23 events matched your search
School Break Family Program: Learn How the Mountains were made at Minnewaska
Monday, April 3, 2023 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Minnewaska's education staff to learn
how powerful forces of nature shaped the landscape of the Shawanagunk Ridge.
We'll begin with a discussion about the geological periods that created our
common rocks, including shale, limestone, and the iconic Shawangunk quartz
conglomerate. We'll learn how to identify clues left over from the glaciers that
shaped this landscape, creating the dramatic white cliffs and sky lakes found
here. We will then go for a hike around Lake Minnewaska, investigating the rock
faces for glacial evidence, and take a walk out to Patterson's Pellet, a huge
boulder that the glacier placed right on the cliff's edge! Complete with a
scavenger hunt, you won't want to miss this fun, educational experience. The
approximate total distance for this walk is four miles. This program is
recommended for families with children between the ages of seven to twelve
years old, 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
School Break Family Hike: High Peter’s Kill to Awosting Falls Loop at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Come explore the High Peter's Kill Footpath with Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, on this approximately five-mile hike. We'll start by walking 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 65 foot tall 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
School Break Family Program: Micro-forest Madness at Minnewaska
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Let's show some love to our fungi friends by
unearthing the mysterious and incredible truth about their role in the
ecosystem. Did you know that fungi help trees talk to each other? Or that a
species of fungus inside our Park Preserve could help fight against cancer?
Both of these things can be attributed to the mini but mighty members of our
forests: mushrooms! We'll learn about the difference between a producer, a
consumer, and a decomposer, and how food webs are established and maintained.
We'll take a hike into the woods to check out mushroom habitats, play a game of
nutrient tag, and more. This program is recommended for families with children
between the ages of six and twelve years old, 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
School Break Family Program: Invasive Species Education at Minnewaska
Thursday, April 6, 2023 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Come join Park Educators to learn what
invasive species are and why they are of such concern to us. You'll learn how
to identify invasive species of plants and insects, find out where they've come
from, and see how different native species are being affected. In particular,
we'll discuss the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect which has had a
big effect on the towering hemlock trees in the Park Preserve. Other species we'll
learn about include wineberry, emerald ash borer, colt's foot, Japanese
barberry and others. Unfortunately, our wonderful forests are under attack,
with many native species being threatened by unwelcome invaders. The
elimination of one species puts the entire ecosystem of Minnewaska at risk.
However, all hope is not lost! Join this program to become a "Hemlock Hero" and
help "stop the spread" of invasive species. 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 7, 2023 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 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.
School Break Family Program: Wildlife Mythbusters at Minnewaska
Saturday, April 8, 2023 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
In this program, we will talk about how important it is to not judge a
book by its cover, even when it comes to plants and animals. Snakes, coyotes,
and spiders are just a few examples of animals that many people see as bad,
scary, or evil. On the other hand, deer, birds, and bamboo are noted for their
beauty and grace. Are either of these assumptions true? Our day will begin in
the Nature Center, where we'll talk about some common misconceptions, match the
species with its characteristics, and discuss the positive impacts that even
the scariest animals can bring to the natural world. Later, we will take a hike
up the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road to the old Cliff House location, where we
will play interactive games to change the way we think about these animals and
plants. Meet
at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by
calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Hike around Lake Minnewaska and along the Cliff Edge Beacon Hill Loop
Sunday, April 9, 2023 10:00 AM - 01:00 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
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 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, 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. This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, April 14, 2023 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 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.
Lower Awosting, Rainbow Falls, and Blueberry Run Footpath Loop Hike
Saturday, April 15, 2023 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
Hike to the White Cliffs of Millbrook Mountain at Minnewaska
Sunday, April 16, 2023 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
Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 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, 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 Main 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.
Tuesday Trek: Millbrook Mountain Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student
Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for this five-mile hike along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, Millbrook
Mountain Carriage Road and Millbrook Mountain Footpath. The gorgeous views from
the cliff on top of Millbrook Mountain include the Sky Top stone observation
tower and the early spring leaves of the Wallkill Valley below. Raptors are
often seen soaring beneath the cliff. The footpath does feature a steep hill up
and down, as well as a stream crossing and some potentially tricky footing.
Participants should pack water and food and wear appropriate 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
Homeschoolers at Minnewaska: Frog Fun and Salamander Search
Thursday, April 20, 2023 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 noises, 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 seven to twelve years old, accompanied by a parent or
guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome. Pre-registration
is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, April 21, 2023 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 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.
