Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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Fri 02 Jun
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 2, 2023 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during June. 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.
Fri 02 Jun
Monthly Volunteer Event at Minnewaska: Working in the Native Plant Garden
Friday, June 2, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, in giving a little love back to Minnewaska at this recurring volunteer program, offered on the first Friday of every month. This month, volunteer efforts will be focused on maintaining the native plant gardens around the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Tasks may include weeding, pruning, planting seedlings, and other tasks. Gardening experience is helpful, but not necessary. It is recommended that volunteers bring work gloves, a sun hat, and clothes they don't mind getting dirty. The daily parking fee will be waived for volunteers who pre-register. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by emailing Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov or by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat 03 Jun
Bird Outing and Hike in the Former Awosting Reserve at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 3, 2023 08:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Park Educator, Nick Martin, for an approximately three-mile birding outing 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 birds as we hike. Distractions by other natural curiosities, such as trees and flowers, are welcomed and encouraged. This woods road has continuous uphill sections, 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 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
Sun 04 Jun
Learn about the Lichens of the Shawangunk Mountains at Minnewaska
Sunday, June 4, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join lichen photographer and Department of Environmental Conservation Steward, John Franklin, for a walk and talk on lichens, those amazing little organisms that we see growing on trees and rocks throughout the Park Preserve. We will walk up to two miles on carriage roads, stopping to discuss lichens along the way. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Please bring binoculars, a hand loupe, or a magnifying glass, if possible, to aid you in close-up observations of the lichens. 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 06 Jun
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 07:00 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.
Fri 09 Jun
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 9, 2023 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during June. 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.
Sat 10 Jun
Changing Perspectives: A Meditative Hike Above the Palmaghatt Ravine at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 10, 2023 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a calming, four-mile hike along gently sloping carriage roads. On our walk through the pristine woodland, we will conduct meditative exercises, where we engage our senses and extend new perspectives to the world around us. From the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, we'll start by heading around the west side of Lake Minnewaska to reach an intersection with the old golf course. We'll wander up through this area until we intersect Castle Point Carriage Road. Then, we'll continue on this route until we come to Kempton Ledge, a scenic overlook along a rocky, cliff line. Next, we'll retrace our steps until we intersect with Hamilton Point Carriage Road, which we'll follow until we reach Echo Rock, another cliff-side, scenic vista. At both stops, we will get a chance to journal, sketch, or mentally reflect on anything that we wish, using the beautiful scenery and nature-themed, meditation prompts as inspiration. From here, we'll head back towards Lake Minnewaska and walk around the east side of the Lake until we arrive back at our starting point. Bring a writing utensil, journal, and an open mind. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun 11 Jun
Mountain Laurel Flowers Hike on Mossy Glen Footpath at Minnewaska
Sunday, June 11, 2023 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a four-mile round trip hike along the quietly babbling Peter's Kill stream and through the cool hemlock forests and tropical-feeling rhododendron stands of the Mossy Glen Footpath. This is the time of year when the gorgeous pink and white blossoms of the mountain laurel bushes typically bloom, and this route showcases many of these showy shrubs. This trail does include some tricky footing, but the first part of the trip, along the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, is an easy stroll. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Tue 13 Jun
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 07:00 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.
