Join the park staff for a fun-filled September starting with Sunday, September 1 at at Big Bend!
Download program details HERE
Download Calendar HERE
Sunday, September 1st Big Bend 4.5-mile hike @9:30am
Big Bend is an 860-acre addition to our park is now officially open to the public! The preserve features over 6 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, great birding and wildlife viewing, and gorgeous views of mountains and the Hudson River. Join an educator on this flat hike of about 4.5 miles at our beautiful new space. Better for ages 12+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, September 1st Family Hike @2pm
This is a family friendly hike in which we will attempt a 1.5-mile loop hike around the back part of Moreau Lake. This is dog friendly for leashed and well-behaved dogs, but unfortunately not stroller friendly. Program is $1 per child and $5 per adult (cash or check). Please dress appropriately for the weather, hiking shoes, and water. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, September 2nd Family Hike at Big Bend @10am
This is a family friendly hike in which we will attempt a couple mile out-and-back hike at the newly opened Big Bend Preserve. This is dog friendly for leashed and well-behaved dogs as well as stroller friendly, the path is loose dirt so plan accordingly. Please dress appropriately for the weather, hiking shoes, and water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $1 per child and $5 per adult (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, September 4th Big Bend ‘River Walk’ Hike@ 9:30am
Join an educator on this flat hike of about 6 miles at our beautiful new space with great birding and wildlife viewing, and gorgeous views of mountains and the Hudson River. Better for ages 14+. Please dress appropriately for the weather with hiking shoes, plenty of water and a lunch or snack. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, September 4th Kids Porcupine Adventure @10am
Come along on the short (3/4 mile) and fairly steep hike to find some porcupine dens and see if we can spot one napping in the trees. This hike is not stroller friendly, but carriers are suggested for the smaller kids. We will meet at the office parking lot and then drive to the trail head together. Please dress for the weather. The cost is $1 per child (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, September 5th Hudson River Kayak @10am
Join some educators to kayak on one of the most historic and biodiverse waterways in NY. We will meet at the Park Office and then convoy to Sherman Island boat launch. Limited rentals are available or bring your own kayak. This program is for people aged 18 and older if you need to rent a kayak or 13+ if you have your own kayak. The cost is $5 or $15 including kayak rental. Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Fridays, September 6, 13, 20, 27th Wiggly Wanderers@ 9:30 am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun 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 event does not have sign ups, please come if you can. We meet at the nature center parking lot. $1 per child. For any questions call 518-793-0511.
Friday, September 6th Frogs and Toads of New York State@ 11am
Join a nature center educator to learn all about your local frogs and toads. We will talk about frog and toad diets, what different frogs do to adapt with changing seasons, the most common frogs and toads in our area (and how to ID them), and how you can help support your local little hoppers! Open to all ages. The program is $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the park office when you arrive. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, September 7th Back to “school” fishing@ 9am-11am
Before we are all expected to hit the books and get back to school and work come to the Nature Center and kids (under 13) can borrow a pole and try their hand at some fishing fun. This is a drop in event so please come and try for 5 minutes or 2 hours. We will supply poles, a little safety lesson and some worms. This event will cost $1 per child. If you bring your own worms we will waive the fee. No sign ups are required for this program.
Monday, September 9th Kneehigh Naturalist @10am
Geared toward children aged 3-8, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, rocks, feathers, and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. The cost is $1 per child (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, September 10th Baker to Moreau Overlook @10am
Join an educator on a moderate 2.5 mile hike from Baker Trail to Moreau Overlook with a beautiful view of our lake from above. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather- sunscreen, bug spray and water-resistant hiking shoes. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This hike is for people 15+. The cost is $5 for adults (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, September 12th Forest Bathing @ 9:30am
Coined shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980’s, forest bathing is the eco therapeutic practice of spending time immersed in nature, absorbing it with all 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, it is an approximately 1-hour program. A small mat is beneficial to ensure a dry seat and wear warmer clothes as we will be sitting for longer periods of time. This program is limited to those age 14 and up. Pay $5 per person (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Thursday, September 12th Spring Overlook Hike @10:30am
This is a steep hike with a beautiful overlook! This hike is roughly a mile up and a mile back down. We will snack at the top and take a water break and photo break. Please wear appropriate hiking boots and clothing for the weather. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Fridays, September 6, 13, 20, 27th Wiggly Wanderers@ 9:30 am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun 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 event does not have sign ups, please come if you can. We meet at the nature center parking lot. $1 per child. For any questions call 518-793-0511.
Friday, September 13th Looney-Tunes @ 11am
Join a Nature Center educator for a celebration of loons! Learn about their habitat, diet, calls migration patterns and other special behaviors through a combination of hands-on activities and facts from the educator. Open to all ages! Program is $5 per adult, $1 for kids (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, September 14th @11-3:30pm
The Friends of Moreau Lake State Park are hosting their annual nature fest! Family Fun, Crafts, Animals, Food, Silent Auction, Raffles, Demonstrations, Educational Information, Over 40 Exhibitors!!!
