33 events matched your search
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Mosses, Mushrooms, and Lichen
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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Fall Foliage
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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Eyes to the Sky: Raptors and Vultures
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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: June Bloom
Thursday, June 20, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
As flowers begin blooming around Minnewaska, we will take a
meandering walk through the Lake Minnewaska area to identify different flora
and discuss biodiversity at the Park Preserve. Students will get a chance to
engage almost all of their senses as we discuss the anatomy of the flower,
their role in the ecosystem, and the importance of pollination and
preservation. A fun art activity will be offered throughout our hike to further
immerse students in this beautiful and educational experience. 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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Forest Mysteries
Thursday, May 16, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska is no stranger
to unique natural features. With its sparkling white cliffs, centuries-old,
dwarf, pitch pines and huge boulders that appear to have fallen from the sky,
you might wonder how the landscape came to be. Bring your homeschooled children
for a chance to explore these mysteries and more. Park educators will teach
concepts in the areas of geology, ecology, and natural history as we take a
hike to explore these curiosities. 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, but please note that this
program will involve 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
13th Annual I Love My Park Day at Minnewaska
Saturday, May 4, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
This event is part of more than 100 cleanup, improvement and
beautification events happening statewide. I Love My Park Day is an exciting
statewide event to improve and enhance New York's State Parks and historic
sites and bring visibility to the entire state park system and its needs.
Volunteers will clean up park lands and beaches, plant trees and gardens,
restore trails and wildlife habitat, remove invasive species and work on
various site improvement projects. Specific events will be listed shortly. Call
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752 or the Sam's Point Visitor
Center at 845-647-7989 for more information.
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
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 Preserve 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. 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.
Hike around Lake Minnewaska and along the Cliff Edge Beacon Hill Loop
Sunday, April 28, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a
three-mile hike along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, Beacon Hill Footpath,
and Beacon Hill Carriage Road. We'll walk the picturesque route around the Lake
from west to east, stopping along the way for all the scenic vistas. Then,
we'll hike the Beacon Hill Footpath, which follows along the top edge of an
east-facing escarpment and offers beautiful views of the Rondout and Wallkill
Valleys below and the Catskill Mountains to the north. The carriage roads are
relatively easy walking; however, the footpath does include some hills and
tricky footing. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Earth Day Celebration at SUNY New Paltz
Saturday, April 27, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Stop
by and visit Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member,
and Nick Martin, Park Educator, at their informational table on campus at the
Old Main Quad at SUNY New Paltz. Enjoy music, vendors and other themed
activities on campus to celebrate Earth Day.
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, April 26, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are
you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, 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. 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.
Tuesday Trek: Hike around Lake Minnewaska and along Beacon Hill Footpath
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a three-mile, loop
hike along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, Beacon Hill Footpath and Beacon
Hill Carriage Road. We'll walk the picturesque route around the Lake from west
to east, stopping for all the scenic vistas along the way. Then, we'll hike the
Beacon Hill Footpath, which follows along the top edge of an east-facing cliff
line and gets bathed in the warm, morning light. This walk will offer beautiful
views of the Rondout and Wallkill Valleys as well as the Catskill Mountains to
the north. The carriage roads are relatively easy walking; however, the
footpath does include some hills and tricky footing. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling
Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 08:00 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
Preserve 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. 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.
The Short and Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Sunday, April 21, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for an adventurous,
six-mile hike to Gertrude's Nose and back on 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 steep rock scramble, 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
Scenic Loop Hike to Rainbow Falls and Lake Awosting at Minnewaska
Saturday, April 20, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Preserve Educator, for an approximately seven-mile hike towards
Lake Awosting on a combination of carriage roads and footpaths. Starting from
the Lower Parking Area, participants will hike on Lower Awosting Carriage Road
until we reach the intersection with Rainbow Falls Footpath. From here, we'll
hike the entirety of this interesting and moderately challenging footpath, past
Rainbow Falls and to its conclusion at the intersection with Castle Point
Carriage Road. Then, we'll hike towards Castle Point, which offers spectacular
panoramic views on a clear day. From here, we'll hike the Blueberry Run
Footpath back to Lower Awosting Carriage Road, and then return back to our
starting point. The footpaths may include challenging
conditions for some, including slippery rocks and tree roots. A few sections of the
Rainbow Falls Footpath require some rock scrambling, which may be difficult for
some. Some other sections of trail may be muddy and wet. Participants are highly
encouraged to wear waterproof boots and bring plenty of 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
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, April 19, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are
you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, 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. 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.