Tue 13 Jun
Tuesday Trek: Beautiful Blooms on Millbrook Mountain Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for an approximately five-mile loop hike to Millbrook Mountain along the Lake Minnewaska and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Roads, returning along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath. Millbrook Mountain features cliff-edge, panoramic views of the Wallkill Valley and beyond. This route features countless blooming mountain laurel shrubs, whose showy, white and pink flowers brighten the surrounding forest. The footpath section of this route includes steep, rocky terrain and areas that are often wet, muddy and slippery, which may be challenging for some. Participants should come prepared with sturdy footwear with good traction and bring enough food and water for the hike. 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 15 Jun
Guest Educator Program: Explore the Ecology of Mushrooms on Mossy Glen Footpath at Minnewaska
Thursday, June 15, 2023 04:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
This special program is being led by Luke Sarrantonio, a native of Rosendale and a graduate of SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry. Luke spent much of his childhood exploring our local landscape, where he developed a passion for the natural world. After graduating college in 2011, Luke was discouraged by the lack of learning resources around fungi and ecology and has been developing programming, mushroom farming, consulting, and making medicinal products ever since. Landscape microclimates can be infinitely unique, especially in this part of the northeast. Join Luke for a walk through the forest and learn about the interwoven lives of organisms that make up the diverse ecology of our region. "Everything is connected", and in many cases this connection is facilitated by a group of organisms that are largely unseen. Let's pull back the curtain to take a closer look at fungi, and all the organisms and interactions that form the intricate, beautiful ecosystems we live in. Since foraging is not allowed on state park land, we will be observing, identifying, and documenting in the field. Learn the basics of mushroom identification and how you can play your part in fungi conservation efforts. Meet at the Lower Parking Aera. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri 16 Jun
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 16, 2023 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during June. 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.
Sat 17 Jun
Mossy Glen, Jenny Lane, and Lower Awosting Loop Hike at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 17, 2023 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately four-and-a-half-mile-long hike along three footpaths and one carriage road. We'll begin our journey along the Mossy Glen, Blueberry Run, and Jenny Lane footpaths and return on Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which is an easy meander. Along the way we'll look for blooming, mountain laurel flowers. The footpaths may be wet or muddy and there are also sections that are rocky and uphill, which some people may find challenging. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy, waterproof boots. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sat 17 Jun
Lake Awosting Beach Opens for the Weekend
Saturday, June 17, 2023 11:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The swimming beach at Lake Awosting will open today, for this weekend only. The swimming beach will be open seven days per week through Labor Day starting the following Saturday, June 24, staff and weather permitting. This beach, which is located approximately four miles, by foot or bike, from the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, features a smooth rock slab beach on the remote and beautiful Lake Awosting.
Sat 17 Jun
Lake Minnewaska Beach Opens for the Season
Saturday, June 17, 2023 11:15 AM - 06:45 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
The beach at Lake Minnewaska will open today for the swimming season. The small beach, which is located along the northwestern shore of Lake Minnewaska, will be open seven days per week until Labor Day, staff and weather permitting.
Sun 18 Jun
Beautiful Blossoms on Beacon Hill Hike at Minnewaska
Sunday, June 18, 2023 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a morning hike to see the gorgeous, pink and white blooms of the mountain laurel bushes. Our route will follow along the cliff-edge of the Beacon Hill Footpath and through the cool woods along the Beacon Hill Carriage Road before continuing along the scenic Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road. This moderate, three-mile-long hike does include some cliffs and hills. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Mon 19 Jun
Long Way to the Waterfall at Minnewaska
Monday, June 19, 2023 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a five-mile loop hike on the High Peter's Kill Footpath and the Awosting Falls Carriage Road. Highlights of this outing include the bright, white and pink flowers of blooming mountain laurel bushes, a breathtaking view of the Catskills from a cliffside perch, close-up views of the fast-flowing Peter's Kill stream, and the iconic 65-foot tall Awosting Falls. The footpath section of this hike features sections of trail with steep, rocky, and narrow footing, which some may find challenging. 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.
Registration: Required
Tue 20 Jun
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 07:00 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.
Tue 20 Jun
Tuesday Trek: Mountain Laurel Flowers Hike on Mossy Glen Footpath at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a four-mile round trip hike along the quietly babbling Peter's Kill stream and through the cool, hemlock forests and tropical-feeling rhododendron stands of the Mossy Glen Footpath. This is the time of year when the gorgeous pink and white blossoms of the mountain laurel bushes typically bloom, and this route showcases many of these showy shrubs. This trail does include some tricky footing, but the return trip along the Lower Awosting Carriage Road is an easy stroll. Meet at the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 22 Jun
Homeschoolers: June Bloom Hike
Thursday, June 22, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
As flowers begin blooming around Minnewaska, we will take a walk on the Beacon Hill Footpath 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 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. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 22 Jun
Homeschoolers: June Bloom Hike
Thursday, June 22, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
As flowers begin blooming around Minnewaska, we will take a walk on the Beacon Hill Footpath 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 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. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Fri 23 Jun
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 23, 2023 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during June. 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.