Earth Day Volunteer Litter Pick Up and Invasive Plant Pull
Saturday, April 22, 2023 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps members Josh
Grosse and Sophia Atkinson, for a chance to make a positive impact at
Minnewaska State Park Preserve this Earth Day. On Earth Day, we take time to
appreciate the wonderful natural world we live in and do whatever we can to
protect it. This year, we'll be doing litter pick up all around the Park
Preserve, and an invasive species pull near the Lake Minnewaska beach. Bring
yourself and your passion for conservation, and we'll provide you with the
necessary materials for each project. Those who feel more comfortable bringing
their own gardening gloves for the pull are more than welcome to do so. There
will be a good deal of bending and leaning over for the invasive species pull,
so those looking to participate should keep this in mind. There is no
commitment to a particular amount of time doing either activity, but those who
complete a certain amount will be given a fun sticker. This program is good for
people of all ages! Come to Minnewaska to make a difference, give back to our
beautiful planet, and have a good time doing it. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center. Pre-registration is not required.
Wawarsing Turnpike and Mossy Glen Footpath Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Sunday, April 23, 2023 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Explore some of the less travelled footpaths in Minnewaska on this
approximately five-mile hike with Laura Conner, Environmental Educator. Leaving
from the Lower Parking Area, we'll begin our hike on the Wawarsing Turnpike
Footpath, a remnant of the former toll road that predates the current US Route
44 and New York State Route 55. Upon reaching the intersection with Jenny Lane,
we will take this footpath across one stream and then uphill through forests
and across rock slabs until the intersection with Blueberry Run Footpath. From
here, we will take this footpath for a short distance, crossing the Peter's
Kill stream on a rustic footbridge, to reach the Mossy Glen Footpath. This
beautiful trail runs along the Peter's Kill stream and through different forest
types. This outing will include two stream crossings and some potentially
tricky footing that some may find challenging. Please bring plenty of water and
food and wear hiking shoes. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration
is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 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, 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.
Tuesday Trek: The Shorter and More Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation
Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an adventurous, six-mile round-trip hike
to Gertrude's Nose and back along the same route. This footpath, which
traverses an escarpment edge, offers one of the most expansive views in
Minnewaska. From our start at Lake Minnewaska, this route will follow Millbrook
Mountain Carriage Road to Gertrude's Nose Footpath, which offers cliff-edge
views of the Wallkill Valley, Taconic Mountains and beyond. This modestly
challenging hike includes a steep rock staircase, a few hills, and some tricky
footing. Participants must bring water, snacks and lunch and wear appropriate
hiking shoes. Please note, if the trail is still closed for safety reasons,
this hike route will be changed. 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 28, 2023 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 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.
Bird Outing and Hike in the Former Awosting Reserve at Minnewaska
Saturday, April 29, 2023 08:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Park Preserve Educator, Nick Martin, for
an approximately three-mile-long birding hike on the Awosting Reserve Access
Road, a woods road in the southern part of Minnewaska. During this outing, we
will be looking and listening for early spring arrival birds as we walk – the distance
and pace of the hike will depend on the presence of birds. Distractions by
other natural curiosities, such as plants, are welcomed and encouraged. This
route has continuous uphill sections, which some may find challenging, but the
return trip will be all downhill. All
participants should wear appropriate footwear and bring sufficient food and
water to sustain themselves for the duration of the hike. Participants are also
encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them. Meet at the Aumick Road parking area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska
Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
The Shorter and More Scenic Route to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska
Sunday, April 30, 2023 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner,
Environmental Educator, for an adventurous, six-mile round-trip hike to Gertrude's Nose and back
along the same route. This footpath, which traverses an escarpment edge, offers
one of the most expansive views in Minnewaska. From our start at Lake
Minnewaska, this route will follow Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road to
Gertrude's Nose Footpath, which offers cliff-edge views of the Wallkill Valley,
Taconic Mountains and beyond. This modestly challenging hike includes a steep
rock staircase, a few hills, and some tricky footing. Participants must bring
water, snacks and lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Please note, if the
trail is still closed for safety reasons, this hike route will be changed. Meet
at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
12th Annual I Love My Park Day at Minnewaska and Sam’s Point
Saturday, May 6, 2023 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.