Tuesday Trek: High Peter’s Kill and Awosting Falls Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Come explore the picturesque High Peter's Kill Footpath with Laura
Conner, 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
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 08:00 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
Preserve 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. 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.
Hike to the White Cliffs of Millbrook Mountain at Minnewaska
Sunday, April 14, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for this modestly challenging, five-mile round-trip
hike along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath and Millbrook Mountain Carriage
Road. Stunning, panoramic views of the Wallkill Valley and the Catskills are
abundant from the top of the white cliffs of Millbrook Mountain. The footpath section of
this outing traverses through forests, over a stream and exposed rock slabs,
with sustained downhill and uphill sections. Some participants may find this
uneven terrain challenging. The other half of this loop hike, which is on the
meandering Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads, is less
strenuous, offering scenic views of the steep- sided Palmaghatt Ravine below
and distant views of New Jersey. Participants should 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
Citizen Science Hike on Beacon Hill at Minnewaska
Saturday, April 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Josh Grosse, Student
Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a fun,
educational twist to your average hike. Learn about the life cycles of some of
our most notable plants and trees by investigating them for signs of new growth
as seasonal changes start to appear. The Beacon Hill Carriage Road and Footpath
is considered a "phenology trail", which provides Minnewaska with valuable
information about how climate change affects the "pheno" or "life" cycles of
the plants, year to year. Come be a part of this important work, and take a
picturesque, moderately challenging, three-mile hike while doing it. Meet at
the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, April 12, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are
you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, 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. 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.
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Frog Fun and Salamander Search
Thursday, April 11, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
After a long, cold winter slumber, the frogs and
salamanders of the Park Preserve have finally woken up! Join us to observe
these lively critters as they stretch their legs and relocate to the vernal
pools in the Peter's Kill Area. Starting with a lesson on identification and
food webs, we will become familiar with the sounds, appearances, and activities
of each amphibian, as well as the eggs they lay this time of year. Once we've
all become experts, we will go out in the field and see, hear, and search for
these creatures with a fun, hands-on approach. We will also play "Frog Metamorphosis
Tag", a game about frog life cycles. 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 Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Wawarsing Turnpike and Jenny Lane Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a spring hike on some of the lesser-travelled trails on this
approximately five-mile, loop outing. Leaving from the Lower Parking Area, we
will follow Wawarsing Turnpike, across a rocky stream and through the site of
former farms, until it intersects Jenny Lane Footpath. Crossing Rt 44/55, we'll
continue on this footpath, catching glimpses of the Skytop Tower as we climb
uphill, eventually emerging in a rock-slab forest of dwarf pitch pines. This
unique area was burned to black during the historic 2008 forest fire, and
observant hikers can still find clues to that event on the bark of remaining
trees. Next, we'll turn onto Blueberry Run Footpath, which we'll follow until
we connect with Mossy Glen Footpath. From here, the journey is quiet and easy,
following along the edges of the Peter's Kill stream until we return to our
starting point. 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
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 08:00 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 Preserve 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. 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.
Guided Walk to View the Solar Eclipse from the Cliffs above Lake Minnewaska
Monday, April 8, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for a guided walk around Lake Minnewaska to view the
solar eclipse. On this easy-walking route, we'll follow Lake Minnewaska
Carriage Road from west to east as we discuss the history of solar eclipses and
how they occur. By 3:30 p.m., we'll find ourselves at the site of the former
Cliffhouse Hotel, on top of the cliffs perched above Lake Minnewaska. At 94%
coverage, the eclipse should be very visible from here. Bring your own viewing
glasses if you have them, otherwise, the Park Preserve will have some to share.
