. Starting on Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll ride
to Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll follow until it ends at Lake
Awosting. From here, we'll continue along the Lake Awosting Carriage Road until
we reach the beach area, where we'll lock our bikes on a bike rack. This quiet,
rock-slab beach is surrounded by nothing but forest. Then, everyone will have
an opportunity to dip into the cool, clear lake followed by lunch at the beach.
For our return ride, we'll cruise along a short section of Castle Point
Carriage Road until we connect with Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which offers
gorgeous sweeping views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. Then, we'll ride the last
part of our journey along Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage
Roads. The total distance for the bike ride is approximately nine miles.
Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, swim gear, towels, food and
water and they should be capable of doing this ride with minimal stops. The
Lake Awosting Swim Area has a changing area and composting toilets. Only Class
1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. Meet at the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required
by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
11
Aug
Sunday, August 11, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for
an approximately four-mile walk on level-surfaced carriage roads to reach Echo
Rock. Echo Rock is a scenic vista perched on a cliff
above the Palmaghatt Ravine. On a clear day, this unique spot offers beautiful
views of the surrounding Park Preserve and the Wallkill Valley. Our trip to
Echo Rock will take participants on a few historic carriage roads, including
the Lake Minnewaska, Millbrook Mountain and Hamilton Point Carriage Roads. Our
return trip will be slightly different, as we will take Hamilton Point, Castle
Point and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads to return to our starting point.
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 the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat
10
Aug
Saturday, August 10, 2024 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Stop by to see the Sam's Point Educators at the 35th
Annual Blueberry Festival hosted by the Ellenville Wawarsing Chamber of
Commerce. The Sam's Point Educators have a booth dedicated to the history of
the Berry Pickers of Sam's Point. This will include artifacts and other
interpretive materials that explain who the Berry Pickers were, and how they
lived on the mountain. Please visit https://www.ewcoc.com/blueberry-festival for more information! Pre-registration for this program is not required, it is a public festival
with free parking.
Registration: Not required
Fri
09
Aug
Friday, August 9, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick
Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library. 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 and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart
device with a field guide installed. 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
Registration: Not required
Tue
06
Aug
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a
quiet hike along the Bullwheel, High Peter's Kill, Yellow Loop, and Red Loop
Footpaths to two scenic overlooks in the Peter's Kill Area. One view offers a
leafy panorama of the Rondout Valley, with a backdrop of the Catskill
Mountains, and the second view spotlights the iconic Sky Top Tower. This stone
tower stands out like a landlocked lighthouse guiding visitors to the
Shawangunk Mountains. The round-trip distance for this outing is about two
miles and there are a few moderate hills. Children must be accompanied by a
parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Peter's Kill Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
06
Aug
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 07:00 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 6:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be
locked at 7:00 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
Mon
05
Aug
Monday, August 5, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
They say one person's trash is another person's treasure, but what
about turning your own trash into your own treasure? Bring your family to
Minnewaska to learn about how to turn a t-shirt into a tote bag. We'll take a
casual, one-mile hike after our craft session, collecting trash we find along
the trail, and learning about the importance of keeping our world clean and
safe, all while exploring the natural curiosities around us. If time allows, we
will play a game about the significance of recycling and composting. Please
bring your own t-shirt, and we will supply the rest! This program is
recommended for children between the ages of six 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 Minnewaska Visitor Center at
845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
04
Aug
Sunday, August 4, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Park Educators in learning the fun art of papermaking. Using
simple tools, we'll create our own paper from old, office paper. This
reinvention can produce lovely new results that we'll decorate using paints,
pastels, sun prints and other materials. This program is recommended for
anyone over the age of seven, but children must be 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
03
Aug
Saturday, August 3, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for
this approximately three-mile loop hike. After a brief walk on Lower Awosting
Carriage Road, we'll pick up Mossy Glen Footpath and hike this trail until it
ends. While this hike does not offer any broad scenic vistas, like the higher
elevations of the Park Preserve, this is a lovely trail in all seasons. It
meanders in and out of shady, hemlock-dominated woods, through stands of
rhododendrons, across bare rock slabs, and along the edge of the Peter's Kill
stream. At the conclusion of this trail, we will take Blueberry Run Footpath
until it intersects with Lower Awosting Carriage Road. We'll continue our walk
on this easy-going carriage road until we arrive back at the parking lot. The
footpath sections of this hike include uneven and rocky footing and some
potentially slippery rocks and mud, which may be difficult for some. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri
02
Aug
Friday, August 2, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick
Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library. 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 and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device
with a field guide installed. 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
Registration: Not required
Wed
31
Jul
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
If your child is interested in learning about how to properly
prepare for and carry out a hike, come along with SCA/AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator, Josh Grosse, for this exciting program. Our day will begin with a
fun, interactive game that teaches participants how to properly pack for a safe
day on the trail. Afterward, we'll take a five-mile hike to Millbrook Mountain
and back, taking two carriage roads and one moderately challenging footpath.
