11 events matched your search
Backyard Birding
Saturday, March 30, 2024 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Do you love to birdwatch? Have you ever heard a bird singing and
wondered what species it is? If so, join us to practice your birdwatching and
IDing skills! Come learn about using the Merlin app and how to participate in
the "I Bird NY" program. Binoculars and field guides will be provided while we
practice IDing from the birdfeeders at the Welcome Center. Afterwards, we'll go
on a short hike and practice using the Merlin app to identify birds by sound. This
program is for adults, but children who have the patience and passion for
birdwatching are also welcome. Free, Registration Required, Ages 12+. Pre-registration is required for all programs and events, unless
otherwise specified. Call (518) 279-1155 for more information and to register.
Registration: Required
Meet the Welcome Center Animals
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
The Grafton Lakes State Park Welcome Center is home to
some very special animals. Join us on Tuesday, April 2nd to make their
acquaintance! Our education team will teach about the animals and provide the
opportunity for attendees to directly interact with some of them. This is a
free program open to ages 4+. Please call 518-279-1155 to register.
Registration: Required
Beaver: Exploring Animal Engineers
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of
beaver engineering! Discover the secrets of these master builders as we explore
their intricate lodges and learn about their fascinating habitats. Get hands-on
as we gather sticks and materials to construct our very own beaver lodge, just
like the ones we've seen in the wild. This immersive experience will ignite
curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the incredible work of
nature's architects. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn and
create with us in the great outdoors! Best for ages 5+. Please call
518-279-1155 to register.
Registration: Required
Family Crepuscular Walk
Friday, April 5, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
What does the word crepuscular mean? It is a special
time of day/night, when the sun is below the horizon but it is still light out.
Commonly known as "dusk", the crepuscular period is a very busy time
for animals. Some, who like to be out and about during the day, are getting
ready to go to sleep. Other animals, who are active at night, are just waking
up. As day turns to night, take a walk with one of our Environmental Educators
and learn how these animals use their senses to navigate, find food, and avoid predators,
both during the daytime and at night. This is a free program open to ages
5+. Please call 518-279-1155 to register.
Solar Eclipse Celebration
Saturday, April 6, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
On Monday April 8th, 2024, there will be a solar eclipse
visible from upstate New York. To prepare for this event, come join us to learn
about eclipses and make crafts related to this celestial event! This free
program is recommended for ages 5+. Please call 518-279-1155 to register.
Registration: Required
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, April 11, 2024 11:00 AM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one
of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within
Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided
hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks
planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy
footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather, and ice traction devices (ex. Microspikes
or Yaktrax). There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration
is required. This program is for adults only. Please call 518-279-1155 to
register or for further information.
Registration: Required
Lost? Not Anymore! Map and Compass skills for Beginner Explorers
Sunday, April 14, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
The Map & Compass Fundamentals course is a great
refresher course or the perfect place to learn the basics of field navigation.
This course will be held indoors in a classroom setting, with a couple of brief
outdoor activities. Participants should come dressed comfortably for an indoor
setting, but be prepared for brief outdoor activities. The class will run until
approximately 1:00pm. We'll discuss map interpretation, compass use,
declination, triangulation, backcountry travel, and how to follow bearings to
confidently traverse a landscape. This program will be led by Andy Bonelli,
Grafton Lakes State Park Environmental Educator and New York State Licensed
Outdoor Guide. This program is recommended for ages 13 to adult. Please call
518-279-1155 to register or for further information. Maps, Compasses, and other
materials will be provided. No previous map and compass experience is required.
Registration: Required
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, April 18, 2024 11:00 AM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one
of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within
Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided
hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks
planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy
footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather, and ice traction devices (ex. Microspikes
or Yaktrax). There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration
is required. This program is for adults only. Please call 518-279-1155 to
register or for further information.
Registration: Required
Adventure Starter Kit: Gear Galore for First-Time Hikers
Sunday, April 21, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Do you ever wonder how much water to bring with you on a hike? What type of clothing is best suited for the weather? How to properly attach snowshoes to your boots? Should I be using trekking poles? What exactly are gaiters, anyway? This course will focus on the gear, clothing, and essential items that hikers should bring with them whenever they step onto the trail. We will also be covering some helpful tips and tricks for the trail so you can spend more time hiking and less time stopping to re-adjust your gear. This course will be held indoors in a classroom setting, and is appropriate for ages 13 to adult. Participants should come dressed comfortably for an indoor setting. This program will be led by Andy Bonelli, Grafton Lakes State Park Environmental Educator and New York State Licensed Outdoor Guide. This program is recommended for ages 13 to adult and will provide useful information for those who are brand new to hiking as well as experienced outdoors enthusiasts who are looking to gain knowledge and make their next adventure as safe and enjoyable as possible. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information. Participants do not need to bring any equipment to the course. However, if you are feeling up to it, feel free to bring along any items that you would pack for a typical day hike. No two people pack their bags the same way, and it can be a fun way to learn from each other while seeing what unique items we each carry with us out on the trail.
Registration: Required
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, April 25, 2024 11:00 AM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one
of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within
Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided
hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks
planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy
footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather, and ice traction devices (ex. Microspikes
or Yaktrax). There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration
is required. This program is for adults only. Please call 518-279-1155 to
register or for further information.
Registration: Required
Amphibian Fun
Saturday, April 27, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Join us for an introduction to the amphibians of
Grafton Lakes State Park, followed by a short guided hike to look for some of
them! This event will have an outdoor portion, so please be sure to bring
appropriate clothes/footwear for potentially muddy trails. This free program is
recommended for kids 5+. Please call to register at 518-279-1155.
Registration: Required