Sat 24 Jun
Mountain Laurel Hike on Hamilton Point Carriage Road and Rainbow Falls Footpath at Minnewaska
Saturday, June 24, 2023 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately eight-mile-long outing to Hamilton Point and beyond, traveling on a combination of picturesque carriage roads and footpaths. This hike will take participants on the Lake Minnewaska, Hamilton Point, Upper Awosting and Castle Point Carriage Roads and Rainbow Falls Footpath. Highlights of the hike include numerous panoramic views of the Wallkill Valley, interesting rock formations, and mountain laurel flowers in bloom. The footpath has some steep and rocky sections with narrow footing as well as two, short rock scrambles, which some may find challenging. All participants should wear appropriate footwear and bring sufficient food and water to sustain themselves for the duration of the hike. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Sun 25 Jun
Explore the Footpaths of Minnewaska: Jenny, Blueberry, and Mossy Glen
Sunday, June 25, 2023 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, for a gorgeous hike along several wooded footpaths. We will start in the Lower Awosting lot, crossing the highway to get to Wawarsing Turnpike. After a short walk on this path, we will turn onto Jenny Lane Footpath. We will follow this trail over a tranquil stream, through bountiful mountain laurel, and across rocky crags until we hit Blueberry Run Footpath. After a brief downhill trek, we will get to Mossy Glen Footpath, a lush and shady trail that runs parallel to the steady, cool-watered Peter's Kill. This footpath will bring us back to the Lower Parking Area. Please note that there are some steep, rocky sections and several short stream crossings that some may find challenging. With magnificent views, rushing water, and various terrain types, you won't want to miss this hike! 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 Jun
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 07:00 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.
Fri 30 Jun
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, June 30, 2023 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birdwatching? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during June. 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.
Sun 02 Jul
Creativity Walk along Beacon Hill
Sunday, July 2, 2023 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, Josh Grosse, to engage your inner artist, writer, and naturalist in this program. Even before the former, historic hotels were established here, the dazzling mountains in the Shawangunk Ridge had been a haven for artists of all disciplines. We will begin by looking at some examples of these artistic adventurers and the work they created after spending time here. After that, we will take an approximately four-mile hike on Beacon Hill Carriage Road and Beacon Hill Footpath, then loop around Lake Minnewaska. Along the way, we will scope out scenic vistas and other impressive elements of the natural world, both big and small. These elements will serve as inspiration for sketches, journaling, poetry, photography, and anything else you wish to express. No formal training is necessary-- basic techniques for drawing and prompts for writing will be available from the instructor. Come out, have fun, and get creative! 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 07 Sep
Homeschoolers: Wildfires: Friend or Foe?
Thursday, September 7, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Many people associate wildfire with tragedy. However, many species at Minnewaska need fire in order to survive and thrive. In this lesson, we will touch on several hot topics, including fire ecology, the fire triangle, the differences between a wildfire and a prescribed fire, and the most significant forest fires in our Park Preserve's history. We will spark up a conversation about fire safety in Minnewaska, and the risks and factors that must be considered when conducting a controlled fire or attempting to put out a wildfire. This will be followed by a hike, where we will keep our eyes peeled for pitch pines and other fire-loving flora. Students will fuel the flames of their imagination with a chance to map out a fire in a coloring activity, and "put out a fire" in a collaborative game! 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. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 05 Oct
Homeschoolers: Fall Foliage Walk and Identification
Thursday, October 5, 2023 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 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 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 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. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required
Thu 02 Nov
Homeschoolers: Lenape Day: Honoring their Culture and Influence
Thursday, November 2, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Before colonists arrived from Europe, Native American tribes existed all throughout America, and Minnewaska was no exception. The area we now call the Park Preserve was once home to the Lenape tribe, a peaceful people who established strong connections with the natural landscape we enjoy today. In this lesson, we will have an open-minded talk about who these people are, how their history and culture compare to ours, and what we can learn from them. We will play traditional Lenape games, tell Lenape legends, and even make our own story. 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. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required