Join us this October for educational, entertaining and fun programs and hikes at the park. Led by our outstanding Environmental Educators, you’re sure to enjoy all they have to offer. So, dust off those boots and come on over!!
Download Calendar HERE
Download program descriptions HERE
Sunday, October 1st 10 a.m. Forest Bathing
Coined shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980’s, forest bathing is the ecotherapeutic practice of spending time immersed in nature, absorbing it with all of your senses. The physiological and psychological benefits last for days afterward with the additional benefit of a new appreciation of our precious woodland and its inhabitants. This is a beginner-rated walk along the Nature Trail with long pauses to sit and enhance our awareness of our surroundings and it is approximately a 2-hour program. A small mat is beneficial to ensure a dry seat. This program is limited to those age 14 and up. Pay $5 per person (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance, call 518-793-0511.
Sunday, October 1st 2 p.m. Family Hike
Family hikes are slower paced, easy-going walks intended to comfortably bring people together in nature. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in. The pace and path will be determined by the group at the time of the hike. At this time our trails are not able to accommodate strollers, however, we can stay to the roads making the hike more accessible. If this is something your party requires, please let us know when you sign up. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, October 3rd 10 a.m. Moreau Lake Kayak
Join an educator on a peaceful morning paddle around Moreau Lake. Limited rentals are available, or bring your own kayak. This program is for people age 18 and older. The cost is $5 (or $15 including kayak rental). Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance, call 518-793-0511.
Thursday, October 5th 9:30 a.m. Knee-high Naturalist
Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a nature-themed book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Friday, October 6th, 13th.,20th, 27th 9:30a.m. Wiggly Wanderers
Wiggly wanderers is a weekly (every Friday) program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. While you do not need to attend each week, we will continue to build our toddlers hiking skills as well as their caregivers’ confidence taking the children into the woods to explore. This program is a drop-in program, please be on time as we will be starting our hike at 9:35am.
Sunday, October 8th 1 p.m. Thanksgiving/Gratitude Walk
To honor Indigenous People’s Day, join park educators on a beginner-rated walk. As we walk, we will discuss the Indigenous culture of giving thanks and learn about how being grateful and thankful can scientifically benefit our brains and bodies. This is a free program suitable for people of all ages. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance, please call 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, October 10th 10 a.m. Moreau Lake Kayak
Join an educator on a peaceful morning paddle around Moreau Lake. Limited rentals are available, or bring your own kayak. This program is for people age 18 and older. The cost is $5 (or $15 including kayak rental). Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance, call 518-793-0511.
Thursday, October 12th 9:30 a.m. Knee-high Naturalist
Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a nature-themed book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Friday, October 6th, 13th.,20th, 27th 9:30a.m. Wiggly Wanderers
Wiggly wanderers is a weekly (every Friday) program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. While you do not need to attend each week, we will continue to build our toddlers hiking skills as well as their caregivers’ confidence taking the children into the woods to explore. This program is a drop-in program, please be on time as we will be starting our hike at 9:35am.
Saturday, October 14th 9am-11am 25th Celebration of Junior Naturalist Program/Become a Jr Naturalist
Earn a commemorative junior naturalist badge while enjoying the nature center, our resident animals and friendly fun staff. The program and badge highlight is salamanders, red efts and newts. Come learn about the life cycle of amphibians and play games to help us learn. This is a free program with no sign up necessary. There will be “dirt cup” snacks available, which will be nut free, while supplies last! WE hope to see you there!
Saturday, October 14th 7 p.m. Astronomy program
The new moon brings dark skies, perfect for stargazing. Join us on the beach as we explore the heavens through our observatory, guided by Larry the Astronomer. We’ll check out constellations, planets- even neighboring galaxies! The cost is $5 for adults and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Sunday, October 15th 10 a.m. Forest Bathing
Coined shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980’s, forest bathing is the ecotherapeutic practice of spending time immersed in nature, absorbing it with all of your senses. The physiological and psychological benefits last for days afterward with the additional benefit of a new appreciation of our precious woodland and its inhabitants. This is a beginner-rated walk along the Nature Trail with long pauses to sit and enhance our awareness of our surroundings and it is approximately a 2-hour program. A small mat is beneficial to ensure a dry seat. This program is limited to those age 14 and up. Pay $5 per person (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance, call 518-793-0511.