Remember to learn more about eclipse safety for your eyes before using cameras
and binoculars too! Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.This event is at capacity and we are not taking any more registrations.
Registration: Required
The Picturesque Meadows to Kempton Ledge Hike at Minnewaska
Sunday, April 7, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for
an approximately four-mile hike along a mix of carriage roads and a footpath.
From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll make our way over to the Meadows
via two carriage roads. This area of rolling hills, site of a former orchard and
golf course, was built during the era of the Lake Minnewaska Resort and offers
outstanding views of the Catskill Mountains. Next, we'll continue along the
Castle Point Carriage Road, with its numerous scenic vistas, until we reach
Kempton Ledge. This cliffside lookout offers wide and breathtaking views of
Storm King and Breakneck Mountains in the distance. We will return directly on
Castle Point Carriage Road and around Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road 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
Sugaring Off, 18th Century Style at the Senate House State Historic Site
Saturday, April 6, 2024 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, maple crafts, meat smoking,
and hearthside cooking. 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. This is a free,
family-friendly event! 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 walk-in program; no
registration is necessary. For more information, contact the Senate House State
Historic Site directly at 845-338-2786.
Learn about the Lenape: Family Program at Minnewaska
Friday, April 5, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Josh Grosse, Student
Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a casual lesson
on the Munsee Lenape, the Indigenous group who occupied the land of our current
day Park Preserve. Learn about their culture and history, learn some Munsee
vocabulary, and play some traditional Lenape games! This program is recommended
for children between the ages of seven and twelve, but interested children of
any age who are able to participate are welcome. All children must be
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at least 18 years of age. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, April 5, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are
you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, 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. 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.
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: So, What’s a Solar Eclipse?
Thursday, April 4, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a program about the
incredible celestial occurrence we call a solar eclipse. April 8, 2024, marks
the longest solar eclipse in one hundred years. So how exactly does an eclipse
happen, and why? We will answer these questions and more as we discuss the
history and myths of eclipses and the roles of the sun and moon. We'll also
make our own special viewing boxes so you will be able to safely experience the
eclipse, later in the week. 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. This event is at capacity and we are not taking any more
registrations.
Registration: Required
Tuesday Trek: The Old Meadows to Kempton Ledge and Patterson’s Pellet at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for
an approximately five-mile hike on four 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 and continue on the Upper
Awosting Carriage Road until we intersect the Meadows Footpath. Then, we'll
continue our walk through sections of the former Lake Minnewaska Resort's
abandoned apple orchard and golf course until we intersect Castle Point
Carriage Road. We'll continue on this carriage road until we arrive at Kempton
Ledge, a scenic vista that overlooks the Palmaghatt Ravine. Next, we'll make
our way over to Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road, which we'll walk until we
reach the iconic glacial erratic named Patterson's Pellet. From here, we'll be
able to look out across the Ravine and see where we just came from. For our
return trip, we'll continue walking west to east around the Lake, stopping to
admire all the scenic views until we return to the Visitor Center. If
conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes or other
ice traction devices and to dress appropriately for the cold. Meet at the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake
Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 08:00 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 Preserve 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. 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.
Spring Wake Up Hike on Castle Point and Hamilton Point Carriage Roads
Saturday, March 30, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Come join Nick Martin,
Park Educator, to celebrate the springing of spring! Come as we 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 a few historic carriage roads 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 Hamilton Point and
Millbrook Mountain Carriage Roads. If snowy and icy conditions persist on the
carriage roads, the hike destination may change. If conditions are icy,
participants are encouraged to bring microspikes or other ice traction devices. Meet at the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the
Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Maple Sugaring for Families at Minnewaska
Friday, March 29, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Park Preserve educators and other families to
experience the magic that is maple sugaring. In our area, mid-February to
mid-March is when sap is typically collected for producing maple syrup. If the
sap is flowing on the day of the program, each child will be able to taste
maple sap. Additionally, each child will be able to taste-test maple syrup and
a type of maple candy. This program is recommended for children between the
ages of seven to ten years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the
age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings capable of participating are welcome
to join us. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by
calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required