Something for Everyone! Free entry. Call the office at 518-793-0511 for any questions.
Sunday, September 15th Big Bend: Beginner Birding @ 8:30am
Calling all beginner birders! Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out the wide variety of over 100 species of birds that we have identified at our new preserve. This will be a short start-and-stop hike. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Geared toward ages 12+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, September 15th Big Bend: Plant Walk @11am
Join an educator on our new trails to seek out the variety of plants we have on our trails. We will also have a conversation and tutorial on how to use iNaturalist and other plant identifying apps. This will be a start and stop short walk. This program is for all ages.
We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the park office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, September 16th Forest Bathing @ 9:30am
Coined shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980’s, forest bathing is the eco therapeutic practice of spending time immersed in nature, absorbing it with all 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, it is an approximately 1-hour program. A small mat is beneficial to ensure a dry seat and wear warmer clothes as we will be sitting for longer periods of time. This program is limited to those age 14 and up. Pay $5 per person (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Monday, September 16th Full Moon Hike @ Big Bend @7pm
Join a park educator on a beginner hike at the new Big Bend Preserve. If the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Harvest” moon rising! This hike is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. $1 per child, $5 per adult is payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511- the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.
Tuesday, September 17th Moreau Lake Kayak @10am
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 aged 18 and older if you need to rent a kayak or 13+ if you have your own kayak. The cost is $5 (or $15 including kayak rental). Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, September 18th Homeschool Pop-up: Leave No Trace @10am
Join an educator at the nature center to learn how to enjoy the outdoors while respecting each other and wildlife. We will learn how humans impact the outdoors and play some fun games to put it into perspective. This class is geared toward aged 6+ homeschool groups, but is open to the public (siblings welcome). The class is $1 per child. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, September 19th Stonewall Trail Hike @10am
This is a guided hike on a lesser-known trail along the Hudson River with the added interest of logging history and old foundations. This 3.5-mile hike has some steeper parts. Meet at the office and convoy or carpool to the trailhead. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather- sunscreen, bug spray and water-resistant hiking shoes. The cost is $5 for adults, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Fridays, September 6, 13, 20, 27th Wiggly Wanderers@ 9:30 am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun 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 event does not have sign ups, please come if you can. We meet at the nature center parking lot. $1 per child. For any questions call 518-793-0511.
Saturday, September 21st Mushroom March: a Hike to ID Fun-gis@10am
Join a Nature Center educator for a walk around the lake where we will locate and identify mushrooms along the trail. Geared towards ages 14+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for kids under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, September 22nd Autumn Equinox S’mores and Story Hour @6:30-7:30pm
We’ll be celebrating the Autumn Equinox by the fire with s’mores and some local storytellers who will have family friendly stories for the evening. This is for all ages. $1 per child and $5 per adult (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, September 23rd Kneehigh Naturalist @10am
Geared toward children aged 3-8, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, rocks, feathers, and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. The cost is $1 per child (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, September 24th Mud Pond Hike @9am
This hike is about 2.5 miles of mostly flat terrain. We will start on the nature trail and continue onto the mud pond trail which will take us on a nice hike around the pond with a water view most of the way. We will see what mother nature has to offer and stop along the way for water and teachable moments.
Wednesday September 25th Homeschool Pop-up: Food Chain @10am
Join an educator at the nature center for another homeschool pop-up with the topic of food chains in the wild. We will talk about how the order in which living things depend on each other to survive! This class is geared toward aged 6+ homeschool groups but is open to the public (siblings welcome). The class is $1 per child. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Fridays, September 6, 13, 20, 27th Wiggly Wanderers @ 9:30 am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun 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 event does not have sign ups, please come if you can. We meet at the nature center parking lot. $1 per child. For any questions call 518-793-0511.
Friday, September 27th Fresh Brewed Tea in your Own Backyard @ 12pm (homeschoolers welcome)
Join a Nature Center educator for a lesson on which native and common garden plants can be used to brew homemade teas! Geared towards ages 12+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for kids under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, September 28th Moreau Lake Kayak @10am
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 aged 18 and older if you need to rent a kayak or 13+ if you have your own kayak. The cost is $5 (or $15 including kayak rental). Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, September 28th Raise a Toast to Compost! @ 1pm
Join a Nature Center educator for a lesson on the benefits of compost and how to start a low-cost compost bin at your house. Geared towards ages 10+ Program is $5 per adult, $1 for kids under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, September 30th Moreau Lake Kayak @10am
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 aged 18 and older if you need to rent a kayak or 13+ if you have your own kayak. The cost is $5 (or $15 including kayak rental). Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.