Sunday, October 15th 11:00a.m. Turtle Talk
Join an educator in the nature center to meet our resident turtles! We at Moreau take care of six New York native turtles that cannot be released into the wild and are wonderful little educators. Learn about their exciting lives, what they like to eat, and what they use for shell-ter at the Nature Center. The cost is $5 per person (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register at least 24 hours in advance at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, October 15th 2:00p.m. Moreau Trail Steward Meeting
A meeting to introduce the trail steward program to newcomers. The duties of a trail steward include walking a particular Moreau Lake State Park trail to identify maintenance needs, cutting back branches with supplied loppers and hand saws, and hanging trail signs when necessary. This meeting will provide crucial information on what to look for on the trails and you will be selecting your specific trail for the year. This meeting will be free, but please register at least 24 hours in advance at 518-793-0511.
Monday, October 16th 10 a.m. Lake Bonita hike
Join an educator on a guided hike around the lovely Lake Bonita. This is a beginner hike with a few steep hills on a 1.7 mile loop. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 for adults (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 51-793-0511.
Tuesday, October 17th 1:00p.m. Insect Investigation
Join an educator on a short walk around the nature center to explore the wonder and importance of our native insects. Geared toward elementary children, 6-12 years old, (homeschooler and siblings welcome). We will be collecting bugs, looking closely at them, and talking about their role in the ecosystem. It is not mandatory, but feel free to bring your own jars, we will have a couple to share. The cost is $1 per adult (18+) and $5 per child (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register at least 24 hours in advance at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, October 19th 9:30 a.m. Knee-high Naturalist
Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a nature-themed book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Friday, October 6th, 13th.,20th, 27th 9:30a.m. Wiggly Wanderers
Wiggly wanderers is a weekly (every Friday) program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. While you do not need to attend each week, we will continue to build our toddlers hiking skills as well as their caregivers’ confidence taking the children into the woods to explore. This program is a drop-in program, please be on time as we will be starting our hike at 9:35am.
Sunday, October 22nd 1 p.m. Beaver Hike
Join an educator on a guided hike out to our beaver lodges along the Wetlands Walk and Mud Pond. Learn all about these remarkable rodents and how they live, love and learn. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Monday, October 23rd 10 a.m. Hawk Road/ Stonewall Trail
This is a guided, beginner hike on a lesser known trail along the Hudson River with the added interest of logging history and old foundations. Meet at the office and convoy or carpool to the trailhead. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Thursday, October 26th 9:30 a.m. Knee-high Naturalist
Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a nature-themed book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Friday, October 6th, 13th.,20th, 27th 9:30a.m. Wiggly Wanderers
Wiggly wanderers is a weekly (every Friday) program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. While you do not need to attend each week, we will continue to build our toddlers hiking skills as well as their caregivers’ confidence taking the children into the woods to explore. This program is a drop-in program, please be on time as we will be starting our hike at 9:35am.
Sunday, October 29th 3pm-6pm Friends Of Moreau Lake Halloween Walk
This is a very family friendly, not scary, leisurely stroll on our trails. Costumes are very welcome. This walk is not stroller navigable, so bring a carrier for the littles ones!
Please go to the Friends Of Moreau Lake State Park webpage for more information. https://friendsofmoreaulake.org
Sunday, October 29th 6 p.m. Full Moon Hike
Join a Park Educator on a beginner hike around Moreau Lake. If the clouds cooperate we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the moon rising above the mountains! This hike is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance- the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, October 31st 10 a.m. Moreau Overlook hike
Join an educator on a guided hike up to the Moreau Overlook. This is a moderate hike of about 1 mile each way. From the overlook you can see for miles including Moreau Lake and the mountains of Vermont. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511.