Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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20 events matched your search
Tue 08 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 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, 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 08 Oct
Tuesday Trek: Fall Foliage Bike to Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner and Josh Grosse  for a bike ride to Lake Awosting and a loop hike in the Minnewaska backcountry. 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 and leave our bikes on a bike rack. Next, we'll grab our backpacks and hike a scenic loop along Spruce Glen and Scenic Trail Footpaths, stopping at Murray Hill for the stunning views of fall foliage, before walking back to the beach along the edge of Lake Awosting. 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 and the hike distance is approximately one and a half miles. This outing is therefore recommended for individuals who feel confident about riding this terrain. Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, food and water. 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 Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Fri 11 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 11, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. 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 15 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 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, 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
Thu 17 Oct
Homeschoolers: Fall Foliage Walk and Tree Identification at Minnewaska
Thursday, October 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

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 Nature Center, where each student will use a leaf press booklet to create their own identification guide. This tool will be used as we embark on 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 tree, 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 homeschooled children aged 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 Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Thu 17 Oct
Homeschoolers: Fall Foliage Walk and Tree Identification at Minnewaska
Thursday, October 17, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

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 Nature Center, where each student will use a leaf press booklet to create their own identification guide. This tool will be used as we embark on 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 tree, 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 homeschooled children aged 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 Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Thu 17 Oct
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Fall Foliage
Thursday, October 17, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

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
Fri 18 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 18, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. 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
Fri 18 Oct
Tree Identification Walk at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 18, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for tree identification walks during October. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and we may also visit Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a recent rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes. Participants may want to bring binoculars, a tree identification guide, or a small notebook and pencil. This program will be cancelled in the event of rain. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library lower parking area. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
Millbrook Mountain Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, October 19, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, Josh Grosse, for an approximately five-mile, roundtrip, loop hike to Millbrook Mountain. Starting from the Visitor Center, we'll hike along the east side of Lake Minnewaska, taking in all the scenic views, until we reach the south end of the Lake. From here, we'll pick up the Millbrook Mountain Footpath, a rocky trail that ascends and descends about 300 feet to reach the summit of Millbrook Mountain. Millbrook Mountain has one of the most expansive views in Minnewaska, making it an excellent place to admire the changing fall foliage. Next, we'll take the meandering Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road back towards Lake Minnewaska, where we'll continue around the west side of the Lake back to the Visitor Center. The footpath section of this hike includes open rock slabs, uneven footing, and one stream crossing. Participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear and enough food and water for the duration of the hike. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Sun 20 Oct
The Picturesque Meadows to Kempton Ledge Hike at Minnewaska
Sunday, October 20, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

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. The abundance of blueberry bushes in this area creates a gorgeous show of velvety red, fall color. 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. Continuing back on Castle Point Carriage Road, we'll connect with the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, which we'll follow back to our starting point. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Tue 22 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 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, 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 22 Oct
Tuesday Trek: Fall Breezes on top of Millbrook Mountain at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for this modestly challenging, five-mile roundtrip hike along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road. Panoramic views of the Wallkill Valley in its finest autumnal colors are abundant from the top of Millbrook Mountain. To reach this scenic, cliff-edge destination, we'll stroll the meandering Millbrook Mountain and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Roads, which offer scenic views of the Palmaghatt Ravine. The footpath section of this outing traverses through forests, over a stream and over rock slabs, with sustained downhill and uphill sections. Some participants may find this uneven terrain challenging. 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 Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Fri 25 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 25, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. 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
Fri 25 Oct
Tree Identification Walk at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 25, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for tree identification walks during October. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and we may also visit Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a recent rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes. Participants may want to bring binoculars, a tree identification guide, or a small notebook and pencil. This program will be cancelled in the event of rain. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library lower parking area. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Sat 26 Oct
Castle Point and Beyond: Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, October 26, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Park Educator, Nick Martin, for an approximately seven-and-a-half-mile hike to Castle Point and beyond. Starting from the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll hike around the west side of Lake Minnewaska until the intersection with Castle Point Carriage Road. From here, we'll continue along this scenic carriage road, which features numerous panoramic views of the surrounding Park Preserve and the Wallkill Valley, until we reach the intersection with Rainbow Falls Footpath. We'll follow this interesting footpath to the intersection with Upper Awosting Carriage Road. From here, we'll follow this easy-going carriage road back to Lake Minnewaska. While the footpath section of this hike is under two miles, it contains conditions that some might find challenging, such as rocky, uneven footing and rock scrambles. All participants should come prepared with sturdy footwear, and enough food and water for the duration of the outing. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Sun 27 Oct
Scenic, Autumn Hike in the Backcountry at Minnewaska
Sunday, October 27, 2024 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
(845) 255-0752

Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, and Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an all-day-long, eight-mile hike on a combination of gently sloping carriage roads and rugged footpaths. We will begin at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center and make our way down to the Upper Awosting Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we intercept Blueberry Run Footpath. We'll hike on this trail until we reach the iconic Castle Point— an escarpment featuring impressive south-facing views of Sam's Point, The Rondout Reservoir and Lake Awosting. On our return trip, we will follow Castle Point Carriage Road until we meet the trailhead for Rainbow Falls Footpath, which we'll hike 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 x0.
Registration: Required
Tue 29 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 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, 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 29 Oct
Brilliant Fall Leaves on Mossy Glen Footpath at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 09:30 AM - 01:00 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. This scenic, flat footpath follows the edge of the Peter's Kill stream, whose crystalline waters slice through the brilliant, white rocks found here. This lush route offers plenty of opportunity to observe the fall foliage in all its glory. 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 Minnewaska at 845-255-0752 x0.
Registration: Required
Wed 06 Nov
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