Along the way, we will practice using orienteering tools, like maps and
compasses, with another interactive activity on the trail. Once we reach
Millbrook Mountain, we will soak in the expansive view— where vultures can
often be seen flying below— and eat our lunches together. From here, we'll head
back to the Visitor Center to conclude our day.
All participants should come properly prepared with lunch, snacks, plenty of
water, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Please note, the footpath portion
of this hike does include some steep and potentially slippery sections that
some may find challenging. This program is recommended for children between
the ages of nine to thirteen years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian
over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome, so long
as they can hike the full distance. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor
Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Minnewaska Visitor
Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue
30
Jul
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 07:00 AM - 09:00 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, 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 6:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be
locked at 7:00 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
Mon
29
Jul
Monday, July 29, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Field guides are excellent tools that blend the areas of art and science to create a deeper understanding of the world around you. On this three-mile outing, we will be focusing on how to create entries in a field guide, which can be used to help identify plants and animals at Minnewaska. Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, will help walk you through the steps of making entries in your own field guide, from taking measurements of the subject to making a drawing. Blank guides, measurement tools, and drawing materials will be provided by Minnewaska before we embark on the hike. Starting from the Lower Parking Lot, we will follow the entire length of the Mossy Glen Footpath, which is lined with abundant mountain laurel and follows the edges of the babbling Peter's Kill stream. Along the way, we will make a few stops to create entries in our guides. Please note that the footpath includes some tricky footing and may be slippery in some places. Participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and food to sustain themselves. Participants are also encouraged (but not required) to download the "Seek" iNaturalist app – a helpful digital tool for identifying plant and animal species using your phone's camera– before coming to this program. Meet at the Lower Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun
28
Jul
Sunday, July 28, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Bring your children to the Minnewaska Nature Center to make their
own plaster animal track and nature themed sun prints to bring home. While the
plaster hardens and the sun print dries, participants can explore the nearby
trails. This activity is recommended for children over the age of six years
old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Siblings of any
age are welcome; however, younger siblings may need parental assistance. Pre-Registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Sat
27
Jul
Saturday, July 27, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately four-mile hike to
Echo Rock. Echo Rock is perched on a cliff edge above the Palmaghatt
Ravine, where beautiful views of the surrounding Park Preserve and Wallkill
Valley can be seen. Our trip will take participants on a few historic carriage
roads and one footpath, including Lake Minnewaska, Millbrook Mountain, and
Hamilton Point Carriage Roads. This section of Hamilton Point Carriage Road is
lovely, with exposed rock formations, scattered boulders, and lush ferns. Our
return trip will be slightly different, as we will follow Hamilton Point and
Castle Point Carriage Roads, the Meadows trails, and Lake Minnewaska Carriage
Road 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
Sat
27
Jul
Saturday, July 27, 2024 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Explore Shingle Gully, where ice persists into
summer in deep, crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in
Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible
only on guided tours led by Park Preserve staff and volunteer docents. This
all-day, strenuous, approximately six-mile adventure ascends and descends 1,500
feet. It includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles and is only
appropriate for experienced hikers. To register, please visit http://samspoint.eventbrite.com.
Pre-registration deadline: July 19.
Registration: Required